51
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Nunes Vicente F, Chen T, Rossier O, Giannone G. Novel imaging methods and force probes for molecular mechanobiology of cytoskeleton and adhesion. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:204-220. [PMID: 36055943 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.07.008] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Detection and conversion of mechanical forces into biochemical signals is known as mechanotransduction. From cells to tissues, mechanotransduction regulates migration, proliferation, and differentiation in processes such as immune responses, development, and cancer progression. Mechanosensitive structures such as integrin adhesions, the actin cortex, ion channels, caveolae, and the nucleus sense and transmit forces. In vitro approaches showed that mechanosensing is based on force-dependent protein deformations and reorganizations. However, the mechanisms in cells remained unclear since cell imaging techniques lacked molecular resolution. Thanks to recent developments in super-resolution microscopy (SRM) and molecular force sensors, it is possible to obtain molecular insight of mechanosensing in live cells. We discuss how understanding of molecular mechanotransduction was revolutionized by these innovative approaches, focusing on integrin adhesions, actin structures, and the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Nunes Vicente
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France; Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tianchi Chen
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Rossier
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
| | - Grégory Giannone
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.
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52
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Yuan Z, Duan X, Su X, Tian Z, Jiang A, Wan Z, Wang H, Wei P, Zhao B, Liu X, Huang J. Catch bond-inspired hydrogels with repeatable and loading rate-sensitive specific adhesion. Bioact Mater 2023; 21:566-575. [PMID: 36204280 PMCID: PMC9519436 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological receptor-ligand adhesion governed by mammalian cells involves a series of mechanochemical processes that can realize reversible, loading rate-dependent specific interfacial bonding, and even exhibit a counterintuitive behavior called catch bonds that tend to have much longer lifetimes when larger pulling forces are applied. Inspired by these catch bonds, we designed a hydrogen bonding-meditated hydrogel made from acrylic acid-N-acryloyl glycinamide (AA-NAGA) copolymers and tannic acids (TA), which formed repeatable specific adhesion to polar surfaces in an ultra-fast and robust way, but hardly adhered to nonpolar materials. It demonstrated up to five-fold increase in shear adhesive strength and interfacial adhesive toughness with external loading rates varying from 5 to 500 mm min−1. With a mechanochemical coupling model based on Monte Carlo simulations, we quantitatively revealed the nonlinear dependence of rate-sensitive interfacial adhesion on external loading, which was in good agreement with the experimental data. Likewise, the developed hydrogels were biocompatible, possessed antioxidant and antibacterial properties and promoted wound healing. This work not only reports a stimuli-responsive hydrogel adhesive suitable for multiple biomedical applications, but also offers an innovative strategy for bionic designs of smart hydrogels with loading rate-sensitive specific adhesion for various emerging areas including flexible electronics and soft robotics. Catch-bond inspired hydrogels (PNT hydrogels) were proposed. PNT hydrogels could realize loading-rate sensitive specific adhesion. The nonlinear dynamic responses of PNT hydrogels were quantitatively dissected. The optimized PNT-10 hydrogel was promotive in wound healing.
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53
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Tsirigoni AM, Goktas M, Atris Z, Valleriani A, Vila Verde A, Blank KG. Chain Sliding versus β-Sheet Formation upon Shearing Single α-Helical Coiled Coils. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2200563. [PMID: 36861255 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200563] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Coiled coils (CCs) are key building blocks of biogenic materials and determine their mechanical response to large deformations. Of particular interest is the observation that CC-based materials display a force-induced transition from α-helices to mechanically stronger β-sheets (αβT). Steered molecular dynamics simulations predict that this αβT requires a minimum, pulling speed-dependent CC length. Here, de novo designed CCs with a length between four to seven heptads are utilized to probe if the transition found in natural CCs can be mimicked with synthetic sequences. Using single-molecule force spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, these CCs are mechanically loaded in shear geometry and their rupture forces and structural responses to the applied load are determined. Simulations at the highest pulling speed (0.01 nm ns-1 ) show the appearance of β-sheet structures for the five- and six-heptad CCs and a concomitant increase in mechanical strength. The αβT is less probable at a lower pulling speed of 0.001 nm ns-1 and is not observed in force spectroscopy experiments. For CCs loaded in shear geometry, the formation of β-sheets competes with interchain sliding. β-sheet formation is only possible in higher-order CC assemblies or in tensile-loading geometries where chain sliding and dissociation are prohibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maria Tsirigoni
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Mechano(bio)chemistry, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.,Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Melis Goktas
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Mechano(bio)chemistry, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Zeynep Atris
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Mechano(bio)chemistry, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.,Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Angelo Valleriani
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ana Vila Verde
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Physics, Lotharstrasse 1, 47057, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin G Blank
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Mechano(bio)chemistry, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.,Johannes Kepler University Linz, Institute of Experimental Physics, Department of Biomolecular & Selforganizing Matter, Altenberger Strasse 69, Linz, 4040, Austria
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54
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Kim SH, Li ITS. Super-Resolution Tension PAINT Imaging with a Molecular Beacon. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202217028. [PMID: 36534951 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202217028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
DNA-PAINT enabled super-resolution imaging through the transient binding of fluorescently-labelled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) imagers to target ssDNA. However, its performance is constrained by imager background fluorescence, resulting in relatively long image acquisition and potential artifacts. We designed a molecular beacon (MB) as the PAINT imager. Unbound MB in solution reduces the background fluorescence due to its natively quenched state. They are fluorogenic upon binding to target DNA to create individual fluorescence events. We demonstrate that MB-PAINT provides localization precision similar to traditional linear imager DNA-PAINT. We also show that MB-PAINT is ideally suited for fast super-resolution imaging of molecular tension probes in living cells, eliminating the potential of artifacts from free-diffusing imagers in traditional DNA-PAINT at the cell-substrate interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Ho Kim
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Isaac T S Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
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55
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Mana G, Valdembri D, Askari JA, Li Z, Caswell P, Zhu C, Humphries MJ, Ballestrem C, Serini G. The βI domain promotes active β1 integrin clustering into mature adhesion sites. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201388. [PMID: 36410791 PMCID: PMC9679427 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of integrin function is required in many physiological and pathological settings, such as angiogenesis and cancer. Integrin allosteric changes, clustering, and trafficking cooperate to regulate cell adhesion and motility on extracellular matrix proteins via mechanisms that are partly defined. By exploiting four monoclonal antibodies recognizing distinct conformational epitopes, we show that in endothelial cells (ECs), the extracellular βI domain, but not the hybrid or I-EGF2 domain of active β1 integrins, promotes their FAK-regulated clustering into tensin 1-containing fibrillar adhesions and impairs their endocytosis. In this regard, the βI domain-dependent clustering of active β1 integrins is necessary to favor fibronectin-elicited directional EC motility, which cannot be effectively promoted by β1 integrin conformational activation alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Mana
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo (TO), Italy
| | - Donatella Valdembri
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo (TO), Italy
| | - Janet A Askari
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Zhenhai Li
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Patrick Caswell
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Martin J Humphries
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Christoph Ballestrem
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Guido Serini
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo (TO), Italy
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56
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Kanchanawong P, Calderwood DA. Organization, dynamics and mechanoregulation of integrin-mediated cell-ECM adhesions. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:142-161. [PMID: 36168065 PMCID: PMC9892292 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00531-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The ability of animal cells to sense, adhere to and remodel their local extracellular matrix (ECM) is central to control of cell shape, mechanical responsiveness, motility and signalling, and hence to development, tissue formation, wound healing and the immune response. Cell-ECM interactions occur at various specialized, multi-protein adhesion complexes that serve to physically link the ECM to the cytoskeleton and the intracellular signalling apparatus. This occurs predominantly via clustered transmembrane receptors of the integrin family. Here we review how the interplay of mechanical forces, biochemical signalling and molecular self-organization determines the composition, organization, mechanosensitivity and dynamics of these adhesions. Progress in the identification of core multi-protein modules within the adhesions and characterization of rearrangements of their components in response to force, together with advanced imaging approaches, has improved understanding of adhesion maturation and turnover and the relationships between adhesion structures and functions. Perturbations of adhesion contribute to a broad range of diseases and to age-related dysfunction, thus an improved understanding of their molecular nature may facilitate therapeutic intervention in these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakorn Kanchanawong
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - David A Calderwood
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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57
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Chen Y, Kong F, Li Z, Ju LA, Zhu C. Force-regulated spontaneous conformational changes of integrins α 5 β 1 and α V β 3. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.09.523308. [PMID: 36712101 PMCID: PMC9881988 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.09.523308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Force can modulate the properties and functions of macromolecules by inducing conformational changes, such as coiling/uncoiling, zipping/unzipping, and folding/unfolding. Here we compared force-modulated bending/unbending of two purified integrin ectodomains, α 5 β 1 and α V β 3 , using single-molecule approaches. Similar to previously characterized mechano-sensitive macromolecules, the conformation of α 5 β 1 is determined by a threshold head-to-tail tension, suggesting a canonical energy landscape with a deep energy well that traps the integrin in the bent state until sufficient force tilts the energy landscape to accelerate transition to the extended state. By comparison, α V β 3 exhibits bi-stability even without force and can spontaneously transition between the bent and extended conformations in a wide range of forces without energy supplies. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed consecutive formation and disruption of 7 hydrogen bonds during α V β 3 bending and unbending, respectively. Accordingly, we constructed an energy landscape with hexa-stable intermediate states to break down the energy barrier separating the bent and extended states into smaller ones, making it possible for the thermal agitation energy to overcome them sequentially and to be accumulated and converted into mechanical work required for α V β 3 to bend against force. Our study elucidates the different inner workings of α 5 β 1 and α V β 3 at the sub-molecular level, sheds lights on how their respectively functions are facilitated by their distinctive mechano-sensitivities, helps understand their signal initiation processes, and provides critical concepts and useful design principles for engineering of protein-based biomechanical nanomachines.
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58
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Stolarska MA, Rammohan AR. On the significance of membrane unfolding in mechanosensitive cell spreading: Its individual and synergistic effects. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:2408-2438. [PMID: 36899540 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensitivity of cell spread area to substrate stiffness has been established both through experiments and different types of mathematical models of varying complexity including both the mechanics and biochemical reactions in the cell. What has not been addressed in previous mathematical models is the role of cell membrane dynamics on cell spreading, and an investigation of this issue is the goal of this work. We start with a simple mechanical model of cell spreading on a deformable substrate and progressively layer mechanisms to account for the traction dependent growth of focal adhesions, focal adhesion induced actin polymerization, membrane unfolding/exocytosis and contractility. This layering approach is intended to progressively help in understanding the role each mechanism plays in reproducing experimentally observed cell spread areas. To model membrane unfolding we introduce a novel approach based on defining an active rate of membrane deformation that is dependent on membrane tension. Our modeling approach allows us to show that tension-dependent membrane unfolding plays a critical role in achieving the large cell spread areas experimentally observed on stiff substrates. We also demonstrate that coupling between membrane unfolding and focal adhesion induced polymerization works synergistically to further enhance cell spread area sensitivity to substrate stiffness. This enhancement has to do with the fact that the peripheral velocity of spreading cells is associated with contributions from the different mechanisms by either enhancing the polymerization velocity at the leading edge or slowing down of the retrograde flow of actin within the cell. The temporal evolution of this balance in the model corresponds to the three-phase behavior observed experimentally during spreading. In the initial phase membrane unfolding is found to be particularly important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena A Stolarska
- Department of Mathematics, 2115 Summit Ave., University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA
| | - Aravind R Rammohan
- Corning Life Sciences, Corning Inc., 836 North St, Tewksbury, MA 01876, USA
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59
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Pawluchin A, Galic M. Moving through a changing world: Single cell migration in 2D vs. 3D. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1080995. [PMID: 36605722 PMCID: PMC9810339 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1080995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Migration of single adherent cells is frequently observed in the developing and adult organism and has been the subject of many studies. Yet, while elegant work has elucidated molecular and mechanical cues affecting motion dynamics on a flat surface, it remains less clear how cells migrate in a 3D setting. In this review, we explore the changing parameters encountered by cells navigating through a 3D microenvironment compared to cells crawling on top of a 2D surface, and how these differences alter subcellular structures required for propulsion. We further discuss how such changes at the micro-scale impact motion pattern at the macro-scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pawluchin
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- CIM-IMRPS Graduate Program, Münster, Germany
| | - Milos Galic
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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60
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Ji Y, Fang Y, Wu J. Tension Enhances the Binding Affinity of β1 Integrin by Clamping Talin Tightly: An Insight from Steered Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:5688-5698. [PMID: 36269690 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Integrin activation is a predominant step for cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions. Talin and Kindlin are mechanosensitive adaptor proteins that bind to the integrin cytoplasmic tail and mediate integrin activation, cytoskeleton rearrangement, and focal adhesion assembly. However, knowledge about how Talin and Kindlin synergistically assist integrin activation remains unclear. Here, we performed so-called "ramp-clamp" SMD simulations, which modeled the mechanosignaling from Kindlin, to investigate the effect of tension on the interaction of the β1 integrin cytoplasmic tail with the Talin-F3 domain. The present results showed that mild but not excessive stretching enhanced the binding of integrin with Talin. This mechanical regulation on integrin affinity to Talin referred to an event cascade, in which under stretching, the integrin cytoplasmic tail adopted allostery in response to the mechanical stimulus, remodeling of integrin in favor of Talin-association ensued, and finally, a stable, close-knit complex was formed. In the cascade, the torsion angle transition of integrin was the cue for the stable interaction of the complex under tensile force. The present work suggested a model for Talin and Kindlin to synergistically activate integrin. It should help understand integrin activation and its mechanochemical regulation mechanism, integrin-related innate cellular immune responses, cell adhesion, cell-cell interaction, and integrin-related drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Ji
- Institute of Biomechanics/School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ying Fang
- Institute of Biomechanics/School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Institute of Biomechanics/School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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61
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Hawkes W, Marhuenda E, Reynolds P, O'Neill C, Pandey P, Samuel Wilson DG, Freeley M, Huang D, Hu J, Gondarenko S, Hone J, Gadegaard N, Palma M, Iskratsch T. Regulation of cardiomyocyte adhesion and mechanosignalling through distinct nanoscale behaviour of integrin ligands mimicking healthy or fibrotic extracellular matrix. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20220021. [PMID: 36189804 PMCID: PMC9527911 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The stiffness of the cardiovascular environment changes during ageing and in disease and contributes to disease incidence and progression. Changing collagen expression and cross-linking regulate the rigidity of the cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM). Additionally, basal lamina glycoproteins, especially laminin and fibronectin regulate cardiomyocyte adhesion formation, mechanics and mechanosignalling. Laminin is abundant in the healthy heart, but fibronectin is increasingly expressed in the fibrotic heart. ECM receptors are co-regulated with the changing ECM. Owing to differences in integrin dynamics, clustering and downstream adhesion formation this is expected to ultimately influence cardiomyocyte mechanosignalling; however, details remain elusive. Here, we sought to investigate how different cardiomyocyte integrin/ligand combinations affect adhesion formation, traction forces and mechanosignalling, using a combination of uniformly coated surfaces with defined stiffness, polydimethylsiloxane nanopillars, micropatterning and specifically designed bionanoarrays for precise ligand presentation. Thereby we found that the adhesion nanoscale organization, signalling and traction force generation of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (which express both laminin and fibronectin binding integrins) are strongly dependent on the integrin/ligand combination. Together our data indicate that the presence of fibronectin in combination with the enhanced stiffness in fibrotic areas will strongly impact on the cardiomyocyte behaviour and influence disease progression. This article is part of the theme issue 'The cardiomyocyte: new revelations on the interplay between architecture and function in growth, health, and disease'.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Hawkes
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Emilie Marhuenda
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Paul Reynolds
- School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Caoimhe O'Neill
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Pragati Pandey
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | | | - Mark Freeley
- Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Da Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Junquiang Hu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Sasha Gondarenko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - James Hone
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Matteo Palma
- Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Thomas Iskratsch
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
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62
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Cardiac fibroblasts and mechanosensation in heart development, health and disease. Nat Rev Cardiol 2022; 20:309-324. [PMID: 36376437 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-022-00799-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The term 'mechanosensation' describes the capacity of cells to translate mechanical stimuli into the coordinated regulation of intracellular signals, cellular function, gene expression and epigenetic programming. This capacity is related not only to the sensitivity of the cells to tissue motion, but also to the decryption of tissue geometric arrangement and mechanical properties. The cardiac stroma, composed of fibroblasts, has been historically considered a mechanically passive component of the heart. However, the latest research suggests that the mechanical functions of these cells are an active and necessary component of the developmental biology programme of the heart that is involved in myocardial growth and homeostasis, and a crucial determinant of cardiac repair and disease. In this Review, we discuss the general concept of cell mechanosensation and force generation as potent regulators in heart development and pathology, and describe the integration of mechanical and biohumoral pathways predisposing the heart to fibrosis and failure. Next, we address the use of 3D culture systems to integrate tissue mechanics to mimic cardiac remodelling. Finally, we highlight the potential of mechanotherapeutic strategies, including pharmacological treatment and device-mediated left ventricular unloading, to reverse remodelling in the failing heart.
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63
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Integrin Conformational Dynamics and Mechanotransduction. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223584. [PMID: 36429013 PMCID: PMC9688440 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of the integrin family of receptors as central mediators of cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell-cell adhesion requires a remarkable convergence of interactions and influences. Integrins must be anchored to the cytoskeleton and bound to extracellular ligands in order to provide firm adhesion, with force transmission across this linkage conferring tissue integrity. Integrin affinity to ligands is highly regulated by cell signaling pathways, altering affinity constants by 1000-fold or more, via a series of long-range conformational transitions. In this review, we first summarize basic, well-known features of integrin conformational states and then focus on new information concerning the impact of mechanical forces on these states and interstate transitions. We also discuss how these effects may impact mechansensitive cell functions and identify unanswered questions for future studies.
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64
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Ibata N, Terentjev EM. Nucleation of cadherin clusters on cell-cell interfaces. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18485. [PMID: 36323859 PMCID: PMC9630535 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23220-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadherins mediate cell-cell adhesion and help the cell determine its shape and function. Here we study collective cadherin organization and interactions within cell-cell contact areas, and find the cadherin density at which a 'gas-liquid' phase transition occurs, when cadherin monomers begin to aggregate into dense clusters. We use a 2D lattice model of a cell-cell contact area, and coarse-grain to the continuous number density of cadherin to map the model onto the Cahn-Hilliard coarsening theory. This predicts the density required for nucleation, the characteristic length scale of the process, and the number density of clusters. The analytical predictions of the model are in good agreement with experimental observations of cadherin clustering in epithelial tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Ibata
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE UK
| | - Eugene M. Terentjev
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE UK
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65
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Chen PC, Feng XQ, Li B. Unified multiscale theory of cellular mechanical adaptations to substrate stiffness. Biophys J 2022; 121:3474-3485. [PMID: 35978549 PMCID: PMC9515123 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rigidity of the extracellular matrix markedly regulates many cellular processes. However, how cells detect and respond to matrix rigidity remains incompletely understood. Here, we propose a unified two-dimensional multiscale framework accounting for the chemomechanical feedback to explore the interrelated cellular mechanosensing, polarization, and migration, which constitute the dynamic cascade in cellular response to matrix stiffness but are often modeled separately in previous theories. By combining integrin dynamics and intracellular force transduction, we show that substrate stiffness can act as a switch to activate or deactivate cell polarization. Our theory quantitatively reproduces rich stiffness-dependent cellular dynamics, including spreading, polarity selection, migration pattern, durotaxis, and even negative durotaxis, reported in a wide spectrum of cell types, and reconciles some inconsistent experimental observations. We find that a specific bipolarized mode can determine the optimal substrate stiffness, which enables the fastest cell migration rather than the largest traction forces that cells apply on the substrate. We identify that such a mechanical adaptation stems from the force balance across the whole cell. These findings could yield universal insights into various stiffness-mediated cellular processes within the context of tissue morphogenesis, wound healing, and cancer invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Cheng Chen
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xi-Qiao Feng
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bo Li
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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66
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Huang W, Le S, Sun Y, Lin DJ, Yao M, Shi Y, Yan J. Mechanical Stabilization of a Bacterial Adhesion Complex. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:16808-16818. [PMID: 36070862 PMCID: PMC9501914 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c03961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The adhesions between Gram-positive bacteria and their
hosts are
exposed to varying magnitudes of tensile forces. Here, using an ultrastable
magnetic tweezer-based single-molecule approach, we show the catch-bond
kinetics of the prototypical adhesion complex of SD-repeat protein
G (SdrG) to a peptide from fibrinogen β (Fgβ) over a physiologically
important force range from piconewton (pN) to tens of pN, which was
not technologically accessible to previous studies. At 37 °C,
the lifetime of the complex exponentially increases from seconds at
several pN to ∼1000 s as the force reaches 30 pN, leading to
mechanical stabilization of the adhesion. The dissociation transition
pathway is determined as the unbinding of a critical β-strand
peptide (“latch” strand of SdrG that secures the entire
adhesion complex) away from its binding cleft, leading to the dissociation
of the Fgβ ligand. Similar mechanical stabilization behavior
is also observed in several homologous adhesions, suggesting the generality
of catch-bond kinetics in such bacterial adhesions. We reason that
such mechanical stabilization confers multiple advantages in the pathogenesis
and adaptation of bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenmao Huang
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542.,Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
| | - Shimin Le
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542.,Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Department of Physics, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yuze Sun
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
| | - Dennis Jingxiong Lin
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542.,Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
| | - Mingxi Yao
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore 138634
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542.,Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411.,Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117546
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67
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Michiels R, Gensch N, Erhard B, Rohrbach A. Pulling, failing, and adaptive mechanotransduction of macrophage filopodia. Biophys J 2022; 121:3224-3241. [PMID: 35927956 PMCID: PMC9463700 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages use filopodia to withdraw particles toward the cell body for phagocytosis. This can require substantial forces, which the cell generates after bio-mechanical stimuli are transmitted to the filopodium. Adaptation mechanisms to mechanical stimuli are essential for cells, but can a cell iteratively improve filopodia pulling? If so, the underlying mechanic adaptation principles organized on the protein level are unclear. Here, we tackle this problem using optically trapped 1 μm beads, which we tracked interferometrically at 1 MHz during connection to the tips of dorsal filopodia of macrophages. We observe repetitive failures while the filopodium tries to pull the bead out of the optical trap. Analyses of mean bead motions and position fluctuations on the nano-meter and microsecond scale indicate mechanical ruptures caused by a force-dependent actin-membrane connection. We found that beads are retracted three times slower under any load between 5 and 40 pN relative to the no-load transport, which has the same speed as the actin retrograde flow obtained from fluorescent speckle tracking. From this duty ratio of pulling velocities, we estimated a continuous on/off binding with τoff = 2⋅τon, with measured off times τoff = 0.1-0.5 s. Remarkably, we see a gradual increase of filopodia pulling forces from 10 to 30 pN over time and after failures, which points toward an unknown adaptation mechanism. Additionally, we see that the attachment strength and friction between the bead and filopodium tip increases under load and over time. All observations are typical for catch-bond proteins such as integrin-talin complexes. We present a mechanistic picture of adaptive mechanotransduction, which formed by the help of mathematical models for repetitive tip ruptures and reconnections. The analytic mathematical model and the stochastic computer simulations, both based on catch-bond lifetimes, confirmed our measurements. Such catch-bond characteristics could also be important for other immune cells taking up counteracting pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Michiels
- Laboratory for Bio- and Nano-Photonics, Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Gensch
- Core Facility Signalling Factory, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Erhard
- Laboratory for Bio- and Nano-Photonics, Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Rohrbach
- Laboratory for Bio- and Nano-Photonics, Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg, Germany.
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68
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Narasimhan S, Holmes WR, Kaverina I. Merging of ventral fibers at adhesions drives the remodeling of cellular contractile systems in fibroblasts. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2022; 79:81-93. [PMID: 35996927 PMCID: PMC9770016 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Ventral stress fibers (VSFs) are contractile actin fibers dynamically attached to cell-matrix focal adhesions. VSFs are critical in cellular traction force production and migration. VSFs vary from randomly oriented short, thinner fibers to long, thick fibers that span along the whole long axis of a cell. De novo VSF formation was shown to occur by cortical actin mesh condensation or by crosslinking of dorsal stress fibers and transverse arcs at the cell front. However, the formation of long VSFs that extend across the whole cell axis is not well understood. Here, we report a novel phenomenon of VSF merging in migratory fibroblast cells, which is guided by mechanical force balance and contributes to VSF alignment along the long cell axis. The mechanism of VSF merging involves two steps: connection of two ventral fibers by an emerging myosin II bridge at an intervening adhesion and intervening adhesion dissolution. Our data indicate that these two steps are interdependent: slow adhesion disassembly leads to the slowing of the myosin bridge formation. Cellular data and computational modeling show that the contact angle between merging fibers decides successful merging, with shallow angles leading to merge failure. Our data and modeling further show that merging increases the share of uniformly aligned long VSFs, likely contributing to directional traction force production. Thus, we characterize merging as a process for dynamic reorganization of VSFs with functional significance for directional cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Irina Kaverina
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University
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69
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Luo J, Walker M, Xiao Y, Donnelly H, Dalby MJ, Salmeron-Sanchez M. The influence of nanotopography on cell behaviour through interactions with the extracellular matrix – A review. Bioact Mater 2022; 15:145-159. [PMID: 35386337 PMCID: PMC8940943 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanotopography presents an effective physical approach for biomaterial cell manipulation mediated through material-extracellular matrix interactions. The extracellular matrix that exists in the cellular microenvironment is crucial for guiding cell behaviours, such as determination of integrin ligation and interaction with growth factors. These interactions with the extracellular matrix regulate downstream mechanotransductive pathways, such as rearrangements in the cytoskeleton and activation of signal cascades. Protein adsorption onto nanotopography strongly influences the conformation and distribution density of extracellular matrix and, therefore, subsequent cell responses. In this review, we first discuss the interactive mechanisms of protein physical adsorption on nanotopography. Secondly, we summarise advances in creating nanotopographical features to instruct desired cell behaviours. Lastly, we focus on the cellular mechanotransductive pathways initiated by nanotopography. This review provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art designs of nanotopography aiming to provide better biomedical materials for the future. A comprehensive overview of nanotopography fabrication, and nanotopography regulates various cell behaviours. The interactive physical adsorption between nanotopography and extracellular matrix. Nanotopography initiates the cellular mechanotransductive pathways and downstream signalling cascades.
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70
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Guo Y, Mofrad MRK, Tepole AB. On modeling the multiscale mechanobiology of soft tissues: Challenges and progress. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 3:031303. [PMID: 38505274 PMCID: PMC10903412 DOI: 10.1063/5.0085025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Tissues grow and remodel in response to mechanical cues, extracellular and intracellular signals experienced through various biological events, from the developing embryo to disease and aging. The macroscale response of soft tissues is typically nonlinear, viscoelastic anisotropic, and often emerges from the hierarchical structure of tissues, primarily their biopolymer fiber networks at the microscale. The adaptation to mechanical cues is likewise a multiscale phenomenon. Cell mechanobiology, the ability of cells to transform mechanical inputs into chemical signaling inside the cell, and subsequent regulation of cellular behavior through intra- and inter-cellular signaling networks, is the key coupling at the microscale between the mechanical cues and the mechanical adaptation seen macroscopically. To fully understand mechanics of tissues in growth and remodeling as observed at the tissue level, multiscale models of tissue mechanobiology are essential. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the art modeling tools of soft tissues at both scales, the tissue level response, and the cell scale mechanobiology models. To help the interested reader become more familiar with these modeling frameworks, we also show representative examples. Our aim here is to bring together scientists from different disciplines and enable the future leap in multiscale modeling of tissue mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Guo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Mohammad R. K. Mofrad
- Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Adrian Buganza Tepole
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
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71
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Ma Z, Zhu K, Gao Y, Tan S, Miao Y. Molecular condensation and mechanoregulation of plant class I formin, an integrin‐like actin nucleator. FEBS J 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.16571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Ma
- School of Biological Sciences Nanyang Technological University Singapore City Singapore
| | - Kexin Zhu
- School of Biological Sciences Nanyang Technological University Singapore City Singapore
| | - Yong‐Gui Gao
- School of Biological Sciences Nanyang Technological University Singapore City Singapore
| | - Suet‐Mien Tan
- School of Biological Sciences Nanyang Technological University Singapore City Singapore
| | - Yansong Miao
- School of Biological Sciences Nanyang Technological University Singapore City Singapore
- Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science Nanyang Technological University Singapore City Singapore
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72
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Li N, Zhang X, Zhou J, Li W, Shu X, Wu Y, Long M. Multiscale biomechanics and mechanotransduction from liver fibrosis to cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 188:114448. [PMID: 35820602 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of multiscale biomechanical studies has been proposed to highlight the mechanical cues in the development of hepatic fibrosis and cancer. At the cellular level, changes in mechanical microenvironment induce phenotypic and functional alterations of hepatic cells, initiating a positive feedback loop that promotes liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis. Tumor mechanical microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma facilitates tumor cell growth and metastasis, and hinders the drug delivery and immunotherapy. At the molecular level, mechanical forces are sensed and transmitted into hepatic cells via allosteric activation of mechanoreceptors on the cell membrane, leading to the activation of various mechanotransduction pathways including integrin and YAP signaling and then regulating cell function. Thus, the application of mechanomedicine concept in the treatment of liver diseases is promising for rational design and cell-specific delivery of therapeutic drugs. This review mainly discusses the correlation between biomechanical cues and liver diseases from the viewpoint of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Wang Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinyu Shu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mian Long
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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73
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Sokurenko EV, Tchesnokova V, Interlandi G, Klevit R, Thomas WE. Neutralizing antibodies against allosteric proteins: insights from a bacterial adhesin. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167717. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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74
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Recombinant FimH Adhesin Demonstrates How the Allosteric Catch Bond Mechanism Can Support Fast and Strong Bacterial Attachment in the Absence of Shear. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167681. [PMID: 35697293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The FimH protein of Escherichia coli is a model two-domain adhesin that is able to mediate an allosteric catch bond mechanism of bacterial cell attachment, where the mannose-binding lectin domain switches from an 'inactive' conformation with fast binding to mannose to an 'active' conformation with slow detachment from mannose. Because mechanical tensile force favors separation of the domains and, thus, FimH activation, it has been thought that the catch bonds can only be manifested in a fluidic shear-dependent mode of adhesion. Here, we used recombinant FimH variants with a weakened inter-domain interaction and show that a fast and sustained allosteric activation of FimH can also occur under static, non-shear conditions. Moreover, it appears that lectin domain conformational activation happens intrinsically at a constant rate, independently from its ability to interact with the pilin domain or mannose. However, the latter two factors control the rate of FimH deactivation. Thus, the allosteric catch bond mechanism can be a much broader phenomenon involved in both fast and strong cell-pathogen attachments under a broad range of hydrodynamic conditions. This concept that allostery can enable more effective receptor-ligand interactions is fundamentally different from the conventional wisdom that allostery provides a mechanism to turn binding off under specific conditions.
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75
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Yamaguchi N, Knaut H. Focal adhesion-mediated cell anchoring and migration: from in vitro to in vivo. Development 2022; 149:dev200647. [PMID: 35587444 PMCID: PMC9188754 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cell-extracellular matrix interactions have been studied extensively using cells cultured in vitro. These studies indicate that focal adhesion (FA)-based cell-extracellular matrix interactions are essential for cell anchoring and cell migration. Whether FAs play a similarly important role in vivo is less clear. Here, we summarize the formation and function of FAs in cultured cells and review how FAs transmit and sense force in vitro. Using examples from animal studies, we also describe the role of FAs in cell anchoring during morphogenetic movements and cell migration in vivo. Finally, we conclude by discussing similarities and differences in how FAs function in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Holger Knaut
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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76
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The interface between biochemical signaling and cell mechanics shapes T lymphocyte migration and activation. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151236. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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77
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de Regt AK, Clark CJ, Asbury CL, Biggins S. Tension can directly suppress Aurora B kinase-triggered release of kinetochore-microtubule attachments. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2152. [PMID: 35443757 PMCID: PMC9021268 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29542-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome segregation requires sister kinetochores to attach microtubules emanating from opposite spindle poles. Proper attachments come under tension and are stabilized, but defective attachments lacking tension are released, giving another chance for correct attachments to form. This error correction process depends on Aurora B kinase, which phosphorylates kinetochores to destabilize their microtubule attachments. However, the mechanism by which Aurora B distinguishes tense versus relaxed kinetochores remains unclear because it is difficult to detect kinase-triggered detachment and to manipulate kinetochore tension in vivo. To address these challenges, we apply an optical trapping-based assay using soluble Aurora B and reconstituted kinetochore-microtubule attachments. Strikingly, the tension on these attachments suppresses their Aurora B-triggered release, suggesting that tension-dependent changes in the conformation of kinetochores can regulate Aurora B activity or its outcome. Our work uncovers the basis for a key mechano-regulatory event that ensures accurate segregation and may inform studies of other mechanically regulated enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K de Regt
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cordell J Clark
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Charles L Asbury
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Sue Biggins
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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78
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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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79
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Weißenbruch K, Fladung M, Grewe J, Baulesch L, Schwarz US, Bastmeyer M. Nonmuscle myosin IIA dynamically guides regulatory light chain phosphorylation and assembly of nonmuscle myosin IIB. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151213. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
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80
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Banerjee S, Nara R, Chakraborty S, Chowdhury D, Haldar S. Integrin Regulated Autoimmune Disorders: Understanding the Role of Mechanical Force in Autoimmunity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:852878. [PMID: 35372360 PMCID: PMC8971850 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.852878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders is multifactorial, where immune cell migration, adhesion, and lymphocyte activation play crucial roles in its progression. These immune processes are majorly regulated by adhesion molecules at cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell–cell junctions. Integrin, a transmembrane focal adhesion protein, plays an indispensable role in these immune cell mechanisms. Notably, integrin is regulated by mechanical force and exhibit bidirectional force transmission from both the ECM and cytosol, regulating the immune processes. Recently, integrin mechanosensitivity has been reported in different immune cell processes; however, the underlying mechanics of these integrin-mediated mechanical processes in autoimmunity still remains elusive. In this review, we have discussed how integrin-mediated mechanotransduction could be a linchpin factor in the causation and progression of autoimmune disorders. We have provided an insight into how tissue stiffness exhibits a positive correlation with the autoimmune diseases’ prevalence. This provides a plausible connection between mechanical load and autoimmunity. Overall, gaining insight into the role of mechanical force in diverse immune cell processes and their dysregulation during autoimmune disorders will open a new horizon to understand this physiological anomaly.
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81
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Su S, Ling Y, Fang Y, Wu J. Force-enhanced biophysical connectivity of platelet β3 integrin signaling through Talin is predicted by steered molecular dynamics simulations. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4605. [PMID: 35301368 PMCID: PMC8931153 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08554-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelet β3-integrin signaling through Talin is crucial in platelet transmembrane signaling, activation, adhesion, spreading and aggregation, and remains unclear in mechano-microenvironments. In order to examine Talin-β3 integrin biophysical connectivity, a series of “ramp-clamp” steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations were performed on complex of F3 domain of Talin and cytoplasmic tail of β3 integrin to imitate different force-loads in platelet. Pull-induced allostery of the hydrophobic pocket in F3 domain might markedly enhance complex rupture-force (> 150pN) and slow down breakage of the complex; the complex should mechano-stable for its conformational conservation under loads (≤ 80pN); increasing force below 60pN would decrease the complex dissociation probability, and force-induced extension of β5 strand on Talin and binding site residues, ASP740 and ALA742 as well as Asn744, on β3-integrin were responsible for the force-enhanced linkage of the Talin-β3 integrin. Force might enhance biophysical connectivity of β3-integrin signaling through Talin by a catch bond mechanism, which be mediated by the force-induced allostery of complex at clamped stage. This work provides a novel insight into the force-regulated transmembrane β3-integrin signaling and its molecular basis for platelet activation, and exhibited a potential power of the present computer strategy in predicting mechanical regulation on ligand-receptor interaction under loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuixiu Su
- Institute of Biomechanics/School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yingchen Ling
- Institute of Biomechanics/School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ying Fang
- Institute of Biomechanics/School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Institute of Biomechanics/School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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82
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Falleroni F, Bocchero U, Mortal S, Li Y, Ye Z, Cojoc D, Torre V. Mechanotransduction in hippocampal neurons operates under localized low picoNewton forces. iScience 2022; 25:103807. [PMID: 35198872 PMCID: PMC8851107 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence suggesting that mechanical properties of CNS neurons may play an important regulatory role in cellular processes. Here, we employ an oscillatory optical tweezers (OOT) to exert a local indentation with forces in the range of 5–50 pN. We found that single local indentation above a threshold of 13 ± 1 pN evokes a transient intracellular calcium change, whereas repeated mechanical stimulations induce a more sustained and variable calcium response. Importantly, neurons were able to differentiate the magnitude of mechanical stimuli. Chemical perturbation and whole-cell patch clamp recordings suggest that mechanically evoked response requires the influx of extracellular calcium through transmembrane ion channels. Moreover, we observed a mechanically evoked activation of the CAMKII and small G protein RhoA. These results all together suggest that mechanical signaling among developed neurons fully operates in neuronal networks under physiological conditions. Hippocampal neurons are mechanically adapted to forces in the picoNewton range Localized compressive mechanical stimuli in the range of 13–50 pN lead to Ca2+ influx The evoked Ca2+ neuronal response is differentiated by the magnitude of the force The subsequent mechanotransduction pathway involves the activation of CAMKII and RhoA
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Falleroni
- Technische Universitat Munchen Fakultat fur Physik (TUM), 85748 Garching, Germany.,Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Ulisse Bocchero
- National Eye Institute (NEI), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Simone Mortal
- Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Yunzhen Li
- Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Zhongjie Ye
- Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Dan Cojoc
- Institute of Materials (IOM-CNR), Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Vincent Torre
- Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136 Trieste, Italy.,Institute of Materials (IOM-CNR), Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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83
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Dam T, Chouliara M, Junghans V, Jönsson P. Supported Lipid Bilayers and the Study of Two-Dimensional Binding Kinetics. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:833123. [PMID: 35252352 PMCID: PMC8896763 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.833123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Binding between protein molecules on contacting cells is essential in initiating and regulating several key biological processes. In contrast to interactions between molecules in solution, these events are restricted to the two-dimensional (2D) plane of the meeting cell surfaces. However, converting between the more commonly available binding kinetics measured in solution and the so-called 2D binding kinetics has proven a complicated task since for the latter several factors other than the protein-protein interaction per se have an impact. A few important examples of these are: protein density, membrane fluctuations, force on the bond and the use of auxiliary binding molecules. The development of model membranes, and in particular supported lipid bilayers (SLBs), has made it possible to simplify the studied contact to analyze these effects and to measure 2D binding kinetics of individual protein-protein interactions. We will in this review give an overview of, and discuss, how different SLB systems have been used for this and compare different methods to measure binding kinetics in cell-SLB contacts. Typically, the SLB is functionalized with fluorescently labelled ligands whose interaction with the corresponding receptor on a binding cell can be detected. This interaction can either be studied 1) by an accumulation of ligands in the cell-SLB contact, whose magnitude depends on the density of the proteins and binding affinity of the interaction, or 2) by tracking single ligands in the SLB, which upon interaction with a receptor result in a change of motion of the diffusing ligand. The advantages and disadvantages of other methods measuring 2D binding kinetics will also be discussed and compared to the fluorescence-based methods. Although binding kinetic measurements in cell-SLB contacts have provided novel information on how ligands interact with receptors in vivo the number of these measurements is still limited. This is influenced by the complexity of the system as well as the required experimental time. Moreover, the outcome can vary significantly between studies, highlighting the necessity for continued development of methods to study 2D binding kinetics with higher precision and ease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy Dam
- Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Victoria Junghans
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, CAMS Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Jönsson
- Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Peter Jönsson,
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84
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Mickolajczyk KJ, Olinares PDB, Chait BT, Liu S, Kapoor TM. The MIDAS domain of AAA mechanoenzyme Mdn1 forms catch bonds with two different substrates. eLife 2022; 11:73534. [PMID: 35147499 PMCID: PMC8837202 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Catch bonds are a form of mechanoregulation wherein protein-ligand interactions are strengthened by the application of dissociative tension. Currently, the best-characterized examples of catch bonds are between single protein-ligand pairs. The essential AAA (ATPase associated with diverse cellular activities) mechanoenzyme Mdn1 drives at least two separate steps in ribosome biogenesis, using its MIDAS domain to extract the ubiquitin-like (UBL) domain-containing proteins Rsa4 and Ytm1 from ribosomal precursors. However, it must subsequently release these assembly factors to reinitiate the enzymatic cycle. The mechanism underlying the switching of the MIDAS-UBL interaction between strongly and weakly bound states is unknown. Here, we use optical tweezers to investigate the force dependence of MIDAS-UBL binding. Parallel experiments with Rsa4 and Ytm1 show that forces up to ~4 pN, matching the magnitude of force produced by AAA proteins similar to Mdn1, enhance the MIDAS domain binding lifetime up to 10-fold, and higher forces accelerate dissociation. Together, our studies indicate that Mdn1's MIDAS domain can form catch bonds with more than one UBL substrate, and provide insights into how mechanoregulation may contribute to the Mdn1 enzymatic cycle during ribosome biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith J Mickolajczyk
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
| | - Paul Dominic B Olinares
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
| | - Brian T Chait
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
| | - Shixin Liu
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biophysics and Biochemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
| | - Tarun M Kapoor
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
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85
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Rizvi MS, Farutin A, Misbah C. Flow driven vesicle unbinding under mechanosensitive adhesion. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:1209-1218. [PMID: 35040467 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01284c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ligand receptor based adhesion is the primary mode of interaction of cellular blood constituents with the endothelium. These adhered entities also experience shear flow imposed by the blood which may lead to their detachment due to the viscous lift forces. Here, we have studied the role of the ligand-receptor bond kinetics in the detachment of an adhered vesicle (a simplified cell model) under shear flow. Using boundary integral formulation we performed numerical simulation of a two dimensional vesicle under shear flow for different values of applied shear rates and time scale of bond kinetics. We observe that the vesicle demonstrates three steady state configurations - adhered, pinned and detached for fast enough ligand-receptor kinetics (akin to Lennard-Jones adhesion). However, for slow bond kinetics the pinned state is not observed. We present scaling laws for the critical shear rates corresponding to the transitions among these three states. These results can help with identifying the processes of cell adhesion/detachment in the blood stream, prevalent features during the immune response and cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Suhail Rizvi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, 502285, Telangana, India.
| | - Alexander Farutin
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique, Université Grenoble Alpes and CNRS, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Chaouqi Misbah
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique, Université Grenoble Alpes and CNRS, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
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86
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Mierke CT. Viscoelasticity, Like Forces, Plays a Role in Mechanotransduction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:789841. [PMID: 35223831 PMCID: PMC8864183 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.789841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Viscoelasticity and its alteration in time and space has turned out to act as a key element in fundamental biological processes in living systems, such as morphogenesis and motility. Based on experimental and theoretical findings it can be proposed that viscoelasticity of cells, spheroids and tissues seems to be a collective characteristic that demands macromolecular, intracellular component and intercellular interactions. A major challenge is to couple the alterations in the macroscopic structural or material characteristics of cells, spheroids and tissues, such as cell and tissue phase transitions, to the microscopic interferences of their elements. Therefore, the biophysical technologies need to be improved, advanced and connected to classical biological assays. In this review, the viscoelastic nature of cytoskeletal, extracellular and cellular networks is presented and discussed. Viscoelasticity is conceptualized as a major contributor to cell migration and invasion and it is discussed whether it can serve as a biomarker for the cells' migratory capacity in several biological contexts. It can be hypothesized that the statistical mechanics of intra- and extracellular networks may be applied in the future as a powerful tool to explore quantitatively the biomechanical foundation of viscoelasticity over a broad range of time and length scales. Finally, the importance of the cellular viscoelasticity is illustrated in identifying and characterizing multiple disorders, such as cancer, tissue injuries, acute or chronic inflammations or fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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87
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Tello-Lafoz M, de Jesus MM, Huse M. Harder, better, faster, stronger: biochemistry and biophysics in the immunosurveillance concert. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:96-105. [PMID: 34973924 PMCID: PMC8810625 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Antitumor immunosurveillance is triggered by immune cell recognition of characteristic biochemical signals on the surfaces of cancer cells. Recent data suggest that the mechanical properties of cancer cells influence the strength of these signals, with physically harder target cells (more rigid) eliciting better, faster, and stronger cytotoxic responses against metastasis. Using analogies to a certain electronic music duo, we argue that the biophysical properties of cancer cells and their environment can adjust the volume and tone of the antitumor immune response. We also consider the potential influence of biomechanics-based immunosurveillance in disease progression and posit that targeting the biophysical properties of cancer cells in concert with their biochemical features could increase the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tello-Lafoz
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miguel M de Jesus
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morgan Huse
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA,Correspondence: (M.H.)
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88
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Fuchs M, Kugelmann D, Schlegel N, Vielmuth F, Waschke J. Desmoglein 2 can undergo Ca2+-dependent interactions with both desmosomal and classical cadherins including E-cadherin and N-cadherin. Biophys J 2022; 121:1322-1335. [PMID: 35183520 PMCID: PMC9034291 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmoglein (Dsg) 2 is a ubiquitously expressed desmosomal cadherin. Particularly, it is present in all cell types forming desmosomes, including epithelial cells and cardiac myocytes and is upregulated in the autoimmune skin disease pemphigus. Thus, we here characterized the binding properties of Dsg2 in more detail using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Dsg2 exhibits homophilic interactions and also heterophilic interactions with the desmosomal cadherin desmocollin (Dsc) 2, and further with the classical cadherins E-cadherin (E-Cad) and N-cadherin (N-Cad), which may be relevant for cross talk between desmosomes and adherens junctions in epithelia and cardiac myocytes. We found that all homo- and heterophilic interactions were Ca2+-dependent. All binding forces observed are in the same force range, i.e., 30 to 40 pN, except for the Dsg2/E-Cad unbinding force, which with 45 pN is significantly higher. To further characterize the nature of the interactions, we used tryptophan, a critical amino acid required for trans-interaction, and a tandem peptide (TP) designed to cross-link Dsg isoforms. TP was sufficient to prevent the tryptophan-induced loss of Dsg2 interaction with the desmosomal cadherins Dsg2 and Dsc2; however, not with the classical cadherins E-Cad and N-Cad, indicating that the interaction modes of Dsg2 with desmosomal and classical cadherins differ. TP rescued the tryptophan-induced loss of Dsg2 binding on living enterocytes, suggesting that interaction with desmosomal cadherins may be more relevant. In summary, the data suggest that the ubiquitous desmosomal cadherin Dsg2 enables the cross talk with adherens junctions by interacting with multiple binding partners with implications for proper adhesive function in healthy and diseased states.
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89
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Doyle AD, Nazari SS, Yamada KM. Cell-extracellular matrix dynamics. Phys Biol 2022; 19:10.1088/1478-3975/ac4390. [PMID: 34911051 PMCID: PMC8855216 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac4390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The sites of interaction between a cell and its surrounding microenvironment serve as dynamic signaling hubs that regulate cellular adaptations during developmental processes, immune functions, wound healing, cell migration, cancer invasion and metastasis, as well as in many other disease states. For most cell types, these interactions are established by integrin receptors binding directly to extracellular matrix proteins, such as the numerous collagens or fibronectin. For the cell, these points of contact provide vital cues by sampling environmental conditions, both chemical and physical. The overall regulation of this dynamic interaction involves both extracellular and intracellular components and can be highly variable. In this review, we highlight recent advances and hypotheses about the mechanisms and regulation of cell-ECM interactions, from the molecular to the tissue level, with a particular focus on cell migration. We then explore how cancer cell invasion and metastasis are deeply rooted in altered regulation of this vital interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Doyle
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA,Correspondence:
| | - Shayan S. Nazari
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kenneth M. Yamada
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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90
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Zhang J, Wong SHD, Wu X, Lei H, Qin M, Shi P, Wang W, Bian L, Cao Y. Engineering Photoresponsive Ligand Tethers for Mechanical Regulation of Stem Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2105765. [PMID: 34561928 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202105765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Regulating stem cell functions by precisely controlling the nanoscale presentation of bioactive ligands has a substantial impact on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine but remains a major challenge. Here it is shown that bioactive ligands can become mechanically "invisible" by increasing their tether lengths to the substrate beyond a critical length, providing a way to regulate mechanotransduction without changing the biochemical conditions. Building on this finding, light switchable tethers are rationally designed, whose lengths can be modulated reversibly by switching a light-responsive protein, pdDronpa, in between monomer and dimer states. This allows the regulation of the adhesion, spreading, and differentiation of stem cells by light on substrates of well-defined biochemical and physical properties. Spatiotemporal regulation of differential cell fates on the same substrate is further demonstrated, which may represent an important step toward constructing complex organoids or mini tissues by spatially defining the mechanical cues of the cellular microenvironment with light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsheng Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Siu Hong Dexter Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Hai Lei
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Meng Qin
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Peng Shi
- School of Biomedical Sciences and EngineeringSouth China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Liming Bian
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences and EngineeringSouth China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yi Cao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
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91
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Suppression of the fibrotic encapsulation of silicone implants by inhibiting the mechanical activation of pro-fibrotic TGF-β. Nat Biomed Eng 2021; 5:1437-1456. [PMID: 34031559 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00722-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The fibrotic encapsulation of implants involves the mechanical activation of myofibroblasts and of pro-fibrotic transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). Here, we show that both softening of the implant surfaces and inhibition of the activation of TGF-β1 reduce the fibrotic encapsulation of subcutaneous silicone implants in mice. Conventionally stiff silicones (elastic modulus, ~2 MPa) coated with a soft silicone layer (elastic modulus, ~2 kPa) reduced collagen deposition as well as myofibroblast activation without affecting the numbers of macrophages and their polarization states. Instead, fibroblasts around stiff implants exhibited enhanced intracellular stress, increased the recruitment of αv and β1 integrins, and activated TGF-β1 signalling. In vitro, the recruitment of αv integrin to focal adhesions and the activation of β1 integrin and of TGF-β were higher in myofibroblasts grown on latency-associated peptide (LAP)-coated stiff silicones than on soft silicones. Antagonizing αv integrin binding to LAP through the small-molecule inhibitor CWHM-12 suppressed active TGF-β signalling, myofibroblast activation and the fibrotic encapsulation of stiff subcutaneous implants in mice.
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92
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Lenzini S, Debnath K, Joshi JC, Wong SW, Srivastava K, Geng X, Cho IS, Song A, Bargi R, Lee JC, Mo GCH, Mehta D, Shin JW. Cell-Matrix Interactions Regulate Functional Extracellular Vesicle Secretion from Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. ACS NANO 2021; 15:17439-17452. [PMID: 34677951 PMCID: PMC9023614 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c03231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-secreted particles with broad potential to treat tissue injuries by delivering cargo to program target cells. However, improving the yield of functional EVs on a per cell basis remains challenging due to an incomplete understanding of how microenvironmental cues regulate EV secretion at the nanoscale. We show that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) seeded on engineered hydrogels that mimic the elasticity of soft tissues with a lower integrin ligand density secrete ∼10-fold more EVs per cell than MSCs seeded on a rigid plastic substrate, without compromising their therapeutic activity or cargo to resolve acute lung injury in mice. Mechanistically, intracellular CD63+ multivesicular bodies (MVBs) transport faster within MSCs on softer hydrogels, leading to an increased frequency of MVB fusion with the plasma membrane to secrete more EVs. Actin-related protein 2/3 complex but not myosin-II limits MVB transport and EV secretion from MSCs on hydrogels. The results provide a rational basis for biomaterial design to improve EV secretion while maintaining their functionality.
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93
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Ippolito A, Deshpande VS. Contact guidance via heterogeneity of substrate elasticity. Acta Biomater 2021; 163:158-169. [PMID: 34808415 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Contact guidance, the widely-known phenomenon of cell alignment, is an essential step in the organization of adherent cells. This guidance is known to occur by, amongst other things, anisotropic features in the environment including elastic heterogeneity. To understand the origins of this guidance we employed a novel statistical thermodynamics framework, which recognises the non-thermal fluctuations in the cellular response, for modelling the response of the cells seeded on substrates with alternating soft and stiff stripes. Consistent with observations, the modelling framework predicts the existence of three regimes of cell guidance: (i) in regime I for stripe widths much larger than the cell size guidance is primarily entropic; (ii) for stripe widths on the order of the cell size in regime II guidance is biochemically mediated and accompanied by changes to the cell morphology while (iii) in regime III for stripe widths much less than the cell size there is no guidance as cells cannot sense the substrate heterogeneity. Guidance in regimes I and II is due to "molli-avoidance" with cells primarily residing on the stiff stripes. While the molli-avoidance tendency is not lost with decreasing density of collagen coating the substrate, the reduced focal adhesion formation with decreasing collagen density tends to inhibit contact guidance. Our results provide clear physical insights into the interplay between cell mechano-sensitivity and substrate elastic heterogeneity that ultimately leads to the contact guidance of cells in heterogeneous tissues. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cellular morphology and organization play a crucial role in the micro-architecture of tissues and dictates their biological and mechanical functioning. Despite the importance of cellular organization in all facets of tissue biology, the fundamental question of how a cell organizes itself in an anisotropic environment is still poorly understood. We employ a novel statistical thermodynamics framework which recognises the non-thermal fluctuations in the cellular response to investigate cell guidance on substrates with alternating soft and stiff stripes. The propensity of cells to primarily reside on stiff stripes results in strong guidance when the period of the stripes is larger than the cell size. For smaller stripe periods, cells sense a homogeneous substrate and guidance is lost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ippolito
- Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK
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94
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DiNapoli KT, Robinson DN, Iglesias PA. A mesoscale mechanical model of cellular interactions. Biophys J 2021; 120:4905-4917. [PMID: 34687718 PMCID: PMC8633826 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational models of cell mechanics allow the precise interrogation of cell shape change. These morphological changes are required for cells to survive in diverse tissue environments. Here, we present a mesoscale mechanical model of cell-substrate interactions using the level set method based on experimentally measured parameters. By implementing a viscoelastic mechanical equivalent circuit, we accurately model whole-cell deformations that are important for a variety of cellular processes. To effectively model shape changes as a cell interacts with a substrate, we have included receptor-mediated adhesion, which is governed by catch-slip bond behavior. The effect of adhesion was explored by subjecting cells to a variety of different substrates including flat, curved, and deformable surfaces. Finally, we increased the accuracy of our simulations by including a deformable nucleus in our cells. This model sets the foundation for further exploration into computational analyses of multicellular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen T DiNapoli
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Douglas N Robinson
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Pablo A Iglesias
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland.
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95
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Castle EL, Robinson CA, Douglas P, Rinker KD, Corcoran JA. Viral Manipulation of a Mechanoresponsive Signaling Axis Disassembles Processing Bodies. Mol Cell Biol 2021; 41:e0039921. [PMID: 34516278 PMCID: PMC8547432 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00399-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Processing bodies (PBs) are ribonucleoprotein granules important for cytokine mRNA decay that are targeted for disassembly by many viruses. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus is the etiological agent of the inflammatory endothelial cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma, and a PB-regulating virus. The virus encodes kaposin B (KapB), which induces actin stress fibers (SFs) and cell spindling as well as PB disassembly. We now show that KapB-mediated PB disassembly requires actin rearrangements, RhoA effectors, and the mechanoresponsive transcription activator, YAP. Moreover, ectopic expression of active YAP or exposure of ECs to mechanical forces caused PB disassembly in the absence of KapB. We propose that the viral protein KapB activates a mechanoresponsive signaling axis and links changes in cell shape and cytoskeletal structures to enhanced inflammatory molecule expression using PB disassembly. Our work implies that cytoskeletal changes in other pathologies may similarly impact the inflammatory environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L. Castle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Carolyn-Ann Robinson
- Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pauline Douglas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kristina D. Rinker
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering and Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jennifer A. Corcoran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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96
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Rens EG, Edelstein-Keshet L. Cellular Tango: how extracellular matrix adhesion choreographs Rac-Rho signaling and cell movement. Phys Biol 2021; 18. [PMID: 34544056 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac2888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The small GTPases Rac and Rho are known to regulate eukaryotic cell shape, promoting front protrusion (Rac) or rear retraction (Rho) of the cell edge. Such cell deformation changes the contact and adhesion of cell to the extracellular matrix (ECM), while ECM signaling through integrin receptors also affects GTPase activity. We develop and investigate a model for this three-way feedback loop in 1D and 2D spatial domains, as well as in a fully deforming 2D cell shapes with detailed adhesion-bond biophysics. The model consists of reaction-diffusion equations solved numerically with open-source software, Morpheus, and with custom-built cellular Potts model simulations. We find a variety of patterns and cell behaviors, including persistent polarity, flipped front-back cell polarity oscillations, spiral waves, and random protrusion-retraction. We show that the observed spatial patterns depend on the cell shape, and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth G Rens
- Delft Institute of Applied Mathematics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.,Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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97
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Driscoll TP, Bidone TC, Ahn SJ, Yu A, Groisman A, Voth GA, Schwartz MA. Integrin-based mechanosensing through conformational deformation. Biophys J 2021; 120:4349-4359. [PMID: 34509509 PMCID: PMC8553792 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Conversion of integrins from low to high affinity states, termed activation, is important in biological processes, including immunity, hemostasis, angiogenesis, and embryonic development. Integrin activation is regulated by large-scale conformational transitions from closed, low affinity states to open, high affinity states. Although it has been suggested that substrate stiffness shifts the conformational equilibrium of integrin and governs its unbinding, here, we address the role of integrin conformational activation in cellular mechanosensing. Comparison of wild-type versus activating mutants of integrin αVβ3 show that activating mutants shift cell spreading, focal adhesion kinase activation, traction stress, and force on talin toward high stiffness values at lower stiffness. Although all activated integrin mutants showed equivalent binding affinity for soluble ligands, the β3 S243E mutant showed the strongest shift in mechanical responses. To understand this behavior, we used coarse-grained computational models derived from molecular level information. The models predicted that wild-type integrin αVβ3 displaces under force and that activating mutations shift the required force toward lower values, with S243E showing the strongest effect. Cellular stiffness sensing thus correlates with computed effects of force on integrin conformation. Together, these data identify a role for force-induced integrin conformational deformation in cellular mechanosensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan P. Driscoll
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Tallahassee, Florida,Corresponding author
| | - Tamara C. Bidone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Salt Lake City, Utah,Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah,Corresponding author
| | - Sang Joon Ahn
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Alvin Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Chicago Center for Theoretical Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, and James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alexander Groisman
- Department of Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Gregory A. Voth
- Department of Chemistry, Chicago Center for Theoretical Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, and James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Martin A. Schwartz
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut,Department of Cell Biology, New Haven, Connecticut,Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
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98
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Eichinger JF, Paukner D, Aydin RC, Wall WA, Humphrey JD, Cyron CJ. What do cells regulate in soft tissues on short time scales? Acta Biomater 2021; 134:348-356. [PMID: 34332102 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.07.054] [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: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cells within living soft biological tissues seem to promote the maintenance of a mechanical state within a defined range near a so-called set-point. This mechanobiological process is often referred to as mechanical homeostasis. During this process, cells interact with the fibers of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). It remains poorly understood, however, what individual cells actually regulate during these interactions, and how these micromechanical regulations are translated to the tissue-level to lead to what we observe as biomaterial properties. Herein, we examine this question by a combination of experiments, theoretical analysis, and computational modeling. We demonstrate that on short time scales (hours) - during which deposition and degradation of ECM fibers can largely be neglected - cells appear to not regulate the stress / strain in the ECM or their own shape, but rather only the contractile forces that they exert on the surrounding ECM. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cells in soft biological tissues sense and regulate the mechanical state of the extracellular matrix to ensure structural integrity and functionality. This so-called mechanical homeostasis plays an important role in the natural history of various diseases such as aneurysms in the cardiovascular system or cancer. Yet, it remains poorly understood to date which target quantity cells regulate on the mircroscale and how it translates to the macroscale. In this paper, we combine experiments, computer simulations, and theoretical analysis to compare different hypotheses about this target quantity. This allows us to identify a likely candidate for it at least on short time scales and in the simplified environment of tissue equivalents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas F Eichinger
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstrasse 15, 85748, Garching, Germany; Institute for Continuum and Material Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Eissendorfer Str. 42, 21073, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Daniel Paukner
- Institute for Continuum and Material Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Eissendorfer Str. 42, 21073, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany.
| | - Roland C Aydin
- Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang A Wall
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstrasse 15, 85748, Garching, Germany.
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, 55 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - Christian J Cyron
- Institute for Continuum and Material Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Eissendorfer Str. 42, 21073, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany.
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99
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Motz CT, Kabat V, Saxena T, Bellamkonda RV, Zhu C. Neuromechanobiology: An Expanding Field Driven by the Force of Greater Focus. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100102. [PMID: 34342167 PMCID: PMC8497434 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The brain processes information by transmitting signals through highly connected and dynamic networks of neurons. Neurons use specific cellular structures, including axons, dendrites and synapses, and specific molecules, including cell adhesion molecules, ion channels and chemical receptors to form, maintain and communicate among cells in the networks. These cellular and molecular processes take place in environments rich of mechanical cues, thus offering ample opportunities for mechanical regulation of neural development and function. Recent studies have suggested the importance of mechanical cues and their potential regulatory roles in the development and maintenance of these neuronal structures. Also suggested are the importance of mechanical cues and their potential regulatory roles in the interaction and function of molecules mediating the interneuronal communications. In this review, the current understanding is integrated and promising future directions of neuromechanobiology are suggested at the cellular and molecular levels. Several neuronal processes where mechanics likely plays a role are examined and how forces affect ligand binding, conformational change, and signal induction of molecules key to these neuronal processes are indicated, especially at the synapse. The disease relevance of neuromechanobiology as well as therapies and engineering solutions to neurological disorders stemmed from this emergent field of study are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara T Motz
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| | - Victoria Kabat
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| | - Tarun Saxena
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Ravi V Bellamkonda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
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100
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Vernerey FJ, Lalitha Sridhar S, Muralidharan A, Bryant SJ. Mechanics of 3D Cell-Hydrogel Interactions: Experiments, Models, and Mechanisms. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11085-11148. [PMID: 34473466 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels are highly water-swollen molecular networks that are ideal platforms to create tissue mimetics owing to their vast and tunable properties. As such, hydrogels are promising cell-delivery vehicles for applications in tissue engineering and have also emerged as an important base for ex vivo models to study healthy and pathophysiological events in a carefully controlled three-dimensional environment. Cells are readily encapsulated in hydrogels resulting in a plethora of biochemical and mechanical communication mechanisms, which recapitulates the natural cell and extracellular matrix interaction in tissues. These interactions are complex, with multiple events that are invariably coupled and spanning multiple length and time scales. To study and identify the underlying mechanisms involved, an integrated experimental and computational approach is ideally needed. This review discusses the state of our knowledge on cell-hydrogel interactions, with a focus on mechanics and transport, and in this context, highlights recent advancements in experiments, mathematical and computational modeling. The review begins with a background on the thermodynamics and physics fundamentals that govern hydrogel mechanics and transport. The review focuses on two main classes of hydrogels, described as semiflexible polymer networks that represent physically cross-linked fibrous hydrogels and flexible polymer networks representing the chemically cross-linked synthetic and natural hydrogels. In this review, we highlight five main cell-hydrogel interactions that involve key cellular functions related to communication, mechanosensing, migration, growth, and tissue deposition and elaboration. For each of these cellular functions, recent experiments and the most up to date modeling strategies are discussed and then followed by a summary of how to tune hydrogel properties to achieve a desired functional cellular outcome. We conclude with a summary linking these advancements and make the case for the need to integrate experiments and modeling to advance our fundamental understanding of cell-matrix interactions that will ultimately help identify new therapeutic approaches and enable successful tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck J Vernerey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0428, United States.,Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-613, United States
| | - Shankar Lalitha Sridhar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0428, United States
| | - Archish Muralidharan
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-613, United States
| | - Stephanie J Bryant
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-613, United States.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0596, United States.,BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado at Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0596, United States
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