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Cadena MA, Sing A, Taylor K, Jin L, Ning L, Salar Amoli M, Singh Y, Lanjewar SN, Tomov ML, Serpooshan V, Sloan SA. A 3D Bioprinted Cortical Organoid Platform for Modeling Human Brain Development. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2401603. [PMID: 38815975 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The ability to promote three-dimensional (3D) self-organization of induced pluripotent stem cells into complex tissue structures called organoids presents new opportunities for the field of developmental biology. Brain organoids have been used to investigate principles of neurodevelopment and neuropsychiatric disorders and serve as a drug screening and discovery platform. However, brain organoid cultures are currently limited by a lacking ability to precisely control their extracellular environment. Here, this work employs 3D bioprinting to generate a high-throughput, tunable, and reproducible scaffold for controlling organoid development and patterning. Additionally, this approach supports the coculture of organoids and vascular cells in a custom architecture containing interconnected endothelialized channels. Printing fidelity and mechanical assessments confirm that fabricated scaffolds closely match intended design features and exhibit stiffness values reflective of the developing human brain. Using organoid growth, viability, cytoarchitecture, proliferation, and transcriptomic benchmarks, this work finds that organoids cultured within the bioprinted scaffold long-term are healthy and have expected neuroectodermal differentiation. Lastly, this work confirms that the endothelial cells (ECs) in printed channel structures can migrate toward and infiltrate into the embedded organoids. This work demonstrates a tunable 3D culturing platform that can be used to create more complex and accurate models of human brain development and underlying diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Cadena
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Anson Sing
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Kylie Taylor
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Linqi Jin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Liqun Ning
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, 44115, USA
| | - Mehdi Salar Amoli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Yamini Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Samantha N Lanjewar
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Martin L Tomov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Vahid Serpooshan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Steven A Sloan
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Ciulla MG, Marchini A, Gazzola J, Forouharshad M, Pugliese R, Gelain F. In Situ Transglutaminase Cross-Linking Improves Mechanical Properties of Self-Assembling Peptides for Biomedical Applications. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:1723-1734. [PMID: 38346174 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c01148] [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: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The development of three-dimensional (3D) biomaterials that mimic natural tissues is required for efficiently restoring physiological functions of injured tissues and organs. In the field of soft hydrogels, self-assembled peptides (SAPs) stand out as distinctive biomimetic scaffolds, offering tunable properties. They have garnered significant attention in nanomedicine due to their innate ability to self-assemble, resulting in the creation of fibrous nanostructures that closely mimic the microenvironment of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This unique feature ensures their biocompatibility and bioactivity, making them a compelling area of study over the past few decades. As they are soft hydrogels, approaches are necessary to enhance the stiffness and resilience of the SAP materials. This work shows an enzymatic strategy to selectively increase the stiffness and resiliency of functionalized SAPs using transglutaminase (TGase) type 2, an enzyme capable of triggering the formation of isopeptide bonds. To this aim, we synthesized a set of SAP sequences and characterized their cross-linking via rheological experiments, atomic force microscopy (AFM), thioflavin-T binding assay, and infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) tests. The results showed an improvement of the storage modulus of cross-linked SAPs at no cost of the maximum stress-at-failure. Further, in in vitro tests, we examined and validated the TGase capability to cross-link SAPs without hampering seeded neural stem cells (hNSCs) viability and differentiation, potentially leaving the door open for safe in situ cross-linking reactions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gessica Ciulla
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Amanda Marchini
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Center for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering (CNTE), ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Gazzola
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan - Bicocca, 20125 Milan, Italy
| | - Mahdi Forouharshad
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Center for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering (CNTE), ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele Pugliese
- Center for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering (CNTE), ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gelain
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Center for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering (CNTE), ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
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Qiao Y, Gong J, Jin Z, Tu Y, Yang X. An optimized method of culturing neurons based on polyacrylamide gel. BIOPHYSICS REPORTS 2024; 10:41-47. [PMID: 38737477 PMCID: PMC11079600 DOI: 10.52601/bpr.2023.230033] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Substrate stiffness is a microenvironment with a certain stiffness constructed by the extracellular matrix and adjacent cells, which plays an important role in the growth and development of cells and tissue formation. Studies have indicated that the stiffness of the brain is about 0.1-1 kPa. The physiological and pathological processes of the nervous system are mediated by the substrate stiffness that the neurons suffer. However, how substrate stiffness regulates these processes remains to be studied. Culturing neurons on substrates with different stiffness in vitro is one of the best methods to study the role of stiffness in regulating neuronal development and activity. In this study, by changing the preparation time and the activation time of polyacrylamide gel, we provide an improved method that achieves a low toxic substrate environment for better primary neuron adhesion and development. Hope that this method is convenient for those studying the role of substrate stiffness in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjing Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Information Analysis and Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment, Laboratory of Membrane Ion Channels and Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jihong Gong
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Information Analysis and Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment, Laboratory of Membrane Ion Channels and Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Ziqi Jin
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Information Analysis and Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment, Laboratory of Membrane Ion Channels and Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yiting Tu
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Information Analysis and Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment, Laboratory of Membrane Ion Channels and Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaofei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Information Analysis and Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment, Laboratory of Membrane Ion Channels and Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
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Lei M, Wang W, Zhang H, Gong J, Wang Z, Cai H, Yang X, Wang S, Ma C. Cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion regulated by Piezo1 is critical for stiffness-dependent DRG neuron aggregation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113522. [PMID: 38048221 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113522] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is characterized by the dense clustering of primary sensory neuron bodies, with their axons extending to target tissues for sensory perception. The close physical proximity of DRG neurons facilitates the integration and amplification of somatosensation, ensuring normal physiological functioning. However, the mechanism underlying DRG neuron aggregation was unclear. In our study, we culture DRG neurons from newborn rats on substrates with varying stiffness and observe that the aggregation of DRG neurons is influenced by mechanical signals arising from substrate stiffness. Moreover, we identify Piezo1 as the mechanosensor responsible for DRG neurons' ability to sense different substrate stiffness. We further demonstrate that the Piezo1-calpain-integrin-β1/E-cadherin signaling cascade regulates the aggregation of DRG neurons. These findings deepen our understanding of the mechanisms involved in histogenesis and potential disease development, as mechanical signals arising from substrate stiffness play a crucial role in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshi Lei
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Weiyou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jihong Gong
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, Laboratory of Membrane Ion Channels and Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhili Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Hanmian Cai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaofei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, Laboratory of Membrane Ion Channels and Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Cong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
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Zhang Y, Tawiah GK, Zhang Y, Wang X, Wei X, Chen W, Qiao X, Zhang Q. HDAC6 inhibition regulates substrate stiffness-mediated inflammation signaling in chondrocytes. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1987-1998. [PMID: 37644773 PMCID: PMC10753363 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease and is difficult to cure. Chondrocytes are highly mechanosensitive. Therefore, mechanical therapies have received attention as a therapeutic direction for OA. The stiffness, as a critical cue of the extracellular matrix (ECM), affects cell growth, development, and death. In this study, we use polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to create substrates with varying stiffness for chondrocyte growth, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) treatment to mimic the inflammatory environment, and Tubastatin A (Tub A) to inhibit histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6). Our results show that stiff substrates can be anti-inflammatory and provide a better matrix environment than soft substrates. Inhibition of HDAC6 improves the inflammatory environment caused by IL-1β and coordinates with inflammation to spread the chondrocyte area and primary cilia elongation. Without IL-1β and Tub A treatments, the length of the primary cilia rather than frequency is stiffness-dependent, and their length on stiff substrates are greater than that on soft substrates. In conclusion, we demonstrate that stiff substrates, inflammation, and inhibition of HDAC6 enhance the mechanosensitivity of primary cilia and mediate substrate stiffness to suppress inflammation and protect the matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyShanxi Medical UniversityJinzhong030604China
- College of Biomedical EngineeringTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024China
| | - Godfred K Tawiah
- College of Biomedical EngineeringTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- College of Biomedical EngineeringTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024China
- Department of Orthopaedicsthe Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityShanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury RepairShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuan030001China
| | - Xiaohu Wang
- Department of Orthopaedicsthe Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityShanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury RepairShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuan030001China
| | - Xiaochun Wei
- Department of Orthopaedicsthe Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityShanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury RepairShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuan030001China
| | - Weiyi Chen
- College of Biomedical EngineeringTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024China
| | - Xiaohong Qiao
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyShanxi Medical UniversityJinzhong030604China
- Department of OrthopaedicsLvliang Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical UniversityLvliang033099China
| | - Quanyou Zhang
- College of Biomedical EngineeringTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024China
- Department of Orthopaedicsthe Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityShanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury RepairShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuan030001China
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Zheng Q, Liu H, Yu W, Dong Y, Zhou L, Deng W, Hua F. Mechanical properties of the brain: Focus on the essential role of Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction in the CNS. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3136. [PMID: 37366640 PMCID: PMC10498085 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3136] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The brain is a highly mechanosensitive organ, and changes in the mechanical properties of brain tissue influence many physiological and pathological processes. Piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1), a protein found in metazoans, is highly expressed in the brain and involved in sensing changes of the mechanical microenvironment. Numerous studies have shown that Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction is closely related to glial cell activation and neuronal function. However, the precise role of Piezo1 in the brain requires further elucidation. OBJECTIVE This review first discusses the roles of Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction in regulating the functions of a variety of brain cells, and then briefly assesses the impact of Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction on the progression of brain dysfunctional disorders. CONCLUSIONS Mechanical signaling contributes significantly to brain function. Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction regulates processes such as neuronal differentiation, cell migration, axon guidance, neural regeneration, and oligodendrocyte axon myelination. Additionally, Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction plays significant roles in normal aging and brain injury, as well as the development of various brain diseases, including demyelinating diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and brain tumors. Investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms through which Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction affects brain function will give us a novel entry point for the diagnosis and treatment of numerous brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingcui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi ProvinceThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
| | - Hailin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi ProvinceThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
| | - Wen Yu
- Department of Anesthesiologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi ProvinceThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
| | - Yao Dong
- Department of Anesthesiologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi ProvinceThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
| | - Lanqian Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi ProvinceThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
| | - Wenze Deng
- Department of Anesthesiologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi ProvinceThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
| | - Fuzhou Hua
- Department of Anesthesiologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi ProvinceThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangJiangxiP. R. China
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Hall CM, Lasli S, Serwinski B, Djordjevic B, Sheridan GK, Moeendarbary E. Hippocampus of the APP NL-G-F mouse model of Alzheimer's disease exhibits region-specific tissue softening concomitant with elevated astrogliosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1212212. [PMID: 37547743 PMCID: PMC10398960 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1212212] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Widespread neurodegeneration, enlargement of cerebral ventricles, and atrophy of cortical and hippocampal brain structures are classic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Prominent macroscopic disturbances to the cytoarchitecture of the AD brain occur alongside changes in the mechanical properties of brain tissue, as reported in recent magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) measurements of human brain mechanics. Whilst MRE has many advantages, a significant shortcoming is its spatial resolution. Higher resolution "cellular scale" assessment of the mechanical alterations to brain regions involved in memory formation, such as the hippocampus, could provide fresh new insight into the etiology of AD. Characterization of brain tissue mechanics at the cellular length scale is the first stepping-stone to understanding how mechanosensitive neurons and glia are impacted by neurodegenerative disease-associated changes in their microenvironment. To provide insight into the microscale mechanics of aging brain tissue, we measured spatiotemporal changes in the mechanical properties of the hippocampus using high resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation tests on acute brain slices from young and aged wild-type mice and the APPNL-G-F mouse model. Several hippocampal regions in APPNL-G-F mice are significantly softer than age-matched wild-types, notably the dentate granule cell layer and the CA1 pyramidal cell layer. Interestingly, regional softening coincides with an increase in astrocyte reactivity, suggesting that amyloid pathology-mediated alterations to the mechanical properties of brain tissue may impact the function of mechanosensitive astrocytes. Our data also raise questions as to whether aberrant mechanotransduction signaling could impact the susceptibility of neurons to cellular stressors in their microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe M. Hall
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Soufian Lasli
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bianca Serwinski
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd., London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Northeastern University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Boris Djordjevic
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd., London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham K. Sheridan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Recently, substrate stiffness has been involved in the physiology and pathology of the nervous system. However, the role and function of substrate stiffness remain unclear. Here, we review known effects of substrate stiffness on nerve cell morphology and function in the central and peripheral nervous systems and their involvement in pathology. We hope this review will clarify the research status of substrate stiffness in nerve cells and neurological disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijin Si
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Information Analysis and Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment, Laboratory of Membrane Ion Channels and Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jihong Gong
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Information Analysis and Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment, Laboratory of Membrane Ion Channels and Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaofei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Information Analysis and Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment, Laboratory of Membrane Ion Channels and Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
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9
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Lee GY, Kim OH, Kim ER, Lee HJ. Biomechanical forces in the aged brain: Relationship to AD. Life Sci 2022; 312:121237. [PMID: 36436618 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121237] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, has been studied with a focus on biochemical mechanisms, such as the amyloid-β plaque deposition and removal. Recently, the importance of brain microenvironmental cues, which comprise the sophisticated cellular and fluid system, has been emphasized in the aged brain or in pathological conditions. Especially, substrate rigidity and biomechanical forces of the brain microenvironment determine the function of glial cells and neurons; furthermore, these microenvironmental cues change with age. However, our understanding of role of the biomechanical cues on glial cells and neurons is relatively poor. In this review, we briefly introduce an overview of biomechanical forces that present in the aged brain and its sensations, and then examine the brain in Alzheimer's disease, which constitutes a representative neurodegenerative disorder, with regard to changes in the biomechanical forces associated with disease and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyeong Yun Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok-Hyeon Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ran Kim
- Division of Endocrine and Kidney Research, Department of Chronic Disease Convergence Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyun Jung Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Global Innovative Drugs, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Shao X, Liu Z, Mao S, Han L. Unraveling the Mechanobiology Underlying Traumatic Brain Injury with Advanced Technologies and Biomaterials. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200760. [PMID: 35841392 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a worldwide health and socioeconomic problem, associated with prolonged and complex neurological aftermaths, including a variety of functional deficits and neurodegenerative disorders. Research on the long-term effects has highlighted that TBI shall be regarded as a chronic health condition. The initiation and exacerbation of TBI involve a series of mechanical stimulations and perturbations, accompanied by mechanotransduction events within the brain tissues. Mechanobiology thus offers a unique perspective and likely promising approach to unravel the underlying molecular and biochemical mechanisms leading to neural cells dysfunction after TBI, which may contribute to the discovery of novel targets for future clinical treatment. This article investigates TBI and the subsequent brain dysfunction from a lens of neuromechanobiology. Following an introduction, the mechanobiological insights are examined into the molecular pathology of TBI, and then an overview is given of the latest research technologies to explore neuromechanobiology, with particular focus on microfluidics and biomaterials. Challenges and prospects in the current field are also discussed. Through this article, it is hoped that extensive technical innovation in biomedical devices and materials can be encouraged to advance the field of neuromechanobiology, paving potential ways for the research and rehabilitation of neurotrauma and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Shao
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China.,Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Zhongqian Liu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Shijie Mao
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Lin Han
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
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Mariano A, Bovio CL, Criscuolo V, Santoro F. Bioinspired micro- and nano-structured neural interfaces. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:492501. [PMID: 35947922 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac8881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The development of a functional nervous system requires neurons to interact with and promptly respond to a wealth of biochemical, mechanical and topographical cues found in the neural extracellular matrix (ECM). Among these, ECM topographical cues have been found to strongly influence neuronal function and behavior. Here, we discuss how the blueprint of the architectural organization of the brain ECM has been tremendously useful as a source of inspiration to design biomimetic substrates to enhance neural interfaces and dictate neuronal behavior at the cell-material interface. In particular, we focus on different strategies to recapitulate cell-ECM and cell-cell interactions. In order to mimic cell-ECM interactions, we introduce roughness as a first approach to provide informative topographical biomimetic cues to neurons. We then examine 3D scaffolds and hydrogels, as softer 3D platforms for neural interfaces. Moreover, we will discuss how anisotropic features such as grooves and fibers, recapitulating both ECM fibrils and axonal tracts, may provide recognizable paths and tracks that neuron can follow as they develop and establish functional connections. Finally, we show how isotropic topographical cues, recapitulating shapes, and geometries of filopodia- and mushroom-like dendritic spines, have been instrumental to better reproduce neuron-neuron interactions for applications in bioelectronics and neural repair strategies. The high complexity of the brain architecture makes the quest for the fabrication of create more biologically relevant biomimetic architectures in continuous and fast development. Here, we discuss how recent advancements in two-photon polymerization and remotely reconfigurable dynamic interfaces are paving the way towards to a new class of smart biointerfaces forin vitroapplications spanning from neural tissue engineering as well as neural repair strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mariano
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, I-80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Latte Bovio
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, I-80125 Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, I-80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Criscuolo
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and IT, RWTH Aachen, D-52074, Germany
| | - Francesca Santoro
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, I-80125 Naples, Italy
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and IT, RWTH Aachen, D-52074, Germany
- Institute for Biological Information Processing-Bioelectronics, Forschungszentrum Juelich, D-52428, Germany
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12
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Yi B, Xu Q, Liu W. An overview of substrate stiffness guided cellular response and its applications in tissue regeneration. Bioact Mater 2022; 15:82-102. [PMID: 35386347 PMCID: PMC8940767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-matrix interactions play a critical role in tissue repair and regeneration. With gradual uncovering of substrate mechanical characteristics that can affect cell-matrix interactions, much progress has been made to unravel substrate stiffness-mediated cellular response as well as its underlying mechanisms. Yet, as a part of cell-matrix interaction biology, this field remains in its infancy, and the detailed molecular mechanisms are still elusive regarding scaffold-modulated tissue regeneration. This review provides an overview of recent progress in the area of the substrate stiffness-mediated cellular responses, including 1) the physical determination of substrate stiffness on cell fate and tissue development; 2) the current exploited approaches to manipulate the stiffness of scaffolds; 3) the progress of recent researches to reveal the role of substrate stiffness in cellular responses in some representative tissue-engineered regeneration varying from stiff tissue to soft tissue. This article aims to provide an up-to-date overview of cell mechanobiology research in substrate stiffness mediated cellular response and tissue regeneration with insightful information to facilitate interdisciplinary knowledge transfer and enable the establishment of prognostic markers for the design of suitable biomaterials. Substrate stiffness physically determines cell fate and tissue development. Rational design of scaffolds requires the understanding of cell-matrix interactions. Substrate stiffness depends on scaffold molecular-constituent-structure interaction. Substrate stiffness-mediated cellular responses vary in different tissues.
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13
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Kumarapuram S, Kunnath AJ, Omelchenko A, Boustany NN, Firestein BL. Glutamate Receptors Mediate Changes to Dendritic Mitochondria in Neurons Grown on Stiff Substrates. Ann Biomed Eng 2022; 50:1116-1133. [PMID: 35652995 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-022-02987-0] [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: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The stiffness of brain tissue changes during development and disease. These changes can affect neuronal morphology, specifically dendritic arborization. We previously reported that N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors regulate dendrite number and branching in a manner that is dependent on substrate stiffness. Since mitochondria affect the shape of dendrites, in this study, we determined whether the stiffness of substrates on which rat hippocampal neurons are grown affects mitochondrial characteristics and if glutamate receptors mediate the effects of substrate stiffness. Dendritic mitochondria are small, short, simple, and scarce in neurons cultured on substrates of 0.5 kPa stiffness. In contrast, dendritic mitochondria are large, long, complex, and low in number in neurons grown on substrates of 4 kPa stiffness. Dendritic mitochondria of neurons cultured on glass are high in number and small with complex shapes. Treatment of neurons grown on the stiffer gels or glass with the NMDA and AMPA receptor antagonists, 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, respectively, results in mitochondrial characteristics of neurons grown on the softer substrate. These results suggest that glutamate receptors play important roles in regulating both mitochondrial morphology and dendritic arborization in response to substrate stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhant Kumarapuram
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8082, USA
| | - Ansley J Kunnath
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8082, USA
| | - Anton Omelchenko
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8082, USA.,Neurosciences Graduate Program, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nada N Boustany
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Bonnie L Firestein
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8082, USA.
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14
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Procès A, Luciano M, Kalukula Y, Ris L, Gabriele S. Multiscale Mechanobiology in Brain Physiology and Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:823857. [PMID: 35419366 PMCID: PMC8996382 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.823857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that mechanics play a critical role in regulating brain function at different scales. Downstream integration of mechanical inputs into biochemical signals and genomic pathways causes observable and measurable effects on brain cell fate and can also lead to important pathological consequences. Despite recent advances, the mechanical forces that influence neuronal processes remain largely unexplored, and how endogenous mechanical forces are detected and transduced by brain cells into biochemical and genetic programs have received less attention. In this review, we described the composition of brain tissues and their pronounced microstructural heterogeneity. We discuss the individual role of neuronal and glial cell mechanics in brain homeostasis and diseases. We highlight how changes in the composition and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix can modulate brain cell functions and describe key mechanisms of the mechanosensing process. We then consider the contribution of mechanobiology in the emergence of brain diseases by providing a critical review on traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuroblastoma. We show that a better understanding of the mechanobiology of brain tissues will require to manipulate the physico-chemical parameters of the cell microenvironment, and to develop three-dimensional models that can recapitulate the complexity and spatial diversity of brain tissues in a reproducible and predictable manner. Collectively, these emerging insights shed new light on the importance of mechanobiology and its implication in brain and nerve diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Procès
- Mechanobiology and Biomaterials group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium.,Neurosciences Department, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Marine Luciano
- Mechanobiology and Biomaterials group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Yohalie Kalukula
- Mechanobiology and Biomaterials group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Laurence Ris
- Neurosciences Department, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Sylvain Gabriele
- Mechanobiology and Biomaterials group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
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15
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De I, Sharma P, Singh M. Emerging approaches of neural regeneration using physical stimulations solely or coupled with smart piezoelectric nano-biomaterials. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 173:73-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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16
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Ozgun A, Lomboni D, Arnott H, Staines WA, Woulfe J, Variola F. Biomaterial-based strategies for in vitro neural models. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:1134-1165. [PMID: 35023513 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01361k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In vitro models have been used as a complementary tool to animal studies in understanding the nervous system's physiological mechanisms and pathological disorders, while also serving as platforms to evaluate the safety and efficiency of therapeutic candidates. Following recent advances in materials science, micro- and nanofabrication techniques and cell culture systems, in vitro technologies have been rapidly gaining the potential to bridge the gap between animal and clinical studies by providing more sophisticated models that recapitulate key aspects of the structure, biochemistry, biomechanics, and functions of human tissues. This was made possible, in large part, by the development of biomaterials that provide cells with physicochemical features that closely mimic the cellular microenvironment of native tissues. Due to the well-known material-driven cellular response and the importance of mimicking the environment of the target tissue, the selection of optimal biomaterials represents an important early step in the design of biomimetic systems to investigate brain structures and functions. This review provides a comprehensive compendium of commonly used biomaterials as well as the different fabrication techniques employed for the design of neural tissue models. Furthermore, the authors discuss the main parameters that need to be considered to develop functional platforms not only for the study of brain physiological functions and pathological processes but also for drug discovery/development and the optimization of biomaterials for neural tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alp Ozgun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David Lomboni
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hallie Arnott
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada
| | - William A Staines
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - John Woulfe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Fabio Variola
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Ottawa, Canada
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17
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Zhang M, Wu X, Du G, Chen W, Zhang Q. Substrate stiffness-dependent regulatory volume decrease and calcium signaling in chondrocytes. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2021; 54:113-125. [PMID: 35130619 PMCID: PMC9909316 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2021008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The pericellular matrix stiffness is strongly associated with its biochemical and structural changes during the aging and osteoarthritis progress of articular cartilage. However, how substrate stiffness modulates the chondrocyte regulatory volume decrease (RVD) and calcium signaling in chondrocytes remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects of substrate stiffness on the chondrocyte RVD and calcium signaling by recapitulating the physiologically relevant substrate stiffness. Our results showed that substrate stiffness induces completely different dynamical deformations between the cell swelling and recovering progresses. Chondrocytes swell faster on the soft substrate but recovers slower than the stiff substrate during the RVD response induced by the hypo-osmotic challenge. We found that stiff substrate enhances the cytosolic Ca oscillation of chondrocytes in the iso-osmotic medium. Furthermore, chondrocytes exhibit a distinctive cytosolic Ca oscillation during the RVD response. Soft substrate significantly improves the Ca oscillation in the cell swelling process whereas stiff substrate enhances the cytosolic Ca oscillation in the cell recovering process. Our work also suggests that the TRPV4 channel is involved in the chondrocyte sensing substrate stiffness by mediating Ca signaling in a stiffness-dependent manner. This helps to understand a previously unidentified relationship between substrate stiffness and RVD response under the hypo-osmotic challenge. A better understanding of substrate stiffness regulating chondrocyte volume and calcium signaling will aid the development of novel cell-instructive biomaterial to restore cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- 1.College of Biomedical EngineeringTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024China
| | - Xiaoan Wu
- 2.Department of Physiology and BiophysicsMiller School of MedicineUniversity of MiamiMiamiFL33136USA
| | - Genlai Du
- 3.Department of Cell Biology and Medical GeneticsSchool of Basic Medical ScienceShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuan030001China
| | - Weiyi Chen
- 1.College of Biomedical EngineeringTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024China,Correspondence address: +86-13700500252; E-mail: (Q.Z.) / Tel: +86-13015477101; E-mail: (W.C.)@tyut.edu.cn
| | - Quanyou Zhang
- 1.College of Biomedical EngineeringTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024China,4.Department of Orthopaedicsthe Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityShanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury RepairShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuan030001China,Correspondence address: +86-13700500252; E-mail: (Q.Z.) / Tel: +86-13015477101; E-mail: (W.C.)@tyut.edu.cn
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18
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Labat B, Buchbinder N, Morin-Grognet S, Ladam G, Atmani H, Vannier JP. Biomimetic matrix for the study of neuroblastoma cells: A promising combination of stiffness and retinoic acid. Acta Biomater 2021; 135:383-392. [PMID: 34407473 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the third most common pediatric cancer composed of malignant immature cells that are usually treated pharmacologically by all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) but sometimes, they can spontaneously differentiate into benign forms. In that context, biomimetic cell culture models are warranted tools as they can recapitulate many of the biochemical and biophysical cues of normal or pathological microenvironments. Inspired by that challenge, we developed a neuroblastoma culture system based on biomimetic LbL films of physiological biochemical composition and mechanical properties. For that, we used chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) and poly-L-lysine (PLL) that were assembled and mechanically tuned by crosslinking with genipin (GnP), a natural biocompatible crosslinker, in a relevant range of stiffness (30-160 kPa). We then assessed the adhesion, survival, motility, and differentiation of LAN-1 neuroblastoma cells. Remarkably, increasing the stiffness of the LbL films induced neuritogenesis that was strengthened by the combination with ATRA. These results highlight the crucial role of the mechanical cues of the neuroblastoma microenvironment since it can dramatically modulate the effect of pharmacologic drugs. In conclusion, our biomimetic platform offers a promising tool to help fundamental understanding and pharmacological screening of neuroblastoma differentiation and may assist the design of translational biomaterials to support neuronal regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Neuroblastoma is one of the most common pediatric tumor commonly treated by the administration of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA). Unfortunately, advanced neuroblastoma often develop ATRA resistance. Accordingly, in the field of pharmacological investigations on neuroblastoma, there is a tremendous need of physiologically relevant cell culture systems that can mimic normal or pathological extracellular matrices. In that context, we developed a promising matrix-like cell culture model that provides new insights on the crucial role of mechanical properties of the microenvironment upon the success of ATRA treatment on the neuroblastoma maturation. We were able to control adhesion, survival, motility, and differentiation of neuroblastoma cells. More broadly, we believe that our system will help the design of in vitro pharmacological screening strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Labat
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSA Rouen, CNRS, PBS UMR 6270, 55 rue Saint-Germain, 27000 Évreux, France.
| | | | - Sandrine Morin-Grognet
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSA Rouen, CNRS, PBS UMR 6270, 55 rue Saint-Germain, 27000 Évreux, France
| | - Guy Ladam
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSA Rouen, CNRS, PBS UMR 6270, 55 rue Saint-Germain, 27000 Évreux, France
| | - Hassan Atmani
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSA Rouen, CNRS, PBS UMR 6270, 55 rue Saint-Germain, 27000 Évreux, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Vannier
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, PANTHER - INSERM 1234 - UFR de Médecine et de Pharmacie de Rouen 22, boulevard Gambetta 76000 Rouen, France
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19
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Cui Y, Bai M, Guo D, Yang Y, Chen H, Sun J, Xie J, Zhou X. Insulin-like growth factor 1 promotes neural differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla. Arch Oral Biol 2021; 131:105264. [PMID: 34598025 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2021.105264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is one of the vital factors in regenerative endodontics. Previous studies have focused on the role of IGF1 in the mineralization of dental tissues. However, the role of IGF1 in the neural differentiation of dental stem cells was little discussed. DESIGN IGF1 was overexpressed in human stem cells from the apical papilla (hSCAPs) by lentivirus and knocked down in hSCAPs by small interfering RNA. The neural differentiation level of hSCAPs was investigated histologically by HE staining and Nissl staining after neural induction for 3 days. The expression of proteins was examined by western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS IGF1 promoted neural differentiation of hSCAPs, more cell processes and Nissl-positive body stained cells. IGF1 overexpression could both promote glial differentiation in hSCAPs, characterized by the increase of S100β and GFAP proteins, and neuronal differentiation, characterized by the increase of βIII-tubulin and functional GAD67/vGLUT1 proteins. Conversely, IGF1 knockdown suppressed both glial and neuronal differentiation. IGF1 activated AKT to regulate the early neural differentiation of hSCAPs. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate IGF1 could promote neural differentiation of hSCAPs by activating AKT signaling and provide a cue for the candidate of induced neural seeding cells in regenerative endodontics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mingru Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Daimo Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yueyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Haoran Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jianxun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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20
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Self-Assembling Polypeptide Hydrogels as a Platform to Recapitulate the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133286. [PMID: 34209094 PMCID: PMC8267709 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The tumor microenvironment is characterized by increased tissue stiffness, low (acidic) pH, and elevated temperature, all of which contribute to the development of cancer. Improving our in vitro models of cancer, therefore, requires the development of cell culture platforms that can mimic these microenvironmental properties. Here, we study a new biomaterial composed of short amino acid chains that self-assemble into a fibrous hydrogel network. This material enables simultaneous and independent tuning of substrate rigidity, extracellular pH, and temperature, allowing us to mimic both healthy tissues and the tumor microenvironment. We used this platform to study the effect of these conditions on pancreatic cancer cells and found that high substrate rigidity and low pH promote proliferation and survival of cancer cells and activate important signaling pathways associated with cancer progression. Abstract The tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in modulating cancer cell migration, metabolism, and malignancy, thus, highlighting the need to develop in vitro culture systems that can recapitulate its abnormal properties. While a variety of stiffness-tunable biomaterials, reviewed here, have been developed to mimic the rigidity of the tumor extracellular matrix, culture systems that can recapitulate the broader extracellular context of the tumor microenvironment (including pH and temperature) remain comparably unexplored, partially due to the difficulty in independently tuning these parameters. Here, we investigate a self-assembled polypeptide network hydrogel as a cell culture platform and demonstrate that the culture parameters, including the substrate stiffness, extracellular pH and temperature, can be independently controlled. We then use this biomaterial as a cell culture substrate to assess the effect of stiffness, pH and temperature on Suit2 cells, a pancreatic cancer cell line, and demonstrate that these microenvironmental factors can regulate two critical transcription factors in cancer: yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1A).
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21
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Raj V, Jagadish C, Gautam V. Understanding, engineering, and modulating the growth of neural networks: An interdisciplinary approach. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2021; 2:021303. [PMID: 38505122 PMCID: PMC10903502 DOI: 10.1063/5.0043014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
A deeper understanding of the brain and its function remains one of the most significant scientific challenges. It not only is required to find cures for a plethora of brain-related diseases and injuries but also opens up possibilities for achieving technological wonders, such as brain-machine interface and highly energy-efficient computing devices. Central to the brain's function is its basic functioning unit (i.e., the neuron). There has been a tremendous effort to understand the underlying mechanisms of neuronal growth on both biochemical and biophysical levels. In the past decade, this increased understanding has led to the possibility of controlling and modulating neuronal growth in vitro through external chemical and physical methods. We provide a detailed overview of the most fundamental aspects of neuronal growth and discuss how researchers are using interdisciplinary ideas to engineer neuronal networks in vitro. We first discuss the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms of neuronal growth as we stress the fact that the biochemical or biophysical processes during neuronal growth are not independent of each other but, rather, are complementary. Next, we discuss how utilizing these fundamental mechanisms can enable control over neuronal growth for advanced neuroengineering and biomedical applications. At the end of this review, we discuss some of the open questions and our perspectives on the challenges and possibilities related to controlling and engineering the growth of neuronal networks, specifically in relation to the materials, substrates, model systems, modulation techniques, data science, and artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidur Raj
- Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | | | - Vini Gautam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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22
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Jia X, Yang Q, Gao C, Chen X, Li Y, Su H, Zheng Y, Zhang S, Wang Z, Wang H, Jiang LH, Sun Y, Fan Y. Stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by stiff matrix via the IK Ca channel-dependent Ca 2+ signaling. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6897-6906. [PMID: 33650160 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vascular stiffening, an early and common characteristic of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), stimulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation which reciprocally accelerates the progression of CVDs. However, the mechanisms by which extracellular matrix stiffness accompanying vascular stiffening regulates VSMC proliferation remain largely unknown. In the present study, we examined the role of the intermediate-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ (IKCa ) channel in the matrix stiffness regulation of VSMC proliferation by growing A7r5 cells on soft and stiff polydimethylsiloxane substrates with stiffness close to these of arteries under physiological and pathological conditions, respectively. Stiff substrates stimulated cell proliferation and upregulated the expression of the IKCa channel. Stiff substrate-induced cell proliferation was suppressed by pharmacological inhibition using TRAM34, an IKCa channel blocker, or genetic depletion of the IKCa channel. In addition, stiff substrate-induced cell proliferation was also suppressed by reducing extracellular Ca2+ concentration using EGTA or intracellular Ca2+ concentration using BAPTA-AM. Moreover, stiff substrate induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), which was inhibited by treatment with TRAM34 or BAPTA-AM. Stiff substrate-induced cell proliferation was suppressed by treatment with PD98059, an ERK inhibitor. Taken together, these results show that substrates with pathologically relevant stiffness upregulate the IKCa channel expression to enhance intracellular Ca2+ signaling and subsequent activation of the ERK signal pathway to drive cell proliferation. These findings provide a novel mechanism by which vascular stiffening regulates VSMC function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Jia
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Qingmao Yang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Xinlan Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Su
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Yufan Zheng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Haikun Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Lin-Hua Jiang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury of Henan Province and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
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23
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Advances in 3D neuronal microphysiological systems: towards a functional nervous system on a chip. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2021; 57:191-206. [PMID: 33438114 PMCID: PMC7802613 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-020-00532-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS) designed to study the complexities of the peripheral and central nervous systems have made marked improvements over the years and have allowed researchers to assess in two and three dimensions the functional interconnectivity of neuronal tissues. The recent generation of brain organoids has further propelled the field into the nascent recapitulation of structural, functional, and effective connectivities which are found within the native human nervous system. Herein, we will review advances in culture methodologies, focused especially on those of human tissues, which seek to bridge the gap from 2D cultures to hierarchical and defined 3D MPS with the end goal of developing a robust nervous system-on-a-chip platform. These advances have far-reaching implications within basic science, pharmaceutical development, and translational medicine disciplines.
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24
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Manipulation of Axonal Outgrowth via Exogenous Low Forces. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218009. [PMID: 33126477 PMCID: PMC7663625 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons are mechanosensitive cells. The role of mechanical force in the process of neurite initiation, elongation and sprouting; nerve fasciculation; and neuron maturation continues to attract considerable interest among scientists. Force is an endogenous signal that stimulates all these processes in vivo. The axon is able to sense force, generate force and, ultimately, transduce the force in a signal for growth. This opens up fascinating scenarios. How are forces generated and sensed in vivo? Which molecular mechanisms are responsible for this mechanotransduction signal? Can we exploit exogenously applied forces to mimic and control this process? How can these extremely low forces be generated in vivo in a non-invasive manner? Can these methodologies for force generation be used in regenerative therapies? This review addresses these questions, providing a general overview of current knowledge on the applications of exogenous forces to manipulate axonal outgrowth, with a special focus on forces whose magnitude is similar to those generated in vivo. We also review the principal methodologies for applying these forces, providing new inspiration and insights into the potential of this approach for future regenerative therapies.
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25
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Ozgun A, Erkoc-Biradlı FZ, Bulut O, Garipcan B. Substrate stiffness effects on SH-SY5Y: The dichotomy of morphology and neuronal behavior. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2020; 109:92-101. [PMID: 32627383 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Like many other cell types, neuroblastoma cells are also known to respond to mechanical cues in their microenvironment in vitro. They were shown to have mechanotransduction pathways, which result in enhanced neuronal morphology on stiff substrates. However, in previous studies, the differentiation process was monitored only by morphological parameters. Motivated by the lack of comprehensive studies that investigate the effects of mechanical cues on neuroblastoma differentiation, we used SH-SY5Y cells differentiated on polyacrylamide (PA) gels as a model. Cells differentiated on the surface of PA hydrogels with three different elastic moduli (0.1, 1, and 50 kPa) were morphologically evaluated and their electrophysiological responsiveness was probed using calcium imaging. Immunodetection of neural marker TUJ1 and p-FAK was used for biochemical characterization. Groups with defined stiffness that are matching and nonmatching to neural tissue extracellular matrix were used to distinguish biomimetic results from other effects. Results show that while cells display morphologies that do not resemble neurons on soft substrates, they are in fact electrophysiologically more responsive and abundant in neuronal marker TUJ1. Our findings suggest that while neuronal differentiation occurs more efficiently in microenvironments mechanically mimicking neural tissue, the SH-SY5Y model demonstrates morphologies that conflict with neuronal behavior under these conditions. These results are expected to contribute considerable input to researchers that use SH-SY5Y as a neuron model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alp Ozgun
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Osman Bulut
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bora Garipcan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
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26
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Baumann HJ, Mahajan G, Ham TR, Betonio P, Kothapalli CR, Shriver LP, Leipzig ND. Softening of the chronic hemi-section spinal cord injury scar parallels dysregulation of cellular and extracellular matrix content. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 110:103953. [PMID: 32957245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Regeneration following spinal cord injury (SCI) is challenging in part due to the modified tissue composition and organization of the resulting glial and fibrotic scar regions. Inhibitory cell types and biochemical cues present in the scar have received attention as therapeutic targets to promote regeneration. However, altered Young's modulus of the scar as a readout for potential impeding factors for regeneration are not as well-defined, especially in vivo. Although the decreased Young's modulus of surrounding tissue at acute stages post-injury is known, the causation and outcomes at chronic time points remain largely understudied and controversial, which motivates this work. This study assessed the glial and fibrotic scar tissue's Young's modulus and composition (scar morphometry, cell identity, extracellular matrix (ECM) makeup) that contribute to the tissue's stiffness. The spatial Young's modulus of a chronic (~18-wks, post-injury) hemi-section, including the glial and fibrotic regions, were significantly less than naïve tissue (~200 Pa; p < 0.0001). The chronic scar contained cystic cavities dispersed in areas of dense nuclei packing. Abundant CNS cell types such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons were dysregulated in the scar, while epithelial markers such as vimentin were upregulated. The key ECM components in the CNS, namely sulfated proteoglycans (sPGs), were significantly downregulated following injury with concomitant upregulation of unsulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and hyaluronic acid (HA), likely altering the foundational ECM network that contributes to tissue stiffness. Our results reveal the Young's modulus of the chronic SCI scar as well as quantification of contributing elastic components that can provide a foundation for future study into their role in tissue repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Baumann
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - Gautam Mahajan
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, 44115, USA
| | - Trevor R Ham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - Patricia Betonio
- School of Nursing, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - Chandrasekhar R Kothapalli
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, 44115, USA
| | - Leah P Shriver
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA; Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - Nic D Leipzig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA; Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA.
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27
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Hall CM, Moeendarbary E, Sheridan GK. Mechanobiology of the brain in ageing and Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 53:3851-3878. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chloe M. Hall
- Department of Mechanical Engineering University College London London UK
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences University of Brighton Brighton UK
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering University College London London UK
- Department of Biological Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge MA USA
| | - Graham K. Sheridan
- School of Life Sciences Queens Medical Centre University of Nottingham Nottingham UK
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28
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Sumi T, Yamamoto H, Hirano-Iwata A. Suppression of hypersynchronous network activity in cultured cortical neurons using an ultrasoft silicone scaffold. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:3195-3202. [PMID: 32096811 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm02432h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The spontaneous activity pattern of cortical neurons in dissociated culture is characterized by burst firing that is highly synchronized among a wide population of cells. The degree of synchrony, however, is excessively higher than that in cortical tissues. Here, we employed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers to establish a novel system for culturing neurons on a scaffold with an elastic modulus resembling brain tissue, and investigated the effect of the scaffold's elasticity on network activity patterns in cultured rat cortical neurons. Using whole-cell patch clamp to assess the scaffold effect on the development of synaptic connections, we found that the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic current, as well as the frequency of spontaneous transmissions, was reduced in neuronal networks grown on an ultrasoft PDMS with an elastic modulus of 0.5 kPa. Furthermore, the ultrasoft scaffold was found to suppress neural correlations in the spontaneous activity of the cultured neuronal network. The dose of GsMTx-4, an antagonist of stretch-activated cation channels (SACs), required to reduce the generation of the events below 1.0 event per min on PDMS substrates was lower than that for neurons on a glass substrate. This suggests that the difference in the baseline level of SAC activation is a molecular mechanism underlying the alteration in neuronal network activity depending on scaffold stiffness. Our results demonstrate the potential application of PDMS with biomimetic elasticity as cell-culture scaffold for bridging the in vivo-in vitro gap in neuronal systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Sumi
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Yamamoto
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan. and WPI-Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Ayumi Hirano-Iwata
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan. and WPI-Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
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29
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Zhang QY, Bai JD, Wu XA, Liu XN, Zhang M, Chen WY. Microniche geometry modulates the mechanical properties and calcium signaling of chondrocytes. J Biomech 2020; 104:109729. [PMID: 32147239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In articular cartilage, the function of chondrocytes is strongly related to their zone-specific microniche geometry defined by pericellular matrix. Microniche geometry is critical for regulating the phenotype and function of the chondrocyte in native cartilage and tissue engineering constructs. However the role of microniche geometry in the mechanical properties and calcium signaling of chondrocytes remains unknown. To recapitulate microniche geometry at single-cell level, we engineered three basic physiological-related polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microniches geometries fabricated using soft lithography. We cultured chondrocytes in these microniche geometries and quantified cell mechanical properties using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Fluorescent calcium indicator was used to record and quantify cytosolic Ca2+ oscillation of chondrocytes in different geometries. Our work showed that microniche geometry modulated the mechanical behavior and calcium signaling of chondrocytes. The ellipsoidal microniches significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of chondrocytes compared to spheroidal microniche. Additionally, ellipsoidal microniches can markedly improved the amplitude but weakened the frequency of cytosolic Ca2+ oscillation in chondrocytes than spheroidal microniche. Our work might reveal a novel understanding of chondrocyte mechanotransduction and therefore be useful for designing cell-instructive scaffolds for functional cartilage tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-You Zhang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China; Department of Orthopaedics, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| | - Jia-Dong Bai
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Xiao-An Wu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Xiao-Na Liu
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Wei-Yi Chen
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China.
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30
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Cembran A, Bruggeman KF, Williams RJ, Parish CL, Nisbet DR. Biomimetic Materials and Their Utility in Modeling the 3-Dimensional Neural Environment. iScience 2020; 23:100788. [PMID: 31954980 PMCID: PMC6970178 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.100788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is a complex 3-dimensional structure, the organization of which provides a local environment that directly influences the survival, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and plasticity of neurons. To probe the effects of damage and disease on these cells, a synthetic environment is needed. Three-dimensional culturing of stem cells, neural progenitors, and neurons within fabricated biomaterials has demonstrated superior biomimetic properties over conventional 2-dimensional cultureware, offering direct recapitulation of both cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Within this review we address the benefits of deploying biomaterials as advanced cell culture tools capable of influencing neuronal fate and as in vitro models of the native in vivo microenvironment. We highlight recent and promising biomaterials approaches toward understanding neural network and their function relevant to neurodevelopment and provide our perspective on how these materials can be engineered and programmed to study both the healthy and diseased nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Cembran
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Research School of Electrical, Energy and Materials Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Kiara F Bruggeman
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Research School of Electrical, Energy and Materials Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | | | - Clare L Parish
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - David R Nisbet
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Research School of Electrical, Energy and Materials Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.
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31
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Zhong J, Yang Y, Liao L, Zhang C. Matrix stiffness-regulated cellular functions under different dimensionalities. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:2734-2755. [DOI: 10.1039/c9bm01809c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The microenvironments that cells encounter with in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensor Technology and Biomedical Instruments (Sun Yat-sen University)
- School of Biomedical Engineering
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Guangzhou
- P. R. China
| | - Yuexiong Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensor Technology and Biomedical Instruments (Sun Yat-sen University)
- School of Biomedical Engineering
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Guangzhou
- P. R. China
| | - Liqiong Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering
- Biomaterials Research Center
- School of Biomedical Engineering
- Southern Medical University
- Guangzhou
| | - Chao Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensor Technology and Biomedical Instruments (Sun Yat-sen University)
- School of Biomedical Engineering
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Guangzhou
- P. R. China
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32
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Wagner K, Girardo S, Goswami R, Rosso G, Ulbricht E, Müller P, Soteriou D, Träber N, Guck J. Colloidal crystals of compliant microgel beads to study cell migration and mechanosensitivity in 3D. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:9776-9787. [PMID: 31742293 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01226e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Tissues are defined not only by their biochemical composition, but also by their distinct mechanical properties. It is now widely accepted that cells sense their mechanical environment and respond to it. However, studying the effects of mechanics in in vitro 3D environments is challenging since current 3D hydrogel assays convolve mechanics with gel porosity and adhesion. Here, we present novel colloidal crystals as modular 3D scaffolds where these parameters are principally decoupled by using monodisperse, protein-coated PAAm microgel beads as building blocks, so that variable stiffness regions can be achieved within one 3D colloidal crystal. Characterization of the colloidal crystal and oxygen diffusion simulations suggested the suitability of the scaffold to support cell survival and growth. This was confirmed by live-cell imaging and fibroblast culture over a period of four days. Moreover, we demonstrate unambiguous durotactic fibroblast migration and mechanosensitive neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons in 3D. This modular approach of assembling 3D scaffolds from mechanically and biochemically well-defined building blocks allows the spatial patterning of stiffness decoupled from porosity and adhesion sites in principle and provides a platform to investigate mechanosensitivity in 3D environments approximating tissues in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Wagner
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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33
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Yamamoto H, Grob L, Sumi T, Oiwa K, Hirano-Iwata A, Wolfrum B. Ultrasoft Silicone Gel as a Biomimetic Passivation Layer in Inkjet-Printed 3D MEA Devices. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 3:e1900130. [PMID: 32648655 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Multielectrode arrays (MEAs) are versatile tools that are used for chronic recording and stimulation of neural cells and tissues. Driven by the recent progress in understanding of how neuronal growth and function respond to scaffold stiffness, development of MEAs with a soft cell-to-device interface has gained importance not only for in vivo but also for in vitro applications. However, the passivation layer, which constitutes the majority of the cell-device interface, is typically prepared with stiff materials. Herein, a fabrication of an MEA device with an ultrasoft passivation layer is described, which takes advantage of inkjet printing and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) gel with a stiffness comparable to that of the brain. The major challenge in using the PDMS gel is that it cannot be patterned to expose the sensing area of the electrode. This issue is resolved by printing 3D micropillars at the electrode tip. Primary cortical neurons are grown on the fabricated device, and effective stimulation of the culture confirms functional cell-device coupling. The 3D MEA device with an ultrasoft interface provides a novel platform for investigating evoked activity and drug responses of living neuronal networks cultured in a biomimetic environment for both fundamental research and pharmaceutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Yamamoto
- WPI-Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan.,Institute for Advanced Study, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstraße 2a, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Leroy Grob
- Munich School of BioengineeringDepartment of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technische Universität München, Boltzmannstraße 11, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Takuma Sumi
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Oiwa
- Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communication Technology, 588-2 Iwaoka, Iwaoka-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe, 651-2492, Japan
| | - Ayumi Hirano-Iwata
- WPI-Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan.,Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Bernhard Wolfrum
- Munich School of BioengineeringDepartment of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technische Universität München, Boltzmannstraße 11, 85748, Garching, Germany
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34
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Yu Y, Liu S, Wu X, Yu Z, Xu Y, Zhao W, Zavodnik I, Zheng J, Li C, Zhao H. Mechanism of Stiff Substrates up-Regulate Cultured Neuronal Network Activity. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:3475-3482. [PMID: 33405731 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Our previous work provided compelling evidence showing that substrate stiffness is crucial for regulating synaptic connectivity and excitatory synaptic transmission among neurons in the neuronal network. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In our study, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates with different stiffness have been fabricated to investigate the mechanisms by which the substrate stiffness upregulates the formation and activity of the cultured neuronal network. Here we report that stiff substrate increased both the number of synapses and the efficacy of excitatory synaptic transmission. More colocalization of synaptotagmin and PSD-95 was observed in the neuronal network on stiff substrate, which indicated the synapse number has increased. We also found that the increased synapse number was mediated by Hevin and SPARC that are secreted from astrocyte. The increased efficacy of excitatory synaptic transmission induced by stiff substrate was explored in three aspects. First, stiff substrate enhanced the presynaptic activity through increasing the vesicular release probability (Pr) of neurotransmitters as well as the calcium influx. Second, stiff substrate reduced voltage-dependent Mg2+ blockade to N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) channels, which led to higher postsynaptic activity. Third, our work suggested that the increased excitatory synaptic transmission in the neural network on stiff substrate involved the upregulated synaptic glutamate concentration. Taken together, these findings may provide a molecular mechanism underlying substrate stiffness regulation of excitatory synaptic transmission in the cultured neural network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Sisi Liu
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoan Wu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| | - Zhang Yu
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Yishi Xu
- Beijing No. 4 High School, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijiang Zhao
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Ilya Zavodnik
- Department of Biochemistry, Yanka Kupala State University Grodno, Blvd Len Kom 50, Grodno 230030, Belarus
| | - Jinping Zheng
- Department of Physiology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Physiology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hucheng Zhao
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
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Zhou C, Zhang D, Zou J, Li X, Zou S, Xie J. Substrate Compliance Directs the Osteogenic Lineages of Stem Cells from the Human Apical Papilla via the Processes of Mechanosensing and Mechanotransduction. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:26448-26459. [PMID: 31251564 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b07147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
| | - Demao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
| | - Jing Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
| | - Xiaobing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
| | - Shujuan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
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Moxon SR, Corbett NJ, Fisher K, Potjewyd G, Domingos M, Hooper NM. Blended alginate/collagen hydrogels promote neurogenesis and neuronal maturation. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2019; 104:109904. [PMID: 31499954 PMCID: PMC6873778 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.109904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Brain extracellular matrix (ECM) is complex, heterogeneous and often poorly replicated in traditional 2D cell culture systems. The development of more physiologically relevant 3D cell models capable of emulating the native ECM is of paramount importance for the study of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons. Due to its structural similarity with hyaluronic acid, a primary component of brain ECM, alginate is a potential biomaterial for 3D cell culture systems. However, a lack of cell adhesion motifs within the chemical structure of alginate has limited its application in neural culture systems. This study presents a simple and accessible method of incorporating collagen fibrils into an alginate hydrogel by physical mixing and controlled gelation under physiological conditions and tests the hypothesis that such a substrate could influence the behaviour of human neurons in 3D culture. Regulation of the gelation process enabled the penetration of collagen fibrils throughout the hydrogel structure as demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy. Encapsulated human iPSC-derived neurons adhered to the blended hydrogel as evidenced by the increased expression of α1, α2 and β1 integrins. Furthermore, immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that encapsulated neurons formed complex neural networks and matured into branched neurons expressing synaptophysin, a key protein involved in neurotransmission, along the neurites. Mechanical tuning of the hydrogel stiffness by modulation of the alginate ionic crosslinker concentration also influenced neuron-specific gene expression. In conclusion, we have shown that by tuning the physicochemical properties of the alginate/collagen blend it is possible to create different ECM-like microenvironments where complex mechanisms underpinning the growth and development of human neurons can be simulated and systematically investigated. Alginate and collagen are blended to create a bespoke hydrogel that mimics aspects of brain ECM. Encapsulated human pluripotent stem cell derived neurons adhere to the hydrogel matrix and form 3D neural networks. Neuronal differentiation and maturation is promoted within the hydrogel matrix. Mechanical properties of the hydrogel can be easily tuned to optimise neurogenesis. The hydrogel presents a platform for studying neuronal function and dysfunction in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel R Moxon
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Nicola J Corbett
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Kate Fisher
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Geoffrey Potjewyd
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Marco Domingos
- School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Nigel M Hooper
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
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Bianchi F, Malboubi M, George JH, Jerusalem A, Thompson MS, Ye H. Ion current and action potential alterations in peripheral neurons subject to uniaxial strain. J Neurosci Res 2019; 97:744-751. [PMID: 30927386 PMCID: PMC6519351 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral nerves, subject to continuous elongation and compression during everyday movement, contain neuron fibers vital for movement and sensation. At supraphysiological strains resulting from trauma, chronic conditions, aberrant limb positioning, or surgery, conduction blocks occur which may result in chronic or temporary loss of function. Previous in vitro stretch models, mainly focused on traumatic brain injury modelling, have demonstrated altered electrophysiological behavior during localized deformation applied by pipette suction. Our aim was to evaluate the changes in voltage‐activated ion channel function during uniaxial straining of neurons applied by whole‐cell deformation, more physiologically relevant model of peripheral nerve trauma. Here, we quantified experimentally the changes in inwards and outwards ion currents and action potential (AP) firing in dorsal root ganglion‐derived neurons subject to uniaxial strains, using a custom‐built device allowing simultaneous cell deformation and patch clamp recording. Peak inwards sodium currents and rectifying potassium current magnitudes were found to decrease in cells under stretch, channel reversal potentials were found to be left‐shifted, and half‐maximum activation potentials right‐shifted. The threshold for AP firing was increased in stretched cells, although neurons retained the ability to fire induced APs. Overall, these results point to ion channels being damaged directly and immediately by uniaxial strain, affecting cell electrophysiological activity, and can help develop prevention and treatment strategies for peripheral neuropathies caused by mechanical trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Bianchi
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Majid Malboubi
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Julian H George
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Antoine Jerusalem
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mark S Thompson
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hua Ye
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Matsumura R, Yamamoto H, Hayakawa T, Katsurabayashi S, Niwano M, Hirano-Iwata A. Dependence and Homeostasis of Membrane Impedance on Cell Morphology in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9905. [PMID: 29967389 PMCID: PMC6028398 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28232-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The electrical impedance of cell membranes is important for excitable cells, such as neurons, because it strongly influences the amount of membrane potential change upon a flow of ionic current across the membrane. Here, we report on an investigation of how neuronal morphology affects membrane impedance of cultured hippocampal neurons. Microfabricated substrates with patterned scaffolding molecules were used to restrict the neurite growth of hippocampal neurons, and the impedance was measured via whole-cell patch-clamp recording under the inhibition of voltage-dependent ion channels. Membrane impedance was found to depend inversely on the dendrite length and soma area, as would be expected from the fact that its electrical property is equivalent to a parallel RC circuit. Moreover, we found that in biological neurons, the membrane impedance is homeostatically regulated to impede changes in the membrane area. The findings provide direct evidence on cell-autonomous regulation of neuronal impedance and pave the way towards elucidating the mechanism responsible for the resilience of biological neuronal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Matsumura
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Hideaki Yamamoto
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan.
- WPI-AIMR, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Hayakawa
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Shutaro Katsurabayashi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Michio Niwano
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
- Kansei Fukushi Research Institute, Tohoku Fukushi University, 6-149-1 Kunimigaoka, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 989-3201, Japan
| | - Ayumi Hirano-Iwata
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
- WPI-Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
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Sekar MP, Roopmani P, Krishnan UM. Development of a novel porous polyvinyl formal (PVF) microfibrous scaffold for nerve tissue engineering. POLYMER 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Ahadian S, Civitarese R, Bannerman D, Mohammadi MH, Lu R, Wang E, Davenport-Huyer L, Lai B, Zhang B, Zhao Y, Mandla S, Korolj A, Radisic M. Organ-On-A-Chip Platforms: A Convergence of Advanced Materials, Cells, and Microscale Technologies. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7. [PMID: 29034591 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Significant advances in biomaterials, stem cell biology, and microscale technologies have enabled the fabrication of biologically relevant tissues and organs. Such tissues and organs, referred to as organ-on-a-chip (OOC) platforms, have emerged as a powerful tool in tissue analysis and disease modeling for biological and pharmacological applications. A variety of biomaterials are used in tissue fabrication providing multiple biological, structural, and mechanical cues in the regulation of cell behavior and tissue morphogenesis. Cells derived from humans enable the fabrication of personalized OOC platforms. Microscale technologies are specifically helpful in providing physiological microenvironments for tissues and organs. In this review, biomaterials, cells, and microscale technologies are described as essential components to construct OOC platforms. The latest developments in OOC platforms (e.g., liver, skeletal muscle, cardiac, cancer, lung, skin, bone, and brain) are then discussed as functional tools in simulating human physiology and metabolism. Future perspectives and major challenges in the development of OOC platforms toward accelerating clinical studies of drug discovery are finally highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samad Ahadian
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Robert Civitarese
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Dawn Bannerman
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Rick Lu
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Erika Wang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Locke Davenport-Huyer
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Ben Lai
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Serena Mandla
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Anastasia Korolj
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
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Rosso G, Young P, Shahin V. Implications of Schwann Cells Biomechanics and Mechanosensitivity for Peripheral Nervous System Physiology and Pathophysiology. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:345. [PMID: 29118694 PMCID: PMC5660964 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of bones around the central nervous system (CNS) provides it with highly effective physiologically crucial mechanical protection. The peripheral nervous system (PNS), in contrast, lacks this barrier. Consequently, the long held belief is that the PNS is mechanically vulnerable. On the other hand, the PNS is exposed to a variety of physiological mechanical stresses during regular daily activities. This fact prompts us to question the dogma of PNS mechanical vulnerability. As a matter of fact, impaired mechanics of PNS nerves is associated with neuropathies with the liability to mechanical stresses paralleled by significant impairment of PNS physiological functions. Our recent biomechanical integrity investigations on nerve fibers from wild-type and neuropathic mice lend strong support in favor of natural mechanical protection of the PNS and demonstrate a key role of Schwann cells (SCs) therein. Moreover, recent works point out that SCs can sense mechanical properties of their microenvironment and the evidence is growing that SCs mechanosensitivity is important for PNS development and myelination. Hence, SCs exhibit mechanical strength necessary for PNS mechanoprotection as well as mechanosensitivity necessary for PNS development and myelination. This mini review reflects on the intriguing dual ability of SCs and implications for PNS physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Rosso
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Peter Young
- Department of Sleep Medicine and Neuromuscular Disorders, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Victor Shahin
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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42
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Palazzolo G, Moroni M, Soloperto A, Aletti G, Naldi G, Vassalli M, Nieus T, Difato F. Fast wide-volume functional imaging of engineered in vitro brain tissues. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8499. [PMID: 28819205 PMCID: PMC5561227 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08979-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The need for in vitro models that mimic the human brain to replace animal testing and allow high-throughput screening has driven scientists to develop new tools that reproduce tissue-like features on a chip. Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cultures are emerging as an unmatched platform that preserves the complexity of cell-to-cell connections within a tissue, improves cell survival, and boosts neuronal differentiation. In this context, new and flexible imaging approaches are required to monitor the functional states of 3D networks. Herein, we propose an experimental model based on 3D neuronal networks in an alginate hydrogel, a tunable wide-volume imaging approach, and an efficient denoising algorithm to resolve, down to single cell resolution, the 3D activity of hundreds of neurons expressing the calcium sensor GCaMP6s. Furthermore, we implemented a 3D co-culture system mimicking the contiguous interfaces of distinct brain tissues such as the cortical-hippocampal interface. The analysis of the network activity of single and layered neuronal co-cultures revealed cell-type-specific activities and an organization of neuronal subpopulations that changed in the two culture configurations. Overall, our experimental platform represents a simple, powerful and cost-effective platform for developing and monitoring living 3D layered brain tissue on chip structures with high resolution and high throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Palazzolo
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Moroni
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.,Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, Italy.,Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - A Soloperto
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Aletti
- Dipartimento di Matematica, Università degli studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - G Naldi
- Dipartimento di Matematica, Università degli studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - M Vassalli
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council of Italy, Genoa, Italy
| | - T Nieus
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| | - F Difato
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
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Morelli S, Piscioneri A, Drioli E, De Bartolo L. Neuronal Differentiation Modulated by Polymeric Membrane Properties. Cells Tissues Organs 2017; 204:164-178. [PMID: 28787740 DOI: 10.1159/000477135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, different collagen-blend membranes were successfully constructed by blending collagen with chitosan (CHT) or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to enhance their properties and thus create new biofunctional materials with great potential use for neuronal tissue engineering and regeneration. Collagen blending strongly affected membrane properties in the following ways: (i) it improved the surface hydrophilicity of both pure CHT and PLGA membranes, (ii) it reduced the stiffness of CHT membranes, but (iii) it did not modify the good mechanical properties of PLGA membranes. Then, we investigated the effect of the different collagen concentrations on the neuronal behavior of the membranes developed. Morphological observations, immunocytochemistry, and morphometric measures demonstrated that the membranes developed, especially CHT/Col30, PLGA, and PLGA/Col1, provided suitable microenvironments for neuronal growth owing to their enhanced properties. The most consistent neuronal differentiation was obtained in neurons cultured on PLGA-based membranes, where a well-developed neuronal network was achieved due to their improved mechanical properties. Our findings suggest that tensile strength and elongation at break are key material parameters that have potential influence on both axonal elongation and neuronal structure and organization, which are of fundamental importance for the maintenance of efficient neuronal growth. Hence, our study has provided new insights regarding the effects of membrane mechanical properties on neuronal behavior, and thus it may help to design and improve novel instructive biomaterials for neuronal tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Morelli
- Institute on Membrane Technology, National Research Council of Italy, ITM-CNR, Rende, Italy
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Zhao H, Yu Y, Wu X, Liu S, Liu B, Du J, Li B, Jiang L, Feng X. A Role of BK Channel in Regulation of Ca 2+ Channel in Ventricular Myocytes by Substrate Stiffness. Biophys J 2017; 112:1406-1416. [PMID: 28402883 PMCID: PMC5389963 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Substrate stiffness is crucial for diverse cell functions, but the mechanisms conferring cells with mechanosensitivity are still elusive. By tailoring substrate stiffness with 10-fold difference, we showed that L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel current density was greater in chick ventricular myocytes cultured on the stiff substrate than on the soft substrate. Blockage of the BK channel increased the Ca2+ current density on the soft substrate and consequently eliminated substrate stiffness regulation of the Ca2+ channel. The expression of the BK channel, including the STREX-containing α-subunit that forms stretch-activated BK channel in myocytes and the BK channel function in myocytes (and also in HEK293 cells heterologously expressing STREX-containing α- and β1-subunits) was reduced in cells cultured on the stiff substrate. Furthermore, in HEK293 cells coexpressing the cardiac CaV1.2 channel and STREX-containing BK channel, the Ca2+ current density was greater in cells on the stiff substrate, which was not observed in cells expressing the CaV1.2 channel alone or coexpressing with the STREX-deleted BK channel. These results provide strong evidence to show that the stretch-activated BK channel plays a key role in functional regulation of cardiac voltage-gated Ca2+ channel by substrate stiffness, revealing, to our knowledge, a novel mechanosensing mechanism in ventricular myocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hucheng Zhao
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoan Wu
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Sisi Liu
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Bailin Liu
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Du
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Li
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Linhua Jiang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.
| | - Xiqiao Feng
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Tasnim N, Kumar A, Joddar B. Attenuation of the in vitro neurotoxicity of 316L SS by graphene oxide surface coating. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017; 73:788-797. [PMID: 28183673 PMCID: PMC5312756 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.12.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A persistent theme in biomaterials research comprises of surface engineering and modification of bare metallic substrates for improved cellular response and biocompatibility. Graphene Oxide (GO), a derivative of graphene, has outstanding chemical and mechanical properties; its large surface to volume ratio, ease of surface modification and processing make GO an attractive coating material. GO-coatings have been extensively studied as biosensors. Further owing to its surface nano-architecture, GO-coated surfaces promote cell adhesion and growth, making it suitable for tissue engineering applications. The need to improve the long-term durability and therapeutic effectiveness of commercially available bare 316L stainless steel (SS) surfaces led us to adopt a polymer-free approach which is cost-effective and scalable. GO was immobilized on to 316L SS utilizing amide linkage, to generate a strongly adherent uniform coating with surface roughness. GO-coated 316L SS surfaces showed increased hydrophilicity and biocompatibility with SHSY-5Y neuronal cells, which proliferated well and showed decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression. In contrast, cells did not adhere to bare uncoated 316L SS meshes nor maintain viability when cultured in the vicinity of bare meshes. Therefore the combination of the improved surface properties and biocompatibility implies that GO-coating can be utilized to overcome pertinent limitations of bare metallic 316L SS implant surfaces, especially SS neural electrodes. Also, the procedure for making GO-based protective coatings can be applied to numerous other implants where the development of such protective films is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishat Tasnim
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Alok Kumar
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Binata Joddar
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
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46
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Li Y, Xiao Y, Liu C. The Horizon of Materiobiology: A Perspective on Material-Guided Cell Behaviors and Tissue Engineering. Chem Rev 2017; 117:4376-4421. [PMID: 28221776 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 344] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although the biological functions of cell and tissue can be regulated by biochemical factors (e.g., growth factors, hormones), the biophysical effects of materials on the regulation of biological activity are receiving more attention. In this Review, we systematically summarize the recent progress on how biomaterials with controllable properties (e.g., compositional/degradable dynamics, mechanical properties, 2D topography, and 3D geometry) can regulate cell behaviors (e.g., cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation, cell alignment, and the differentiation or self-maintenance of stem cells) and tissue/organ functions. How the biophysical features of materials influence tissue/organ regeneration have been elucidated. Current challenges and a perspective on the development of novel materials that can modulate specific biological functions are discussed. The interdependent relationship between biomaterials and biology leads us to propose the concept of "materiobiology", which is a scientific discipline that studies the biological effects of the properties of biomaterials on biological functions at cell, tissue, organ, and the whole organism levels. This Review highlights that it is more important to develop ECM-mimicking biomaterials having a self-regenerative capacity to stimulate tissue regeneration, instead of attempting to recreate the complexity of living tissues or tissue constructs ex vivo. The principles of materiobiology may benefit the development of novel biomaterials providing combinative bioactive cues to activate the migration of stem cells from endogenous reservoirs (i.e., cell niches), stimulate robust and scalable self-healing mechanisms, and unlock the body's innate powers of regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Li
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology , Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Xiao
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology , Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Changsheng Liu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology , Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China
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Zhang Q, Yu Y, Zhao H. The effect of matrix stiffness on biomechanical properties of chondrocytes. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2016; 48:958-965. [PMID: 27590061 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmw087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The behavior of chondrocytes is regulated by multiple mechanical microenvironmental cues. During development and degenerative disease of articular cartilage, as an external signal, the extracellular matrix stiffness of chondrocytes changes significantly, but whether and how this biophysical cue affects biomechanical properties of chondrocytes remain elusive. In the present study, we designed supporting-biomaterials as mimics of native pericellular matrix to study the effect of matrix stiffness on chondrocyte morphology and F-actin distribution. Furthermore, the active mechanical behavior of chondrocytes during sensing and responding to different matrix stiffness was quantitatively investigated using atom force microscope technique and theoretical model. Our results indicated that stiffer matrix tends to increase the cell spreading area, the percentage of irregular cell shape distribution and mechanical parameters including elastic modulus (Eelastic), instantaneous modulus (E0), relaxed modulus (ER) and apparent viscosity (μ) of chondrocytes. Knowledge of matrix stiffness-dependent biomechanical behaviors of chondrocytes has important implications for optimizing matrix material and advancing chondrocyte-based applications for functional tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanyou Zhang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China College of Mechanics, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hucheng Zhao
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Mechanosensing is critical for axon growth in the developing brain. Nat Neurosci 2016; 19:1592-1598. [PMID: 27643431 PMCID: PMC5531257 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 367] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During nervous system development, neurons extend axons along well-defined pathways. The current understanding of axon pathfinding is based mainly on chemical signaling. However, growing neurons interact not only chemically but also mechanically with their environment. Here we identify mechanical signals as important regulators of axon pathfinding. In vitro, substrate stiffness determined growth patterns of Xenopus retinal ganglion cell axons. In vivo atomic force microscopy revealed a noticeable pattern of stiffness gradients in the embryonic brain. Retinal ganglion cell axons grew toward softer tissue, which was reproduced in vitro in the absence of chemical gradients. To test the importance of mechanical signals for axon growth in vivo, we altered brain stiffness, blocked mechanotransduction pharmacologically and knocked down the mechanosensitive ion channel piezo1. All treatments resulted in aberrant axonal growth and pathfinding errors, suggesting that local tissue stiffness, read out by mechanosensitive ion channels, is critically involved in instructing neuronal growth in vivo.
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Yao S, Liu X, Yu S, Wang X, Zhang S, Wu Q, Sun X, Mao H. Co-effects of matrix low elasticity and aligned topography on stem cell neurogenic differentiation and rapid neurite outgrowth. NANOSCALE 2016; 8:10252-65. [PMID: 27124547 DOI: 10.1039/c6nr01169a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The development of novel biomaterials that deliver precise regulatory signals to direct stem cell fate for nerve regeneration is the focus of current intensive research efforts. In this study, a hierarchically aligned fibrillar fibrin hydrogel (AFG) that was fabricated through electrospinning and the concurrent molecular self-assembly process mimics both the soft and oriented features of nerve tissue, thus providing hybrid biophysical cues to instruct cell behavior in vitro and in vivo. The electrospun hydrogels were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), polarized light microscopy, small angle X-ray scattering assay and atomic force microscopy (AFM), showing a hierarchically linear-ordered structure from the nanoscale to the macroscale with a soft elastic character (elasticity ∼1 kPa). We found that this low elasticity and aligned topography of AFG exhibit co-effects on promoting the neurogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) in comparison to random fibrin hydrogel (RFG) and tissue culture plate (TCP) control after two week cell culture in growth medium lacking supplementation with soluble neurogenic induction factors. In addition, AFG also induces dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to rapidly project numerous long neurite outgrowths longitudinally along the AFG fibers for a total neurite extension distance of 1.96 mm in three days in the absence of neurotrophic factor supplementation. Moreover, the AFG implanted in a rat T9 dorsal hemisection spinal cord injury model was found to promote endogenous neural cell fast migration and axonal invasion along AFG fibers, resulting in aligned tissue cables in vivo. Our results suggest that matrix stiffness and aligned topography may instruct stem cell neurogenic differentiation and rapid neurite outgrowth, providing great promise for biomaterial design for applications in nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglian Yao
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Lantoine J, Grevesse T, Villers A, Delhaye G, Mestdagh C, Versaevel M, Mohammed D, Bruyère C, Alaimo L, Lacour SP, Ris L, Gabriele S. Matrix stiffness modulates formation and activity of neuronal networks of controlled architectures. Biomaterials 2016; 89:14-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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