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Streutker EM, Devamoglu U, Vonk MC, Verdurmen WPR, Le Gac S. Fibrosis-on-Chip: A Guide to Recapitulate the Essential Features of Fibrotic Disease. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303991. [PMID: 38536053 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303991] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis, which is primarily marked by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, is a pathophysiological process associated with many disorders, which ultimately leads to organ dysfunction and poor patient outcomes. Despite the high prevalence of fibrosis, currently there exist few therapeutic options, and importantly, there is a paucity of in vitro models to accurately study fibrosis. This review discusses the multifaceted nature of fibrosis from the viewpoint of developing organ-on-chip (OoC) disease models, focusing on five key features: the ECM component, inflammation, mechanical cues, hypoxia, and vascularization. The potential of OoC technology is explored for better modeling these features in the context of studying fibrotic diseases and the interplay between various key features is emphasized. This paper reviews how organ-specific fibrotic diseases are modeled in OoC platforms, which elements are included in these existing models, and the avenues for novel research directions are highlighted. Finally, this review concludes with a perspective on how to address the current gap with respect to the inclusion of multiple features to yield more sophisticated and relevant models of fibrotic diseases in an OoC format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Streutker
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Utku Devamoglu
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnoloygy and TechMed Centre, Organ-on-Chip Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon C Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter P R Verdurmen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Séverine Le Gac
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnoloygy and TechMed Centre, Organ-on-Chip Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
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Mo H, Li R, Yang N, Han J, Xiao X, Zhang Y, Xiao Z, Jiao L, Xu Q, Tu K. USP40 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through a YAP/USP40 positive feedback loop. Cancer Lett 2024; 589:216832. [PMID: 38537774 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216832] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) is an essential driver of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and the ubiquitin-proteasome system controls its abundance. However, the role of ubiquitin-specific protease 40 (USP40) in YAP stability remains unclear. Here, USP40 was first identified as a novel regulator of YAP abundance and its target genes in HCC cells. USP40 interacted with YAP to remove the lysine 48 (K48)-linked polyubiquitination of YAP at K252 and K315 sites, thereby maintaining YAP stability. USP40 facilitated the proliferation, colony formation, migration and spheroid formation of HCC cells in vitro and promoted HCC growth in vivo in a YAP-dependent manner. In turn, YAP transcriptionally activated USP40 expression in HCC cells. RNA sequencing analysis showed that about 37% of USP40-regulated genes overlapped with YAP-regulated genes. Interestingly, stiffness-induced USP40 upregulation was abolished by YAP knockdown, and USP40 knockdown attenuated stiffness-induced YAP accumulation in HCC cells. Clinical data demonstrated that USP40 was positively associated with YAP expression in HCC tissues and its high expression indicated a poor prognosis. In conclusion, the USP40/YAP positive feedback loop contributes to HCC progression, suggesting that USP40 may be a promising drug target for anti-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanye Mo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Runtian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Nan Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jiaqi Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xuelian Xiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yilei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Zhengtao Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Lianying Jiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Qiuran Xu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Kangsheng Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
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Di X, Gao X, Peng L, Ai J, Jin X, Qi S, Li H, Wang K, Luo D. Cellular mechanotransduction in health and diseases: from molecular mechanism to therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:282. [PMID: 37518181 PMCID: PMC10387486 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular mechanotransduction, a critical regulator of numerous biological processes, is the conversion from mechanical signals to biochemical signals regarding cell activities and metabolism. Typical mechanical cues in organisms include hydrostatic pressure, fluid shear stress, tensile force, extracellular matrix stiffness or tissue elasticity, and extracellular fluid viscosity. Mechanotransduction has been expected to trigger multiple biological processes, such as embryonic development, tissue repair and regeneration. However, prolonged excessive mechanical stimulation can result in pathological processes, such as multi-organ fibrosis, tumorigenesis, and cancer immunotherapy resistance. Although the associations between mechanical cues and normal tissue homeostasis or diseases have been identified, the regulatory mechanisms among different mechanical cues are not yet comprehensively illustrated, and no effective therapies are currently available targeting mechanical cue-related signaling. This review systematically summarizes the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of typical mechanical cues in normal conditions and diseases with the updated evidence. The key effectors responding to mechanical stimulations are listed, such as Piezo channels, integrins, Yes-associated protein (YAP) /transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4). We also reviewed the key signaling pathways, therapeutic targets and cutting-edge clinical applications of diseases related to mechanical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingpeng Di
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoshuai Gao
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Liao Peng
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Jianzhong Ai
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Shiqian Qi
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Kunjie Wang
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
| | - Deyi Luo
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
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Jia X, Chen X, Gao C, Wang H, Yang C, Jiang LH, Fan Y. Functional cooperation between IK Ca and TRPC1 channels regulates serum-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation via mediating Ca 2+ influx and ERK1/2 activation. Cell Prolif 2022; 56:e13385. [PMID: 36562293 PMCID: PMC10068941 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. The intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium (IKCa ) channel plays a critical role in VSMC proliferation by raising the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ), but the underlying mechanism is still not unclear. Here we investigated the cooperation between IKCa and transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) channels in mediating extracellular Ca2+ entry, which in turn activates downstream Ca2+ signalling in the regulation of VSMC proliferation using serum-induced cell proliferation model. Serum-induced cell proliferation was accompanied with up-regulation of IKCa expression and an increase in [Ca2+ ]i . Serum-induced cell proliferation and increase in [Ca2+ ]i were suppressed by IKCa inhibition with TRAM-34 or IKCa knockdown. Serum-induced cell proliferation was strongly reduced by the removal of extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA or intracellular Ca2+ with BAPTA-AM and, additionally, by TRPC1 knockdown. Moreover, the increase in [Ca2+ ]i induced by serum or by IKCa activation with 1-EBIO was attenuated by TRPC1 knockdown. Finally, serum induced ERK1/2 activation, which was attenuated by treatment with TRAM-34 or BAPTA-AM, as well as TRPC1 knockdown. Consistently, serum-induced cell proliferation was suppressed by ERK1/2 inhibition with PD98059. Taken together, these results suggest that the IKCa and TRPC1 channels cooperate in mediating Ca2+ influx that activates the ERK1/2 pathway to promote cell proliferation, thus providing new mechanistic insights into VSMC proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Jia
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinlan Chen
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Haikun Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengxi Yang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin-Hua Jiang
- Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury of Henan Province, and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,A4245-Transplantation, Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tours, Tours, France.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
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Recent Developments on the Roles of Calcium Signals and Potential Therapy Targets in Cervical Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193003. [PMID: 36230965 PMCID: PMC9563098 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) concentration ([Ca2+]i) is implicated in proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in cancerous tissues. A variety of oncologic therapies and some candidate drugs induce their antitumor effects (in part or in whole) through the modulation of [Ca2+]i. Cervical cancer is one of most common cancers among women worldwide. Recently, major research advances relating to the Ca2+ signals in cervical cancer are emerging. In this review, we comprehensively describe the current progress concerning the roles of Ca2+ signals in the occurrence, development, and prognosis of cervical cancer. It will enhance our understanding of the causative mechanism of Ca2+ signals in cervical cancer and thus provide new sights for identifying potential therapeutic targets for drug discovery.
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Liu Z, Fu J, Yuan H, Ma B, Cao Z, Chen Y, Xing C, Niu X, Li N, Wang H, An H. Polyisocyanide hydrogels with tunable nonlinear elasticity mediate liver carcinoma cell functional response. Acta Biomater 2022; 148:152-162. [PMID: 35718101 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.06.022] [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: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma development is closely related to the changes in tissue mechanics induced by excess collagen deposition and crosslinking, which leads to liver fibrosis and malignant progression. The role of matrix stiffness has been widely assessed using various linearly elastic materials. However, the liver, like many soft tissues, also exhibits nonlinear elasticity by strain-stiffening, allowing cells to mechanically interact with their micromilieus which has attracted much attention in cellular processes recently. Here, we use a biomimetic hydrogel grafting of GRGDS peptide with tunable nonlinear mechanical properties, polyisocyanides (PIC), to investigate the influence of strain-stiffening on HepG2 liver cancer cell behavior by tuning PIC polymer length. Compared to short PIC polymer with lower critical stress, PIC hydrogels composed of long polymer with higher critical stress promote the motility and invasiveness of HepG2 cells, and induce more actin stress fibers and higher expression level of mechanotransducer YAP and its nuclear translocation. Strikingly, the expression of calcium-activated potassium channel KCa3.1, an important biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma, is also affected by the mechanical property of PIC hydrogels. It was also shown that downregulating the KCa3.1 channel can be achieved by inhibiting the formation of actin fibers. Our findings imply that the strain-stiffening property of PIC hydrogels affects the expression of KCa3.1 potassium channel via mediating cytoskeletal stress fiber formation, and ultimately influences the liver carcinoma cell functional response. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The effect of nonlinear elasticity by strain-stiffening, is assessed in HepG2 liver cancer cell behavior by using a biomimetic hydrogel with tunable mechanical properties, polyisocyanides (PIC). PIC gels with higher critical stress promote the motility and invasiveness of HepG2 cells and induce upregulated expression levels of KCa3.1 potassium channel and YAP, but which can be suppressed by inhibiting the formation of actin fibers. Our findings imply that the strain-stiffening property of PIC gels influences the expression of KCa3.1 potassium channel via mediating cytoskeletal stress fiber formation and, ultimately affects the liver carcinoma cell functional response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Jingxuan Fu
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China; College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China; School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, GuangRong Dao 8, Hongqiao District, Tianjin 300130, PR China
| | - Hongbo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China; Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Chemistry Department, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
| | - Biao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Zhanshuo Cao
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Yafei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Chengfen Xing
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Xuezhi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China; College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China.
| | - Hailong An
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China.
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