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Song J, Gerecht S. Hydrogels to Recapture Extracellular Matrix Cues That Regulate Vascularization. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:e291-e302. [PMID: 37317849 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.318235] [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: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The ECM (extracellular matrix) is a 3-dimensional network that supports cellular responses and maintains structural tissue integrity in healthy and pathological conditions. The interactions between ECM and cells trigger signaling cascades that lead to phenotypic changes and structural and compositional turnover of the ECM, which in turn regulates vascular cell behavior. Hydrogel biomaterials are a powerful platform for basic and translational studies and clinical applications due to their high swelling capacity and exceptional versatility in compositions and properties. This review highlights recent developments and uses of engineered natural hydrogel platforms that mimic the ECM and present defined biochemical and mechanical cues for vascularization. Specifically, we focus on modulating vascular cell stimulation and cell-ECM/cell-cell interactions in the microvasculature that are the established biomimetic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC
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2
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Blume C, Kraus X, Heene S, Loewner S, Stanislawski N, Cholewa F, Blume H. Vascular implants - new aspects for in situ tissue engineering. Eng Life Sci 2022; 22:344-360. [PMID: 35382534 PMCID: PMC8961049 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202100100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional synthetic vascular grafts require ongoing anticoagulation, and autologous venous grafts are often not available in elderly patients. This review highlights the development of bioartificial vessels replacing brain-dead donor- or animal-deriving vessels with ongoing immune reactivity. The vision for such bio-hybrids exists in a combination of biodegradable scaffolds and seeding with immune-neutral cells, and here different cells sources such as autologous progenitor cells or stem cells are relevant. This kind of in situ tissue engineering depends on a suitable bioreactor system with elaborate monitoring systems, three-dimensional (3D) visualization and a potential of cell conditioning into the direction of the targeted vascular cell phenotype. Necessary bioreactor tools for dynamic and pulsatile cultivation are described. In addition, a concept for design of vasa vasorum is outlined, that is needed for sustainable nutrition of the wall structure in large caliber vessels. For scaffold design and cell adhesion additives, different materials and technologies are discussed. 3D printing is introduced as a relatively new field with promising prospects, for example, to create complex geometries or micro-structured surfaces for optimal cell adhesion and ingrowth in a standardized and custom designed procedure. Summarizing, a bio-hybrid vascular prosthesis from a controlled biotechnological process is thus coming more and more into view. It has the potential to withstand strict approval requirements applied for advanced therapy medicinal products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Blume
- Institute for Technical ChemistryLeibniz University HannoverHannoverGermany
| | - Xenia Kraus
- Institute for Technical ChemistryLeibniz University HannoverHannoverGermany
| | - Sebastian Heene
- Institute for Technical ChemistryLeibniz University HannoverHannoverGermany
| | - Sebastian Loewner
- Institute for Technical ChemistryLeibniz University HannoverHannoverGermany
| | - Nils Stanislawski
- Institute for Microelectronic SystemsLeibniz University HannoverHannoverGermany
| | - Fabian Cholewa
- Institute for Microelectronic SystemsLeibniz University HannoverHannoverGermany
| | - Holger Blume
- Institute for Microelectronic SystemsLeibniz University HannoverHannoverGermany
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3
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Experimental Setting for Applying Mechanical Stimuli to Study the Endothelial Response of Ex Vivo Vessels under Realistic Pathophysiological Environments. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11070671. [PMID: 34357043 PMCID: PMC8306098 DOI: 10.3390/life11070671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes the design, construction and testing of an experimental setting, making it possible to study the endothelium under different pathophysiological conditions. This novel experimental approach allows the application of the following stimuli to an ex vivo vessel in a physiological bath: (a) a realistic intravascular pressure waveform defined by the user; (b) shear stress in the endothelial layer since, in addition to the pressure waveform, the flow through the vessel can be independently controlled by the user; (c) conditions of hypo/hyperoxia and hypo/hypercapnia in an intravascular circulating medium. These stimuli can be applied alone or in different combinations to study possible synergistic or antagonistic effects. The setting performance is illustrated by a proof of concept in an ex vivo rabbit aorta. The experimental setting is easy to build by using very low-cost materials widely available. Online Supplement files provide all the technical information (e.g., circuits, codes, 3D printer drivers) following an open-source hardware approach for free replication.
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4
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Ahmadpour-B M, Nooraeen A, Tafazzoli-Shadpour M, Taghizadeh H. Contribution of atherosclerotic plaque location and severity to the near-wall hemodynamics of the carotid bifurcation: an experimental study and FSI modeling. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2021; 20:1069-1085. [PMID: 33609192 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-021-01431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is initiated by endothelial injury that is related to abnormal values of hemodynamic parameters such as wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI) and stress phase angle (SPA), which are more common in arterial bifurcations due to the complex structure. An experimental model of human carotid bifurcation with accurate geometrical and mechanical features was set up, and using realistic pulsatile flow rates, the inlet and outlet pressure pulses were measured for normal and stenosed models with 40% and 80% severities at common carotid (CCA), internal carotid (ICA) and external carotid (ECA) arteries. Based on the obtained experimental data, fluid-structure models were developed to obtain WSS, OSI, and SPA and evaluate pathological consequences at different locations. Mild severity had minor impact, however, inducing severe 80% stenosis in each branch led to considerable localized changes of hemodynamic parameters both in the stenosis site and other locations. This included sharp increases in WSS values accompanied by very low values close to zero before and after the peaks. Severe stenosis not only caused significant changes in the local artery, but also in other branches. OSI and SPA were less sensitive to stenosis, although high peaks were observed on bifurcation site for the stenosis at ECA. The interconnection of arteries at carotid bifurcation results in altered pressure/flow patterns in all branches when a stenosis is applied in any site. Such effect confirms pathological findings that atherosclerotic plaques are observed simultaneously in different carotid branches, although with different degrees of plaque growth and severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahyar Ahmadpour-B
- Cardiovascular Engineering Lab, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Nooraeen
- Tissue Mechanics Lab, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Tafazzoli-Shadpour
- Cardiovascular Engineering Lab, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hadi Taghizadeh
- Tissue Mechanics Lab, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran.
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5
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Gordon E, Schimmel L, Frye M. The Importance of Mechanical Forces for in vitro Endothelial Cell Biology. Front Physiol 2020; 11:684. [PMID: 32625119 PMCID: PMC7314997 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood and lymphatic vessels are lined by endothelial cells which constantly interact with their luminal and abluminal extracellular environments. These interactions confer physical forces on the endothelium, such as shear stress, stretch and stiffness, to mediate biological responses. These physical forces are often altered during disease, driving abnormal endothelial cell behavior and pathology. Therefore, it is critical that we understand the mechanisms by which endothelial cells respond to physical forces. Traditionally, endothelial cells in culture are grown in the absence of flow on stiff substrates such as plastic or glass. These cells are not subjected to the physical forces that endothelial cells endure in vivo, thus the results of these experiments often do not mimic those observed in the body. The field of vascular biology now realize that an intricate analysis of endothelial signaling mechanisms requires complex in vitro systems to mimic in vivo conditions. Here, we will review what is known about the mechanical forces that guide endothelial cell behavior and then discuss the advancements in endothelial cell culture models designed to better mimic the in vivo vascular microenvironment. A wider application of these technologies will provide more biologically relevant information from cultured cells which will be reproducible to conditions found in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Gordon
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lilian Schimmel
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Maike Frye
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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6
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Acquired contractile ability in human endometrial stromal cells by passive loading of cyclic tensile stretch. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9014. [PMID: 32488068 PMCID: PMC7265371 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65884-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The uterus plays an important and unique role during pregnancy and is a dynamic organ subjected to mechanical stimuli. It has been reported that infertility occurs when the peristalsis is prevented, although its mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we found that mechanical strain mimicking the peristaltic motion of the uterine smooth muscle layer enabled the endometrial stromal cells to acquire contractility. In order to mimic the peristalsis induced by uterine smooth muscle cells, cyclic tensile stretch was applied to human endometrial stromal cells. The results showed that the strained cells exerted greater contractility in three-dimensional collagen gels in the presence of oxytocin, due to up-regulated alpha-smooth muscle actin expression via the cAMP signaling pathway. These in vitro findings underscore the plasticity of the endometrial stromal cell phenotype and suggest the possibility of acquired contractility by these cells in vivo and its potential contribution to uterine contractile activity. This phenomenon may be a typical example of how a tissue passively acquires new contractile functions under mechanical stimulation from a neighboring tissue, enabling it to support the adjacent tissue’s functions.
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Wen T, Du L, Chen B, Yan D, Yang A, Liu J, Gu N, Meng J, Xu H. Iron oxide nanoparticles induce reversible endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in vascular endothelial cells at acutely non-cytotoxic concentrations. Part Fibre Toxicol 2019; 16:30. [PMID: 31300057 PMCID: PMC6626375 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-019-0314-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been extensively studied in different biomedical fields. Recently, the non-cytotoxic concentration of IONPs induced cell-specific response raised concern of their safety. Endothelial cell exposure was unavoidable in their applications, while whether IONPs affect the phenotype of vascular endothelial cells is largely unknown. In this work, the effect of IONPs on endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was investigated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS The incubation with γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles modified with polyglucose sorbitol carboxymethyether (PSC-Fe2O3) at non-cytotoxic concentration induced morphological changes of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from cobblestone-like to spindle mesenchymal-like morphology, while PSC-Fe2O3 mostly stay in the culture medium and intercellular space. At the same time, the endothelial marker CD31 and VE-cadherin was decreased along with the inhibitory of angiogenesis properties of HUVEC. Meanwhile, the mesenchymal marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibroblast specific protein (FSP) was up regulated significantly, and the migration ability of the cells was enhanced. When ROS scavenger mannitol or AA was supplemented, the EndMT was rescued. Results from the in vivo study showed that, expression of CD31 was decreased and α-SMA increased in the liver, spleen and kidney of mice given PSC-Fe2O3, and the density of collagen fibers in the liver sinusoid of mice was increased. The supplementary mannitol or AA could reverse the degree of EndMT in the tissues. Mechanistic study in vitro indicated that the level of extracellular hydroxyl radicals (·OH) was up regulated significantly by PSC-Fe2O3, which induced the response of intracellular ROS and resulted in the EndMT effect on HUVECs. CONCLUSION The PSC-Fe2O3 was capable of inducing EndMT in the endothelial cells at acutely non-cytotoxic dose due to its intrinsic peroxidase-like activity, though they were few taken up by endothelial cell. The EndMT effect on HUVEC can be rescued by ROS scavenger in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wen
- 0000 0001 0662 3178grid.12527.33Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005 China
| | - Lifan Du
- 0000 0001 0662 3178grid.12527.33Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005 China
| | - Bo Chen
- 0000 0004 0604 9016grid.440652.1Materials Science and Devices Institute, Suzhou University of science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009 China
| | - Doudou Yan
- 0000 0001 0662 3178grid.12527.33Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005 China
| | - Aiyun Yang
- 0000 0001 0662 3178grid.12527.33Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005 China
| | - Jian Liu
- 0000 0001 0662 3178grid.12527.33Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005 China
| | - Ning Gu
- 0000 0004 1761 0489grid.263826.bState Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096 China
| | - Jie Meng
- 0000 0001 0662 3178grid.12527.33Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005 China
| | - Haiyan Xu
- 0000 0001 0662 3178grid.12527.33Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005 China
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Gaspar D, Peixoto R, De Pieri A, Striegl B, Zeugolis DI, Raghunath M. Local pharmacological induction of angiogenesis: Drugs for cells and cells as drugs. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 146:126-154. [PMID: 31226398 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The past decades have seen significant advances in pro-angiogenic strategies based on delivery of molecules and cells for conditions such as coronary artery disease, critical limb ischemia and stroke. Currently, three major strategies are evolving. Firstly, various pharmacological agents (growth factors, interleukins, small molecules, DNA/RNA) are locally applied at the ischemic region. Secondly, preparations of living cells with considerable bandwidth of tissue origin, differentiation state and preconditioning are delivered locally, rarely systemically. Thirdly, based on the notion, that cellular effects can be attributed mostly to factors secreted in situ, the cellular secretome (conditioned media, exosomes) has come into the spotlight. We review these three strategies to achieve (neo)angiogenesis in ischemic tissue with focus on the angiogenic mechanisms they tackle, such as transcription cascades, specific signalling steps and cellular gases. We also include cancer-therapy relevant lymphangiogenesis, and shall seek to explain why there are often conflicting data between in vitro and in vivo. The lion's share of data encompassing all three approaches comes from experimental animal work and we shall highlight common technical obstacles in the delivery of therapeutic molecules, cells, and secretome. This plethora of preclinical data contrasts with a dearth of clinical studies. A lack of adequate delivery vehicles and standardised assessment of clinical outcomes might play a role here, as well as regulatory, IP, and manufacturing constraints of candidate compounds; in addition, completed clinical trials have yet to reveal a successful and efficacious strategy. As the biology of angiogenesis is understood well enough for clinical purposes, it will be a matter of time to achieve success for well-stratified patients, and most probably with a combination of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Gaspar
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biomedical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland; Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Rita Peixoto
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biomedical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland; Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Andrea De Pieri
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biomedical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland; Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland; Proxy Biomedical Ltd., Coilleach, Spiddal, Galway, Ireland
| | - Britta Striegl
- Competence Centre Tissue Engineering for Drug Development (TEDD), Centre for Cell Biology & Tissue Engineering, Institute for Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biomedical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland; Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Michael Raghunath
- Competence Centre Tissue Engineering for Drug Development (TEDD), Centre for Cell Biology & Tissue Engineering, Institute for Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Hadi A, Rastgoo A, Haghighipour N, Bolhassani A, Asgari F, Soleymani S. Enhanced gene delivery in tumor cells using chemical carriers and mechanical loadings. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209199. [PMID: 30592721 PMCID: PMC6310266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular delivery of DNA is considered a challenge in biological research and treatment of diseases. The previously reported transfection rate by commercially available transfection reagents in cancer cell lines, such as the mouse lung tumor cell line (TC-1), is very low. The purpose of this study is to introduce and optimize an efficient gene transfection method by mechanical approaches. The combinatory transfection effect of mechanical treatments and conventional chemical carriers is also investigated on a formerly reported hard-to-transfect cell line (TC-1). To study the effect of mechanical loadings on transfection rate, TC-1 tumor cells are subjected to uniaxial cyclic stretch, equiaxial cyclic stretch, and shear stress. The TurboFect transfection reagent is exerted for chemical transfection purposes. The pEGFP-N1 vector encoding the green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression is utilized to determine gene delivery into the cells. The results show a significant DNA delivery rate (by ~30%) in mechanically transfected cells compared to the samples that were transfected with chemical carriers. Moreover, the simultaneous treatment of TC-1 tumor cells with chemical carriers and mechanical loadings significantly increases the gene transfection rate up to ~ 63% after 24 h post-transfection. Our results suggest that the simultaneous use of mechanical loading and chemical reagent can be a promising approach in delivering cargoes into cells with low transfection potentials and lead to efficient cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Hadi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Rastgoo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Asgari
- National Cell Bank of Iran, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepehr Soleymani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Rezvani-Sharif A, Tafazzoli-Shadpour M, Avolio A. Progressive changes of elastic moduli of arterial wall and atherosclerotic plaque components during plaque development in human coronary arteries. Med Biol Eng Comput 2018; 57:731-740. [PMID: 30374700 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-018-1910-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stiffness of the arterial wall and atherosclerotic plaque components is a determinant of the stress field within plaques, which has been suggested to be an indicator of plaque vulnerability. The diversity and inhomogeneous structure of atherosclerotic lesions complicate the characterization of plaque components. In the present study, stiffness of the arterial wall and atherosclerotic plaque components in human coronary arteries was examined in early and developed atherosclerotic lesions. The force-spectroscopy mode of the atomic force microscope and histological examination were used for determination of elastic moduli at specified locations within samples. Fibrous cap (E = 14.1 ± 3.8 kPa) showed lower stiffness than the fibrous tissue beneath the lipid pool (E = 17.6 ± 3.2 kPa). Calcification zones (E = 96.1 ± 18.8 kPa) and lipid pools (E = 2.7 ± 1.8 kPa) were the stiffest and softest components of atherosclerotic lesions, respectively. The increase of media stiffness (%44.8) and reduction of the elastic modulus of the internal elastic lamina (%28.9) was observed in coronary arteries. Moreover, significant differences were observed between the stiffness of medial layer in diseased parts and free-plaque segments in incomplete plaques of coronary arteries. Our results can be used for better understanding of remodeling mechanisms of the arterial wall with plaque development. Graphical abstract Stiffness alteration of the arterial wall and atherosclerotic plaque components with plaque development in coronary arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Rezvani-Sharif
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Hafez Street, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | | | - Alberto Avolio
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Hafez Street, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Shojaei S, Tafazzoli-Shadpour M, Shokrgozar MA, Haghighipour N, Jahromi FH. Stress phase angle regulates differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells toward endothelial phenotype. Prog Biomater 2018; 7:121-131. [PMID: 29785538 PMCID: PMC6068070 DOI: 10.1007/s40204-018-0090-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells are subjected to cyclic shear by pulsatile blood flow and pressures due to circumferential stresses. Although most of the researches on this topic have considered the effects of these two biomechanical forces separately or concurrently, few studies have noticed the interaction of these cyclic loadings on endothelial behavior. Negative temporal stress phase angle, defined by the phase lag between cyclic shear and tensile stresses, is an established parameter which is known to have substantial effects on blood vessel remodeling and progression of some serious cardiovascular diseases. In this research, intermittent shear and tensile stresses with different stress phase angle values were applied on human adipose stem cells (ASC). The expression level of three major endothelial-specific genes, elastic modulus of cells and cytoskeleton actin structure of cells were studied and compared among control and three test groups subjected to stress phase angle values at 0°, - 45°, and - 90°. Mechanical properties of ASCs were determined by atomic force microscopy and actin fiber structure was visualized by confocal imaging through Phalloidin staining. Results described a decrease in expression of FLK-1 and VE-cadherin and rise of vWF marker expression in case of higher negative stress phase angles. The Young's moduli of cells were significantly higher and cytoskeletal actin structure was more organized with higher thickness for all test samples subjected to combined stresses; however, these features were less magnificent for applied stress phase angles with higher negative values. The results confirmed significant effects of SPA on endothelial differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrokh Shojaei
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, 13185/768, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Tafazzoli-Shadpour
- Cardiovascular Engineering Lab., Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, 158754413, Iran.
| | | | | | - Fatemeh Hejazi Jahromi
- Hard Tissue Engineering Research Center, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, 13185/768, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Hasanzadeh E, Amoabediny G, Haghighipour N, Gholami N, Mohammadnejad J, Shojaei S, Salehi-Nik N. The stability evaluation of mesenchymal stem cells differentiation toward endothelial cells by chemical and mechanical stimulation. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2017; 53:818-826. [PMID: 28702926 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-017-0165-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are adult multipotent cells able to differentiate into several cell lineages. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the shear stress associated with blood flow are considered as the most important chemical and mechanical cues that play major roles in endothelial differentiation. However, the stability of endothelial-specific gene expression has not been completely addressed yet. ADSCs in passage 3 were cultured inside the tubular silicon tubes and then exposed to VEGF or shear stress produced in a perfusion bioreactor. To investigate the differentiation, the expression levels of Flk-1, von Willebrand factor (vWF), and vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-cadherin) were studied using Real-Time PCR. For studying the endothelial differentiation stability, mRNA levels of the genes were evaluated in certain time intervals after completion of the tests so as to determine whether the expression level of each gene in different time points was stable and remained constant or not. Application of VEGF and shear stress caused an elevation in endothelial cells' specific genes. Although there are some changes following the days after application of mechanical and chemical stimuli, the gene expression results depicted significantly higher gene expression between sequential chemically and mechanically incited groups. In conclusion, stress alone can be a differentiating factor, by itself. Our results verified the efficient stable differentiation ability of the chemical and mechanical factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Hasanzadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Life Sciences Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences & Technologies, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghassem Amoabediny
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for New Technologies in Life Science Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nooshin Haghighipour
- National Cell Bank of Iran, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nasim Gholami
- Department of Life Sciences Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences & Technologies, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
- National Cell Bank of Iran, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Mohammadnejad
- Department of Life Sciences Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences & Technologies, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Shojaei
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Islamic Azad University Tehran Central Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Salehi-Nik
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- National Cell Bank of Iran, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Zhang H, Chang H, Wang LM, Ren KF, Martins MCL, Barbosa MA, Ji J. Effect of Polyelectrolyte Film Stiffness on Endothelial Cells During Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Biomacromolecules 2015; 16:3584-93. [PMID: 26477358 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.5b01057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), during which endothelial cells (ECs) transdifferentiate into mesenchymal phenotype, plays a key role in the development of vascular implant complications such as endothelium dysfunction and in-stent restenosis. Substrate stiffness has been confirmed as a key factor to influence EC behaviors; however, so far, the relationship between substrate stiffness and EndMT has been rarely studied. Here, ECs were cultured on the (poly(L-lysine)/hyaluronate acid) (PLL/HA) multilayer films with controlled stiffness for 2 weeks, and their EndMT behaviors were studied. We demonstrated that ECs lost their markers (vWf and CD31) in a stiffness-dependent manner even without supplement of growth factors, and the softer film favored the maintaining of EC phenotype. Further, induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), ECs underwent EndMT, as characterized by losing their typical cobblestone morphology and markers and gaining smooth muscle cell markers (α-smooth muscle actin and calponin). Interestingly, stronger EndMT was observed when ECs were cultured on the stiffer film. Collectively, our findings suggest that substrate stiffness has significant effects on EndMT, and a softer substrate is beneficial to ECs by keeping their phenotype and inhibiting EndMT, which presents a new strategy for surface design of vascular implant materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Hao Chang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Li-mei Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Ke-feng Ren
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University , Shanghai, China
| | - M Cristina L Martins
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto , Rua do Campo Alegre, 823, 4150-180, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário A Barbosa
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto , Rua do Campo Alegre, 823, 4150-180, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jian Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027, China
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14
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Hasenberg T, Mühleder S, Dotzler A, Bauer S, Labuda K, Holnthoner W, Redl H, Lauster R, Marx U. Emulating human microcapillaries in a multi-organ-chip platform. J Biotechnol 2015; 216:1-10. [PMID: 26435219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Current microfluidic chip-based tissue culture systems lack a capillary endothelial vessel system, which would enable perfusion with blood. We utilise spatial cell cultures to populate a perfused multi-organ-chip platform-a microfluidic device recently introduced for substance testing. Complete biological vascularization of such culture systems is vital to properly emulate physiological tissue behaviour. In this study, we incorporated a fibrin scaffold into the two-organ-chip design. Herein, adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) directed human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to organise into tube-like structures. The ASCs induced tube formation of HUVECs in static and dynamic conditions. The replacement of full medium enriched with growth factors and foetal calf serum with basal medium resulted in viable cells with similar gene expression profiles. We regard this as a prerequisite for studies with organ constructs that have a need for a different medium formulation. Furthermore, we here address stability issues of the fibrin gel and fibrin composition for optimal microvessel formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Hasenberg
- Technische Universität Berlin, Medical Biotechnology, TIB 4/4-2, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, Germany; TissUse GmbH, Markgrafenstraße 18, 15528 Spreenhagen, Germany.
| | - Severin Mühleder
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Andrea Dotzler
- Technische Universität Berlin, Medical Biotechnology, TIB 4/4-2, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, Germany; TissUse GmbH, Markgrafenstraße 18, 15528 Spreenhagen, Germany.
| | - Sophie Bauer
- Technische Universität Berlin, Medical Biotechnology, TIB 4/4-2, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Krystyna Labuda
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Wolfgang Holnthoner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Heinz Redl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Roland Lauster
- Technische Universität Berlin, Medical Biotechnology, TIB 4/4-2, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Uwe Marx
- Technische Universität Berlin, Medical Biotechnology, TIB 4/4-2, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, Germany; TissUse GmbH, Markgrafenstraße 18, 15528 Spreenhagen, Germany.
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15
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Jufri NF, Mohamedali A, Avolio A, Baker MS. Mechanical stretch: physiological and pathological implications for human vascular endothelial cells. Vasc Cell 2015; 7:8. [PMID: 26388991 PMCID: PMC4575492 DOI: 10.1186/s13221-015-0033-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cells are subjected to hemodynamic forces such as mechanical stretch due to the pulsatile nature of blood flow. Mechanical stretch of different intensities is detected by mechanoreceptors on the cell surface which enables the conversion of external mechanical stimuli to biochemical signals in the cell, activating downstream signaling pathways. This activation may vary depending on whether the cell is exposed to physiological or pathological stretch intensities. Substantial stretch associated with normal physiological functioning is important in maintaining vascular homeostasis as it is involved in the regulation of cell structure, vascular angiogenesis, proliferation and control of vascular tone. However, the elevated pressure that occurs with hypertension exposes cells to excessive mechanical load, and this may lead to pathological consequences through the formation of reactive oxygen species, inflammation and/or apoptosis. These processes are activated by downstream signaling through various pathways that determine the fate of cells. Identification of the proteins involved in these processes may help elucidate novel mechanisms involved in vascular disease associated with pathological mechanical stretch and could provide new insight into therapeutic strategies aimed at countering the mechanisms’ negative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul F Jufri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, F10A, 2 Technology Place, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Abidali Mohamedali
- Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Sciences, F7B Building Research Park Drive, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Alberto Avolio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, F10A, 2 Technology Place, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Mark S Baker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, F10A, 2 Technology Place, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109 Australia
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16
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Greiner AM, Biela SA, Chen H, Spatz JP, Kemkemer R. Temporal responses of human endothelial and smooth muscle cells exposed to uniaxial cyclic tensile strain. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2015; 240:1298-309. [PMID: 25687334 DOI: 10.1177/1535370215570191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The physiology of vascular cells depends on stimulating mechanical forces caused by pulsatile flow. Thus, mechano-transduction processes and responses of primary human endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) have been studied to reveal cell-type specific differences which may contribute to vascular tissue integrity. Here, we investigate the dynamic reorientation response of ECs and SMCs cultured on elastic membranes over a range of stretch frequencies from 0.01 to 1 Hz. ECs and SMCs show different cell shape adaptation responses (reorientation) dependent on the frequency. ECs reveal a specific threshold frequency (0.01 Hz) below which no responses is detectable while the threshold frequency for SMCs could not be determined and is speculated to be above 1 Hz. Interestingly, the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesions system, as well as changes in the focal adhesion area, can be observed for both cell types and is dependent on the frequency. RhoA and Rac1 activities are increased for ECs but not for SMCs upon application of a uniaxial cyclic tensile strain. Analysis of membrane protrusions revealed that the spatial protrusion activity of ECs and SMCs is independent of the application of a uniaxial cyclic tensile strain of 1 Hz while the total number of protrusions is increased for ECs only. Our study indicates differences in the reorientation response and the reaction times of the two cell types in dependence of the stretching frequency, with matching data for actin cytoskeleton, focal adhesion realignment, RhoA/Rac1 activities, and membrane protrusion activity. These are promising results which may allow cell-type specific activation of vascular cells by frequency-selective mechanical stretching. This specific activation of different vascular cell types might be helpful in improving strategies in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Greiner
- Department of Cell- and Neurobiology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sarah A Biela
- Department of New Materials and Biosystems, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Cell- and Neurobiology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Joachim P Spatz
- Department of New Materials and Biosystems, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Kemkemer
- Department of New Materials and Biosystems, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany Department of Applied Chemistry, Reutlingen University, 72762 Reutlingen, Germany
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17
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Sankaran KK, Subramanian A, Krishnan UM, Sethuraman S. Nanoarchitecture of scaffolds and endothelial cells in engineering small diameter vascular grafts. Biotechnol J 2015; 10:96-108. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201400415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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