151
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Canales Coutiño B, Mayor R. The mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 cooperates with semaphorins to control neural crest migration. Development 2021; 148:273523. [PMID: 34822717 PMCID: PMC8714065 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cells are permanently exposed to a multitude of different kinds of signals: however, how cells respond to simultaneous extracellular signals within a complex in vivo environment is poorly understood. Here, we studied the role of the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 on the migration of the neural crest, a multipotent embryonic cell population. We identify that Piezo1 is required for the migration of Xenopus cephalic neural crest. We show that loss of Piezo1 promotes focal adhesion turnover and cytoskeletal dynamics by controlling Rac1 activity, leading to increased speed of migration. Moreover, overactivation of Rac1, due to Piezo1 inhibition, counteracts cell migration inhibitory signals by Semaphorin 3A and Semaphorin 3F, generating aberrant neural crest invasion in vivo. Thus, we find that, for directional migration in vivo, neural crest cells require a tight regulation of Rac1, by semaphorins and Piezo1. We reveal here that a balance between a myriad of signals through Rac1 dictates cell migration in vivo, a mechanism that is likely to be conserved in other cell migration processes. Summary: Neural crest directional and normal migration in vivo requires both chemical and mechanical regulation of Rac1 by Semaphorin 3A and Piezo1, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Canales Coutiño
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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152
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Petzold J, Gentleman E. Intrinsic Mechanical Cues and Their Impact on Stem Cells and Embryogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:761871. [PMID: 34820380 PMCID: PMC8606660 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.761871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although understanding how soluble cues direct cellular processes revolutionised the study of cell biology in the second half of the 20th century, over the last two decades, new insights into how mechanical cues similarly impact cell fate decisions has gained momentum. During development, extrinsic cues such as fluid flow, shear stress and compressive forces are essential for normal embryogenesis to proceed. Indeed, both adult and embryonic stem cells can respond to applied forces, but they can also detect intrinsic mechanical cues from their surrounding environment, such as the stiffness of the extracellular matrix, which impacts differentiation and morphogenesis. Cells can detect changes in their mechanical environment using cell surface receptors such as integrins and focal adhesions. Moreover, dynamic rearrangements of the cytoskeleton have been identified as a key means by which forces are transmitted from the extracellular matrix to the cell and vice versa. Although we have some understanding of the downstream mechanisms whereby mechanical cues are translated into changes in cell behaviour, many of the signalling pathways remain to be defined. This review discusses the importance of intrinsic mechanical cues on adult cell fate decisions, the emerging roles of cell surface mechano-sensors and the cytoskeleton in enabling cells to sense its microenvironment, and the role of intracellular signalling in translating mechanical cues into transcriptional outputs. In addition, the contribution of mechanical cues to fundamental processes during embryogenesis such as apical constriction and convergent extension is discussed. The continued development of tools to measure the biomechanical properties of soft tissues in vivo is likely to uncover currently underestimated contributions of these cues to adult stem cell fate decisions and embryogenesis, and may inform on regenerative strategies for tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonna Petzold
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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153
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Gerschenfeld G, Aid R, Simon-Yarza T, Lanouar S, Charnay P, Letourneur D, Topilko P. Tuning Physicochemical Properties of a Macroporous Polysaccharide-Based Scaffold for 3D Neuronal Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12726. [PMID: 34884531 PMCID: PMC8657966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) lesions are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Three-dimensional neural cultures in biomaterials offer more physiologically relevant models for disease studies, toxicity screenings or in vivo transplantations. Herein, we describe the development and use of pullulan/dextran polysaccharide-based scaffolds for 3D neuronal culture. We first assessed scaffolding properties upon variation of the concentration (1%, 1.5%, 3% w/w) of the cross-linking agent, sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). The lower STMP concentration (1%) allowed us to generate scaffolds with higher porosity (59.9 ± 4.6%), faster degradation rate (5.11 ± 0.14 mg/min) and lower elastic modulus (384 ± 26 Pa) compared with 3% STMP scaffolds (47 ± 2.1%, 1.39 ± 0.03 mg/min, 916 ± 44 Pa, respectively). Using primary cultures of embryonic neurons from PGKCre, Rosa26tdTomato embryos, we observed that in 3D culture, embryonic neurons remained in aggregates within the scaffolds and did not attach, spread or differentiate. To enhance neuronal adhesion and neurite outgrowth, we then functionalized the 1% STMP scaffolds with laminin. We found that treatment of the scaffold with a 100 μg/mL solution of laminin, combined with a subsequent freeze-drying step, created a laminin mesh network that significantly enhanced embryonic neuron adhesion, neurite outgrowth and survival. Such scaffold therefore constitutes a promising neuron-compatible and biodegradable biomaterial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaspard Gerschenfeld
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), F-75005 Paris, France; (G.G.); (P.C.)
- Collège Doctoral, Sorbonne Université, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Rachida Aid
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université de Paris, X Bichat Hospital, 46 Rue H Huchard, F-75018 Paris, France; (R.A.); (T.S.-Y.); (S.L.); (D.L.)
- INSERM UMS-34, FRIM, Université de Paris, X Bichat School of Medicine, F-75018 Paris, France
| | - Teresa Simon-Yarza
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université de Paris, X Bichat Hospital, 46 Rue H Huchard, F-75018 Paris, France; (R.A.); (T.S.-Y.); (S.L.); (D.L.)
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, 99 Av JB Clément, F-93430 Villetaneuse, France
| | - Soraya Lanouar
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université de Paris, X Bichat Hospital, 46 Rue H Huchard, F-75018 Paris, France; (R.A.); (T.S.-Y.); (S.L.); (D.L.)
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, 99 Av JB Clément, F-93430 Villetaneuse, France
| | - Patrick Charnay
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), F-75005 Paris, France; (G.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Didier Letourneur
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université de Paris, X Bichat Hospital, 46 Rue H Huchard, F-75018 Paris, France; (R.A.); (T.S.-Y.); (S.L.); (D.L.)
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, 99 Av JB Clément, F-93430 Villetaneuse, France
| | - Piotr Topilko
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), F-75005 Paris, France; (G.G.); (P.C.)
- Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Université Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), INSERM U955, F-94010 Créteil, France
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154
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Uçar MC, Kamenev D, Sunadome K, Fachet D, Lallemend F, Adameyko I, Hadjab S, Hannezo E. Theory of branching morphogenesis by local interactions and global guidance. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6830. [PMID: 34819507 PMCID: PMC8613190 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27135-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Branching morphogenesis governs the formation of many organs such as lung, kidney, and the neurovascular system. Many studies have explored system-specific molecular and cellular regulatory mechanisms, as well as self-organizing rules underlying branching morphogenesis. However, in addition to local cues, branched tissue growth can also be influenced by global guidance. Here, we develop a theoretical framework for a stochastic self-organized branching process in the presence of external cues. Combining analytical theory with numerical simulations, we predict differential signatures of global vs. local regulatory mechanisms on the branching pattern, such as angle distributions, domain size, and space-filling efficiency. We find that branch alignment follows a generic scaling law determined by the strength of global guidance, while local interactions influence the tissue density but not its overall territory. Finally, using zebrafish innervation as a model system, we test these key features of the model experimentally. Our work thus provides quantitative predictions to disentangle the role of different types of cues in shaping branched structures across scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Can Uçar
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400, Klosterneuburg, Austria.
| | - Dmitrii Kamenev
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kazunori Sunadome
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dominik Fachet
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400, Klosterneuburg, Austria
- IRI Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francois Lallemend
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ming-Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Igor Adameyko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Saida Hadjab
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Edouard Hannezo
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400, Klosterneuburg, Austria.
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155
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Martínez GF, Fagetti J, Vierci G, Brauer MM, Unsain N, Richeri A. Extracellular matrix stiffness negatively affects axon elongation, growth cone area and F-actin levels in a collagen type I 3D culture. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2021; 16:151-162. [PMID: 34816618 DOI: 10.1002/term.3269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Three dimensional (3D) in vitro neuronal cultures can better reproduce physiologically relevant phenotypes compared to 2D-cultures, because in vivo neurons reside in a 3D microenvironment. Interest in neuronal 3D cultures is emerging, with special attention to the mechanical forces that regulate axon elongation and sprouting in three dimensions. Type I collagen (Col-I) is a native substrate since it is present in the extracellular matrix and hence emulates an in vivo environment to study axon growth. The impact of its mechanical properties needs to be further investigated. Here, we generated Col-I 3D matrices of different mechanical stiffness and evaluated axon growth in three dimensions. Superior cervical ganglion (SCG) explants from neonatal rats were cultured in soft and stiff Col-I 3D matrices and neurite outgrowth was assessed by measuring: maximum neuritic extent; neuritic halo area and fasciculation. Axonal cytoskeletal proteins were examined. Axon elongation in stiff Col-I 3D matrices was reduced (31%) following 24 h in culture compared to soft matrices. In stiff matrices, neurites fasciculated and formed less dense halos. Consistently, almost no F-actin rich growth cones were recognized, and F-actin staining was strongly reduced in the axonal compartment. This study shows that stiffness negatively affects 3D neurite outgrowth and adds insights on the cytoskeletal responses upon mechanic interactions of axons with a 3D environment. Our data will serve to facilitate the development of model systems that are mechanically well-behaved but still mimic key physiologic properties observed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaby F Martínez
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay.,Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jimena Fagetti
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gabriela Vierci
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M Mónica Brauer
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Nicolás Unsain
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Analía Richeri
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay.,Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
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156
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Mechanosensing and the Hippo Pathway in Microglia: A Potential Link to Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis? Cells 2021; 10:cells10113144. [PMID: 34831369 PMCID: PMC8622675 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The activation of microglia, the inflammatory cells of the central nervous system (CNS), has been linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. How microglia sense the changing brain environment, in order to respond appropriately, is still being elucidated. Microglia are able to sense and respond to the mechanical properties of their microenvironment, and the physical and molecular pathways underlying this mechanosensing/mechanotransduction in microglia have recently been investigated. The Hippo pathway functions through mechanosensing and subsequent protein kinase cascades, and is critical for neuronal development and many other cellular processes. In this review, we examine evidence for the potential involvement of Hippo pathway components specifically in microglia in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. We suggest that the Hippo pathway is worth investigating as a mechanosensing pathway in microglia, and could be one potential therapeutic target pathway for preventing microglial-induced neurodegeneration in AD.
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157
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Shao X, Wang C, Wang C, Han L, Han Y, Nižetić D, Zhang Y, Han L. Mechanical Stress Induces a Transient Suppression of Cytokine Secretion in Astrocytes Assessed at the Single-Cell Level with a High-Throughput Microfluidic Chip. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100698. [PMID: 34549544 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Brain cells are constantly subjected to mechanical signals. Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS), which display immunoreactivity and have been suggested as an emerging disease focus in the recent years. However, how mechanical signals regulate astrocyte immunoreactivity, and the cytokine release in particular, remains to be fully characterized. Here, human neural stem cells are used to induce astrocytes, from which the release of 15 types of cytokines are screened, and nine of them are detected using a protein microfluidic chip. When a gentle compressive force is applied, altered cell morphology and reinforced cytoskeleton are observed. The force induces a transient suppression of cytokine secretions including IL-6, MCP-1, and IL-8 in the early astrocytes. Further, using a multiplexed single-cell culture and protein detection microfluidic chip, the mechanical effects at a single-cell level are analyzed, which validates a concerted downregulation by force on IL-6 and MCP-1 secretions in the cells releasing both factors. This work demonstrates an original attempt of employing the protein detection microfluidic chips in the assessment of mechanical regulation on the brain cells at a single-cell resolution, offering novel approach and unique insights for the understanding of the CNS immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Shao
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China
- Suzhou Research Institute Shandong University Suzhou 215123 China
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine Nanyang Technological University Singapore 308232
| | - Chunhua Wang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China
| | - Chao Wang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China
| | - Lei Han
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China
| | - Yunrui Han
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China
| | - Dean Nižetić
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine Nanyang Technological University Singapore 308232
- The Blizard Institute Barts and The London School of Medicine Queen Mary University of London London E1 2AT UK
| | - Yu Zhang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China
| | - Lin Han
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China
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158
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Lantoine J, Procès A, Villers A, Halliez S, Buée L, Ris L, Gabriele S. Inflammatory Molecules Released by Mechanically Injured Astrocytes Trigger Presynaptic Loss in Cortical Neuronal Networks. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:3885-3897. [PMID: 34614352 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Deformation, compression, or stretching of brain tissues cause diffuse axonal injury (DAI) and induce structural and functional alterations of astrocytes, the most abundant cell type in the brain. To gain further insight into the role of mechanically activated astrocytes on neuronal networks, this study was designed to investigate whether cytokines released by mechanically activated astrocytes can affect the growth and synaptic connections of cortical neuronal networks. Astrocytes were cultivated on elastic membranes and subjected to repetitive mechanical insults, whereas well-defined protein micropatterns were used to form standardized neuronal networks. GFAP staining showed that astrocytes were mechanically activated after two cycles of stretch and mesoscale discovery assays indicated that injured astrocytes released four major cytokines. To understand the role of these cytokines, neuronal networks were cultured with the supernatant of healthy or mechanically activated astrocytes, and the individual contribution of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was studied. We found that the supernatant of two-cycle stretched astrocytes decreased presynaptic terminals and indicated that TNF-α must be considered a key player of the synaptic loss. Furthermore, our results indicate that cytokines released by injured astrocytes significantly modulate the balance between TNFR1 and TNFR2 receptors by enhancing R2 receptors. We demonstrated that TNF-α is not involved in this process, suggesting a predominant role of other secreted cytokines. Together, these results contribute to a better understanding of the consequences of repetitive astrocyte deformations and highlight the role of inflammatory signaling pathways in synaptic plasticity and modulation of TNFR1 and TNFR2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joséphine Lantoine
- Mechanobiology & Soft Matter Group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Anthony Procès
- Mechanobiology & Soft Matter Group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Research Institute for Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Agnès Villers
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Research Institute for Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Sophie Halliez
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, LabEx DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Luc Buée
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, LabEx DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Laurence Ris
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Research Institute for Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Sylvain Gabriele
- Mechanobiology & Soft Matter Group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium
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159
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Qin L, He T, Chen S, Yang D, Yi W, Cao H, Xiao G. Roles of mechanosensitive channel Piezo1/2 proteins in skeleton and other tissues. Bone Res 2021; 9:44. [PMID: 34667178 PMCID: PMC8526690 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-021-00168-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanotransduction is a fundamental ability that allows living organisms to receive and respond to physical signals from both the external and internal environments. The mechanotransduction process requires a range of special proteins termed mechanotransducers to convert mechanical forces into biochemical signals in cells. The Piezo proteins are mechanically activated nonselective cation channels and the largest plasma membrane ion channels reported thus far. The regulation of two family members, Piezo1 and Piezo2, has been reported to have essential functions in mechanosensation and transduction in different organs and tissues. Recently, the predominant contributions of the Piezo family were reported to occur in the skeletal system, especially in bone development and mechano-stimulated bone homeostasis. Here we review current studies focused on the tissue-specific functions of Piezo1 and Piezo2 in various backgrounds with special highlights on their importance in regulating skeletal cell mechanotransduction. In this review, we emphasize the diverse functions of Piezo1 and Piezo2 and related signaling pathways in osteoblast lineage cells and chondrocytes. We also summarize our current understanding of Piezo channel structures and the key findings about PIEZO gene mutations in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qin
- Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Tailin He
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dazhi Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Weihong Yi
- Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Huiling Cao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Guozhi Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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160
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Wang DY, Melero C, Albaraky A, Atherton P, Jansen KA, Dimitracopoulos A, Dajas-Bailador F, Reid A, Franze K, Ballestrem C. Vinculin is required for neuronal mechanosensing but not for axon outgrowth. Exp Cell Res 2021; 407:112805. [PMID: 34487728 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Integrin receptors are transmembrane proteins that bind to the extracellular matrix (ECM). In most animal cell types integrins cluster together with adaptor proteins at focal adhesions that sense and respond to external mechanical signals. In the central nervous system (CNS), ECM proteins are sparsely distributed, the tissue is comparatively soft and neurons do not form focal adhesions. Thus, how neurons sense tissue stiffness is currently poorly understood. Here, we found that integrins and the integrin-associated proteins talin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are required for the outgrowth of neuronal processes. Vinculin, however, whilst not required for neurite outgrowth was a key regulator of integrin-mediated mechanosensing of neurons. During growth, growth cones of axons of CNS derived cells exerted dynamic stresses of around 10-12 Pa on their environment, and axons grew significantly longer on soft (0.4 kPa) compared to stiff (8 kPa) substrates. Depletion of vinculin blocked this ability of growth cones to distinguish between soft and stiff substrates. These data suggest that vinculin in neurons acts as a key mechanosensor, involved in the regulation of growth cone motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Yao Wang
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Cristina Melero
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Ashwaq Albaraky
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Paul Atherton
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK; Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre. Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Karin A Jansen
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Andrea Dimitracopoulos
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | | | - Adam Reid
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre. Manchester, M13 9PT, UK; Department of Plastic Surgery & Nurns, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK
| | - Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK; Institute of Medical Physics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91052, Erlangen, Germany; Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Ballestrem
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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161
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Zoraghi M, Scherf N, Jaeger C, Sack I, Hirsch S, Hetzer S, Weiskopf N. Simulating Local Deformations in the Human Cortex Due to Blood Flow-Induced Changes in Mechanical Tissue Properties: Impact on Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:722366. [PMID: 34621151 PMCID: PMC8490675 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.722366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigating human brain tissue is challenging due to the complexity and the manifold interactions between structures across different scales. Increasing evidence suggests that brain function and microstructural features including biomechanical features are related. More importantly, the relationship between tissue mechanics and its influence on brain imaging results remains poorly understood. As an important example, the study of the brain tissue response to blood flow could have important theoretical and experimental consequences for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at high spatial resolutions. Computational simulations, using realistic mechanical models can predict and characterize the brain tissue behavior and give us insights into the consequent potential biases or limitations of in vivo, high-resolution fMRI. In this manuscript, we used a two dimensional biomechanical simulation of an exemplary human gyrus to investigate the relationship between mechanical tissue properties and the respective changes induced by focal blood flow changes. The model is based on the changes in the brain’s stiffness and volume due to the vasodilation evoked by neural activity. Modeling an exemplary gyrus from a brain atlas we assessed the influence of different potential mechanisms: (i) a local increase in tissue stiffness (at the level of a single anatomical layer), (ii) an increase in local volume, and (iii) a combination of both effects. Our simulation results showed considerable tissue displacement because of these temporary changes in mechanical properties. We found that the local volume increase causes more deformation and consequently higher displacement of the gyrus. These displacements introduced considerable artifacts in our simulated fMRI measurements. Our results underline the necessity to consider and characterize the tissue displacement which could be responsible for fMRI artifacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Zoraghi
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nico Scherf
- Methods and Development Group Neural Data Science and Statistical Computing, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Carsten Jaeger
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ingolf Sack
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hirsch
- Berlin Center for Advanced Neuroimaging, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Center for Computational Neuroscience, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Hetzer
- Berlin Center for Advanced Neuroimaging, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Center for Computational Neuroscience, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Weiskopf
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, Felix Bloch Institute for Solid State Physics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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162
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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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163
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Vedaraman S, Perez‐Tirado A, Haraszti T, Gerardo‐Nava J, Nishiguchi A, De Laporte L. Anisometric Microstructures to Determine Minimal Critical Physical Cues Required for Neurite Alignment. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100874. [PMID: 34197054 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In nerve regeneration, scaffolds play an important role in providing an artificial extracellular matrix with architectural, mechanical, and biochemical cues to bridge the site of injury. Directed nerve growth is a crucial aspect of nerve repair, often introduced by engineered scaffolds imparting linear tracks. The influence of physical cues, determined by well-defined architectures, has been mainly studied for implantable scaffolds and is usually limited to continuous guiding features. In this report, the potential of short anisometric microelements in inducing aligned neurite extension, their dimensions, and the role of vertical and horizontal distances between them, is investigated. This provides crucial information to create efficient injectable 3D materials with discontinuous, in situ magnetically oriented microstructures, like the Anisogel. By designing and fabricating periodic, anisometric, discreet guidance cues in a high-throughput 2D in vitro platform using two-photon lithography techniques, the authors are able to decipher the minimal guidance cues required for directed nerve growth along the major axis of the microelements. These features determine whether axons grow unidirectionally or cross paths via the open spaces between the elements, which is vital for the design of injectable Anisogels for enhanced nerve repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitara Vedaraman
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstrasse 50 Aachen 52074 Germany
- Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry RWTH Aachen Worringerweg 1–2 Aachen 52074 Germany
| | - Amaury Perez‐Tirado
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstrasse 50 Aachen 52074 Germany
| | - Tamas Haraszti
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstrasse 50 Aachen 52074 Germany
- Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry RWTH Aachen Worringerweg 1–2 Aachen 52074 Germany
| | - Jose Gerardo‐Nava
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstrasse 50 Aachen 52074 Germany
| | - Akihiro Nishiguchi
- Biomaterials Field Research Center for Functional Materials National Institute for Materials Science Tsukuba 305‐0044 Japan
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstrasse 50 Aachen 52074 Germany
- Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry RWTH Aachen Worringerweg 1–2 Aachen 52074 Germany
- Institute of Applied Medical Engineering Department of Advanced Materials for Biomedicine RWTH University Forckenbeckstraße 55 Aachen 52074 Germany
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164
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Roth JG, Huang MS, Li TL, Feig VR, Jiang Y, Cui B, Greely HT, Bao Z, Paşca SP, Heilshorn SC. Advancing models of neural development with biomaterials. Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:593-615. [PMID: 34376834 PMCID: PMC8612873 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00496-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells have emerged as a promising in vitro model system for studying the brain. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional cell culture paradigms have provided valuable insights into the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, but they remain limited in their capacity to model certain features of human neural development. Specifically, current models do not efficiently incorporate extracellular matrix-derived biochemical and biophysical cues, facilitate multicellular spatio-temporal patterning, or achieve advanced functional maturation. Engineered biomaterials have the capacity to create increasingly biomimetic neural microenvironments, yet further refinement is needed before these approaches are widely implemented. This Review therefore highlights how continued progression and increased integration of engineered biomaterials may be well poised to address intractable challenges in recapitulating human neural development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien G Roth
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michelle S Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas L Li
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Vivian R Feig
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yuanwen Jiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bianxiao Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Henry T Greely
- Stanford Law School, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zhenan Bao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sergiu P Paşca
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sarah C Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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165
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Fischhaber N, Faber J, Bakirci E, Dalton PD, Budday S, Villmann C, Schaefer N. Spinal Cord Neuronal Network Formation in a 3D Printed Reinforced Matrix-A Model System to Study Disease Mechanisms. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100830. [PMID: 34350717 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
3D cell cultures allow a better mimicry of the biological and mechanical environment of cells in vivo compared to 2D cultures. However, 3D cell cultures have been challenging for ultrasoft tissues such as the brain. The present study uses a microfiber reinforcement approach combining mouse primary spinal cord neurons in Matrigel with melt electrowritten (MEW) frames. Within these 3D constructs, neuronal network development is followed for 21 days in vitro. To evaluate neuronal development in 3D constructs, the maturation of inhibitory glycinergic synapses is analyzed using protein expression, the complex mechanical properties by assessing nonlinearity, conditioning, and stress relaxation, and calcium imaging as readouts. Following adaptation to the 3D matrix-frame, mature inhibitory synapse formation is faster than in 2D demonstrated by a steep increase in glycine receptor expression between days 3 and 10. The 3D expression pattern of marker proteins at the inhibitory synapse and the mechanical properties resemble the situation in native spinal cord tissue. Moreover, 3D spinal cord neuronal networks exhibit intensive neuronal activity after 14 days in culture. The spinal cord cell culture model using ultrasoft matrix reinforced by MEW fibers provides a promising tool to study and understand biomechanical mechanisms in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Fischhaber
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology University Hospital Würzburg Versbacherstr. 5 97078 Würzburg Germany
| | - Jessica Faber
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Institute of Applied Mechanics Friedrich‐Alexander‐University Erlangen‐Nürnberg Egerlandstrasse 5 91058 Erlangen Germany
| | - Ezgi Bakirci
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute University Hospital Würzburg Pleicherwall 2 97070 Würzburg Germany
| | - Paul D. Dalton
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute University Hospital Würzburg Pleicherwall 2 97070 Würzburg Germany
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact University of Oregon 1505 Franklin Blvd. Eugene OR 97403 USA
| | - Silvia Budday
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Institute of Applied Mechanics Friedrich‐Alexander‐University Erlangen‐Nürnberg Egerlandstrasse 5 91058 Erlangen Germany
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology University Hospital Würzburg Versbacherstr. 5 97078 Würzburg Germany
| | - Natascha Schaefer
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology University Hospital Würzburg Versbacherstr. 5 97078 Würzburg Germany
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166
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Strain maps characterize the symmetry of convergence and extension patterns during zebrafish gastrulation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19357. [PMID: 34588480 PMCID: PMC8481280 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98233-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During gastrulation of the zebrafish embryo, the cap of blastoderm cells organizes into the axial body plan of the embryo with left–right symmetry and head–tail, dorsal–ventral polarities. Our labs have been interested in the mechanics of early development and have investigated whether these large-scale cell movements can be described as tissue-level mechanical strain by a tectonics-based approach. The first step is to image the positions of all nuclei from mid-epiboly to early segmentation by digital sheet light microscopy, organize the surface of the embryo into multi-cell spherical domains, construct velocity fields from the movements of these domains and extract strain rate maps from the change in density of the domains. During gastrulation, tensile/expansive and compressive strains in the axial and equatorial directions are detected as anterior and posterior expansion along the anterior–posterior axis and medial–lateral compression across the dorsal–ventral axis and corresponds to the well characterized morphological movements of convergence and extension. Following gastrulation strain is represented by localized medial expansion at the onset of segmentation and anterior expansion at the onset of neurulation. In addition to linear strain, symmetric patterns of rotation/curl are first detected in the animal hemispheres at mid-epiboly and then the vegetal hemispheres by the end of gastrulation. In embryos treated with C59, a Wnt inhibitor that inhibits head and tail extension, the axial extension and vegetal curl are absent. By analysing the temporal sequence of large-scale movements, deformations across the embryo can be attributed to a combination of epiboly and dorsal convergence-extension.
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167
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Effects of substrate stiffness on mast cell migration. Eur J Cell Biol 2021; 100:151178. [PMID: 34555639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2021.151178] [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: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) play important roles in multiple pathologies, including fibrosis; however, their behaviors in different extracellular matrix (ECM) environments have not been fully elucidated. Accordingly, in this study, the migration of MCs on substrates with different stiffnesses was investigated using time-lapse video microscopy. Our results showed that MCs could appear in round, spindle, and star-like shapes; spindle-shaped cells accounted for 80-90 % of the total observed cells. The migration speed of round cells was significantly lower than that of cells with other shapes. Interestingly, spindle-shaped MCs migrated in a jiggling and wiggling motion between protrusions. The persistence index of MC migration was slightly higher on stiffer substrates. Moreover, we found that there was an intermediate optimal stiffness at which the migration efficiency was the highest. These findings may help to improve our understanding of MC-induced pathologies and the roles of MC migration in the immune system.
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168
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Bang S, Hwang KS, Jeong S, Cho IJ, Choi N, Kim J, Kim HN. Engineered neural circuits for modeling brain physiology and neuropathology. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:379-400. [PMID: 34157452 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The neural circuits of the central nervous system are the regulatory pathways for feeling, motion control, learning, and memory, and their dysfunction is closely related to various neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the growing demand for the unraveling of the physiology and functional connectivity of the neural circuits, their fundamental investigation is hampered because of the inability to access the components of neural circuits and the complex microenvironment. As an alternative approach, in vitro human neural circuits show principles of in vivo human neuronal circuit function. They allow access to the cellular compartment and permit real-time monitoring of neural circuits. In this review, we summarize recent advances in reconstituted in vitro neural circuits using engineering techniques. To this end, we provide an overview of the fabrication techniques and methods for stimulation and measurement of in vitro neural circuits. Subsequently, representative examples of in vitro neural circuits are reviewed with a particular focus on the recapitulation of structures and functions observed in vivo, and we summarize their application in the study of various brain diseases. We believe that the in vitro neural circuits can help neuroscience and the neuropharmacology. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Despite the growing demand to unravel the physiology and functional connectivity of the neural circuits, the studies on the in vivo neural circuits are frequently limited due to the poor accessibility. Furthermore, single neuron-based analysis has an inherent limitation in that it does not reflect the full spectrum of the neural circuit physiology. As an alternative approach, in vitro engineered neural circuit models have arisen because they can recapitulate the structural and functional characteristics of in vivo neural circuits. These in vitro neural circuits allow the mimicking of dysregulation of the neural circuits, including neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injury. Emerging in vitro engineered neural circuits will provide a better understanding of the (patho-)physiology of neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokyoung Bang
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Seob Hwang
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyeon Jeong
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Joo Cho
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jongbaeg Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
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169
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Tonti OR, Larson H, Lipp SN, Luetkemeyer CM, Makam M, Vargas D, Wilcox SM, Calve S. Tissue-specific parameters for the design of ECM-mimetic biomaterials. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:83-102. [PMID: 33878474 PMCID: PMC8434955 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of biomolecules that mechanically and biochemically directs cell behavior and is crucial for maintaining tissue function and health. The heterogeneous organization and composition of the ECM varies within and between tissue types, directing mechanics, aiding in cell-cell communication, and facilitating tissue assembly and reassembly during development, injury and disease. As technologies like 3D printing rapidly advance, researchers are better able to recapitulate in vivo tissue properties in vitro; however, tissue-specific variations in ECM composition and organization are not given enough consideration. This is in part due to a lack of information regarding how the ECM of many tissues varies in both homeostatic and diseased states. To address this gap, we describe the components and organization of the ECM, and provide examples for different tissues at various states of disease. While many aspects of ECM biology remain unknown, our goal is to highlight the complexity of various tissues and inspire engineers to incorporate unique components of the native ECM into in vitro platform design and fabrication. Ultimately, we anticipate that the use of biomaterials that incorporate key tissue-specific ECM will lead to in vitro models that better emulate human pathologies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biomaterial development primarily emphasizes the engineering of new materials and therapies at the expense of identifying key parameters of the tissue that is being emulated. This can be partially attributed to the difficulty in defining the 3D composition, organization, and mechanics of the ECM within different tissues and how these material properties vary as a function of homeostasis and disease. In this review, we highlight a range of tissues throughout the body and describe how ECM content, cell diversity, and mechanical properties change in diseased tissues and influence cellular behavior. Accurately mimicking the tissue of interest in vitro by using ECM specific to the appropriate state of homeostasis or pathology in vivo will yield results more translatable to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia R Tonti
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Hannah Larson
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Sarah N Lipp
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Callan M Luetkemeyer
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Megan Makam
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Diego Vargas
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Sean M Wilcox
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Sarah Calve
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States.
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170
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Linka K, Reiter N, Würges J, Schicht M, Bräuer L, Cyron CJ, Paulsen F, Budday S. Unraveling the Local Relation Between Tissue Composition and Human Brain Mechanics Through Machine Learning. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:704738. [PMID: 34485258 PMCID: PMC8415910 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.704738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The regional mechanical properties of brain tissue are not only key in the context of brain injury and its vulnerability towards mechanical loads, but also affect the behavior and functionality of brain cells. Due to the extremely soft nature of brain tissue, its mechanical characterization is challenging. The response to loading depends on length and time scales and is characterized by nonlinearity, compression-tension asymmetry, conditioning, and stress relaxation. In addition, the regional heterogeneity-both in mechanics and microstructure-complicates the comprehensive understanding of local tissue properties and its relation to the underlying microstructure. Here, we combine large-strain biomechanical tests with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and develop an extended type of constitutive artificial neural networks (CANNs) that can account for viscoelastic effects. We show that our viscoelastic constitutive artificial neural network is able to describe the tissue response in different brain regions and quantify the relevance of different cellular and extracellular components for time-independent (nonlinearity, compression-tension-asymmetry) and time-dependent (hysteresis, conditioning, stress relaxation) tissue mechanics, respectively. Our results suggest that the content of the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin is highly relevant for both the quasi-elastic behavior and viscoelastic effects of brain tissue. While the quasi-elastic response seems to be largely controlled by extracellular matrix proteins from the basement membrane, cellular components have a higher relevance for the viscoelastic response. Our findings advance our understanding of microstructure - mechanics relations in human brain tissue and are valuable to further advance predictive material models for finite element simulations or to design biomaterials for tissue engineering and 3D printing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Linka
- Institute of Continuum and Material Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nina Reiter
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, Department Mechanical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jasmin Würges
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, Department Mechanical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Schicht
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lars Bräuer
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian J Cyron
- Institute of Continuum and Material Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Friedrich Paulsen
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Operative Surgery and Topographic Anatomy, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Silvia Budday
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, Department Mechanical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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171
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Canales Coutiño B, Mayor R. Reprint of: Mechanosensitive ion channels in cell migration. Cells Dev 2021; 168:203730. [PMID: 34456177 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2021.203730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cellular processes are initiated and regulated by different stimuli, including mechanical forces. Cell membrane mechanosensors represent the first step towards the conversion of mechanical stimuli to a biochemical or electrical response. Mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels form a growing family of ion gating channels that respond to direct physical force or plasma membrane deformations. A number of calcium (Ca2+) permeable MS channels are known to regulate the initiation, direction, and persistence of cell migration during development and tumour progression. While the evidence that links individual MS ion channels to cell migration is growing, a unified analysis of the molecular mechanisms regulated downstream of MS ion channel activation is lacking. In this review, we describe the MS ion channel families known to regulate cell migration. We discuss the molecular mechanisms that act downstream of MS ion channels with an emphasis on Ca2+ mediated processes. Finally, we propose the future directions and impact of MS ion channel activity in the field of cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Canales Coutiño
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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172
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Abstract
In this Primer, Sunyer and Trepat introduce durotaxis, the mode of migration by which cells follow gradients of extracellular matrix stiffness.
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173
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Bryniarska-Kubiak N, Kubiak A, Lekka M, Basta-Kaim A. The emerging role of mechanical and topographical factors in the development and treatment of nervous system disorders: dark and light sides of the force. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:1626-1641. [PMID: 34390472 PMCID: PMC8599311 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00315-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nervous system diseases are the subject of intensive research due to their association with high mortality rates and their potential to cause irreversible disability. Most studies focus on targeting the biological factors related to disease pathogenesis, e.g. use of recombinant activator of plasminogen in the treatment of stroke. Nevertheless, multiple diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease still lack successful treatment. Recently, evidence has indicated that physical factors such as the mechanical properties of cells and tissue and topography play a crucial role in homeostasis as well as disease progression. This review aims to depict these factors’ roles in the progression of nervous system diseases and consequently discusses the possibility of new therapeutic approaches. The literature is reviewed to provide a deeper understanding of the roles played by physical factors in nervous system disease development to aid in the design of promising new treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Bryniarska-Kubiak
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Kubiak
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31342, Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lekka
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31342, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Basta-Kaim
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
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174
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Abe K, Baba K, Huang L, Wei KT, Okano K, Hosokawa Y, Inagaki N. Mechanosensitive axon outgrowth mediated by L1-laminin clutch interface. Biophys J 2021; 120:3566-3576. [PMID: 34384760 PMCID: PMC8456307 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical properties of the extracellular environment modulate axon outgrowth. Growth cones at the tip of extending axons generate traction force for axon outgrowth by transmitting the force of actin filament retrograde flow, produced by actomyosin contraction and F-actin polymerization, to adhesive substrates through clutch and cell adhesion molecules. A molecular clutch between the actin filament flow and substrate is proposed to contribute to cellular mechanosensing. However, the molecular identity of the clutch interface responsible for mechanosensitive growth cone advance is unknown. We previously reported that mechanical coupling between actin filament retrograde flow and adhesive substrates through the clutch molecule shootin1a and the cell adhesion molecule L1 generates traction force for axon outgrowth and guidance. Here, we show that cultured mouse hippocampal neurons extend longer axons on stiffer substrates under elastic conditions that correspond to the soft brain environments. We demonstrate that this stiffness-dependent axon outgrowth requires actin-adhesion coupling mediated by shootin1a, L1, and laminin on the substrate. Speckle imaging analyses showed that L1 at the growth cone membrane switches between two adhesive states: L1 that is immobilized and that undergoes retrograde movement on the substrate. The duration of the immobilized phase was longer on stiffer substrates; this was accompanied by increases in actin-adhesion coupling and in the traction force exerted on the substrate. These data suggest that the interaction between L1 and laminin is enhanced on stiffer substrates, thereby promoting force generation for axon outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouki Abe
- Laboratory of Systems Neurobiology and Medicine, Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Kentarou Baba
- Laboratory of Systems Neurobiology and Medicine, Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Liguo Huang
- Laboratory of Systems Neurobiology and Medicine, Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Koay Teng Wei
- Laboratory of Systems Neurobiology and Medicine, Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Kazunori Okano
- Bio-processing Engineering Laboratory, Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Yoichiroh Hosokawa
- Bio-processing Engineering Laboratory, Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Inagaki
- Laboratory of Systems Neurobiology and Medicine, Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan.
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175
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Unraveling Axon Guidance during Axotomy and Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158344. [PMID: 34361110 PMCID: PMC8347220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During neuronal development and regeneration axons extend a cytoskeletal-rich structure known as the growth cone, which detects and integrates signals to reach its final destination. The guidance cues “signals” bind their receptors, activating signaling cascades that result in the regulation of the growth cone cytoskeleton, defining growth cone advance, pausing, turning, or collapse. Even though much is known about guidance cues and their isolated mechanisms during nervous system development, there is still a gap in the understanding of the crosstalk between them, and about what happens after nervous system injuries. After neuronal injuries in mammals, only axons in the peripheral nervous system are able to regenerate, while the ones from the central nervous system fail to do so. Therefore, untangling the guidance cues mechanisms, as well as their behavior and characterization after axotomy and regeneration, are of special interest for understanding and treating neuronal injuries. In this review, we present findings on growth cone guidance and canonical guidance cues mechanisms, followed by a description and comparison of growth cone pathfinding mechanisms after axotomy, in regenerative and non-regenerative animal models.
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176
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Ryu Y, Iwashita M, Lee W, Uchimura K, Kosodo Y. A Shift in Tissue Stiffness During Hippocampal Maturation Correlates to the Pattern of Neurogenesis and Composition of the Extracellular Matrix. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:709620. [PMID: 34393762 PMCID: PMC8361493 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.709620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging changes the mechanical properties of brain tissue, such as stiffness. It has been proposed that the maintenance and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) are regulated in accordance with extracellular stiffness. Neurogenesis is observed in restricted niches, including the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, throughout mammalian lifetimes. However, profiles of tissue stiffness in the DG in comparison with the activity of NSCs from the neonatal to the matured brain have rarely been addressed so far. Here, we first applied ultrasound-based shear-wave elasticity imaging (SWEI) in living animals to assess shear modulus as in vivo brain stiffness. To complement the assay, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was utilized to determine the Young’s modulus in the hippocampus as region-specific stiffness in the brain slice. The results revealed that stiffness in the granule cell layer (GCL) and the hilus, including the subgranular zone (SGZ), increased during hippocampal maturation. We then quantified NSCs and immature neural cells in the DG with differentiation markers, and verified an overall decrease of NSCs and proliferative/immature neural cells along stages, showing that a specific profile is dependent on the subregion. Subsequently, we evaluated the amount of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), the major extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the premature brain by CS-56 immunoreactivity. We observed differential signal levels of CSPGs by hippocampal subregions, which became weaker during maturation. To address the contribution of the ECM in determining tissue stiffness, we manipulated the function of CSPGs by enzymatic digestion or supplementation with chondroitin sulfate, which resulted in an increase or decrease of stiffness in the DG, respectively. Our results illustrate that stiffness in the hippocampus shifts due to the composition of ECM, which may affect postnatal neurogenesis by altering the mechanical environment of the NSC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngjae Ryu
- Neural Regeneration Lab, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Misato Iwashita
- Neural Regeneration Lab, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Wonyoung Lee
- Neural Regeneration Lab, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Kenji Uchimura
- Unit of Glycobiology Structure and Functions, CNRS-UMR 8576/University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Yoichi Kosodo
- Neural Regeneration Lab, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
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177
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Liu N, Chavoshnejad P, Li S, Razavi MJ, Liu T, Pidaparti R, Wang X. Geometrical nonlinear elasticity of axon under tension: A coarse-grained computational study. Biophys J 2021; 120:3697-3708. [PMID: 34310941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Axon bundles cross-linked by microtubule (MT) associate proteins and bounded by a shell skeleton are critical for normal function of neurons. Understanding effects of the complexly geometrical parameters on their mechanical properties can help gain a biomechanical perspective on the neurological functions of axons and thus brain disorders caused by the structural failure of axons. Here, the tensile mechanical properties of MT bundles cross-linked by tau proteins are investigated by systematically tuning MT length, axonal cross-section radius, and tau protein spacing in a bead-spring coarse-grained model. Our results indicate that the stress-strain curves of axons can be divided into two regimes, a nonlinear elastic regime dominated by rigid-body like inter-MT sliding, and a linear elastic regime dominated by affine deformation of both tau proteins and MTs. From the energetic analyses, first, the tau proteins dominate the mechanical performance of axons under tension. In the nonlinear regime, tau proteins undergo a rigid-body like rotating motion rather than elongating, whereas in the nonlinear elastic regime, tau proteins undergo a flexible elongating deformation along the MT axis. Second, as the average spacing between adjacent tau proteins along the MT axial direction increases from 25 to 125 nm, the Young's modulus of axon experiences a linear decrease whereas with the average space varying from 125 to 175 nm, and later reaches a plateau value with a stable fluctuation. Third, the increment of the cross-section radius of the MT bundle leads to a decrease in Young's modulus of axon, which is possibly attributed to the decrease in MT numbers per cross section. Overall, our research findings offer a new perspective into understanding the effects of geometrical parameters on the mechanics of MT bundles as well as serving as a theoretical basis for the development of artificial MT complexes potentially toward medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liu
- College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Poorya Chavoshnejad
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York
| | - Shaoheng Li
- College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Mir Jalil Razavi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York
| | - Tianming Liu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | | | - Xianqiao Wang
- College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
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178
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Antonovaite N, Hulshof LA, Huffels CFM, Hol EM, Wadman WJ, Iannuzzi D. Mechanical alterations of the hippocampus in the APP/PS1 Alzheimer's disease mouse model. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2021; 122:104697. [PMID: 34271406 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence of altered tissue mechanics in neurodegeneration. However, due to difficulties in mechanical testing procedures and the complexity of the brain, there is still little consensus on the role of mechanics in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In the case of Alzheimer's disease (AD), magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) studies have indicated viscoelastic differences in the brain tissue of AD patients and healthy controls. However, there is a lack of viscoelastic data from contact mechanical testing at higher spatial resolution. Therefore, we report viscoelastic maps of the hippocampus obtained by a dynamic indentation on brain slices from the APP/PS1 mouse model where individual brain regions are resolved. A comparison of viscoelastic parameters shows that regions in the hippocampus of the APP/PS1 mice are significantly stiffer than wild-type (WT) mice and have increased viscous dissipation. Furthermore, indentation mapping at the cellular scale directly on the plaques and their surroundings did not show local alterations in stiffness although overall mechanical heterogeneity of the tissue was high (SD∼40%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelda Antonovaite
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB, VU Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Lianne A Hulshof
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christiaan F M Huffels
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wytse J Wadman
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Davide Iannuzzi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB, VU Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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179
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Dave N, Cetiner U, Arroyo D, Fonbuena J, Tiwari M, Barrera P, Lander N, Anishkin A, Sukharev S, Jimenez V. A novel mechanosensitive channel controls osmoregulation, differentiation, and infectivity in Trypanosoma cruzi. eLife 2021; 10:67449. [PMID: 34212856 PMCID: PMC8282336 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The causative agent of Chagas disease undergoes drastic morphological and biochemical modifications as it passes between hosts and transitions from extracellular to intracellular stages. The osmotic and mechanical aspects of these cellular transformations are not understood. Here we identify and characterize a novel mechanosensitive channel in Trypanosoma cruzi (TcMscS) belonging to the superfamily of small-conductance mechanosensitive channels (MscS). TcMscS is activated by membrane tension and forms a large pore permeable to anions, cations, and small osmolytes. The channel changes its location from the contractile vacuole complex in epimastigotes to the plasma membrane as the parasites develop into intracellular amastigotes. TcMscS knockout parasites show significant fitness defects, including increased cell volume, calcium dysregulation, impaired differentiation, and a dramatic decrease in infectivity. Our work provides mechanistic insights into components supporting pathogen adaptation inside the host, thus opening the exploration of mechanosensation as a prerequisite for protozoan infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noopur Dave
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, United States
| | - Ugur Cetiner
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
| | - Daniel Arroyo
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, United States
| | - Joshua Fonbuena
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, United States
| | - Megna Tiwari
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, United States
| | - Patricia Barrera
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Noelia Lander
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Andriy Anishkin
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
| | - Sergei Sukharev
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
| | - Veronica Jimenez
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, United States
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180
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Shahidi S, Janmaleki M, Riaz S, Sanati Nezhad A, Syed N. A tuned gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel facilitates myelination of dorsal root ganglia neurons in vitro. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 126:112131. [PMID: 34082948 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112131] [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: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Investigating axonal myelination by Schwann cells (SCs) is crucial for understanding mechanisms underlying demyelination and remyelination, which may help gain insights into incurable disorders like neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, a gelatin-based hydrogel, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), was optimized to achieve the biocompatibility, porosity, mechanical stability, and degradability needed to provide high cell viability for dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and SCs, and to enable their long-term coculture needed for myelination studies. The results of cell viability, neurite elongation, SC function and maturation, SC-axon interaction, and myelination were compared with two other commonly used substrates, namely collagen and Poly-d Lysine (PDL). The tuned GelMA constructs (Young's modulus of 32.6 ± 1.9 kPa and the median value of pore size of 10.3 μm) enhanced single axon generation (unlike collagen) and promoted the interaction of DRG neurons and SCs (unlike PDL). While DRG cells exhibited relatively higher viability on PDL after 48 h, i.e., 83.8%, the cells had similar survival rate on GelMA and collagen substrates, 66.7% and 61.5%, respectively. Further adjusting the hydrogel properties to achieve two distinct ranges of relatively small and large pores supported SCs to extend their processes freely and enabled physical contact with and wrapping around their corresponding axons. Staining the cells with myelin basic protein (MBA) and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) revealed enhanced myelination on GelMA hydrogel compared to PDL and collagen. Moreover, the engineered porosity enhanced DRGs and SCs attachments and flexibility of movement across the substrate. This engineered hydrogel structure can now be further explored to model demyelination in neurodegenerative diseases, as well as to study the effects of various compounds on myelin regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Shahidi
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Mohsen Janmaleki
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Alberta, Canada; Center for BioEngineering Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Alberta, Canada
| | - Saba Riaz
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Amir Sanati Nezhad
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Alberta, Canada; Center for BioEngineering Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Naweed Syed
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
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181
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Schaefer NK, Shapiro B, Green RE. An ancestral recombination graph of human, Neanderthal, and Denisovan genomes. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabc0776. [PMID: 34272242 PMCID: PMC8284891 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc0776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Many humans carry genes from Neanderthals, a legacy of past admixture. Existing methods detect this archaic hominin ancestry within human genomes using patterns of linkage disequilibrium or direct comparison to Neanderthal genomes. Each of these methods is limited in sensitivity and scalability. We describe a new ancestral recombination graph inference algorithm that scales to large genome-wide datasets and demonstrate its accuracy on real and simulated data. We then generate a genome-wide ancestral recombination graph including human and archaic hominin genomes. From this, we generate a map within human genomes of archaic ancestry and of genomic regions not shared with archaic hominins either by admixture or incomplete lineage sorting. We find that only 1.5 to 7% of the modern human genome is uniquely human. We also find evidence of multiple bursts of adaptive changes specific to modern humans within the past 600,000 years involving genes related to brain development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan K Schaefer
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Beth Shapiro
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Richard E Green
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
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182
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Li F, Lo TY, Miles L, Wang Q, Noristani HN, Li D, Niu J, Trombley S, Goldshteyn JI, Wang C, Wang S, Qiu J, Pogoda K, Mandal K, Brewster M, Rompolas P, He Y, Janmey PA, Thomas GM, Li S, Song Y. The Atr-Chek1 pathway inhibits axon regeneration in response to Piezo-dependent mechanosensation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3845. [PMID: 34158506 PMCID: PMC8219705 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Atr is a serine/threonine kinase, known to sense single-stranded DNA breaks and activate the DNA damage checkpoint by phosphorylating Chek1, which inhibits Cdc25, causing cell cycle arrest. This pathway has not been implicated in neuroregeneration. We show that in Drosophila sensory neurons removing Atr or Chek1, or overexpressing Cdc25 promotes regeneration, whereas Atr or Chek1 overexpression, or Cdc25 knockdown impedes regeneration. Inhibiting the Atr-associated checkpoint complex in neurons promotes regeneration and improves synapse/behavioral recovery after CNS injury. Independent of DNA damage, Atr responds to the mechanical stimulus elicited during regeneration, via the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo and its downstream NO signaling. Sensory neuron-specific knockout of Atr in adult mice, or pharmacological inhibition of Atr-Chek1 in mammalian neurons in vitro and in flies in vivo enhances regeneration. Our findings reveal the Piezo-Atr-Chek1-Cdc25 axis as an evolutionarily conserved inhibitory mechanism for regeneration, and identify potential therapeutic targets for treating nervous system trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tsz Y Lo
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leann Miles
- The Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Qin Wang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Harun N Noristani
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair), Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jingwen Niu
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair), Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shannon Trombley
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jessica I Goldshteyn
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chuxi Wang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shuchao Wang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jingyun Qiu
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katarzyna Pogoda
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kalpana Mandal
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Megan Brewster
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Ye He
- The City University of New York, Graduate Center - Advanced Science Research Center, Neuroscience Initiative, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul A Janmey
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gareth M Thomas
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair), Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shuxin Li
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair), Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuanquan Song
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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183
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Tsata V, Wehner D. Know How to Regrow-Axon Regeneration in the Zebrafish Spinal Cord. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061404. [PMID: 34204045 PMCID: PMC8228677 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity for long-distance axon regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury is poor in mammals but remarkable in some vertebrates, including fish and salamanders. The cellular and molecular basis of this interspecies difference is beginning to emerge. This includes the identification of target cells that react to the injury and the cues directing their pro-regenerative responses. Among existing models of successful spinal cord regeneration, the zebrafish is arguably the most understood at a mechanistic level to date. Here, we review the spinal cord injury paradigms used in zebrafish, and summarize the breadth of neuron-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors that have been identified to play pivotal roles in the ability of zebrafish to regenerate central nervous system axons and recover function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsata
- Experimental Surgery, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (V.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Daniel Wehner
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: (V.T.); (D.W.)
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184
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Raj V, Jagadish C, Gautam V. Understanding, engineering, and modulating the growth of neural networks: An interdisciplinary approach. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2021; 2:021303. [PMID: 38505122 PMCID: PMC10903502 DOI: 10.1063/5.0043014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
A deeper understanding of the brain and its function remains one of the most significant scientific challenges. It not only is required to find cures for a plethora of brain-related diseases and injuries but also opens up possibilities for achieving technological wonders, such as brain-machine interface and highly energy-efficient computing devices. Central to the brain's function is its basic functioning unit (i.e., the neuron). There has been a tremendous effort to understand the underlying mechanisms of neuronal growth on both biochemical and biophysical levels. In the past decade, this increased understanding has led to the possibility of controlling and modulating neuronal growth in vitro through external chemical and physical methods. We provide a detailed overview of the most fundamental aspects of neuronal growth and discuss how researchers are using interdisciplinary ideas to engineer neuronal networks in vitro. We first discuss the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms of neuronal growth as we stress the fact that the biochemical or biophysical processes during neuronal growth are not independent of each other but, rather, are complementary. Next, we discuss how utilizing these fundamental mechanisms can enable control over neuronal growth for advanced neuroengineering and biomedical applications. At the end of this review, we discuss some of the open questions and our perspectives on the challenges and possibilities related to controlling and engineering the growth of neuronal networks, specifically in relation to the materials, substrates, model systems, modulation techniques, data science, and artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidur Raj
- Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | | | - Vini Gautam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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185
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Canales Coutiño B, Mayor R. Mechanosensitive ion channels in cell migration. Cells Dev 2021; 166:203683. [PMID: 33994356 PMCID: PMC8240554 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2021.203683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cellular processes are initiated and regulated by different stimuli, including mechanical forces. Cell membrane mechanosensors represent the first step towards the conversion of mechanical stimuli to a biochemical or electrical response. Mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels form a growing family of ion gating channels that respond to direct physical force or plasma membrane deformations. A number of calcium (Ca2+) permeable MS channels are known to regulate the initiation, direction, and persistence of cell migration during development and tumour progression. While the evidence that links individual MS ion channels to cell migration is growing, a unified analysis of the molecular mechanisms regulated downstream of MS ion channel activation is lacking. In this review, we describe the MS ion channel families known to regulate cell migration. We discuss the molecular mechanisms that act downstream of MS ion channels with an emphasis on Ca2+ mediated processes. Finally, we propose the future directions and impact of MS ion channel activity in the field of cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Canales Coutiño
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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186
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Ngo MT, Harley BAC. Progress in mimicking brain microenvironments to understand and treat neurological disorders. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:020902. [PMID: 33869984 PMCID: PMC8034983 DOI: 10.1063/5.0043338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders including traumatic brain injury, stroke, primary and metastatic brain tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide. Disease progression is accompanied by changes in the brain microenvironment, but how these shifts in biochemical, biophysical, and cellular properties contribute to repair outcomes or continued degeneration is largely unknown. Tissue engineering approaches can be used to develop in vitro models to understand how the brain microenvironment contributes to pathophysiological processes linked to neurological disorders and may also offer constructs that promote healing and regeneration in vivo. In this Perspective, we summarize features of the brain microenvironment in normal and pathophysiological states and highlight strategies to mimic this environment to model disease, investigate neural stem cell biology, and promote regenerative healing. We discuss current limitations and resulting opportunities to develop tissue engineering tools that more faithfully recapitulate the aspects of the brain microenvironment for both in vitro and in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai T. Ngo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A. C. Harley
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: (217) 244-7112. Fax: (217) 333-5052
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187
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Marinval N, Chew SY. Mechanotransduction assays for neural regeneration strategies: A focus on glial cells. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:021505. [PMID: 33948526 PMCID: PMC8088332 DOI: 10.1063/5.0037814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cells are mechanosensitive, and thus, engineered systems have taken a step forward to design mechanotransduction platforms in order to impart diverse mechanical stresses to cells. Mechanical strain encountered in the central nervous system can arise from diverse mechanisms, such as tissue reorganization, fluid flow, and axon growth, as well as pathological events including axon swelling or mechanical trauma. Biomechanical relevance of the in vitro mechanical testing requires to be placed in line with the physiological and mechanical changes in central nervous tissues that occur during the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Mechanotransduction signaling utilized by glial cells and the recent approaches intended to model altered microenvironment adapted to pathological context are discussed in this review. New insights in systems merging substrate's stiffness and topography should be considered for further glial mechanotransduction studies, while testing platforms for drug discoveries promise great advancements in pharmacotherapy. Potential leads and strategies for clinical outcomes are expected to be developed following the exploration of these glial mechanosensitive signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Marinval
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459
| | - Sing Yian Chew
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: . Tel.: +65 6316 8812. Fax: +65 6794 7553
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188
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Fan S, Qi L, Li J, Pan D, Zhang Y, Li R, Zhang C, Wu D, Lau P, Hu Y, Bi G, Ding W, Chu J. Guiding the Patterned Growth of Neuronal Axons and Dendrites Using Anisotropic Micropillar Scaffolds. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100094. [PMID: 34019723 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The patterning of axonal and dendritic growth is an important topic in neural tissue engineering and critical for generating directed neuronal networks in vitro. Evidence shows that artificial micro/nanotopography can better mimic the environment for neuronal growth in vivo. However, the potential mechanisms by which neurons interact with true three dimensional (3D) topographical cues and form directional networks are unclear. Herein, 3D micropillar scaffolds are designed to guide the growth of neural stem cells and hippocampal neurons in vitro. Discontinuous and anisotropic micropillars are fabricated by femtosecond direct laser writing to form patterned scaffolds with various spacings and heights, which are found to affect the branching and orientation of axons and dendrites. Interestingly, axons and dendrites tend to grow on an array of 3D micropillar scaffolds of the same height and form functionally connected neuronal networks, as reflected by synchronous neuronal activity visualized by calcium imaging. This method may represent a promising tool for studying neuron behavior and directed neuronal networks in a 3D environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengying Fan
- Center for Biomedical Engineering Department of Electronic Science and Technology University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Lei Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease School of Life Sciences Division of Life Sciences and Medicine University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Jiawen Li
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Deng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Yiyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Rui Li
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Dong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Pakming Lau
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease School of Life Sciences Division of Life Sciences and Medicine University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Yanlei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Guoqiang Bi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease School of Life Sciences Division of Life Sciences and Medicine University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Weiping Ding
- Center for Biomedical Engineering Department of Electronic Science and Technology University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Jiaru Chu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
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189
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Cao J, Wu J, Mu J, Feng S, Gao J. The design criteria and therapeutic strategy of functional scaffolds for spinal cord injury repair. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:4591-4606. [PMID: 34018520 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00361e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a therapeutic challenge in clinic. Current drug and cell therapeutics have obtained significant efficacy but are still in the early stages for complete neural and functional recovery. In the past few decades, functional scaffolds (FSs) have been rapidly developed to bridge the lesion and provide a framework for tissue regeneration in SCI repair. Moreover, a FS can act as an adjuvant for locally delivering drugs in the lesion with a designed drug release profile, and supplying a biomimetic environment for implanted cells. In this review, the design criteria of FSs for SCI treatment are summarized according to their biocompatibility, mechanical properties, morphology, architecture, and biodegradability. Subsequently, FSs designed for SCI repair in the scope of drug delivery, cell implantation and combination therapy are introduced, respectively. And how a FS promotes their therapeutic efficacy is analyzed. Finally, the challenges, perspectives, and potential of FSs for SCI treatment are discussed. Hopefully, this review may inspire the future development of potent FSs to facilitate SCI repair in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Cao
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China.
| | - Jiahe Wu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China.
| | - Jiafu Mu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China.
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, P.R. China. and International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin, 300052, P.R. China
| | - Jianqing Gao
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China. and Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P.R. China
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190
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Fang J, Hou F, Wu S, Liu Y, Wang L, Zhang J, Wang N, Wang K, Zhu W. Piezo2 downregulation via the Cre-lox system affects aqueous humor dynamics in mice. Mol Vis 2021; 27:354-364. [PMID: 34220183 PMCID: PMC8219506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Proper aqueous humor (AH) dynamics is crucial for maintaining the intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye. This study aims to investigate the function of Piezo2, a newly discovered mechanosensitive ion channel, in regulating AH dynamics. Methods Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis and western blotting were performed to detect Piezo2 expression. The Cre-lox system was applied to create a conditional knockout model of Piezo2. IOP and aqueous humor outflow facility in live animals were recorded with a Tonometer and a syringe-pump system for up to 2 weeks. Results We first detected Piezo2 with robust expression in the human trabecular meshwork (TM), Schlemm's canal (SC), the ciliary body's epithelium, and ciliary muscle. In addition, we found Piezo2 in human retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and astrocytes in the optic nerve head (ONH). Through the Cre-lox system, Piezo2 can be successfully downregulated in mouse iridocorneal angle tissues. However, Piezo2 downregulation cannot significantly influence the IOP and outflow facility through the conventional pathway. Instead, we observed an effect of downregulated Piezo2 on decreasing the intercept in the flow rate versus pressure plot. According to the Goldmann equation, Piezo2 may function in regulating unconventional outflow, AH production, and episcleral venous pressure. Conclusions These findings, for the first time, demonstrate that Piezo2 acts as an essential mechanosensor in maintaining the proper aqueous humor dynamics in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwang Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fei Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shen Wu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital Eye Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yani Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Linna Wang
- Qingdao Haier Biotech Co. Ltd, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingxue Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital Eye Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital Eye Center, Beijing, China
| | - Kewei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics-Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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191
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Applications of atomic force microscopy in modern biology. Emerg Top Life Sci 2021; 5:103-111. [PMID: 33600596 DOI: 10.1042/etls20200255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) is an emerging tool to investigate mechanical properties of biomolecules and their responses to mechanical forces, and one of the most-used techniques for mechanical manipulation is the atomic force microscope (AFM). AFM was invented as an imaging tool which can be used to image biomolecules in sub-molecular resolution in physiological conditions. It can also be used as a molecular force probe for applying mechanical forces on biomolecules. In this brief review, we will provide exciting examples from recent literature which show how the advances in AFM have enabled us to gain deep insights into mechanical properties and mechanobiology of biomolecules. AFM has been applied to study mechanical properties of cells, tissues, microorganisms, viruses as well as biological macromolecules such as proteins. It has found applications in biomedical fields like cancer biology, where it has been used both in the diagnostic phases as well as drug discovery. AFM has been able to answer questions pertaining to mechanosensing by neurons, and mechanical changes in viruses during infection by the viral particles as well as the fundamental processes such as cell division. Fundamental questions related to protein folding have also been answered by SMFS like determination of energy landscape properties of variety of proteins and their correlation with their biological functions. A multipronged approach is needed to diversify the research, as a combination with optical spectroscopy and computer-based steered molecular dynamic simulations along with SMFS can help us gain further insights into the field of biophysics and modern biology.
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192
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Siddiqui AM, Brunner R, Harris GM, Miller AL, Waletzki BE, Schmeichel AM, Schwarzbauer JE, Schwartz J, Yaszemski MJ, Windebank AJ, Madigan NN. Promoting Neuronal Outgrowth Using Ridged Scaffolds Coated with Extracellular Matrix Proteins. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050479. [PMID: 33925613 PMCID: PMC8146557 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in cell death, demyelination, and axonal loss. The spinal cord has a limited ability to regenerate, and current clinical therapies for SCI are not effective in helping promote neurologic recovery. We have developed a novel scaffold biomaterial that is fabricated from the biodegradable hydrogel oligo(poly(ethylene glycol)fumarate) (OPF). We have previously shown that positively charged OPF scaffolds (OPF+) in an open spaced, multichannel design can be loaded with Schwann cells to support axonal generation and functional recovery following SCI. We have now developed a hybrid OPF+ biomaterial that increases the surface area available for cell attachment and that contains an aligned microarchitecture and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to better support axonal regeneration. OPF+ was fabricated as 0.08 mm thick sheets containing 100 μm high polymer ridges that self-assemble into a spiral shape when hydrated. Laminin, fibronectin, or collagen I coating promoted neuron attachment and axonal outgrowth on the scaffold surface. In addition, the ridges aligned axons in a longitudinal bipolar orientation. Decreasing the space between the ridges increased the number of cells and neurites aligned in the direction of the ridge. Schwann cells seeded on laminin coated OPF+ sheets aligned along the ridges over a 6-day period and could myelinate dorsal root ganglion neurons over 4 weeks. This novel scaffold design, with closer spaced ridges and Schwann cells, is a novel biomaterial construct to promote regeneration after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahad M. Siddiqui
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (A.M.S.); (A.M.S.); (A.J.W.)
| | - Rosa Brunner
- Program in Human Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Gregory M. Harris
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (G.M.H.); (J.E.S.)
| | - Alan Lee Miller
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (A.L.M.II); (B.E.W.)
| | - Brian E. Waletzki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (A.L.M.II); (B.E.W.)
| | - Ann M. Schmeichel
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (A.M.S.); (A.M.S.); (A.J.W.)
| | - Jean E. Schwarzbauer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (G.M.H.); (J.E.S.)
| | - Jeffrey Schwartz
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; (J.S.); (M.J.Y.)
| | - Michael J. Yaszemski
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; (J.S.); (M.J.Y.)
| | - Anthony J. Windebank
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (A.M.S.); (A.M.S.); (A.J.W.)
| | - Nicolas N. Madigan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (A.M.S.); (A.M.S.); (A.J.W.)
- Correspondence:
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193
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Kjell J, Fischer-Sternjak J, Thompson AJ, Friess C, Sticco MJ, Salinas F, Cox J, Martinelli DC, Ninkovic J, Franze K, Schiller HB, Götz M. Defining the Adult Neural Stem Cell Niche Proteome Identifies Key Regulators of Adult Neurogenesis. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 26:277-293.e8. [PMID: 32032526 PMCID: PMC7005820 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian brain contains few niches for neural stem cells (NSCs) capable of generating new neurons, whereas other regions are primarily gliogenic. Here we leverage the spatial separation of the sub-ependymal zone NSC niche and the olfactory bulb, the region to which newly generated neurons from the sub-ependymal zone migrate and integrate, and present a comprehensive proteomic characterization of these regions in comparison to the cerebral cortex, which is not conducive to neurogenesis and integration of new neurons. We find differing compositions of regulatory extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the neurogenic niche. We further show that quiescent NSCs are the main source of their local ECM, including the multi-functional enzyme transglutaminase 2, which we show is crucial for neurogenesis. Atomic force microscopy corroborated indications from the proteomic analyses that neurogenic niches are significantly stiffer than non-neurogenic parenchyma. Together these findings provide a powerful resource for unraveling unique compositions of neurogenic niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Kjell
- Division of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Muenchen, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Germany
| | - Judith Fischer-Sternjak
- Division of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Muenchen, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Germany
| | - Amelia J Thompson
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christian Friess
- Division of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Muenchen, Germany
| | - Matthew J Sticco
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Favio Salinas
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jürgen Cox
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - David C Martinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Jovica Ninkovic
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Germany; Division of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Muenchen, Germany; SYNERGY, Excellence Cluster Systems Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Muenchen, Germany
| | - Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Herbert B Schiller
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany; Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Germany
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Division of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Muenchen, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Germany; SYNERGY, Excellence Cluster Systems Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Muenchen, Germany.
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194
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Gene Expression of Mouse Hippocampal Stem Cells Grown in a Galactose-Derived Molecular Gel Compared to In Vivo and Neurospheres. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9040716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: N-heptyl-D-galactonamide (GalC7) is a small synthetic carbohydrate derivative that forms a biocompatible supramolecular hydrogel. In this study, the objective was to analyze more in-depth how neural cells differentiate in contact with GalC7. Method: Direct (ex vivo) cells of the fresh hippocampus and culture (In vitro) of the primary cells were investigated. In vitro, investigation performed under three conditions: on culture in neurospheres for 19 days, on culture in GalC7 gel for 7 days, and on culture in both neurospheres and GalC7 gel. Total RNA was isolated with TRIzol from each group, Sox8, Sox9, Sox10, Dcx, and Neurod1 expression levels were measured by qPCR. Result: Sox8 and Sox10, oligodendrocyte markers, and Sox9, an astrocyte marker, were expressed at a much higher level after 7 days of culture in GalC7 hydrogel compared to all other conditions. Dcx, a marker of neurogenesis, and Neurod1, a marker of neuronal differentiation, were expressed at better levels in the GalC7 gel culture compared to the neurosphere. Conclusions: These results show that the GalC7 hydrogel brings different and interesting conditions for inducing the differentiation and maturation of neural progenitor cells compared with polymer-based scaffolds or cell-only conditions. The differences observed open new perspectives in tissue engineering, induction, and transcript analysis.
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195
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Espina JA, Marchant CL, Barriga EH. Durotaxis: the mechanical control of directed cell migration. FEBS J 2021; 289:2736-2754. [PMID: 33811732 PMCID: PMC9292038 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Directed cell migration is essential for cells to efficiently migrate in physiological and pathological processes. While migrating in their native environment, cells interact with multiple types of cues, such as mechanical and chemical signals. The role of chemical guidance via chemotaxis has been studied in the past, the understanding of mechanical guidance of cell migration via durotaxis remained unclear until very recently. Nonetheless, durotaxis has become a topic of intensive research and several advances have been made in the study of mechanically guided cell migration across multiple fields. Thus, in this article we provide a state of the art about durotaxis by discussing in silico, in vitro and in vivo data. We also present insights on the general mechanisms by which cells sense, transduce and respond to environmental mechanics, to then contextualize these mechanisms in the process of durotaxis and explain how cells bias their migration in anisotropic substrates. Furthermore, we discuss what is known about durotaxis in vivo and we comment on how haptotaxis could arise from integrating durotaxis and chemotaxis in native environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime A Espina
- Mechanisms of Morphogenesis Lab, Gulbenkian Institute of Science (IGC), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Cristian L Marchant
- Mechanisms of Morphogenesis Lab, Gulbenkian Institute of Science (IGC), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Elias H Barriga
- Mechanisms of Morphogenesis Lab, Gulbenkian Institute of Science (IGC), Oeiras, Portugal
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Oliveri H, Franze K, Goriely A. Theory for Durotactic Axon Guidance. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 126:118101. [PMID: 33798338 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.126.118101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
During the development of the nervous system, neurons extend bundles of axons that grow and meet other neurons to form the neuronal network. Robust guidance mechanisms are needed for these bundles to migrate and reach their functional target. Directional information depends on external cues such as chemical or mechanical gradients. Unlike chemotaxis that has been extensively studied, the role and mechanism of durotaxis, the directed response to variations in substrate rigidity, remain unclear. We model bundle migration and guidance by rigidity gradients by using the theory of morphoelastic rods. We show that, at a rigidity interface, the motion of axon bundles follows a simple behavior analogous to optic ray theory and obeys Snell's law for refraction and reflection. We use this powerful analogy to demonstrate that axons can be guided by the equivalent of optical lenses and fibers created by regions of different stiffnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadrien Oliveri
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, United Kingdom
| | - Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, United Kingdom
- Institute of Medical Physics and Micro-Tissue Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen 91052, Germany
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen 91052, Germany
| | - Alain Goriely
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, United Kingdom
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197
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Momin A, Bahrampour S, Min HK, Chen X, Wang X, Sun Y, Huang X. Channeling Force in the Brain: Mechanosensitive Ion Channels Choreograph Mechanics and Malignancies. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:367-384. [PMID: 33752907 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Force is everywhere. Through cell-intrinsic activities and interactions with the microenvironment, cells generate, transmit, and sense mechanical forces, such as compression, tension, and shear stress. These forces shape the mechanical properties of cells and tissues. Akin to how balanced biochemical signaling safeguards physiological processes, a mechanical optimum is required for homeostasis. The brain constructs a mechanical optimum from its cellular and extracellular constituents. However, in brain cancer, the mechanical properties are disrupted: tumor and nontumoral cells experience dysregulated solid and fluid stress, while tumor tissue develops altered stiffness. Mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels perceive mechanical cues to govern ion flux and cellular signaling. In this review, we describe the mechanical properties of the brain in healthy and cancer states and illustrate MS ion channels as sensors of mechanical cues to regulate malignant growth. Targeting MS ion channels offers disease insights at the interface of cancer, neuroscience, and mechanobiology to reveal therapeutic opportunities in brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Momin
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONT, M5S 3E1, Canada.
| | - Shahrzad Bahrampour
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Hyun-Kee Min
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONT, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Xin Chen
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Xian Wang
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONT, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Xi Huang
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONT, M5S 3E1, Canada.
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198
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Sarkar B, Ma X, Agas A, Siddiqui Z, Iglesias-Montoro P, Nguyen PK, Kim KK, Haorah J, Kumar VA. In vivo Neuroprotective Effect of a Self-assembled Peptide Hydrogel. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND : 1996) 2021; 408:127295. [PMID: 37842134 PMCID: PMC10571100 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.127295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with poor intrinsic healing responses and long-term cognitive decline. A major pathological outcome of TBI is acute glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity (GME) experienced by neurons. Short peptides based on the neuroprotective extracellular glycoprotein ependymin have shown the ability to slow down the effect of GME - however, such short peptides tend to diffuse away from target sites after in vivo delivery. We have designed a self-assembling peptide containing an ependymin mimic that can form nanofibrous matrices. The peptide was evaluated in situ to assess neuroprotective utility after an acute fluidpercussion injury. This biomimetic matrix can conform to the intracranial damaged site after delivery, due its shear-responsive rheological properties. We demonstrated the potential efficacy of the peptide for supporting neuronal survival in vitro and in vivo. Our study demonstrates the potential of these implantable acellular hydrogels for managing the acute (up to 7 days) pathophysiological sequelae after traumatic brain injury. Further work is needed to evaluate less invasive administrative routes and long-term functional and behavioral improvements after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biplab Sarkar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Xiaotang Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Agnieszka Agas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Zain Siddiqui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | | | - Peter K. Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Ka Kyung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - James Haorah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Vivek A. Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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199
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Adherent cell remodeling on micropatterns is modulated by Piezo1 channels. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5088. [PMID: 33658557 PMCID: PMC7930019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84427-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adherent cells utilize local environmental cues to make decisions on their growth and movement. We have previously shown that HEK293 cells grown on the fibronectin stripe patterns were elongated. Here we show that Piezo1 function is involved in cell spreading. Piezo1 expressing HEK cells plated on fibronectin stripes elongated, while a knockout of Piezo1 eliminated elongation. Inhibiting Piezo1 conductance using GsMTx4 or Gd3+ blocked cell spreading, but the cells grew thin tail-like extensions along the patterns. Images of GFP-tagged Piezo1 showed plaques of Piezo1 moving to the extrusion edges, co-localized with focal adhesions. Surprisingly, in non-spreading cells Piezo1 was located primarily on the nuclear envelope. Inhibiting the Rho-ROCK pathway also reversibly inhibited cell extension indicating that myosin contractility is involved. The growth of thin extrusion tails did not occur in Piezo1 knockout cells suggesting that Piezo1 may have functions besides acting as a cation channel.
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