1
|
Fatima R, Almeida B. Methods to achieve tissue-mimetic physicochemical properties in hydrogels for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. J Mater Chem B 2024. [PMID: 39149830 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00716f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels are water-swollen polymeric matrices with properties that are remarkably similar in function to the extracellular matrix. For example, the polymer matrix provides structural support and adhesion sites for cells in much of the same way as the fibers of the extracellular matrix. In addition, depending on the polymer used, bioactive sites on the polymer may provide signals to initiate certain cell behavior. However, despite their potential as biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, fabricating hydrogels that truly mimic the physicochemical properties of the extracellular matrix to physiologically-relevant values is a challenge. Recent efforts in the field have sought to improve the physicochemical properties of hydrogels using advanced materials science and engineering methods. In this review, we highlight some of the most promising methods, including crosslinking strategies and manufacturing approaches such as 3D bioprinting and granular hydrogels. We also provide a brief perspective on the future outlook of this field and how these methods may lead to the clinical translation of hydrogel biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Fatima
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA.
| | - Bethany Almeida
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Peng T, Chai M, Chen Z, Wu M, Li X, Han F, Chen S, Liao C, Yue M, Song YQ, Wu H, Tian L, An G. Exosomes from Hypoxia Preconditioned Muscle-Derived Stem Cells Enhance Cell-Free Corpus Cavernosa Angiogenesis and Reproductive Function Recovery. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2401406. [PMID: 39007245 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Tissue engineering for penile corpora cavernosa defects requires microvascular system reconstruction.GelMA hydrogels show promise for tissue regeneration. However, using stem cells faces challenges such as immune rejection, limited proliferation and differentiation, and biosafety concerns. Therefore, acellular tissue regeneration may avoid these issues. Exosomes are used from muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) to modify 3D-printed hydrogel scaffolds for acellular tissue regeneration. Hypoxia-preconditioned MDSC-derived exosomes are obtained to enhance the therapeutic effect. In contrast to normoxic exosomes (N-Exos), hypoxic exosomes (H-Exos) are found to markedly enhance the proliferation, migration, and capillary-like tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). High-throughput sequencing analysis of miRNAs isolated from both N-Exos and H-Exos revealed a significant upregulation of miR-21-5p in H-Exos following hypoxic preconditioning. Further validation demonstrated that the miR-21-5p/PDCD4 pathway promoted the proliferation of HUVECs. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is introduced to improve the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of GelMA hydrogels. EGCG-GelMA scaffolds loaded with different types of Exos are transplanted to repair rabbit penile corpora cavernosa defects, observed the blood flow and repair status of the defect site through color Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, and ultimately restored the rabbit penile erection function and successfully bred offspring. Thus, acellular hydrogel scaffolds offer an effective treatment for penile corpora cavernosa defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianwen Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, P. R. China
| | - Muyuan Chai
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Zhicong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, P. R. China
| | - Man Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, P. R. China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, P. R. China
| | - Feixue Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, P. R. China
| | - Shuyan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, P. R. China
| | - Chen Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, P. R. China
| | - Ming Yue
- School of Biomedical Sciences, AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - You-Qiang Song
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Hongkai Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Long Tian
- Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, P. R. China
| | - Geng An
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shukla A, Suresh V, Gupta PC, Sharma M, Saikia UN, Ram J, Luthra-Guptasarma M. A single chain variable fragment antibody (Tn 64) cognate to fibronectin type III repeats promotes corneal wound healing by inhibiting fibrosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112029. [PMID: 38640715 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112029] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Corneal wound healing requires epithelial reorganization and stromal extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, with ECM proteins such as Tenascin C (TnC) regulating and maintaining corneal homeostasis. The N-terminal globular domain and C-terminal fibrinogen-related domains of TnC are separated by epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats, and upto fifteen fibronectin type III domains (Tn fn). Overexpression of Tn fn 1-5 and its splice variants occurs in varied pathologies. We have previously used Tn64 (a single chain variable fragment antibody cognate to Tn fn 1-5) to establish roles of Tn fn 1-5 in fibrotic pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis and posterior capsular opacification. Here, we show that Tn64 binds to Tn fn repeats 3-5 (which constitute the major site for binding of soluble fibronectin within TnC). Unlike other Tn fn domains, Tn fn 3-5 displays no inhibition of fibronectin matrix assembly. Rather, the Tn fn 3-5 construct is pro-fibrotic and elicits increased expression of fibronectin. We examined corneal epithelial as well as stromal wound healing through Tn64 binding to Tn fn 3-5, using a human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) line, primary cultures of human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs), and an ex-vivo corneal organ culture model. Tn64 enhanced proliferation and adhesion of corneal epithelial cells, while inhibiting the migration of corneal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Tn64 appears to attenuate inflammation through downregulation of TNF-α, prevent corneal fibrosis by limiting fibronectin polymerization, and promote regeneration of corneal epithelia and stroma, suggesting that it could be developed as a therapeutic agent for effective anti-fibrotic corneal wound healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashu Shukla
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Vyshak Suresh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Parul Chawla Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Maryada Sharma
- Department of Otolaryngology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Uma Nahar Saikia
- Department of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Jagat Ram
- Department of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Manni Luthra-Guptasarma
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh 160012, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
DiIorio SE, Young B, Parker JB, Griffin MF, Longaker MT. Understanding Tendon Fibroblast Biology and Heterogeneity. Biomedicines 2024; 12:859. [PMID: 38672213 PMCID: PMC11048404 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tendon regeneration has emerged as an area of interest due to the challenging healing process of avascular tendon tissue. During tendon healing after injury, the formation of a fibrous scar can limit tendon strength and lead to subsequent complications. The specific biological mechanisms that cause fibrosis across different cellular subtypes within the tendon and across different tendons in the body continue to remain unknown. Herein, we review the current understanding of tendon healing, fibrosis mechanisms, and future directions for treatments. We summarize recent research on the role of fibroblasts throughout tendon healing and describe the functional and cellular heterogeneity of fibroblasts and tendons. The review notes gaps in tendon fibrosis research, with a focus on characterizing distinct fibroblast subpopulations in the tendon. We highlight new techniques in the field that can be used to enhance our understanding of complex tendon pathologies such as fibrosis. Finally, we explore bioengineering tools for tendon regeneration and discuss future areas for innovation. Exploring the heterogeneity of tendon fibroblasts on the cellular level can inform therapeutic strategies for addressing tendon fibrosis and ultimately reduce its clinical burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. DiIorio
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (S.E.D.); (B.Y.); (J.B.P.); (M.F.G.)
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Bill Young
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (S.E.D.); (B.Y.); (J.B.P.); (M.F.G.)
| | - Jennifer B. Parker
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (S.E.D.); (B.Y.); (J.B.P.); (M.F.G.)
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michelle F. Griffin
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (S.E.D.); (B.Y.); (J.B.P.); (M.F.G.)
| | - Michael T. Longaker
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (S.E.D.); (B.Y.); (J.B.P.); (M.F.G.)
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhao F, Bai Y, Xiang X, Pang X. The role of fibromodulin in inflammatory responses and diseases associated with inflammation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1191787. [PMID: 37483637 PMCID: PMC10360182 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1191787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is an immune response that the host organism eliminates threats from foreign objects or endogenous signals. It plays a key role in the progression, prognosis as well as therapy of diseases. Chronic inflammatory diseases have been regarded as the main cause of death worldwide at present, which greatly affect a vast number of individuals, producing economic and social burdens. Thus, developing drugs targeting inflammation has become necessary and attractive in the world. Currently, accumulating evidence suggests that small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) exhibit essential roles in various inflammatory responses by acting as an anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory role in different scenarios of diseases. Of particular interest was a well-studied member, termed fibromodulin (FMOD), which has been largely explored in the role of inflammatory responses in inflammatory-related diseases. In this review, particular focus is given to the role of FMOD in inflammatory response including the relationship of FMOD with the complement system and immune cells, as well as the role of FMOD in the diseases associated with inflammation, such as skin wounding healing, osteoarthritis (OA), tendinopathy, atherosclerosis, and heart failure (HF). By conducting this review, we intend to gain insight into the role of FMOD in inflammation, which may open the way for the development of new anti-inflammation drugs in the scenarios of different inflammatory-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuerong Xiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Pang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gesteira TF, Verma S, Coulson-Thomas VJ. Small leucine rich proteoglycans: Biology, function and their therapeutic potential in the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:521-536. [PMID: 37355022 PMCID: PMC11092928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Small leucine rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are the largest family of proteoglycans, with 18 members that are subdivided into five classes. SLRPs are small in size and can be present in tissues as glycosylated and non-glycosylated proteins, and the most studied SLRPs include decorin, biglycan, lumican, keratocan and fibromodulin. SLRPs specifically bind to collagen fibrils, regulating collagen fibrillogenesis and the biomechanical properties of tissues, and are expressed at particularly high levels in fibrous tissues, such as the cornea. However, SLRPs are also very active components of the ECM, interacting with numerous growth factors, cytokines and cell surface receptors. Therefore, SLRPs regulate major cellular processes and have a central role in major fundamental biological processes, such as maintaining corneal homeostasis and transparency and regulating corneal wound healing. Over the years, mutations and/or altered expression of SLRPs have been associated with various corneal diseases, such as congenital stromal corneal dystrophy and cornea plana. Recently, there has been great interest in harnessing the various functions of SLRPs for therapeutic purposes. In this comprehensive review, we describe the structural features and the related functions of SLRPs, and how these affect the therapeutic potential of SLRPs, with special emphasis on the use of SLRPs for treating ocular surface pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sudhir Verma
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, USA; Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Fibromodulin (FMOD) is an archetypal member of the class II small leucine-rich proteoglycan family. By directly binding to extracellular matrix structural components, such as collagen and lysyl oxidase, FMOD regulates collagen cross-linking, packing, assembly, and fibril architecture via a multivalent interaction. Meanwhile, as a pluripotent molecule, FMOD acts as a ligand of various cytokines and growth factors, especially those belonging to the transforming growth factor (TGF) β superfamily, by interacting with the corresponding signaling molecules involved in cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation, migration, invasion, differentiation, and metastasis. Consequently, FMOD exhibits promigratory, proangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrogenic properties and plays essential roles in cell fate determination and maturation, progenitor cell recruitment, and tissue regeneration. The multifunctional nature of FMOD thus enables it to be a promising therapeutic agent for a broad repertoire of diseases, including but not limited to arthritis, temporomandibular joint disorders, caries, and fibrotic diseases among different organs, as well as to be a regenerative medicine candidate for skin, muscle, and tendon injuries. Moreover, FMOD is also considered a marker for tumor diagnosis and prognosis prediction and a potential target for cancer treatment. Furthermore, FMOD itself is sufficient to reprogram somatic cells into a multipotent state, creating a safe and efficient cell source for various tissue reconstructions and thus opening a new avenue for regenerative medicine. This review focuses on the recent preclinical efforts bringing FMOD research and therapies to the forefront. In addition, a contemporary understanding of the mechanism underlying FMOD's function, particularly its interaction with TGFβ superfamily members, is also discussed at the molecular level to aid the discovery of novel FMOD-based treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z. Zheng
- David Geffen School of Medicine,
University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- School of Dentistry, University of
California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - H.S. Granado
- Department of Orthodontics, School of
Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - C. Li
- Department of Orthodontics, School of
Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|