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Bourqqia-Ramzi M, Mansilla-Guardiola J, Muñoz-Rodriguez D, Quarta E, Lombardo-Hernandez J, Murciano-Cespedosa A, Conejero-Meca FJ, Mateos González Á, Geuna S, Garcia-Esteban MT, Herrera-Rincon C. From the Microbiome to the Electrome: Implications for the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6233. [PMID: 38892419 PMCID: PMC11172653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in metabolism, as well as the immune and nervous systems. Microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) can contribute to subsequent physical and mental pathologies. As such, interest has been growing in the microbiota-gut-brain brain axis and the bioelectrical communication that could exist between bacterial and nervous cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioelectrical profile (electrome) of two bacterial species characteristic of the gut microbiome: a Proteobacteria Gram-negative bacillus Escherichia coli (E. coli), and a Firmicutes Gram-positive coccus Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). We analyzed both bacterial strains to (i) validate the fluorescent probe bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid) trimethine oxonol, DiBAC4(3), as a reliable reporter of the changes in membrane potential (Vmem) for both bacteria; (ii) assess the evolution of the bioelectric profile throughout the growth of both strains; (iii) investigate the effects of two neural-type stimuli on Vmem changes: the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate (Glu) and the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA); (iv) examine the impact of the bioelectrical changes induced by neurotransmitters on bacterial growth, viability, and cultivability using absorbance, live/dead fluorescent probes, and viable counts, respectively. Our findings reveal distinct bioelectrical profiles characteristic of each bacterial species and growth phase. Importantly, neural-type stimuli induce Vmem changes without affecting bacterial growth, viability, or cultivability, suggesting a specific bioelectrical response in bacterial cells to neurotransmitter cues. These results contribute to understanding the bacterial response to external stimuli, with potential implications for modulating bacterial bioelectricity as a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwane Bourqqia-Ramzi
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
- Department of Neurosciences “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Jesús Mansilla-Guardiola
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
- Unit of Microbiology, Department of Genetic, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Muñoz-Rodriguez
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
| | - Elisa Quarta
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center “Guido Tarone”, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Juan Lombardo-Hernandez
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
| | - Antonio Murciano-Cespedosa
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
- Neuro-Computing and Neuro-Robotics Research Group, Neural Plasticity Research Group Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco José Conejero-Meca
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
| | - Álvaro Mateos González
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
- University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Cavalieri Ottolenghi Neuroscience Institute, University of Turin, Ospedale San Luigi, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - María Teresa Garcia-Esteban
- Unit of Microbiology, Department of Genetic, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Celia Herrera-Rincon
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
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Zhou Q, Dai H, Yan Y, Qin Z, Zhou M, Zhang W, Zhang G, Guo R, Wei X. From Short Circuit to Completed Circuit: Conductive Hydrogel Facilitating Oral Wound Healing. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303143. [PMID: 38306368 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The primary challenges posed by oral mucosal diseases are their high incidence and the difficulty in managing symptoms. Inspired by the ability of bioelectricity to activate cells, accelerate metabolism, and enhance immunity, a conductive polyacrylamide/sodium alginate crosslinked hydrogel composite containing reduced graphene oxide (PAA-SA@rGO) is developed. This composite possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, serving as a bridge to turn the "short circuit" of the injured site into a "completed circuit," thereby prompting fibroblasts in proximity to the wound site to secrete growth factors and expedite tissue regeneration. Simultaneously, the PAA-SA@rGO hydrogel effectively seals wounds to form a barrier, exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and prevents foreign bacterial invasion. As the electric field of the wound is rebuilt and repaired by the PAA-SA@rGO hydrogel, a 5 × 5 mm2 wound in the full-thickness buccal mucosa of rats can be expeditiously mended within mere 7 days. The theoretical calculations indicate that the PAA-SA@rGO hydrogel can aggregate and express SOX2, PITX1, and PITX2 at the wound site, which has a promoting effect on rapid wound healing. Importantly, this PAA-SA@rGO hydrogel has a fast curative effect and only needs to be applied for the first three days, which significantly improves patient satisfaction during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangqiang Zhou
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Craniomaxillofacial Development and Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Hanqing Dai
- Academy for Engineering and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yukun Yan
- Institute for Electric Light Sources, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zhiming Qin
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Craniomaxillofacial Development and Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Mengqi Zhou
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Craniomaxillofacial Development and Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Wanlu Zhang
- Institute for Electric Light Sources, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Guoqi Zhang
- Electronic Components Technology and Materials, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2628 CD, The Netherlands
| | - Ruiqian Guo
- Academy for Engineering and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Institute for Electric Light Sources, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiaoling Wei
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Craniomaxillofacial Development and Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200001, China
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3
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Alexander VN. The creativity of cells: aneural irrational cognition. J Physiol 2024; 602:2479-2489. [PMID: 37777982 DOI: 10.1113/jp284417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence of cognition in aneural cells is well-establish in the literature. This paper extends the exploration of the mechanisms of cognition by considering whether or not aneural cells may be capable of irrational cognition, making associations based on coincidental similarities and circumstantial factors. If aneural cells do harness such semiosic qualities, as with higher-level creativity, this might be how they are able to overcome old algorithms and invent tools for new situations. I will look at three examples of irrational learning in aneural systems in terms of semiotics: (1) generalisation in the immune system, based on viral molecular mimicry, whereby immune cells attack the self, which seems to be an overgeneralisation of an icon sign based on mere similarity, not identity, (2) the classical conditioning of pea plants to trope toward wind as a sign of light, which seems to be an association of an index sign based on mere temporal proximity, and (3) a pharmaceutical intervention to prevent pregnancy, using a conjugate to encrypt self with non-self, which seems to be an example of symbol use. We identify irrational cognition easily when it leads to 'wrong' outcomes, but, if it occurs, it may also lead to favourable outcomes and 'creative' solutions.
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Deng B, Jiang S, Liu G, Li X, Zhao Y, Fan X, Ren J, Ning C, Xu L, Ji L, Mu X. Tetramethylpyrazine-loaded electroconductive hydrogels promote tissue repair after spinal cord injury by protecting the blood-spinal cord barrier and neurons. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:4409-4426. [PMID: 38630533 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02160b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) usually induces profound microvascular dysfunction. It disrupts the integrity of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), which could trigger a cascade of secondary pathological events that manifest as neuronal apoptosis and axonal demyelination. These events can further lead to irreversible neurological impairments. Thus, reducing the permeability of the BSCB and maintaining its substructural integrity are essential to promote neuronal survival following SCI. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) has emerged as a potential protective agent for treating the BSCB after SCI. However, its therapeutic potential is hindered by challenges in the administration route and suboptimal bioavailability, leading to attenuated clinical outcomes. To address this challenge, traditional Chinese medicine, TMP, was used in this study to construct a drug-loaded electroconductive hydrogel for synergistic treatment of SCI. A conductive hydrogel combined with TMP demonstrates good electrical and mechanical properties as well as superior biocompatibility. Furthermore, it also facilitates sustained local release of TMP at the implantation site. Furthermore, the TMP-loaded electroconductive hydrogel could suppress oxidative stress responses, thereby diminishing endothelial cell apoptosis and the breakdown of tight junction proteins. This concerted action repairs BSCB integrity. Concurrently, myelin-associated axons and neurons are protected against death, which meaningfully restore neurological functions post spinal cord injury. Hence, these findings indicate that combining the electroconductive hydrogel with TMP presents a promising avenue for potentiating drug efficacy and synergistic repair following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Deng
- Division of Intelligent and Biomechanical System, State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Shengyuan Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Xiaoye Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Xiao Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jingpei Ren
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Chengyun Ning
- College of Materials Science and Technology, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Linhong Ji
- Division of Intelligent and Biomechanical System, State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Xiaohong Mu
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
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Mahadeva M, Niestępski S, Kowacz M. Dependence of cell's membrane potential on extracellular voltage observed in Chara globularis. Biophys Chem 2024; 307:107199. [PMID: 38335807 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2024.107199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The membrane potential (Vm) of a cell results from the selective movement of ions across the cell membrane. Recent studies have revealed the presence of a gradient of voltage within a few nanometers adjacent to erythrocytes. Very notably this voltage is modified in response to changes in cell's membrane potential thus effectively extending the potential beyond the membrane and into the solution. In this study, using the microelectrode technique, we provide experimental evidence for the existence of a gradient of negative extracellular voltage (Vz) in a wide zone close to the cell wall of algal cells, extending over several micrometers. Modulating the ionic concentration of the extracellular solution with CO2 alters the extracellular voltage and causes an immediate change in Vm. Elevated extracellular CO2 levels depolarize the cell and hyperpolarize the zone of extracellular voltage (ZEV) by the same magnitude. This observation strongly suggests a coupling effect between Vz and Vm. An increase in the level of intracellular CO2 (dark respiration) leads to hyperpolarization of the cell without any immediate effect on the extracellular voltage. Therefore, the metabolic activity of a cell can proceed without inducing changes in Vz. Conversely, Vz can be modified by external stimulation without metabolic input from the cell. The evolution of the ZEV, particularly around spines and wounded cells, where ion exchange is enhanced, suggests that the formation of the ZEV may be attributed to the exchange of ions across the cell wall and cell membrane. By comparing the changes in Vm in response to external stimuli, as measured by electrodes and observed using a potential-sensitive dye, we provide experimental evidence demonstrating the significance of extracellular voltage in determining the cell's membrane potential. This may have implications for our understanding of cell membrane potential generation beyond the activities of ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manohara Mahadeva
- Department of Reproductive Immunology & Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Sebastian Niestępski
- Department of Reproductive Immunology & Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kowacz
- Department of Reproductive Immunology & Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland.
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Girard C. The tri-flow adaptiveness of codes in major evolutionary transitions. Biosystems 2024; 237:105133. [PMID: 38336225 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2024.105133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Life codes increase in both number and variety with biological complexity. Although our knowledge of codes is constantly expanding, the evolutionary progression of organic, neural, and cultural codes in response to selection pressure remains poorly understood. Greater clarification of the selective mechanisms is achieved by investigating how major evolutionary transitions reduce spatiotemporal and energetic constraints on transmitting heritable code to offspring. Evolution toward less constrained flows is integral to enduring flow architecture everywhere, in both engineered and natural flow systems. Beginning approximately 4 billion years ago, the most basic level for transmitting genetic material to offspring was initiated by protocell division. Evidence from ribosomes suggests that protocells transmitted comma-free or circular codes, preceding the evolution of standard genetic code. This rudimentary information flow within protocells is likely to have first emerged within the geo-energetic and geospatial constraints of hydrothermal vents. A broad-gauged hypothesis is that major evolutionary transitions overcame such constraints with tri-flow adaptations. The interconnected triple flows incorporated energy-converting, spatiotemporal, and code-based informational dynamics. Such tri-flow adaptations stacked sequence splicing code on top of protein-DNA recognition code in eukaryotes, prefiguring the transition to sexual reproduction. Sex overcame the spatiotemporal-energetic constraints of binary fission with further code stacking. Examples are tubulin code and transcription initiation code in vertebrates. In a later evolutionary transition, language reduced metabolic-spatiotemporal constraints on inheritance by stacking phonetic, phonological, and orthographic codes. In organisms that reproduce sexually, each major evolutionary transition is shown to be a tri-flow adaptation that adds new levels of code-based informational exchange. Evolving biological complexity is also shown to increase the nongenetic transmissibility of code.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Girard
- Department of Global and Sociocultural Studies, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States.
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Murugan NJ, Cariba S, Abeygunawardena S, Rouleau N, Payne SL. Biophysical control of plasticity and patterning in regeneration and cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 81:9. [PMID: 38099951 PMCID: PMC10724343 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05054-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Cells and tissues display a remarkable range of plasticity and tissue-patterning activities that are emergent of complex signaling dynamics within their microenvironments. These properties, which when operating normally guide embryogenesis and regeneration, become highly disordered in diseases such as cancer. While morphogens and other molecular factors help determine the shapes of tissues and their patterned cellular organization, the parallel contributions of biophysical control mechanisms must be considered to accurately predict and model important processes such as growth, maturation, injury, repair, and senescence. We now know that mechanical, optical, electric, and electromagnetic signals are integral to cellular plasticity and tissue patterning. Because biophysical modalities underly interactions between cells and their extracellular matrices, including cell cycle, metabolism, migration, and differentiation, their applications as tuning dials for regenerative and anti-cancer therapies are being rapidly exploited. Despite this, the importance of cellular communication through biophysical signaling remains disproportionately underrepresented in the literature. Here, we provide a review of biophysical signaling modalities and known mechanisms that initiate, modulate, or inhibit plasticity and tissue patterning in models of regeneration and cancer. We also discuss current approaches in biomedical engineering that harness biophysical control mechanisms to model, characterize, diagnose, and treat disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirosha J Murugan
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.
| | - Solsa Cariba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Samantha L Payne
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Watson R. Agency, Goal-Directed Behavior, and Part-Whole Relationships in Biological Systems. BIOLOGICAL THEORY 2023; 19:22-36. [PMID: 38463532 PMCID: PMC10920425 DOI: 10.1007/s13752-023-00447-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
In this essay we aim to present some considerations regarding a minimal but concrete notion of agency and goal-directed behavior that are useful for characterizing biological systems at different scales. These considerations are a particular perspective, bringing together concepts from dynamical systems, combinatorial problem-solving, and connectionist learning with an emphasis on the relationship between parts and wholes. This perspective affords some ways to think about agents that are concrete and quantifiable, and relevant to some important biological issues. Instead of advocating for a strict definition of minimally agential characteristics, we focus on how (even for a modest notion of agency) the agency of a system can be more than the sum of the agency of its parts. We quantify this in terms of the problem-solving competency of a system with respect to resolution of the frustrations between its parts. This requires goal-directed behavior in the sense of delayed gratification, i.e., taking dynamical trajectories that forego short-term gains (or sustain short-term stress or frustration) in favor of long-term gains. In order for this competency to belong to the system (rather than to its parts or given by its construction or design), it can involve distributed systemic knowledge that is acquired through experience, i.e., changes in the organization of the relationships among its parts (without presupposing a system-level reward function for such changes). This conception of agency helps us think about the ways in which cells, organisms, and perhaps other biological scales, can be agential (i.e., more agential than their parts) in a quantifiable sense, without denying that the behavior of the whole depends on the behaviors of the parts in their current organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Watson
- Institute for Life Sciences/Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Panda AK, Basu B. Regenerative bioelectronics: A strategic roadmap for precision medicine. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122271. [PMID: 37619262 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
In the past few decades, stem cell-based regenerative engineering has demonstrated its significant potential to repair damaged tissues and to restore their functionalities. Despite such advancement in regenerative engineering, the clinical translation remains a major challenge. In the stance of personalized treatment, the recent progress in bioelectronic medicine likewise evolved as another important research domain of larger significance for human healthcare. Over the last several years, our research group has adopted biomaterials-based regenerative engineering strategies using innovative bioelectronic stimulation protocols based on either electric or magnetic stimuli to direct cellular differentiation on engineered biomaterials with a range of elastic stiffness or functional properties (electroactivity/magnetoactivity). In this article, the role of bioelectronics in stem cell-based regenerative engineering has been critically analyzed to stimulate futuristic research in the treatment of degenerative diseases as well as to address some fundamental questions in stem cell biology. Built on the concepts from two independent biomedical research domains (regenerative engineering and bioelectronic medicine), we propose a converging research theme, 'Regenerative Bioelectronics'. Further, a series of recommendations have been put forward to address the current challenges in bridging the gap in stem cell therapy and bioelectronic medicine. Enacting the strategic blueprint of bioelectronic-based regenerative engineering can potentially deliver the unmet clinical needs for treating incurable degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asish Kumar Panda
- Laboratory for Biomaterials, Materials Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, India
| | - Bikramjit Basu
- Laboratory for Biomaterials, Materials Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, India; Centre for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, India.
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10
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Muñoz-Rodríguez D, Bourqqia-Ramzi M, García-Esteban MT, Murciano-Cespedosa A, Vian A, Lombardo-Hernández J, García-Pérez P, Conejero F, Mateos González Á, Geuna S, Herrera-Rincon C. Bioelectrical State of Bacteria Is Linked to Growth Dynamics and Response to Neurotransmitters: Perspectives for the Investigation of the Microbiota-Brain Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13394. [PMID: 37686197 PMCID: PMC10488255 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inter-cellular communication is mediated by a sum of biochemical, biophysical, and bioelectrical signals. This might occur not only between cells belonging to the same tissue and/or animal species but also between cells that are, from an evolutionary point of view, far away. The possibility that bioelectrical communication takes place between bacteria and nerve cells has opened exciting perspectives in the study of the gut microbiota-brain axis. The aim of this paper is (i) to establish a reliable method for the assessment of the bioelectrical state of two bacterial strains: Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri); (ii) to monitor the bacterial bioelectrical profile throughout its growth dynamics; and (iii) to evaluate the effects of two neurotransmitters (glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid-GABA) on the bioelectrical signature of bacteria. Our results show that membrane potential (Vmem) and the proliferative capacity of the population are functionally linked in B. subtilis in each phase of the cell cycle. Remarkably, we demonstrate that bacteria respond to neural signals by changing Vmem properties. Finally, we show that Vmem changes in response to neural stimuli are present also in a microbiota-related strain L. reuteri. Our proof-of-principle data reveal a new methodological approach for the better understanding of the relation between bacteria and the brain, with a special focus on gut microbiota. Likewise, this approach will open exciting perspectives in the study of the inter-cellular mechanisms which regulate the bi-directional communication between bacteria and neurons and, ultimately, for designing gut microbiota-brain axis-targeted treatments for neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Muñoz-Rodríguez
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Marwane Bourqqia-Ramzi
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa García-Esteban
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain (A.V.)
| | - Antonio Murciano-Cespedosa
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Neuro-Computing and Neuro-Robotics Research Group, Neural Plasticity Research Group Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Vian
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain (A.V.)
| | - Juan Lombardo-Hernández
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Pablo García-Pérez
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Conejero
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Mateos González
- NYU-ECNU Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Shanghai New York University, Shanghai 200122, China;
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Celia Herrera-Rincon
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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11
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Grasso G, Colella F, Forciniti S, Onesto V, Iuele H, Siciliano AC, Carnevali F, Chandra A, Gigli G, Del Mercato LL. Fluorescent nano- and microparticles for sensing cellular microenvironment: past, present and future applications. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:4311-4336. [PMID: 37638162 PMCID: PMC10448310 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00218g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) demonstrates distinct hallmarks, including acidosis, hypoxia, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and altered ion fluxes, which are crucial targets for early cancer biomarker detection, tumor diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies. Various imaging and sensing techniques have been developed and employed in both research and clinical settings to visualize and monitor cellular and TME dynamics. Among these, ratiometric fluorescence-based sensors have emerged as powerful analytical tools, providing precise and sensitive insights into TME and enabling real-time detection and tracking of dynamic changes. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the latest advancements in ratiometric fluorescent probes designed for the optical mapping of pH, oxygen, ROS, ions, and biomarkers within the TME. We elucidate their structural designs and sensing mechanisms as well as their applications in in vitro and in vivo detection. Furthermore, we explore integrated sensing platforms that reveal the spatiotemporal behavior of complex tumor cultures, highlighting the potential of high-resolution imaging techniques combined with computational methods. This review aims to provide a solid foundation for understanding the current state of the art and the future potential of fluorescent nano- and microparticles in the field of cellular microenvironment sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Grasso
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC) c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni 73100 Lecce Italy
| | - Francesco Colella
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC) c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni 73100 Lecce Italy
- Department of Mathematics and Physics ''Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni 73100 Lecce Italy
| | - Stefania Forciniti
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC) c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni 73100 Lecce Italy
| | - Valentina Onesto
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC) c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni 73100 Lecce Italy
| | - Helena Iuele
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC) c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni 73100 Lecce Italy
| | - Anna Chiara Siciliano
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC) c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni 73100 Lecce Italy
- Department of Mathematics and Physics ''Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni 73100 Lecce Italy
| | - Federica Carnevali
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC) c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni 73100 Lecce Italy
- Department of Mathematics and Physics ''Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni 73100 Lecce Italy
| | - Anil Chandra
- Centre for Research in Pure and Applied Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be-university) Bangalore Karnataka 560078 India
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC) c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni 73100 Lecce Italy
- Department of Mathematics and Physics ''Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni 73100 Lecce Italy
| | - Loretta L Del Mercato
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC) c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni 73100 Lecce Italy
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12
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Leal J, Shaner S, Jedrusik N, Savelyeva A, Asplund M. Electrotaxis evokes directional separation of co-cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11444. [PMID: 37454232 PMCID: PMC10349865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38664-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioelectric communication plays a significant role in several cellular processes and biological mechanisms, such as division, differentiation, migration, cancer metastasis, and wound healing. Ion flow across cellular walls leads to potential gradients and subsequent formation of constant or time-varying electric fields(EFs), which regulate cellular processes. An EF is natively generated towards the wound center during epithelial wound healing, aiming to align and guide cell migration, particularly of macrophages, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes. While this phenomenon, known as electrotaxis or galvanotaxis, has been extensively investigated across many cell types, it is typically explored one cell type at a time, which does not accurately represent cellular interactions during complex biological processes. Here we show the co-cultured electrotaxis of epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts with a salt-bridgeless microfluidic approach for the first time. The electrotactic response of these cells was first assessed in mono-culture to establish a baseline, resulting in the characteristic cathodic migration for keratinocytes and anodic for fibroblasts. Both cell types retained their electrotactic properties in co-culture leading to clear cellular partition even in the presence of cellular collisions. The methods leveraged here pave the way for future co-culture electrotaxis experiments where the concurrent influence of cell types can be thoroughly investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Leal
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Shaner
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Jedrusik
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna Savelyeva
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maria Asplund
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Division of Nursing and Medical Technology, Luleå University of Technology, 97187, Luleå, Sweden.
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13
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Fontani V, Cruciani S, Santaniello S, Rinaldi S, Maioli M. Impact of REAC Regenerative Endogenous Bioelectrical Cell Reprogramming on MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1019. [PMID: 37374009 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13061019] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human breast adenocarcinoma is a form of cancer which has the tendency to metastasize to other tissues, including bones, lungs, brain, and liver. Several chemotherapeutic drugs are used to treat breast tumors. Their combination is used to simultaneously target different mechanisms involved in cell replication. Radio electric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) technology is an innovative technology, used both in vitro and in vivo, to induce cell reprogramming and counteract senescence processes. Within this context, we treated MCF-7 cells with a regenerative (RGN) REAC treatment for a period ranging between 3 and 7 days. We then analyzed cell viability by trypan blue assays and gene and protein expression by real time-qPCR and confocal microscope, respectively. We also detected the levels of the main proteins involved in tumor progression, DKK1 and SFRP1, by ELISA and cell senescence by β-galactosidase tests. Our results showed the ability of REAC RGN to counteract MCF-7 proliferation, probably inducing autophagy via the upregulation of Beclin-1 and LC3-I, and the modulation of specific tumorigenic biomarkers, such as DKK1 and SPFR1. Our results could suggest the application of the REAC RGN in future in vivo experiments, as an aid for the therapeutic strategies usually applied for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Fontani
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Cruciani
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Sara Santaniello
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Salvatore Rinaldi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Margherita Maioli
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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14
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Adamatzky A, Tarabella G, Phillips N, Chiolerio A, D'Angelo P, Nikolaidou A, Sirakoulis GC. Kombucha electronics: electronic circuits on kombucha mats. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9367. [PMID: 37296164 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36244-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A kombucha is a tea and sugar fermented by over sixty kinds of yeasts and bacteria. This symbiotic community produces kombucha mats, which are cellulose-based hydrogels. The kombucha mats can be used as an alternative to animal leather in industry and fashion once they have been dried and cured. Prior to this study, we demonstrated that living kombucha mats display dynamic electrical activity and distinct stimulating responses. For use in organic textiles, cured mats of kombucha are inert. To make kombucha wearables functional, it is necessary to incorporate electrical circuits. We demonstrate that creating electrical conductors on kombucha mats is possible. After repeated bending and stretching, the circuits maintain their functionality. In addition, the abilities and electronic properties of the proposed kombucha, such as being lighter, less expensive, and more flexible than conventional electronic systems, pave the way for their use in a diverse range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Adamatzky
- Unconventional Computing Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi, Greece.
| | - Giuseppe Tarabella
- Institute of Materials for Electronic and Magnetism, National Research Council (IMEM-CNR), Parma, Italy
| | - Neil Phillips
- Unconventional Computing Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Alessandro Chiolerio
- Unconventional Computing Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Converging Technologies, Soft Bioinspired Robotics, Via Morego 30, 16165, Genova, Italy
| | - Passquale D'Angelo
- Institute of Materials for Electronic and Magnetism, National Research Council (IMEM-CNR), Parma, Italy
| | - Anna Nikolaidou
- Unconventional Computing Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Georgios Ch Sirakoulis
- Unconventional Computing Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi, Greece
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15
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Silic MR, Zhang G. Bioelectricity in Developmental Patterning and Size Control: Evidence and Genetically Encoded Tools in the Zebrafish Model. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081148. [PMID: 37190057 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental patterning is essential for regulating cellular events such as axial patterning, segmentation, tissue formation, and organ size determination during embryogenesis. Understanding the patterning mechanisms remains a central challenge and fundamental interest in developmental biology. Ion-channel-regulated bioelectric signals have emerged as a player of the patterning mechanism, which may interact with morphogens. Evidence from multiple model organisms reveals the roles of bioelectricity in embryonic development, regeneration, and cancers. The Zebrafish model is the second most used vertebrate model, next to the mouse model. The zebrafish model has great potential for elucidating the functions of bioelectricity due to many advantages such as external development, transparent early embryogenesis, and tractable genetics. Here, we review genetic evidence from zebrafish mutants with fin-size and pigment changes related to ion channels and bioelectricity. In addition, we review the cell membrane voltage reporting and chemogenetic tools that have already been used or have great potential to be implemented in zebrafish models. Finally, new perspectives and opportunities for bioelectricity research with zebrafish are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Silic
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - GuangJun Zhang
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases (PI4D), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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16
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Carvalho J. A computational model of cell membrane bioelectric polarization and depolarization, connected with cell proliferation, in different tissue geometries. J Theor Biol 2023; 557:111338. [PMID: 36343668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A reliable theory of biological tissues growth and organization, a fundamental tool for a comprehensive interpretation of experimental observations and a guide to progress in life sciences, is definitively missing. This would support the advancement of knowledge for both normal and pathological expansion and regulation of tissues and organisms. In this work is presented a computational model of cell culture that describes its growth and organization using cell proliferation as its default state, constrained by contact inhibition, closely connected to the cell bioelectric state. The model results describe in a correct way the reported experimental results, involving contact inhibition due to the presence of other cells, and gap junctions for signaling, molecules exchange and extracellular environment sensing. Starting from depolarized cells (in this model considered tantamount to proliferative), the cell culture grows until it fills the available domain and, due to the contact inhibition constraint, it turns into quiescence (a consequence of cell polarization), except on the periphery. Using drugs or via protein expression manipulation, it is possible to change the final tissue state, to fully polarized or depolarized. Other experimental tests are proposed and the expected results simulated. This model can be extended to pathological events, such as carcinogenesis, with cells homeostasis perturbed by a cell depolarizing (carcinogenic) event and express its default proliferative state without adequate control. This simplified model of tissue organization, regulated by the cell's bioelectric state and their interaction with vicinity, is an alternative to the description of the experimental results by mechanical stress, and can be further tested and extended in dedicated experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Carvalho
- CFisUC, Department of Physics, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
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17
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The generation of the flower by self-organisation. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 177:42-54. [PMID: 36346254 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The essence of the Turing-Child theory (Schiffmann, 1991, 2017) is the direct and spontaneous conversion of chemical energy into simultaneous differentiation and morphogenesis, and all localised biological work and localised entropy-reducing processes. This is done via the identification of the Turing instability with cAMP and ATP being the Turing morphogens that mutually fulfil the five Turing inequalities. A flower model like the ABC model is derived from experiments with mutations. But what actually generates the model in real development? That is, how do genes of class A come to be expressed in the sepal and petal whorls, genes of class B in the petal and stamen whorls, and genes of class C in the stamen and carpel whorls. We suggest that the generation of the ABC model occurs via sequential compartmentalisation by Turing-Child eigenfunction patterns similar to the one occurring in Drosophila (Schiffmann, 2012). We also suggest a similar mechanism for the generation of the dorso-lateral-ventral polarity and bilateral symmetry. A mechanism for the generation of the regular location of the floral organs is also suggested. The symmetry and regularity of flowers, which are the source of their attraction and beauty, stem from the symmetry and regularity of the Turing-Child eigenfunctions. The central problem in developmental biology is the endless regress. This endless regress is halted by the Turing-Child pre-patterns and this is illustrated on a central example in flower generation. Both the shape and the chemistry - the steady-state rate of ATP synthesis and hydrolysis - of the Turing-Child pre-patterns are exactly what is required. Art and science meet in flower formation.
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18
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Fernandez Cabada T, Ruben M, El Merhie A, Proietti Zaccaria R, Alabastri A, Petrini EM, Barberis A, Salerno M, Crepaldi M, Davis A, Ceseracciu L, Catelani T, Athanassiou A, Pellegrino T, Cingolani R, Papadopoulou EL. Electrostatic polarization fields trigger glioblastoma stem cell differentiation. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2022; 8:95-107. [PMID: 36426604 PMCID: PMC9765404 DOI: 10.1039/d2nh00453d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few years it has been understood that the interface between living cells and the underlying materials can be a powerful tool to manipulate cell functions. In this study, we explore the hypothesis that the electrical cell/material interface can regulate the differentiation of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). Electrospun polymer fibres, either polyamide 66 or poly(lactic acid), with embedded graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs), have been fabricated as CSC scaffolds, providing both the 3D microenvironment and a suitable electrical environment favorable for CSCs adhesion, growth and differentiation. We have investigated the impact of these scaffolds on the morphological, immunostaining and electrophysiological properties of CSCs extracted from human glioblastoma multiform (GBM) tumor cell line. Our data provide evidence in favor of the ability of GnP-incorporating scaffolds to promote CSC differentiation to the glial phenotype. Numerical simulations support the hypothesis that the electrical interface promotes the hyperpolarization of the cell membrane potential, thus triggering the CSC differentiation. We propose that the electrical cell/material interface can regulate endogenous bioelectrical cues, through the membrane potential manipulation, resulting in the differentiation of CSCs. Material-induced differentiation of stem cells and particularly of CSCs, can open new horizons in tissue engineering and new approaches to cancer treatment, especially GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Massimo Ruben
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| | - Amira El Merhie
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| | | | - Alessandro Alabastri
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | | | - Andrea Barberis
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| | - Marco Salerno
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| | - Marco Crepaldi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Alexander Davis
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| | - Luca Ceseracciu
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| | - Tiziano Catelani
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| | | | - Teresa Pellegrino
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| | - Roberto Cingolani
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
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19
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Adamatzky A. Electrical Potential Spiking of Kombucha Zoogleal Mats: A Symbiotic Community of Bacteria and Yeasts. Bioelectricity 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2022.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Adamatzky
- Department of Computer Science, Unconventional Computing Laboratory, UWE, Bristol, United Kingdom
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20
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Basham CM, Spittle S, Sangoro J, El-Beyrouthy J, Freeman E, Sarles SA. Entrapment and Voltage-Driven Reorganization of Hydrophobic Nanoparticles in Planar Phospholipid Bilayers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:54558-54571. [PMID: 36459500 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c16677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) possess diverse physical and chemical properties, which make them attractive agents for targeted cellular interactions within the human body. Once affiliated with the plasma membrane, NPs can become embedded within its hydrophobic core, which can limit the intended therapeutic functionality and affect the associated toxicity. As such, understanding the physical effects of embedded NPs on a plasma membrane is critical to understanding their design and clinical use. Here, we demonstrate that functionalized, hydrophobic gold NPs dissolved in oil can be directly trapped within the hydrophobic interior of a phospholipid membrane assembled using the droplet interface bilayer technique. This approach to model membrane formation preserves lateral lipid diffusion found in cell membranes and permits simultaneous imaging and electrophysiology to study the effects of embedded NPs on the electromechanical properties of the bilayer. We show that trapped NPs enhance ion conductance and lateral membrane tension in 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) and 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPhPC) bilayers while lowering the adhesive energy of the joined droplets. Embedded NPs also cause changes in bilayer capacitance and area in response to applied voltage, which are nonmonotonic for DOPC bilayers. This electrophysical characterization can reveal NP entrapment without relying on changes in membrane thickness. By evaluating the energetic components of membrane tension under an applied potential, we demonstrate that these nonmonotonic, voltage-dependent responses are caused by reversible clustering of NPs within the unsaturated DOPC membrane core; aggregates form spontaneously at low voltages and are dispersed by higher transmembrane potentials of magnitude similar to those found in the cellular environment. These findings allow for a better understanding of lipid-dependent NP interactions, while providing a platform to study relationships between other hydrophobic nanomaterials and organic membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin M Basham
- Mechanical Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee37996, United States
| | - Stephanie Spittle
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee37996, United States
| | - Joshua Sangoro
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee37996, United States
| | - Joyce El-Beyrouthy
- School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia30602, United States
| | - Eric Freeman
- School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia30602, United States
| | - Stephen A Sarles
- Mechanical Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee37996, United States
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21
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Chakraborty J, Chawla S, Ghosh S. Developmental biology-inspired tissue engineering by combining organoids and 3D bioprinting. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 78:102832. [PMID: 36332345 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Very few tissue-engineered constructs could achieve the desired results in human clinical trials. The main reason is their inability to recapitulate the cellular conformation, biological, and mechanical functions of the native tissue. Here, we highlight the future avenues of tissue regeneration combining developmental biology, organoids, and 3D bioprinting. A deep mechanistic insight into the embryonic level and recapitulating them would be the most promising strategy in next-generation tissue engineering. Rather than focusing on the adult tissue features, the latest developmental re-engineering strategies replicate the developmental phases of tissue development. Integrating developmental re-engineering with 3D bioprinting can regulate several signaling pathways. This would further help to fabricate mini-organ constructs for transplantation or in vitro screening of drugs using an organ-on-a-chip platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhi Chakraborty
- Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Shikha Chawla
- Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Sourabh Ghosh
- Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India.
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22
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Hollar DW. The competition of ecological resonances in the quantum metabolic model of cancer: Potential energetic interventions. Biosystems 2022; 222:104798. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2022.104798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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23
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Wu C, Pu Y, Zhang Y, Liu X, Qiao Z, Xin N, Zhou T, Chen S, Zeng M, Tang J, Pi J, Wei D, Sun J, Luo F, Fan H. A Bioactive and Photoresponsive Platform for Wireless Electrical Stimulation to Promote Neurogenesis. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2201255. [PMID: 35932207 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Delivering electrical signals to neural cells and tissue has attracted increasing attention in the treatment of nerve injuries. Unlike traditional wired electrical stimulation, wireless and remote light stimulation provides less invasive and longer-lasting interfaces, holding great promise in the treatment of nerve injuries and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as human-computer interaction. Additionally, a bioactive matrix that bridges the injured gap and induces nerve regeneration is essential for injured nerve repair. However, it is still challenging to construct a 3D biomimetic cell niche with optoelectrical responsiveness. Herein, a bioactive platform for remote and wireless optoelectrical stimulation is established by incorporating hydrophilic poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanoparticles (P3HT NPs) into a biomimetic hydrogel matrix. Moreover, the hydrogel matrix is modified by varying the composition and/or the crosslinking degree to meet the needs of different application scenarios. When exposed to pulsed green light, P3HT NPs in hydrogels convert light signals into electrical signals, resulting in the generation of tens of picoampere photocurrent, which is proved to promote the growth of cortical neurons that covered by hydrogels and the neuronal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) encapsulated in hydrogels. This work is of great significance for the design of next-generation neural electrodes and scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengheng Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China.,Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Devices, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Yiyao Pu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China
| | - Yusheng Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China
| | - Xiaoyin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Zi Qiao
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China
| | - Nini Xin
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China
| | - Suping Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China
| | - Mingze Zeng
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China
| | - Jiajia Tang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China
| | - Jinkui Pi
- Core Facilities of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Dan Wei
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China
| | - Jing Sun
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China
| | - Fang Luo
- The Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610044, China
| | - Hongsong Fan
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China
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Trueman RP, Ahlawat AS, Phillips JB. A Shock to the (Nervous) System: Bioelectricity Within Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2022; 28:1137-1150. [PMID: 34806913 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The peripheral nervous system has the remarkable ability to regenerate in response to injury. However, this is only successful over shorter nerve gaps and often provides poor outcomes for patients. Currently, the gold standard of treatment is the surgical intervention of an autograft, whereby patient tissue is harvested and transplanted to bridge the nerve gap. Despite being the gold standard, more than half of patients have dissatisfactory functional recovery after an autograft. Peripheral nerve tissue engineering aims to create biomaterials that can therapeutically surpass the autograft. Current tissue-engineered constructs are designed to deliver a combination of therapeutic benefits to the regenerating nerve, such as supportive cells, alignment, extracellular matrix, soluble factors, immunosuppressants, and other therapies. An emerging therapeutic opportunity in nerve tissue engineering is the use of electrical stimulation (ES) to modify and enhance cell function. ES has been shown to positively affect four key cell types, such as neurons, endothelial cells, macrophages, and Schwann cells, involved in peripheral nerve repair. Changes elicited include faster neurite extension, cellular alignment, and changes in cell phenotype associated with improved regeneration and functional recovery. This review considers the relevant modes of administration and cellular responses that could underpin incorporation of ES into nerve tissue engineering strategies. Impact Statement Tissue engineering is becoming increasingly complex, with multiple therapeutic modalities often included within the final tissue-engineered construct. Electrical stimulation (ES) is emerging as a viable therapeutic intervention to be included within peripheral nerve tissue engineering strategies; however, to date, there have been no review articles that collate the information regarding the effects of ES on key cell within peripheral nerve injury. This review article aims to inform the field on the different therapeutic effects that may be achieved by using ES and how they may become incorporated into existing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Trueman
- Center for Nerve Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ananya S Ahlawat
- Center for Nerve Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James B Phillips
- Center for Nerve Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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25
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He J, Shen R, Liu Q, Zheng S, Wang X, Gao J, Wang Q, Huang J, Ding J. RGD Nanoarrays with Nanospacing Gradient Selectively Induce Orientation and Directed Migration of Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:37436-37446. [PMID: 35943249 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c10006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Directed migration of cells through cell-surface interactions is a paramount prerequisite in biomaterial-induced tissue regeneration. However, whether and how the nanoscale spatial gradient of adhesion molecules on a material surface can induce directed migration of cells is not sufficiently known. Herein, we employed block copolymer micelle nanolithography to prepare gold nanoarrays with a nanospacing gradient, which were prepared by continuously changing the dipping velocity. Then, a self-assembly monolayer technique was applied to graft arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) peptides on the nanodots and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) on the glass background. Since RGD can trigger specific cell adhesion via conjugating with integrin (its receptor in the cell membrane) and PEG can resist protein adsorption and nonspecific cell adhesion, a nanopattern with cell-adhesion contrast and a gradient of RGD nanospacing was eventually prepared. In vitro cell behaviors were examined using endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) as a demonstration. We found that SMCs exhibited significant orientation and directed migration along the nanospacing gradient, while ECs exhibited only a weak spontaneously anisotropic migration. The gradient response was also dependent upon the RGD nanospacing ranges, namely, the start and end nanospacings under a given distance and gradient. The different responses of these two cell types to the RGD nanospacing gradient provide new insights for designing cell-selective nanomaterials potentially used in cell screening, wound healing, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao He
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Runjia Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Shuang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xinlei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jingming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qunsong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jiale Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jiandong Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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26
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Fan C, Yang W, Zhang L, Cai H, Zhuang Y, Chen Y, Zhao Y, Dai J. Restoration of spinal cord biophysical microenvironment for enhancing tissue repair by injury-responsive smart hydrogel. Biomaterials 2022; 288:121689. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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27
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Carvalho J. A computational model of organism development and carcinogenesis resulting from cells' bioelectric properties and communication. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9206. [PMID: 35654933 PMCID: PMC9163332 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13281-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A sound theory of biological organization is clearly missing for a better interpretation of observational results and faster progress in understanding life complexity. The availability of such a theory represents a fundamental progress in explaining both normal and pathological organism development. The present work introduces a computational implementation of some principles of a theory of organism development, namely that the default state of cells is proliferation and motility, and includes the principle of variation and organization by closure of constraints. In the present model, the bioelectric context of cells and tissue is the field responsible for organization, as it regulates cell proliferation and the level of communication driving the system’s evolution. Starting from a depolarized (proliferative) cell, the organism grows to a certain size, limited by the increasingly polarized state after successive proliferation events. The system reaches homeostasis, with a depolarized core (proliferative cells) surrounded by a rim of polarized cells (non-proliferative in this condition). This state is resilient to cell death (random or due to injure) and to limited depolarization (potentially carcinogenic) events. Carcinogenesis is introduced through a localized event (a spot of depolarized cells) or by random depolarization of cells in the tissue, which returns cells to their initial proliferative state. The normalization of the bioelectric condition can reverse this out-of-equilibrium state to a new homeostatic one. This simplified model of embryogenesis, tissue organization and carcinogenesis, based on non-excitable cells’ bioelectric properties, can be made more realistic with the introduction of other components, like biochemical fields and mechanical interactions, which are fundamental for a more faithful representation of reality. However, even a simple model can give insight for new approaches in complex systems and suggest new experimental tests, focused in its predictions and interpreted under a new paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Carvalho
- CFisUC, Department of Physics, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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28
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O’Hara-Wright M, Mobini S, Gonzalez-Cordero A. Bioelectric Potential in Next-Generation Organoids: Electrical Stimulation to Enhance 3D Structures of the Central Nervous System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:901652. [PMID: 35656553 PMCID: PMC9152151 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.901652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cell-derived organoid models of the central nervous system represent one of the most exciting areas in in vitro tissue engineering. Classically, organoids of the brain, retina and spinal cord have been generated via recapitulation of in vivo developmental cues, including biochemical and biomechanical. However, a lesser studied cue, bioelectricity, has been shown to regulate central nervous system development and function. In particular, electrical stimulation of neural cells has generated some important phenotypes relating to development and differentiation. Emerging techniques in bioengineering and biomaterials utilise electrical stimulation using conductive polymers. However, state-of-the-art pluripotent stem cell technology has not yet merged with this exciting area of bioelectricity. Here, we discuss recent findings in the field of bioelectricity relating to the central nervous system, possible mechanisms, and how electrical stimulation may be utilised as a novel technique to engineer “next-generation” organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle O’Hara-Wright
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Sahba Mobini
- Instituto de Micro y Nanotecnología, IMN-CNM, CSIC (CEI UAM + CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Anai Gonzalez-Cordero,
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29
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Ghirardello M, Shyam R, Galan MC. Reengineering of cancer cell surface charges can modulate cell migration. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:5522-5525. [PMID: 35420600 PMCID: PMC9063860 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc00402j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The ability to modulate the cell surface structure provides a powerful tool to understand fundamental processes and also to elicit desired cellular responses. Here we report the development of a new class of ‘clickable labels’ to reengineer the cell surface charges of live cells. The method relies on the use of metabolic oligosaccharide engineering (MOE) combined with chemo selective labeling of cell surface azido-containing sialic acids with dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) ionic-probes. Using this strategy, we demonstrate that reducing the negative charge induced by the overexpression of cell surface sialic acids in cancer cells leads to a reduction in cell migration without affecting drug supceptibility. Reducing the negative charges induced by the overexpression of cell surface sialic acids using cationic clickable labels leads to a reduction in cancer cell migration without affecting drug supceptibility.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Ghirardello
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, BS8 1TS Bristol, UK.
| | - Radhe Shyam
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, BS8 1TS Bristol, UK.
| | - M Carmen Galan
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, BS8 1TS Bristol, UK.
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30
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Davies JA. Synthetic Morphogenesis: introducing IEEE journal readers to programming living mammalian cells to make structures. PROCEEDINGS OF THE IEEE. INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS 2022; 110:688-707. [PMID: 36590991 PMCID: PMC7614003 DOI: 10.1109/jproc.2021.3137077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic morphogenesis is a new engineering discipline, in which cells are genetically engineered to make designed shapes and structures. At least in this early phase of the field, devices tend to make use of natural shape-generating processes that operate in embryonic development, but invoke them artificially at times and in orders of a technologist's choosing. This requires construction of genetic control, sequencing and feedback systems that have close parallels to electronic design, which is one reason the field may be of interest to readers of IEEE journals. The other reason is that synthetic morphogenesis allows the construction of two-way interfaces, especially opto-genetic and opto-electronic, between the living and the electronic, allowing unprecedented information flow and control between the two types of 'machine'. This review introduces synthetic morphogenesis, illustrates what has been achieved, drawing parallels wherever possible between biology and electronics, and looks forward to likely next steps and challenges to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie A Davies
- Professor of Experimental Anatomy at the University of Edinburgh, UK, and a member of the Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology at that University
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31
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Huang M, Wang X, Banerjee M, Mukherji ST, Kutz LC, Zhao A, Sepanski M, Fan CM, Zhu GZ, Tian J, Wang DZ, Zhu H, Xie ZJ, Pierre SV, Cai L. Regulation of Myogenesis by a Na/K-ATPase α1 Caveolin-Binding Motif. Stem Cells 2022; 40:133-148. [PMID: 35257186 PMCID: PMC8943859 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The N-terminal caveolin-binding motif (CBM) in Na/K-ATPase (NKA) α1 subunit is essential for cell signaling and somitogenesis in animals. To further investigate the molecular mechanism, we have generated CBM mutant human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) through CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and examined their ability to differentiate into skeletal muscle (Skm) cells. Compared with the parental wild-type human iPSCs, the CBM mutant cells lost their ability of Skm differentiation, which was evidenced by the absence of spontaneous cell contraction, marker gene expression, and subcellular myofiber banding structures in the final differentiated induced Skm cells. Another NKA functional mutant, A420P, which lacks NKA/Src signaling function, did not produce a similar defect. Indeed, A420P mutant iPSCs retained intact pluripotency and ability of Skm differentiation. Mechanistically, the myogenic transcription factor MYOD was greatly suppressed by the CBM mutation. Overexpression of a mouse Myod cDNA through lentiviral delivery restored the CBM mutant cells' ability to differentiate into Skm. Upstream of MYOD, Wnt signaling was demonstrated from the TOPFlash assay to have a similar inhibition. This effect on Wnt activity was further confirmed functionally by defective induction of the presomitic mesoderm marker genes BRACHYURY (T) and MESOGENIN1 (MSGN1) by Wnt3a ligand or the GSK3 inhibitor/Wnt pathway activator CHIR. Further investigation through immunofluorescence imaging and cell fractionation revealed a shifted membrane localization of β-catenin in CBM mutant iPSCs, revealing a novel molecular component of NKA-Wnt regulation. This study sheds light on a genetic regulation of myogenesis through the CBM of NKA and control of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minqi Huang
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (MIIR) at Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA
| | - Xiaoliang Wang
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (MIIR) at Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA
- Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA
| | - Moumita Banerjee
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (MIIR) at Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA
| | - Shreya T Mukherji
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (MIIR) at Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA
| | - Laura C Kutz
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (MIIR) at Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA
| | - Aijie Zhao
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (MIIR) at Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA
| | - Michael Sepanski
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, 3520 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Chen-Ming Fan
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, 3520 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Guo-Zhang Zhu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA
| | - Jiang Tian
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (MIIR) at Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA
- Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA
| | - Da-Zhi Wang
- University of South Florida Health Heart Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, 396 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Zi-Jian Xie
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (MIIR) at Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA
| | - Sandrine V Pierre
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (MIIR) at Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA
| | - Liquan Cai
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (MIIR) at Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA
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32
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Sheth M, Esfandiari L. Bioelectric Dysregulation in Cancer Initiation, Promotion, and Progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:846917. [PMID: 35359398 PMCID: PMC8964134 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.846917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is primarily a disease of dysregulation – both at the genetic level and at the tissue organization level. One way that tissue organization is dysregulated is by changes in the bioelectric regulation of cell signaling pathways. At the basis of bioelectricity lies the cellular membrane potential or Vmem, an intrinsic property associated with any cell. The bioelectric state of cancer cells is different from that of healthy cells, causing a disruption in the cellular signaling pathways. This disruption or dysregulation affects all three processes of carcinogenesis – initiation, promotion, and progression. Another mechanism that facilitates the homeostasis of cell signaling pathways is the production of extracellular vesicles (EVs) by cells. EVs also play a role in carcinogenesis by mediating cellular communication within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, the production and release of EVs is altered in cancer. To this end, the change in cell electrical state and in EV production are responsible for the bioelectric dysregulation which occurs during cancer. This paper reviews the bioelectric dysregulation associated with carcinogenesis, including the TME and metastasis. We also look at the major ion channels associated with cancer and current technologies and tools used to detect and manipulate bioelectric properties of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maulee Sheth
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Leyla Esfandiari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Leyla Esfandiari,
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33
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Xing S, Yan M, Yang Y, Wang Y, Hu X, Ma B, Kang X. Diacerein Loaded Poly (Styrene Sulfonate) and Carbon Nanotubes Injectable Hydrogel: An Effective Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury Regeneration. J CLUST SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10876-022-02240-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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34
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Hager NA, McAtee CK, Lesko MA, O’Donnell AF. Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel Kir2.1 and its "Kir-ious" Regulation by Protein Trafficking and Roles in Development and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:796136. [PMID: 35223865 PMCID: PMC8864065 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.796136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium (K+) homeostasis is tightly regulated for optimal cell and organismal health. Failure to control potassium balance results in disease, including cardiac arrythmias and developmental disorders. A family of inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels helps cells maintain K+ levels. Encoded by KCNJ genes, Kir channels are comprised of a tetramer of Kir subunits, each of which contains two-transmembrane domains. The assembled Kir channel generates an ion selectivity filter for K+ at the monomer interface, which allows for K+ transit. Kir channels are found in many cell types and influence K+ homeostasis across the organism, impacting muscle, nerve and immune function. Kir2.1 is one of the best studied family members with well-defined roles in regulating heart rhythm, muscle contraction and bone development. Due to their expansive roles, it is not surprising that Kir mutations lead to disease, including cardiomyopathies, and neurological and metabolic disorders. Kir malfunction is linked to developmental defects, including underdeveloped skeletal systems and cerebellar abnormalities. Mutations in Kir2.1 cause the periodic paralysis, cardiac arrythmia, and developmental deficits associated with Andersen-Tawil Syndrome. Here we review the roles of Kir family member Kir2.1 in maintaining K+ balance with a specific focus on our understanding of Kir2.1 channel trafficking and emerging roles in development and disease. We provide a synopsis of the vital work focused on understanding the trafficking of Kir2.1 and its role in development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Allyson F. O’Donnell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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35
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Zhang M, Che C, Cheng J, Li P, Yang Y. Ion channels in stem cells and their roles in stem cell biology and vascular diseases. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2022; 166:63-73. [PMID: 35143836 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy may be a promising option for the treatment of vascular diseases. In recent years, significant progress has been made in stem cell research, especially in the mechanism of stem cell activation, homing and differentiation in vascular repair and reconstruction. Current research on stem cells focuses on protein expression and transcriptional networks. Ion channels are considered to be the basis for the generation of bioelectrical signals, which control the proliferation, differentiation and migration of various cell types. Although heterogeneity of multiple ion channels has been found in different types of stem cells, it is unclear whether the heterogeneous expression of ion channels is related to different cell subpopulations and/or different stages of the cell cycle. There is still a long way to go in clinical treatment by using the regulation of stem cell ion channels. In this review, we reviewed the main ion channels found on stem cells, their expression and function in stem cell proliferation, differentiation and migration, and the research status of stem cells' involvement in vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, 319 Zhongshan Road, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Chang Che
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, 319 Zhongshan Road, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, 319 Zhongshan Road, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Pengyun Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, 319 Zhongshan Road, Luzhou 646000, China.
| | - Yan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, 319 Zhongshan Road, Luzhou 646000, China.
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36
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Programmable chemical actuator control of soluble and membrane-bound enzymatic catalysis. Methods Enzymol 2022; 676:159-194. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Memarian P, Solouk A, Bagher Z, Akbari S, Nazarpak MH. Ionic conductive nanocomposite based on poly( l-lactic acid)/poly(amidoamine) dendrimerelectrospun nanofibrous for biomedical application. Biomed Mater 2021; 17. [PMID: 34731842 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ac361d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The modification of poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds was carried out by blending with second-generation poly amidoamine (PAMAM) for enhancement of their ionic conductivity. The samples containing PLLA and various amounts of PAMAM (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% by wt.) were fabricated by electrospinning techniques. The electrospun fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosity, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, contact angle measurement, water uptake measurement, mechanical properties, and electrical properties. Furthermore,in vitrodegradation study and cell viability assay were investigated in biomaterial applications. Creating amide groups through aminolysis reaction was confirmed by FTIR analysis successfully. The results reveal that adding PAMAM caused an increase in fiber diameter, crystallinity percentage, hydrophilicity, water absorption, elongation-at-break, and OE-mesenchymal stem cell viability. It is worth mentioning that this is the first report investigating the conductivity of PLLA/PAMAM nanofiber. The results revealed that by increasing the amount of PAMAM, the ionic conductivity of scaffolds was enhanced by about nine times. Moreover, the outcomes indicated that the presence of PAMAM could improve the limitations of PLLA like hydrophobicity, lack of active group, and poor cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paniz Memarian
- ENT and Head & Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Solouk
- ENT and Head & Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Bagher
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine,, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somaye Akbari
- Department of Textile Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
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38
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Tuszynski JA. On the significance of the electrostatic differences between cancer and normal cells: Comment on: "Improving cancer treatments via dynamical biophysical models" by Kuznetsov et al. Phys Life Rev 2021; 40:57-59. [PMID: 34857477 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J A Tuszynski
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1Z2, Canada; Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada; DIMEAS, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy.
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39
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Wu C, Chen S, Zhou T, Wu K, Qiao Z, Zhang Y, Xin N, Liu X, Wei D, Sun J, Luo H, Zhou L, Fan H. Antioxidative and Conductive Nanoparticles-Embedded Cell Niche for Neural Differentiation and Spinal Cord Injury Repair. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:52346-52361. [PMID: 34699166 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c14679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Following spinal cord injury (SCI), the transmission of electrical signals is interrupted, and an oxidative microenvironment is generated, hindering nerve regeneration and functional recovery. The strategies of regulating oxidative pathological microenvironment while restoring endogenous electrical signal transmission hold promise for SCI treatment. However, challenges are still faced in simply fabricating bioactive scaffolds with both antioxidation and conductivity. Herein, aiming to construct an antioxidative and conductive microenvironment for nerve regeneration, the difunctional polypyrrole (PPy) nanoparticles were developed and incorporated into bioactive collagen/hyaluronan hydrogel. Owing to the embedded PPy in hydrogel, the encapsulated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can be protected from oxidative damage, and their neuronal differentiation was promoted by the synergy between conductivity and electrical stimulation, which is proved to be related to PI3K/Akt and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In SCI rats, the BMSC-laden difunctional hydrogel restored the transmission of bioelectric signals and inhibited secondary damage, thereby facilitating neurogenesis, resulting in prominent nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Overall, taking advantage of a difunctional nanomaterial to meet two essential requirements in SCI repair, this work provides intriguing insights into the design of biomaterials for nerve regeneration and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengheng Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Suping Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Kai Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Zi Qiao
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Yusheng Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Nini Xin
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Wei
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Sun
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongrong Luo
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Liangxue Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongsong Fan
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
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Tassinari R, Cavallini C, Olivi E, Taglioli V, Zannini C, Ventura C. Unveiling the morphogenetic code: A new path at the intersection of physical energies and chemical signaling. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1382-1393. [PMID: 34786150 PMCID: PMC8567452 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i10.1382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this editorial, we discuss the remarkable role of physical energies in the control of cell signaling networks and in the specification of the architectural plan of both somatic and stem cells. In particular, we focus on the biological relevance of bioelectricity in the pattern control that orchestrates both developmental and regenerative pathways. To this end, the narrative starts from the dawn of the first studies on animal electricity, reconsidering the pioneer work of Harold Saxton Burr in the light of the current achievements. We finally discuss the most recent evidence showing that bioelectric signaling is an essential component of the informational processes that control pattern specification during embryogenesis, regeneration, or even malignant transformation. We conclude that there is now mounting evidence for the existence of a Morphogenetic Code, and that deciphering this code may lead to unprecedented opportunities for the development of novel paradigms of cure in regenerative and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Tassinari
- National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems – ELDOR LAB, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | - Claudia Cavallini
- National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems – ELDOR LAB, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | - Elena Olivi
- National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems – ELDOR LAB, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | - Valentina Taglioli
- National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems – ELDOR LAB, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | - Chiara Zannini
- National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems – ELDOR LAB, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | - Carlo Ventura
- National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems – ELDOR LAB, Bologna 40129, Italy
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Le Verge-Serandour M, Turlier H. A hydro-osmotic coarsening theory of biological cavity formation. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009333. [PMID: 34478457 PMCID: PMC8445475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluid-filled biological cavities are ubiquitous, but their collective dynamics has remained largely unexplored from a physical perspective. Based on experimental observations in early embryos, we propose a model where a cavity forms through the coarsening of myriad of pressurized micrometric lumens, that interact by ion and fluid exchanges through the intercellular space. Performing extensive numerical simulations, we find that hydraulic fluxes lead to a self-similar coarsening of lumens in time, characterized by a robust dynamic scaling exponent. The collective dynamics is primarily controlled by hydraulic fluxes, which stem from lumen pressures differences and are dampened by water permeation through the membrane. Passive osmotic heterogeneities play, on the contrary, a minor role on cavity formation but active ion pumping can largely modify the coarsening dynamics: it prevents the lumen network from a collective collapse and gives rise to a novel coalescence-dominated regime exhibiting a distinct scaling law. Interestingly, we prove numerically that spatially biasing ion pumping may be sufficient to position the cavity, suggesting a novel mode of symmetry breaking to control tissue patterning. Providing generic testable predictions, our model forms a comprehensive theoretical basis for hydro-osmotic interaction between biological cavities, that shall find wide applications in embryo and tissue morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Le Verge-Serandour
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR7241, INSERM U1050, Paris, France
| | - Hervé Turlier
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR7241, INSERM U1050, Paris, France
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42
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Metabolic limits on classical information processing by biological cells. Biosystems 2021; 209:104513. [PMID: 34450208 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2021.104513] [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: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Biological information processing is generally assumed to be classical. Measured cellular energy budgets of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, however, fall orders of magnitude short of the power required to maintain classical states of protein conformation and localization at the Å, fs scales predicted by single-molecule decoherence calculations and assumed by classical molecular dynamics models. We suggest that decoherence is limited to the immediate surroundings of the cell membrane and of intercompartmental boundaries within the cell, and that bulk cellular biochemistry implements quantum information processing. Detection of Bell-inequality violations in responses to perturbation of recently-separated sister cells would provide a sensitive test of this prediction. If it is correct, modeling both intra- and intercellular communication requires quantum theory.
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43
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Potassium and Chloride Ion Channels in Cancer: A Novel Paradigm for Cancer Therapeutics. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 183:135-155. [PMID: 34291318 DOI: 10.1007/112_2021_62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a collection of diseases caused by specific changes at the genomic level that support cell proliferation indefinitely. Traditionally, ion channels are known to control a variety of cellular processes including electrical signal generation and transmission, secretion, and contraction by controlling ionic gradients. However, recent studies had brought to light important facts on ion channels in cancer biology.In this review we discuss the mechanism linking potassium or chloride ion channel activity to biochemical pathways controlling proliferation in cancer cells and the potential advantages of targeting ion channels as an anticancer therapeutic option.
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44
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Sharkeev YP, Komarova EG, Chebodaeva VV, Sedelnikova MB, Zakharenko AM, Golokhvast KS, Litvinova LS, Khaziakhmatova OG, Malashchenko VV, Yurova KA, Gazatova ND, Kozlov IG, Khlusova MY, Zaitsev KV, Khlusov IA. Amorphous-Crystalline Calcium Phosphate Coating Promotes In Vitro Growth of Tumor-Derived Jurkat T Cells Activated by Anti-CD2/CD3/CD28 Antibodies. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:3693. [PMID: 34279263 PMCID: PMC8269898 DOI: 10.3390/ma14133693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A modern trend in traumatology, orthopedics, and implantology is the development of materials and coatings with an amorphous-crystalline structure that exhibits excellent biocopatibility. The structure and physico-chemical and biological properties of calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings deposited on Ti plates using the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) method under different voltages (200, 250, and 300 V) were studied. Amorphous, nanocrystalline, and microcrystalline statesof CaHPO4 and β-Ca2P2O7 were observed in the coatings using TEM and XRD. The increase in MAO voltage resulted in augmentation of the surface roughness Ra from 2.5 to 6.5 µm, mass from 10 to 25 mg, thickness from 50 to 105 µm, and Ca/P ratio from 0.3 to 0.6. The electrical potential (EP) of the CaP coatings changed from -456 to -535 mV, while the zeta potential (ZP) decreased from -53 to -40 mV following an increase in the values of the MAO voltage. Numerous correlations of physical and chemical indices of CaP coatings were estimated. A decrease in the ZP magnitudes of CaP coatings deposited at 200-250 V was strongly associated with elevated hTERT expression in tumor-derived Jurkat T cells preliminarily activated with anti-CD2/CD3/CD28 antibodies and then contacted in vitro with CaP-coated samples for 14 days. In turn, in vitro survival of CD4+ subsets was enhanced, with proinflammatory cytokine secretion of activated Jurkat T cells. Thus, the applied MAO voltage allowed the regulation of the physicochemical properties of amorphous-crystalline CaP-coatings on Ti substrates to a certain extent. This method may be used as a technological mechanism to trigger the behavior of cells through contact with micro-arc CaP coatings. The possible role of negative ZP and Ca2+ as effectors of the biological effects of amorphous-crystalline CaP coatings is discussed. Micro-arc CaP coatings should be carefully tested to determine their suitability for use in patients with chronic lymphoid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurii P Sharkeev
- Laboratory of Physics of Nanostructured Biocomposites, Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 634055 Tomsk, Russia
- Research School of High-Energy Physics, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Ekaterina G Komarova
- Laboratory of Physics of Nanostructured Biocomposites, Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 634055 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Valentina V Chebodaeva
- Laboratory of Physics of Nanostructured Biocomposites, Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 634055 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Mariya B Sedelnikova
- Laboratory of Physics of Nanostructured Biocomposites, Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 634055 Tomsk, Russia
| | | | - Kirill S Golokhvast
- School of Engineering, Far Eastern Federal University, 690090 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Larisa S Litvinova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236029 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Olga G Khaziakhmatova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236029 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Vladimir V Malashchenko
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236029 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Kristina A Yurova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236029 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Natalia D Gazatova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236029 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Ivan G Kozlov
- Department of Organization and Management in the Sphere of Circulation of Medicines, Institute of Postgraduate Education, I.M. Sechenov Federal State Autonomous Educational University of Higher Education-First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Y Khlusova
- Department of Pathophysiology, Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Konstantin V Zaitsev
- Siberian Federal Scientific and Clinical Center of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency, 636070 Seversk, Russia
| | - Igor A Khlusov
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236029 Kaliningrad, Russia
- Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
- Department of Morphology and General Pathology, Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
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45
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A bioelectric model of carcinogenesis, including propagation of cell membrane depolarization and reversal therapies. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13607. [PMID: 34193902 PMCID: PMC8245601 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92951-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
As the main theory of carcinogenesis, the Somatic Mutation Theory, increasingly presents difficulties to explain some experimental observations, different theories are being proposed. A major alternative approach is the Tissue Organization Field Theory, which explains cancer origin as a tissue regulation disease instead of having a mainly cellular origin. This work fits in the latter hypothesis, proposing the bioelectric field, in particular the cell membrane polarization state, and ionic exchange through ion channels and gap junctions, as an important mechanism of cell communication and tissue organization and regulation. Taking into account recent experimental results and proposed bioelectric models, a computational model of cancer initiation was developed, including the propagation of a cell depolarization wave in the tissue under consideration. Cell depolarization leads to a change in its state, with the activation and deactivation of several regulation pathways, increasing cell proliferation and motility, changing its epigenetic state to a more stem cell-like behavior without the requirement of genomic mutation. The intercellular communication via gap junctions leads, in certain circumstances, to a bioelectric state propagation to neighbor cells, in a chain-like reaction, till an electric discontinuity is reached. However, this is a reversible process, and it was shown experimentally that, by implementing a therapy targeted on cell ion exchange channels, it is possible to reverse the state and repolarize cells. This mechanism can be an important alternative way in cancer prevention, diagnosis and therapy, and new experiments are proposed to test the presented hypothesis.
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46
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Langthaler S, Rienmüller T, Scheruebel S, Pelzmann B, Shrestha N, Zorn-Pauly K, Schreibmayer W, Koff A, Baumgartner C. A549 in-silico 1.0: A first computational model to simulate cell cycle dependent ion current modulation in the human lung adenocarcinoma. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009091. [PMID: 34157016 PMCID: PMC8219159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is still a leading cause of death worldwide. In recent years, knowledge has been obtained of the mechanisms modulating ion channel kinetics and thus of cell bioelectric properties, which is promising for oncological biomarkers and targets. The complex interplay of channel expression and its consequences on malignant processes, however, is still insufficiently understood. We here introduce the first approach of an in-silico whole-cell ion current model of a cancer cell, in particular of the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma, including the main functionally expressed ion channels in the plasma membrane as so far known. This hidden Markov-based model represents the electrophysiology behind proliferation of the A549 cell, describing its rhythmic oscillation of the membrane potential able to trigger the transition between cell cycle phases, and it predicts membrane potential changes over the cell cycle provoked by targeted ion channel modulation. This first A549 in-silico cell model opens up a deeper insight and understanding of possible ion channel interactions in tumor development and progression, and is a valuable tool for simulating altered ion channel function in lung cancer electrophysiology. Advances in the understanding of functional alterations at genetic, epigenetic or protein expression and the expanding knowledge in mechanisms modulating ion channel kinetics and thus the cells’ bioelectric properties have arisen as promising cancer biomarkers and oncological targets. Our hidden Markov-based in-silico cell model represents the electrophysiology behind proliferation of the A549 cell line, explaining the cell’s rhythmic oscillation from hyperpolarized to depolarized states of the membrane potential, able to trigger the transition between cell cycle phases. The model enables the prediction of membrane potential changes over the cell cycle provoked by targeted modulation of specific ion channels, leading to cell cycle promotion or interruption. We are encouraged that the availability of this first cancer cell model will provide profound insight into possible roles and interactions of ion channels in tumor development and progression, and may aid in the testing of research hypotheses in lung cancer electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Langthaler
- Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center for Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- * E-mail: (SL); (TR); (CB)
| | - Theresa Rienmüller
- Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center for Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- * E-mail: (SL); (TR); (CB)
| | - Susanne Scheruebel
- Research Unit on Ion Channels and Cancer Biology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Brigitte Pelzmann
- Research Unit on Ion Channels and Cancer Biology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Niroj Shrestha
- Research Unit on Ion Channels and Cancer Biology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Klaus Zorn-Pauly
- Research Unit on Ion Channels and Cancer Biology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Schreibmayer
- Research Unit on Ion Channels and Cancer Biology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andrew Koff
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Christian Baumgartner
- Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center for Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- * E-mail: (SL); (TR); (CB)
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Abstract
It is well known that electrical signals are deeply associated with living entities. Much of our understanding of excitable tissues is derived from studies of specialized cells of neurons or myocytes. However, electric potential is present in all cell types and results from the differential partitioning of ions across membranes. This electrical potential correlates with cell behavior and tissue organization. In recent years, there has been exciting, and broadly unexpected, evidence linking the regulation of development to bioelectric signals. However, experimental modulation of electrical potential can have multifaceted and pleiotropic effects, which makes dissecting the role of electrical signals in development difficult. Here, I review evidence that bioelectric cues play defined instructional roles in orchestrating development and regeneration, and further outline key areas in which to refine our understanding of this signaling mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P. Harris
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Department of Orthopaedics, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue Enders 260, Boston MA 02115, USA
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48
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Yang GH, Kim W, Kim J, Kim G. A skeleton muscle model using GelMA-based cell-aligned bioink processed with an electric-field assisted 3D/4D bioprinting. Theranostics 2021; 11:48-63. [PMID: 33391460 PMCID: PMC7681100 DOI: 10.7150/thno.50794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The most important requirements of biomedical substitutes used in muscle tissue regeneration are appropriate topographical cues and bioactive components for the induction of myogenic differentiation/maturation. Here, we developed an electric field-assisted 3D cell-printing process to fabricate cell-laden fibers with a cell-alignment cue. Methods: We used gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) laden with C2C12 cells. The cells in the GelMA fiber were exposed to electrical stimulation, which induced cell alignment. Various cellular activities, such as cell viability, cell guidance, and proliferation/myogenic differentiation of the microfibrous cells in GelMA, were investigated in response to parameters (applied electric fields, viscosity of the bioink, and encapsulated cell density). In addition, a cell-laden fibrous bundle mimicking the structure of the perimysium was designed using gelatin hydrogel in conjunction with a 4D bioprinting technique. Results: Cell-laden microfibers were fabricated using optimized process parameters (electric field intensity = 0.8 kV cm-1, applying time = 12 s, and cell number = 15 × 106 cells mL-1). The cell alignment induced by the electric field promoted significantly greater myotube formation, formation of highly ordered myotubes, and enhanced maturation, compared to the normally printed cell-laden structure. The shape change mechanism that involved the swelling properties and folding abilities of gelatin was successfully evaluated, and we bundled the GelMA microfibers using a 4D-conceptualized gelatin film. Conclusion: The C2C12-laden GelMA structure demonstrated effective myotube formation/maturation in response to stimulation with an electric field. Based on these results, we propose that our cell-laden fibrous bundles can be employed as in vitro drug testing models for obtaining insights into the various myogenic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gi Hoon Yang
- Department of Biomechatronic Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonjin Kim
- Department of Biomechatronic Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyeon Kim
- Department of Biomechatronic Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - GeunHyung Kim
- Department of Biomechatronic Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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49
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Fields C, Levin M. Why isn't sex optional? Stem-cell competition, loss of regenerative capacity, and cancer in metazoan evolution. Commun Integr Biol 2020; 13:170-183. [PMID: 33403054 PMCID: PMC7746248 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2020.1838809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals that can reproduce vegetatively by fission or budding and also sexually via specialized gametes are found in all five primary animal lineages (Bilateria, Cnidaria, Ctenophora, Placozoa, Porifera). Many bilaterian lineages, including roundworms, insects, and most chordates, have lost the capability of vegetative reproduction and are obligately gametic. We suggest a developmental explanation for this evolutionary phenomenon: obligate gametic reproduction is the result of germline stem cells winning a winner-take-all competition with non-germline stem cells for control of reproduction and hence lineage survival. We develop this suggestion by extending Hamilton's rule, which factors the relatedness between parties into the cost/benefit analysis that underpins cooperative behaviors, to include similarity of cellular state. We show how coercive or deceptive cell-cell signaling can be used to make costly cooperative behaviors appear less costly to the cooperating party. We then show how competition between stem-cell lineages can render an ancestral combination of vegetative reproduction with facultative sex unstable, with one or the other process driven to extinction. The increased susceptibility to cancer observed in obligately-sexual lineages is, we suggest, a side-effect of deceptive signaling that is exacerbated by the loss of whole-body regenerative abilities. We suggest a variety of experimental approaches for testing our predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
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Mozneb M, Mirtaheri E, Sanabria AO, Li CZ. Bioelectronic properties of DNA, protein, cells and their applications for diagnostic medical devices. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 167:112441. [PMID: 32763825 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
From a couple of centuries ago, understanding physical properties of biological material, their interference with their natural host and their potential manipulation for employment as a conductor in medical devices, has gathered substantial interest in the field of bioelectronics. With the fast-emerging technologies for fabrication of diagnostic modalities, wearable biosensors and implantable devices, which electrical components are of essential importance, a need for developing novel conductors within such devices has evolved over the past decades. As the possibility of electron transport within small biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins, as well as larger elements such as cells was established, several discoveries of the modern charge characterization technologies were evolved. Development of Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance among many other techniques were of vital importance, following the discoveries made in sub-micron scales of biological material. This review covers the most recent understandings of electronic properties within different scale of biological material starting from nanometer range to millimeter-sized organs. We also discuss the state-of-the-art technology that's been made taking advantage of electronic properties of biological material for addressing diseases like Parkinson's Disease and Epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maedeh Mozneb
- Florida International University, Biomedical Engineering Department, 10555 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL, 33174, USA.
| | - Elnaz Mirtaheri
- Florida International University, Biomedical Engineering Department, 10555 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL, 33174, USA.
| | - Arianna Ortega Sanabria
- Florida International University, Biomedical Engineering Department, 10555 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL, 33174, USA.
| | - Chen-Zhong Li
- Florida International University, Biomedical Engineering Department, 10555 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL, 33174, USA.
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