51
|
Scott RA, Robinson KG, Kiick KL, Akins RE. Human Adventitial Fibroblast Phenotype Depends on the Progression of Changes in Substrate Stiffness. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901593. [PMID: 32105417 PMCID: PMC7274877 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) are major contributors to vascular remodeling and maladaptive cascades associated with arterial disease, where AFs both contribute to and respond to alterations in their surrounding matrix. The relationships between matrix modulus and human aortic AF (AoAF) function are investigated using poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels designed with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-sensitive and integrin-binding peptides. Initial equilibrium shear storage moduli for the substrates examined are 0.33, 1.42, and 2.90 kPa; after 42 days of culture, all hydrogels exhibit similar storage moduli (0.3-0.7 kPa) regardless of initial modulus, with encapsulated AoAFs spreading and proliferating. In 10 and 7.5 wt% hydrogels, modulus decreases monotonically throughout culture; however, in 5 wt% hydrogels, modulus increases after an initial 7 days of culture, accompanied by an increase in myofibroblast transdifferentiation and expression of collagen I and III through day 28. Thereafter, significant reductions in both collagens occur, with increased MMP-9 and decreased tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1/-2 production. Releasing cytoskeletal tension or inhibiting cellular protein secretion in 5 wt% hydrogels block the stiffening of the polymer matrix. Results indicate that encapsulated AoAFs initiate cell-mediated matrix remodeling and demonstrate the utility of dynamic 3D systems to elucidate the complex interactions between cell behavior and substrate properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Scott
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 DuPont, Hall, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Nemours - Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, United States
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, 15 Innovation Way, Newark, DE 19711, United States
| | - Karyn G. Robinson
- Nemours - Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, United States
| | - Kristi L. Kiick
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 DuPont, Hall, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, 15 Innovation Way, Newark, DE 19711, United States
| | - Robert E. Akins
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 DuPont, Hall, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Nemours - Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, United States
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Lee UN, Day JH, Haack AJ, Bretherton RC, Lu W, DeForest CA, Theberge AB, Berthier E. Layer-by-layer fabrication of 3D hydrogel structures using open microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:525-536. [PMID: 31915779 PMCID: PMC8018606 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00621d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Patterned deposition and 3D fabrication techniques have enabled the use of hydrogels for a number of applications including microfluidics, sensors, separations, and tissue engineering in which form fits function. Devices such as reconfigurable microvalves or implantable tissues have been created using lithography or casting techniques. Here, we present a novel open-microfluidic patterning method that utilizes surface tension forces to form hydrogel layers on top of each other, into a patterned 3D structure. We use a patterning device to form a temporary open microfluidic channel on an existing gel layer, allowing the controlled flow of unpolymerized gel in device-regions. After layer gelation and device removal, the process can be repeated iteratively to create multi-layered 3D structures. The use of open-microfluidic and surface tension-based methods to define the shape of each individual layer enables patterning to be performed with a simple pipette and with minimal dead-volume. Our method is compatible with unmodified (native) biological hydrogels, and other non-biological materials with precursor fluid properties compatible with capillary flow. With our open-microfluidic layer-by-layer fabrication method, we demonstrate the capability to build agarose, type I collagen, and polymer-peptide 3D structures featuring asymmetric designs, multiple components, overhanging features, and cell-laden regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulri N Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - John H Day
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Amanda J Haack
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. and Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ross C Bretherton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Wenbo Lu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA and Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ashleigh B Theberge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. and Department of Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Erwin Berthier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Zambuto SG, Clancy KBH, Harley BAC. A gelatin hydrogel to study endometrial angiogenesis and trophoblast invasion. Interface Focus 2019; 9:20190016. [PMID: 31485309 PMCID: PMC6710659 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2019.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is the lining of the uterus and site of blastocyst implantation. Each menstrual cycle, the endometrium cycles through rapid phases of growth, remodelling and breakdown. Significant vascular remodelling is also driven by trophoblast cells that form the outer layer of the blastocyst. Trophoblast invasion and remodelling enhance blood flow to the embryo ahead of placentation. Understanding the mechanisms of endometrial vascular remodelling and trophoblast invasion would provide key insights into endometrial physiology and cellular interactions critical for establishment of pregnancy. The objective of this study was to develop a tissue engineering platform to investigate the processes of endometrial angiogenesis and trophoblast invasion in a three-dimensional environment. We report adaptation of a methacrylamide-functionalized gelatin hydrogel that presents matrix stiffness in the range of the native tissue, supports the formation of endometrial endothelial cell networks with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human endometrial stromal cells as an artificial endometrial perivascular niche and the culture of an endometrial epithelial cell layer, enables culture of a hormone-responsive stromal compartment and provides the capacity to monitor the kinetics of trophoblast invasion. With these studies, we provide a series of techniques that will instruct researchers in the development of endometrial models of increasing complexity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G. Zambuto
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Kathryn B. H. Clancy
- Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A. C. Harley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Huebsch N. Translational mechanobiology: Designing synthetic hydrogel matrices for improved in vitro models and cell-based therapies. Acta Biomater 2019; 94:97-111. [PMID: 31129361 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.05.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic hydrogels have ideal physiochemical properties to serve as reductionist mimics of the extracellular matrix (ECM) for studies on cellular mechanosensing. These studies range from basic observation of correlations between ECM mechanics and cell fate changes to molecular dissection of the underlying mechanisms. Despite intensive work on hydrogels to study mechanobiology, many fundamental questions regarding mechanosensing remain unanswered. In this review, I first discuss historical motivation for studying cellular mechanobiology, and challenges impeding this effort. I next overview recent efforts to engineer hydrogel properties to study cellular mechanosensing. Finally, I focus on in vitro modeling and cell-based therapies as applications of hydrogels that will exploit our ability to create micro-environments with physiologically relevant elasticity and viscoelasticity to control cell biology. These translational applications will not only use our current understanding of mechanobiology but will also bring new tools to study the fundamental problem of how cells sense their mechanical environment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Hydrogels are an important tool for understanding how our cells can sense their mechanical environment, and to exploit that understanding in regenerative medicine. In the current review, I discuss historical work linking mechanics to cell behavior in vitro, and highlight the role hydrogels played in allowing us to understand how cells monitor mechanical cues. I then highlight potential translational applications of hydrogels with mechanical properties similar to those of the tissues where cells normally reside in our bodies, and discuss how these types of studies can provide clues to help us enhance our understanding of mechanosensing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Huebsch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in Saint Louis, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Sun Han Chang R, Lee JCW, Pedron S, Harley BAC, Rogers SA. Rheological Analysis of the Gelation Kinetics of an Enzyme Cross-linked PEG Hydrogel. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:2198-2206. [PMID: 31046247 PMCID: PMC6765384 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The diverse requirements of hydrogels for tissue engineering motivate the development of cross-linking reactions to fabricate hydrogel networks with specific features, particularly those amenable to the activity of biological materials (e.g., cells, proteins) that do not require exposure to UV light. We describe gelation kinetics for a library of thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) sulfhydryl hydrogels undergoing enzymatic cross-linking via horseradish peroxidase, a catalyst-driven reaction activated by hydrogen peroxide. We report the use of small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) to quantify gelation kinetics as a function of reaction conditions (hydrogen peroxide and polymer concentrations). We employ a novel approach to monitor the change of viscoelastic properties of hydrogels over the course of gelation (Δ tgel) via the time derivative of the storage modulus (d G'/d t). This approach, fundamentally distinct from traditional methods for defining a gel point, quantifies the time interval over which gelation events occur. We report that gelation depends on peroxide and polymer concentrations as well as system temperature, where the effects of hydrogen peroxide tend to saturate over a critical concentration. Further, this cross-linking reaction can be reversed using l-cysteine for rapid cell isolation, and the rate of hydrogel dissolution can be monitored using SAOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raul Sun Han Chang
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Johnny Ching-Wei Lee
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Sara Pedron
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Brendan A. C. Harley
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Simon A. Rogers
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Ngo MT, Harley BAC. Perivascular signals alter global gene expression profile of glioblastoma and response to temozolomide in a gelatin hydrogel. Biomaterials 2019; 198:122-134. [PMID: 29941152 DOI: 10.1101/273763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor, with patients exhibiting poor survival (median survival time: 15 months). Difficulties in treating GBM include not only the inability to resect the diffusively-invading tumor cells, but also therapeutic resistance. The perivascular niche (PVN) within the GBM tumor microenvironment contributes significantly to tumor cell invasion, cancer stem cell maintenance, and has been shown to protect tumor cells from radiation and chemotherapy. In this study, we examine how the inclusion of non-tumor cells in culture with tumor cells within a hydrogel impacts the overall gene expression profile of an in vitro artificial perivascular niche (PVN) comprised of endothelial and stromal cells directly cultured with GBM tumor cells within a methacrylamide-functionalized gelatin hydrogel. Using RNA-seq, we demonstrate that genes related to angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling are upregulated in the PVN model compared to hydrogels containing only tumor or perivascular niche cells, while downregulated genes are related to cell cycle and DNA damage repair. Signaling pathways and genes commonly implicated in GBM malignancy, such as MGMT, EGFR, PI3K-Akt signaling, and Ras/MAPK signaling are also upregulated in the PVN model. We describe the kinetics of gene expression within the PVN hydrogels over a course of 14 days, observing the patterns associated with tumor cell-mediated endothelial network co-option and regression. We finally examine the effect of temozolomide, a frontline chemotherapy used clinically against GBM, on the PVN culture. Notably, the PVN model is less responsive to TMZ compared to hydrogels containing only tumor cells. Overall, these results demonstrate that inclusion of cellular and matrix-associated elements of the PVN within an in vitro model of GBM allows for the development of gene expression patterns and therapeutic response relevant to GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mai T Ngo
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A C Harley
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Dai X, Böker A, Glebe U. Broadening the scope of sortagging. RSC Adv 2019; 9:4700-4721. [PMID: 35514663 PMCID: PMC9060782 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra06705h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Sortases are enzymes occurring in the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria. Sortase A (SrtA), the best studied sortase class, plays a key role in anchoring surface proteins with the recognition sequence LPXTG covalently to oligoglycine units of the bacterial cell wall. This unique transpeptidase activity renders SrtA attractive for various purposes and motivated researchers to study multiple in vivo and in vitro ligations in the last decades. This ligation technique is known as sortase-mediated ligation (SML) or sortagging and developed to a frequently used method in basic research. The advantages are manifold: extremely high substrate specificity, simple access to substrates and enzyme, robust nature and easy handling of sortase A. In addition to the ligation of two proteins or peptides, early studies already included at least one artificial (peptide equipped) substrate into sortagging reactions - which demonstrates the versatility and broad applicability of SML. Thus, SML is not only a biology-related technique, but has found prominence as a major interdisciplinary research tool. In this review, we provide an overview about the use of sortase A in interdisciplinary research, mainly for protein modification, synthesis of protein-polymer conjugates and immobilization of proteins on surfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Dai
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP Geiselbergstr. 69 14476 Potsdam-Golm Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Polymermaterialien und Polymertechnologie, Universität Potsdam 14476 Potsdam-Golm Germany
| | - Alexander Böker
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP Geiselbergstr. 69 14476 Potsdam-Golm Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Polymermaterialien und Polymertechnologie, Universität Potsdam 14476 Potsdam-Golm Germany
| | - Ulrich Glebe
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP Geiselbergstr. 69 14476 Potsdam-Golm Germany
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Arkenberg MR, Moore DM, Lin CC. Dynamic control of hydrogel crosslinking via sortase-mediated reversible transpeptidation. Acta Biomater 2019; 83:83-95. [PMID: 30415064 PMCID: PMC6697659 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell-laden hydrogels whose crosslinking density can be dynamically and reversibly tuned are highly sought-after for studying pathophysiological cellular fate processes, including embryogenesis, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis. Special efforts have focused on controlling network crosslinking in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based hydrogels to evaluate the impact of matrix mechanics on cell proliferation, morphogenesis, and differentiation. In this study, we sought to design dynamic PEG-peptide hydrogels that permit cyclic/reversible stiffening and softening. This was achieved by utilizing reversible enzymatic reactions that afford specificity, biorthogonality, and predictable reaction kinetics. To that end, we prepared PEG-peptide conjugates to enable sortase A (SrtA) induced tunable hydrogel crosslinking independent of macromer contents. Uniquely, these hydrogels can be completely degraded by the same enzymatic reactions and the degradation rate can be tuned from hours to days. We further synthesized SrtA-sensitive peptide linker (i.e., KCLPRTGCK) for crosslinking with 8-arm PEG-norbornene (PEG8NB) via thiol-norbornene photocrosslinking. These hydrogels afford diverse softening paradigms through control of network structures during crosslinking or by adjusting enzymatic parameters during on-demand softening. Importantly, user-controlled hydrogel softening promoted spreading of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in 3D. Finally, we designed a bis-cysteine-bearing linear peptide flanked with SrtA substrates at the peptide's N- and C-termini (i.e., NH2-GGGCKGGGKCLPRTG-CONH2) to enable cyclic/reversible hydrogel stiffening/softening. We show that matrix stiffening and softening play a crucial role in growth and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells. These results represent the first dynamic hydrogel platform that affords cyclic gel stiffening/softening based on reversible enzymatic reactions. More importantly, the chemical motifs that affords such reversible crosslinking were built-in on the linear peptide crosslinker without any post-synthesis modification. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cell-laden 'dynamic' hydrogels are typically designed to enable externally stimulated stiffening or softening of the hydrogel network. However, no enzymatic reaction has been used to reversibly control matrix crosslinking. The application of SrtA-mediated transpeptidation in crosslinking and post-gelation modification of biomimetic hydrogels is innovative because of the specificity of the reaction and reversible tunability of crosslinking kinetics. While SrtA has been previously used to crosslink and fully degrade hydrogels, matrix softening and reversible stiffening of cell-laden hydrogels has not been reported. By designing simple peptide substrates, this unique enzymatic reaction can be employed to form a primary network, to gradually soften hydrogels, or to reversibly stiffen hydrogels. As a result, this dynamic hydrogel platform can be used to answer important matrix-related biological questions that are otherwise difficult to address.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Arkenberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Dustin M Moore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Wells A, Wiley HS. A systems perspective of heterocellular signaling. Essays Biochem 2018; 62:607-617. [PMID: 30139877 PMCID: PMC6309864 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20180015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Signal exchange between different cell types is essential for development and function of multicellular organisms, and its dysregulation is causal in many diseases. Unfortunately, most cell-signaling work has employed single cell types grown under conditions unrelated to their native context. Recent technical developments have started to provide the tools needed to follow signaling between multiple cell types, but gaps in the information they provide have limited their usefulness in building realistic models of heterocellular signaling. Currently, only targeted assays have the necessary sensitivity, selectivity, and spatial resolution to usefully probe heterocellular signaling processes, but these are best used to test specific, mechanistic models. Decades of systems biology research with monocultures has provided a solid foundation for building models of heterocellular signaling, but current models lack a realistic description of regulated proteolysis and the feedback processes triggered within and between cells. Identification and understanding of key regulatory processes in the extracellular environment and of recursive signaling patterns between cells will be essential to building predictive models of heterocellular systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Wells
- Departments of Pathology and Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburg, PA 15261, U.S.A
| | - H Steven Wiley
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, U.S.A.
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Broguiere N, Formica FA, Barreto G, Zenobi-Wong M. Sortase A as a cross-linking enzyme in tissue engineering. Acta Biomater 2018; 77:182-190. [PMID: 30006315 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial ligase Sortase A (SA) and its mutated variants have become increasingly popular over the last years for post-translational protein modifications due to their unparalleled specificity and efficiency. The aim of this work was to study SA as a cross-linking enzyme for hydrogel-based tissue engineering. For this, we optimized SA pentamutant production and purification from E. coli to achieve high yields and purity. Then using hyaluronan (HA) as a model biopolymer and modifying it with SA-substrate peptides, we studied the cross-linking kinetics obtained with SA, the enzyme stability, cytocompatibility, and immunogenicity, and compared those to state-of-the-art standards. The transglutaminase activated factor XIII (FXIIIa) was used as the reference cross-linking enzyme, and the clinical collagen scaffold Chondro-Gide (CG) was used as a reference biocompatible material for in vivo studies. We found SA could be produced in large amounts in the lab without special equipment, whereas the only viable source of FXIIIa is currently a prescription medicine purified from donated blood. SA was also remarkably more stable in solution than FXIIIa, and it could provide even much faster gelation, making it possible to achieve nearly-instantaneous gel formation upon delivery with a double-barrel syringe. This is an interesting improvement for in vivo work, to allow in situ gel formation in a wet environment, and could also be useful for applications like bioprinting where very fast gelation is needed. The cytocompatibility and lack of immunogenicity were still uncompromised. These results support the use of SA as a versatile enzymatic cross-linking strategy for 3D culture and tissue engineering applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Enzymatic crosslinking has immense appeal for tissue engineers as one of the most biocompatible methods of hydrogel crosslinking. Sortase A has a number of unique advantages over previous systems. We show an impressive and tunable range of crosslinking kinetics, from almost instantaneous gelation to several minutes. We also demonstrate that Sortase A crosslinked hydrogels have good cytocompatibility and cause no immune reaction when implanted in vivo. With its additional benefits of excellent stability in solution and easy large-scale synthesis available to any lab, we believe this novel crosslinking modality will find multiple applications in high throughput screening, tissue engineering, and biofabrication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Broguiere
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Florian A Formica
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Gonçalo Barreto
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marcy Zenobi-Wong
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Wendel JRH, Wang X, Hawkins SM. The Endometriotic Tumor Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10080261. [PMID: 30087267 PMCID: PMC6115869 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10080261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Women with endometriosis are at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, specifically ovarian endometrioid, low-grade serous, and clear-cell adenocarcinoma. An important clinical caveat to the association of endometriosis with ovarian cancer is the improved prognosis for women with endometriosis at time of ovarian cancer staging. Whether endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers develop from the molecular transformation of endometriosis or develop because of the endometriotic tumor microenvironment remain unknown. Additionally, how the presence of endometriosis improves prognosis is also undefined, but likely relies on the endometriotic microenvironment. The unique tumor microenvironment of endometriosis is composed of epithelial, stromal, and immune cells, which adapt to survive in hypoxic conditions with high levels of iron, estrogen, and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Understanding the unique molecular features of the endometriotic tumor microenvironment may lead to impactful precision therapies and/or modalities for prevention. A challenge to this important study is the rarity of well-characterized clinical samples and the limited model systems. In this review, we will describe the unique molecular features of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers, the endometriotic tumor microenvironment, and available model systems for endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers. Continued research on these unique ovarian cancers may lead to improved prevention and treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jillian R Hufgard Wendel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Xiyin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Shannon M Hawkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Huang A, Nguyen PQ, Stark JC, Takahashi MK, Donghia N, Ferrante T, Dy AJ, Hsu KJ, Dubner RS, Pardee K, Jewett MC, Collins JJ. BioBits™ Explorer: A modular synthetic biology education kit. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaat5105. [PMID: 30083608 PMCID: PMC6070312 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aat5105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Hands-on demonstrations greatly enhance the teaching of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts and foster engagement and exploration in the sciences. While numerous chemistry and physics classroom demonstrations exist, few biology demonstrations are practical and accessible due to the challenges and concerns of growing living cells in classrooms. We introduce BioBits™ Explorer, a synthetic biology educational kit based on shelf-stable, freeze-dried, cell-free (FD-CF) reactions, which are activated by simply adding water. The FD-CF reactions engage the senses of sight, smell, and touch with outputs that produce fluorescence, fragrances, and hydrogels, respectively. We introduce components that can teach tunable protein expression, enzymatic reactions, biomaterial formation, and biosensors using RNA switches, some of which represent original FD-CF outputs that expand the toolbox of cell-free synthetic biology. The BioBits™ Explorer kit enables hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge science that are inexpensive and easy to use, circumventing many current barriers for implementing exploratory biology experiments in classrooms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ally Huang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Peter Q. Nguyen
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jessica C. Stark
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | | | - Nina Donghia
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tom Ferrante
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aaron J. Dy
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Karen J. Hsu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Rachel S. Dubner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Keith Pardee
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Michael C. Jewett
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - James J. Collins
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Ngo MT, Harley BAC. Perivascular signals alter global gene expression profile of glioblastoma and response to temozolomide in a gelatin hydrogel. Biomaterials 2018; 198:122-134. [PMID: 29941152 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor, with patients exhibiting poor survival (median survival time: 15 months). Difficulties in treating GBM include not only the inability to resect the diffusively-invading tumor cells, but also therapeutic resistance. The perivascular niche (PVN) within the GBM tumor microenvironment contributes significantly to tumor cell invasion, cancer stem cell maintenance, and has been shown to protect tumor cells from radiation and chemotherapy. In this study, we examine how the inclusion of non-tumor cells in culture with tumor cells within a hydrogel impacts the overall gene expression profile of an in vitro artificial perivascular niche (PVN) comprised of endothelial and stromal cells directly cultured with GBM tumor cells within a methacrylamide-functionalized gelatin hydrogel. Using RNA-seq, we demonstrate that genes related to angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling are upregulated in the PVN model compared to hydrogels containing only tumor or perivascular niche cells, while downregulated genes are related to cell cycle and DNA damage repair. Signaling pathways and genes commonly implicated in GBM malignancy, such as MGMT, EGFR, PI3K-Akt signaling, and Ras/MAPK signaling are also upregulated in the PVN model. We describe the kinetics of gene expression within the PVN hydrogels over a course of 14 days, observing the patterns associated with tumor cell-mediated endothelial network co-option and regression. We finally examine the effect of temozolomide, a frontline chemotherapy used clinically against GBM, on the PVN culture. Notably, the PVN model is less responsive to TMZ compared to hydrogels containing only tumor cells. Overall, these results demonstrate that inclusion of cellular and matrix-associated elements of the PVN within an in vitro model of GBM allows for the development of gene expression patterns and therapeutic response relevant to GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mai T Ngo
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A C Harley
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Edington CD, Chen WLK, Geishecker E, Kassis T, Soenksen LR, Bhushan BM, Freake D, Kirschner J, Maass C, Tsamandouras N, Valdez J, Cook CD, Parent T, Snyder S, Yu J, Suter E, Shockley M, Velazquez J, Velazquez JJ, Stockdale L, Papps JP, Lee I, Vann N, Gamboa M, LaBarge ME, Zhong Z, Wang X, Boyer LA, Lauffenburger DA, Carrier RL, Communal C, Tannenbaum SR, Stokes CL, Hughes DJ, Rohatgi G, Trumper DL, Cirit M, Griffith LG. Interconnected Microphysiological Systems for Quantitative Biology and Pharmacology Studies. Sci Rep 2018. [PMID: 29540740 PMCID: PMC5852083 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22749-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPSs) are in vitro models that capture facets of in vivo organ function through use of specialized culture microenvironments, including 3D matrices and microperfusion. Here, we report an approach to co-culture multiple different MPSs linked together physiologically on re-useable, open-system microfluidic platforms that are compatible with the quantitative study of a range of compounds, including lipophilic drugs. We describe three different platform designs – “4-way”, “7-way”, and “10-way” – each accommodating a mixing chamber and up to 4, 7, or 10 MPSs. Platforms accommodate multiple different MPS flow configurations, each with internal re-circulation to enhance molecular exchange, and feature on-board pneumatically-driven pumps with independently programmable flow rates to provide precise control over both intra- and inter-MPS flow partitioning and drug distribution. We first developed a 4-MPS system, showing accurate prediction of secreted liver protein distribution and 2-week maintenance of phenotypic markers. We then developed 7-MPS and 10-MPS platforms, demonstrating reliable, robust operation and maintenance of MPS phenotypic function for 3 weeks (7-way) and 4 weeks (10-way) of continuous interaction, as well as PK analysis of diclofenac metabolism. This study illustrates several generalizable design and operational principles for implementing multi-MPS “physiome-on-a-chip” approaches in drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Collin D Edington
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Wen Li Kelly Chen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emily Geishecker
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Timothy Kassis
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Luis R Soenksen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brij M Bhushan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Christian Maass
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nikolaos Tsamandouras
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jorge Valdez
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christi D Cook
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Jiajie Yu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emily Suter
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael Shockley
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jason Velazquez
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jeremy J Velazquez
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Linda Stockdale
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Julia P Papps
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Iris Lee
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas Vann
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mario Gamboa
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matthew E LaBarge
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zhe Zhong
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Laurie A Boyer
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Douglas A Lauffenburger
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca L Carrier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine Communal
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Steven R Tannenbaum
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - David L Trumper
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Murat Cirit
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Linda G Griffith
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Madl CM, Heilshorn SC. Bioorthogonal Strategies for Engineering Extracellular Matrices. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2018; 28:1706046. [PMID: 31558890 PMCID: PMC6761700 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201706046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels are commonly used as engineered extracellular matrix (ECM) mimics in applications ranging from tissue engineering to in vitro disease models. Ideal mechanisms used to crosslink ECM-mimicking hydrogels do not interfere with the biology of the system. However, most common hydrogel crosslinking chemistries exhibit some form of cross-reactivity. The field of bio-orthogonal chemistry has arisen to address the need for highly specific and robust reactions in biological contexts. Accordingly, bio-orthogonal crosslinking strategies have been incorporated into hydrogel design, allowing for gentle and efficient encapsulation of cells in various hydrogel materials. Furthermore, the selective nature of bio-orthogonal chemistries can permit dynamic modification of hydrogel materials in the presence of live cells and other biomolecules to alter matrix mechanical properties and biochemistry on demand. In this review, we provide an overview of bio-orthogonal strategies used to prepare cell-encapsulating hydrogels and highlight the potential applications of bio-orthogonal chemistries in the design of dynamic engineered ECMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Madl
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sarah C Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA,
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Sawicki LA, Choe LH, Wiley KL, Lee KH, Kloxin AM. Isolation and Identification of Proteins Secreted by Cells Cultured within Synthetic Hydrogel-Based Matrices. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2018; 4:836-845. [PMID: 29552635 PMCID: PMC5850091 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cells interact with and remodel their microenvironment, degrading large extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (e.g., fibronectin, collagens) and secreting new ECM proteins and small soluble factors (e.g., growth factors, cytokines). Synthetic mimics of the ECM have been developed as controlled cell culture platforms for use in both fundamental and applied studies. However, how cells broadly remodel these initially well-defined matrices remains poorly understood and difficult to probe. In this work, we have established methods for widely examining both large and small proteins that are secreted by cells within synthetic matrices. Specifically, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), a model primary cell type, were cultured within well-defined poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-peptide hydrogels, and these cell-matrix constructs were decellularized and degraded for subsequent isolation and analysis of deposited proteins. Shotgun proteomics using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry identified a variety of proteins, including the large ECM proteins fibronectin and collagen VI. Immunostaining and confocal imaging confirmed these results and provided visualization of protein organization within the synthetic matrices. Additionally, culture medium was collected from the encapsulated hMSCs, and a Luminex assay was performed to identify secreted soluble factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelial growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Together, these methods provide a unique approach for studying dynamic reciprocity between cells and synthetic microenvironments and have the potential to provide new biological insights into cell responses during three-dimensional (3D) controlled cell culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Sawicki
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Leila H. Choe
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Delaware
Biotechnology Institute, Newark, Delaware 19711, United States
| | - Katherine L. Wiley
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Kelvin H. Lee
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Delaware
Biotechnology Institute, Newark, Delaware 19711, United States
| | - April M. Kloxin
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, University
of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United
States
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Dondajewska E, Juzwa W, Mackiewicz A, Dams-Kozlowska H. Heterotypic breast cancer model based on a silk fibroin scaffold to study the tumor microenvironment. Oncotarget 2018; 9:4935-4950. [PMID: 29435153 PMCID: PMC5797024 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
An intensive investigation of the development of in vitro models to study tumor biology has led to the generation of various three-dimensional (3D) culture methods that better mimic in vivo conditions. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is shaped by direct interactions among cancer cells, cancer-associated cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Recognizing the need to incorporate both tissue dimensionality and the heterogeneity of cells, we have developed a 3D breast cancer model. NIH3T3 fibroblasts and EMT6 breast cancer cell lines were seeded in various ratios onto a silk fibroin scaffold. The porosity of the silk scaffold was optimized to facilitate the growth of cancer cells. EMT6 and NIH3T3 cells were modified to express GFP and turboFP635, respectively, which enabled the direct analysis of the cell morphology and colonization of the scaffold and for the separation of the cells after their co-culture. Use of 3D mono-culture and 3D co-culture methods resulted in the modification of cell morphology and in a significant increase in ECM production. These culture methods also induced cellular changes related to EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) and CAF (cancer-associated fibroblast) markers. The presented model is an easy to manufacture, well-characterized tool that can be used to study processes of the TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Dondajewska
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60-806, Poland
| | - Wojciech Juzwa
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 60-627 Poznan, Poland
| | - Andrzej Mackiewicz
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60-806, Poland
- Department of Diagnostics and Cancer Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan 61-866, Poland
| | - Hanna Dams-Kozlowska
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60-806, Poland
- Department of Diagnostics and Cancer Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan 61-866, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Trachsel L, Broguiere N, Rosenboom JG, Zenobi-Wong M, Benetti EM. Enzymatically crosslinked poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) networks for 3D cell culture. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:7568-7572. [DOI: 10.1039/c8tb02382d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cellularized poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) hydrogels fabricated by sortase-mediated crosslinking feature tunable mechanical properties and enable extremely high cell viability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucca Trachsel
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology
- ETH Zürich
- Zürich
- Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Broguiere
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology
- ETH Zürich
- Zürich
- Switzerland
| | - Jan-Georg Rosenboom
- Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences
- ETH Zürich
- Zürich
- Switzerland
| | - Marcy Zenobi-Wong
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology
- ETH Zürich
- Zürich
- Switzerland
| | - Edmondo M. Benetti
- Polymer Surfaces Group
- Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology
- Department of Materials
- ETH Zürich
- Zürich
| |
Collapse
|
69
|
Ahrens CC, Dong Z, Li W. Engineering cell aggregates through incorporated polymeric microparticles. Acta Biomater 2017; 62:64-81. [PMID: 28782721 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ex vivo cell aggregates must overcome significant limitations in the transport of nutrients, drugs, and signaling proteins compared to vascularized native tissue. Further, engineered extracellular environments often fail to sufficiently replicate tethered signaling cues and the complex architecture of native tissue. Co-cultures of cells with microparticles (MPs) is a growing field directed towards overcoming many of these challenges by providing local and controlled presentation of both soluble and tethered proteins and small molecules. Further, co-cultured MPs offer a mechanism to better control aggregate architecture and even to report key characteristics of the local microenvironment such as pH or oxygen levels. Herein, we provide a brief introduction to established and developing strategies for MP production including the choice of MP materials, fabrication techniques, and techniques for incorporating additional functionality. In all cases, we emphasize the specific utility of each approach to form MPs useful for applications in cell aggregate co-culture. We review established techniques to integrate cells and MPs. We highlight those strategies that promote targeted heterogeneity or homogeneity, and we describe approaches to engineer cell-particle and particle-particle interactions that enhance aggregate stability and biological response. Finally, we review advances in key application areas of MP aggregates and future areas of development. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT Cell-scaled polymer microparticles (MPs) integrated into cellular aggregates have been shown to be a powerful tool to direct cell response. MPs have supported the development of healthy cartilage, islets, nerves, and vasculature by the maintenance of soluble gradients as well as by the local presentation of tethered cues and diffusing proteins and small molecules. MPs integrated with pluripotent stem cells have directed in vivo expansion and differentiation. Looking forward, MPs are expected to support both the characterization and development of in vitro tissue systems for applications such as drug testing platforms. However, useful co-cultures must be designed keeping in mind the limitations and attributes of each material strategy within the context of the overall tissue biology. The present review integrates prospectives from materials development, drug delivery, and tissue engineering to provide a toolbox for the development and application of MPs useful for long-term co-culture within cell aggregates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline C Ahrens
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States
| | - Ziye Dong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Arkenberg MR, Lin CC. Orthogonal enzymatic reactions for rapid crosslinking and dynamic tuning of PEG–peptide hydrogels. Biomater Sci 2017; 5:2231-2240. [DOI: 10.1039/c7bm00691h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A biocompatible PEG–peptide hydrogel with dynamically tunable stiffness was developed through sortase A-mediated crosslinking and mushroom tyrosinase-triggered stiffening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Arkenberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Purdue School of Engineering & Technology
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
- Indianapolis
- USA
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Purdue School of Engineering & Technology
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
- Indianapolis
- USA
| |
Collapse
|