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Quan Y, Huang Z, Wang Y, Liu Y, Ding S, Zhao Q, Chen X, Li H, Tang Z, Zhou B, Zhou Y. Coupling of static ultramicromagnetic field with elastic micropillar-structured substrate for cell response. Mater Today Bio 2023; 23:100831. [PMID: 37881448 PMCID: PMC10594574 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Micropillars have emerged as promising tools for a wide range of biological applications, while the influence of magnetic fields on cell behavior regulation has been increasingly recognized. However, the combined effect of micropillars and magnetic fields on cell behaviors remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the responses of H9c2 cells to ultramicromagnetic micropillar arrays using NdFeB as the tuned magnetic particles. We conducted a comparative analysis between PDMS micropillars and NdFeB/PDMS micropillars to assess their impact on cell function. Our results revealed that H9c2 cells exhibited significantly enhanced proliferation and notable cytoskeletal rearrangements on the ultramicromagnetic micropillars, surpassing the effects observed with pure PDMS micropillars. Immunostaining further indicated that cells cultured on ultramicromagnetic micropillars displayed heightened contractility compared to those on PDMS micropillars. Remarkably, the ultramicromagnetic micropillars also demonstrated the ability to decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, thereby preventing F-actin degeneration. Consequently, this study introduces ultramicromagnetic micropillars as a novel tool for the regulation and detection of cell behaviors, thus paving the way for advanced investigations in tissue engineering, single-cell analysis, and the development of flexible sensors for cellular-level studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Quan
- Joint Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Ziyu Huang
- Joint Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Joint Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Yu Liu
- Joint Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Sen Ding
- Joint Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Qian Zhao
- Joint Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Xiuping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Haifeng Li
- Joint Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Zikang Tang
- Joint Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Bingpu Zhou
- Joint Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Yinning Zhou
- Joint Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
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Dimmock RL, Rotherham M, El Haj AJ, Yang Y. Fabrication and Characterisation of Hydrogels with Reversible Wrinkled Surfaces for Limbal Study and Reconstruction. Gels 2023; 9:915. [PMID: 37999005 PMCID: PMC10671082 DOI: 10.3390/gels9110915] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In the biomedical field, there is a demand for the development of novel approaches for the investigation of optical epithelial anatomical features with biomimetic materials. These materials are not only required to replicate structures but also enable dynamic modelling for disease states such as limbal stem cell deficiency and ageing. In the present study, the effective generation of reversible wrinkled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates was undertaken to mimic the undulating anatomy of the limbal epithelial stem cell niche. This undulating surface pattern was formed through a dual treatment with acid oxidation and plasma using an innovatively designed stretching frame. This system enabled the PDMS substrate to undergo deformation and relaxation, creating a reversible and tuneable wrinkle pattern with cell culture applications. The crypt-like pattern exhibited a width of 70-130 µm and a depth of 17-40 µm, resembling the topography of a limbal epithelial stem cell niche, which is characterised by an undulating anatomy. The cytocompatibility of the patterned substrate was markedly improved using a gelatin methacrylate polymer (GelMa) coating. It was also observed that these wrinkled PDMS surfaces were able to dictate cell growth patterns, showing alignment in motile cells and colony segregation in colony-forming cells when using human and porcine limbal cells, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan L. Dimmock
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7QB, UK
| | - Michael Rotherham
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
| | - Alicia J. El Haj
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
| | - Ying Yang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7QB, UK
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3
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Cerverò-Varona A, Canciello A, Peserico A, Haidar Montes AA, Citeroni MR, Mauro A, Russo V, Moffa S, Pilato S, Di Giacomo S, Dufrusine B, Dainese E, Fontana A, Barboni B. Graphene oxide accelerates TGFβ-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stimulates pro-inflammatory immune response in amniotic epithelial cells. Mater Today Bio 2023; 22:100758. [PMID: 37600353 PMCID: PMC10432246 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of biomaterials on immune regenerative strategies to deal with unsolved pathologies is getting attention in the field of tissue engineering. In this context, graphene oxide (GO) has been proposed as an immune-mimetic material largely used for developing stem cell-based regenerative therapies, since it has shown to influence stem cell behavior and modulate their immune response. Similarly, amniotic epithelial stem cells (AECs) are getting an increasing clinical interest as source of stem cells due to their great plasticity and immunomodulatory paracrine activities, even though GO bio-mimetic effects still remain unknown. To this aim, GO-functionalized glass coverslips have been used for AECs culture. The results demonstrated how GO-coating is able to induce and accelerate the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), in a process mediated by the intracellular activation of TGFβ1-SMAD2/3 signaling pathway. The trans-differentiation towards mesenchymal phenotype provides AECs of migratory ability and substantially changes the pattern of cytokines secretion upon inflammatory stimulus. Indeed, GO-exposed AECs enhance their pro-inflammatory interleukins production thus inducing a more efficient activation of macrophages and, at the same time, by slightly reducing their inhibitory action on peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation. Therefore, the adhesion of AECs on GO-functionalized surfaces might contribute to the generation of a tailored microenvironment useful to face both the phases of the inflammation, thereby fostering the regenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Cerverò-Varona
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Angelo Canciello
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessia Peserico
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Arlette Alina Haidar Montes
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Citeroni
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Annunziata Mauro
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Valentina Russo
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Samanta Moffa
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio”, Via Dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Serena Pilato
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio”, Via Dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Giacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio”, Via Dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Beatrice Dufrusine
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Enrico Dainese
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Antonella Fontana
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio”, Via Dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
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Shakiba D, Genin GM, Zustiak SP. Mechanobiology of cancer cell responsiveness to chemotherapy and immunotherapy: Mechanistic insights and biomaterial platforms. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114771. [PMID: 36889646 PMCID: PMC10133187 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114771] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are central to how cancer treatments such as chemotherapeutics and immunotherapies interact with cells and tissues. At the simplest level, electrostatic forces underlie the binding events that are critical to therapeutic function. However, a growing body of literature points to mechanical factors that also affect whether a drug or an immune cell can reach a target, and to interactions between a cell and its environment affecting therapeutic efficacy. These factors affect cell processes ranging from cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix remodeling to transduction of signals by the nucleus to metastasis of cells. This review presents and critiques the state of the art of our understanding of how mechanobiology impacts drug and immunotherapy resistance and responsiveness, and of the in vitro systems that have been of value in the discovery of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaram Shakiba
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Guy M Genin
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Silviya P Zustiak
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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5
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Tian H, Shi H, Yu J, Ge S, Ruan J. Biophysics Role and Biomimetic Culture Systems of ECM Stiffness in Cancer EMT. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2022; 6:2100094. [PMID: 35712024 PMCID: PMC9189138 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Oncological diseases have become the second leading cause of death from noncommunicable diseases worldwide and a major threat to human health. With the continuous progress in cancer research, the mechanical cues from the tumor microenvironment environment (TME) have been found to play an irreplaceable role in the progression of many cancers. As the main extracellular mechanical signal carrier, extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness may influence cancer progression through biomechanical transduction to modify downstream gene expression, promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and regulate the stemness of cancer cells. EMT is an important mechanism that induces cancer cell metastasis and is closely influenced by ECM stiffness, either independently or in conjunction with other molecules. In this review, the unique role of ECM stiffness in EMT in different kinds of cancers is first summarized. By continually examining the significance of ECM stiffness in cancer progression, a biomimetic culture system based on 3D manufacturing and novel material technologies is developed to mimic ECM stiffness. The authors then look back on the novel development of the ECM stiffness biomimetic culture systems and finally provide new insights into ECM stiffness in cancer progression which can broaden the fields' horizons with a view toward developing new cancer diagnosis methods and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tian
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Hanhan Shi
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jing Ruan
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
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6
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Chen Y, Zhao M, Zhang L, Shen D, Xu X, Yi Q, Tang L. SNF5, a core subunit of SWI/SNF complex, regulates melanoma cancer cell growth, metastasis, and immune escape in response to matrix stiffness. Transl Oncol 2022; 17:101335. [PMID: 34999540 PMCID: PMC8749166 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased stiffness of the extracellular matrix is an important hallmark of melanoma development and progression, but its regulatory role and related mechanisms remain unclear. We adapted polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-micropillar-based matrix platform and investigated the effect of matrix stiffness on the proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and immune escape of melanoma cells. We observed a stiff matrix enhanced cell proliferation, EMT, and immune escape of A375 cells. Furthermore, the expression of SNF5 on the stiffer matrix was higher than that on the softer matrix. Next, we investigated whether SNF5 is an important transducer in response to matrix stiffness. Our results revealed that knockdown of SNF5 significantly decreased stiff matrix-induced activation of cell proliferation, EMT and immune escape. Meanwhile, the overexpression of SNF5 showed its ability to increase cell proliferation, invasion and immune escape by activating the STAT-3 pathway in vitro. Furthermore, SNF5 deficiency elevated the level of tumor-infiltrating CD8+T cells and decreased the number of PD-L1 positive cells in vivo. Together, our findings suggested that stiffer substrate enhanced melanoma development by upregulating SNF5 expression, and SNF5 is a key mediator of stiffer matrix-induced immune evasion of melanoma cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministlry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Meilian Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministlry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministlry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Dongliang Shen
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministlry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xichao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministlry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Yi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China.
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministlry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
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7
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Lee G, Cho Y, Kim EH, Choi JM, Chae SS, Lee MG, Kim J, Choi WJ, Kwon J, Han EH, Kim SH, Park S, Chung YH, Chi SG, Jung BH, Shin JH, Lee JO. Pillar-Based Mechanical Induction of an Aggressive Tumorigenic Lung Cancer Cell Model. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:20-31. [PMID: 34914354 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c12380] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tissue microarchitecture imposes physical constraints to the migration of individual cells. Especially in cancer metastasis, three-dimensional structural barriers within the extracellular matrix are known to affect the migratory behavior of cells, regulating the pathological state of the cells. Here, we employed a culture platform with micropillar arrays of 2 μm diameter and 16 μm pitch (2.16 micropillar) as a mechanical stimulant. Using this platform, we investigated how a long-term culture of A549 human lung carcinoma cells on the (2.16) micropillar-embossed dishes would influence the pathological state of the cell. A549 cells grown on the (2.16) micropillar array with 10 μm height exhibited a significantly elongated morphology and enhanced migration even after the detachment and reattachment, as evidenced in the conventional wound-healing assay, single-cell tracking analysis, and in vivo tumor colonization assays. Moreover, the pillar-induced morphological deformation in nuclei was accompanied by cell-cycle arrest in the S phase, leading to suppressed proliferation. While these marked traits of morphology-migration-proliferation support more aggressive characteristics of metastatic cancer cells, typical indices of epithelial-mesenchymal transition were not found, but instead, remarkable traces of amoeboidal transition were confirmed. Our study also emphasizes the importance of mechanical stimuli from the microenvironment during pathogenesis and how gained traits can be passed onto subsequent generations, ultimately affecting their pathophysiological behavior. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential use of pillar-based mechanical stimuli as an in vitro cell culture strategy to induce more aggressive tumorigenic cancer cell models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geonhee Lee
- Advanced Materials Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngbin Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced of Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hye Kim
- Laboratory of Translational Therapeutics, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Min Choi
- Molecular Recognition Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Sang Chae
- Advanced Materials Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Goo Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonghyun Kim
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Cheongju 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Jin Choi
- Advanced Materials Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Joseph Kwon
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Cheongju 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hee Han
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Cheongju 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Hwan Kim
- Laboratory of Translational Therapeutics, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungsu Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ho Chung
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Cheongju 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Gil Chi
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Hwa Jung
- Molecular Recognition Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jennifer H Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced of Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-O Lee
- Advanced Materials Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
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8
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Li L, Shi W, Liu M, Bai X, Sun Y, Zhu X, Su H, Ji Y, Zhu F, Liu X, Luo Y, Liu T, Lin B, Lu Y. Single-Cell Secretion Analysis in the Engineered Tumor Microenvironment Reveals Differential Modulation of Macrophage Immune Responses. Anal Chem 2021; 93:4198-4207. [PMID: 33636079 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It is increasingly recognized that the cellular microenvironment plays critical roles in regulating the fate and physiology of cells. Despite recent advancements in single-cell analysis technologies, engineering and integration of the microenvironment for single-cell analysis platforms remain limited. Here, we report a single-cell cytokine secretion analysis platform that integrated both the three-dimensional cell culture and the primary oral squamous cell carcinoma tumor cell co-culture to provide both physical and physiological cues for single cells to be analyzed. We apply the platform to investigate the immune responses of human macrophages stimulated with the ligand of toll-like receptor 4 lipopolysaccharide. Notably, we observe the differential modulation effect in cytokine secretions by the tumor microenvironment, in which antitumor cytokine TNF-a secretion was attenuated, and protumor cytokine IL-6 would increase. The differential modulation effect is conserved from cell line-derived macrophages to primary macrophages derived from healthy donors. Immunofluorescence staining further reveals that ∼50% of macrophage cells could be polarized from M1 to the M2 phenotype within 12 h in the engineered tumor microenvironment. This work demonstrates the significance of the cell microenvironment toward single-cell analysis, which could help to evaluate how immune cells will respond in the complex microenvironment more accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linmei Li
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Weiwei Shi
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Meimei Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yanting Sun
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xue Zhu
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Haoran Su
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yahui Ji
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Fengjiao Zhu
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xianming Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Tingjiao Liu
- College of Stomatology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Bingcheng Lin
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
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Abstract
The corneal endothelium is the innermost layer of the cornea that selectively pumps ions and metabolites and regulates the hydration level of the cornea, ensuring its transparency. Trauma or disease affecting human corneal endothelial cells (hCECs) can result in major imbalances of such transport activity with consequent deterioration or loss of vision. Since tissue transplantation from deceased donors is only available to a fraction of patients worldwide, alternative solutions are urgently needed. Cell therapy approaches, in particular by attempting to expand primary culture of hCECs in vitro, aim to tackle this issue. However, existing cell culture protocols result in limited expansion of this cell type. Recent studies in this field have shown that topographical features with specific dimensions and shapes could improve the efficacy of hCEC expansion. Therefore, potential solutions to overcome the limitation of the conventional culture of hCECs may include recreating nanometer scale topographies (nanotopographies) that mimic essential biophysical cues present in their native environment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and understanding of the effect of substrate topographies on the response of hCECs. Moreover, we also review the latest developments for the nanofabrication of such bio-instructive cell substrates.
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Ma LK, Wang X, Xu XL, Zhou J, Liao Y, Feng JG, Tang LL. Micropillar-arrayed surfaces promote transforming growth factor beta 1 induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition by focal adhesion kinase-related signaling in A549 cells. Chin Med J (Engl) 2020; 134:754-756. [PMID: 33060368 PMCID: PMC7990007 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lun-Kun Ma
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xiao-Li Xu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yi Liao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jian-Guo Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646099, China
| | - Li-Ling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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11
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Higgins SG, Becce M, Belessiotis-Richards A, Seong H, Sero JE, Stevens MM. High-Aspect-Ratio Nanostructured Surfaces as Biological Metamaterials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1903862. [PMID: 31944430 PMCID: PMC7610849 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201903862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Materials patterned with high-aspect-ratio nanostructures have features on similar length scales to cellular components. These surfaces are an extreme topography on the cellular level and have become useful tools for perturbing and sensing the cellular environment. Motivation comes from the ability of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures to deliver cargoes into cells and tissues, access the intracellular environment, and control cell behavior. These structures directly perturb cells' ability to sense and respond to external forces, influencing cell fate, and enabling new mechanistic studies. Through careful design of their nanoscale structure, these systems act as biological metamaterials, eliciting unusual biological responses. While predominantly used to interface eukaryotic cells, there is growing interest in nonanimal and prokaryotic cell interfacing. Both experimental and theoretical studies have attempted to develop a mechanistic understanding for the observed behaviors, predominantly focusing on the cell-nanostructure interface. This review considers how high-aspect-ratio nanostructured surfaces are used to both stimulate and sense biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart G. Higgins
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | | | | | - Hyejeong Seong
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Julia E. Sero
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Molly M. Stevens
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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Effect of oblique polymer pillars on spreading and elongation of rat mesenchymal stem cells. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 183:110485. [PMID: 31499453 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.110485] [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: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Stiffness and anisotropy of culture substrates are important factors influencing the cell behavior and their responses to external stimuli. Herein, we report a fabrication method of oblique polymer pillars which allow modulating both stiffness and anisotropy of the substrate for spreading and elongation studies of Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells (RMSCs). Poly (Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) (PLGA) has been chosen to produce micro-pillars of different heights and different pitches using a combined method of soft-lithography and hot embossing. The stiffness of such pillar substrates varies over a large range so that RMSCs show effectively different spreading behaviors which are also sensitive to the inclining angle of the pillars. Our results showed that with the increase of the pillar height the area of cell spreading decreases but the cell elongation aspect ratio increases. Moreover, cells preferentially elongate along the direction perpendicular to that of the pillars' inclining, which is in agreement with the calculated anisotropy of the pillar substrate stiffness.
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