1
|
Cheung BCH, Abbed RJ, Wu M, Leggett SE. 3D Traction Force Microscopy in Biological Gels: From Single Cells to Multicellular Spheroids. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2024; 26:93-118. [PMID: 38316064 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-103122-031130] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Cell traction force plays a critical role in directing cellular functions, such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Current understanding of cell traction force is largely derived from 2D measurements where cells are plated on 2D substrates. However, 2D measurements do not recapitulate a vital aspect of living systems; that is, cells actively remodel their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), and the remodeled ECM, in return, can have a profound impact on cell phenotype and traction force generation. This reciprocal adaptivity of living systems is encoded in the material properties of biological gels. In this review, we summarize recent progress in measuring cell traction force for cells embedded within 3D biological gels, with an emphasis on cell-ECM cross talk. We also provide perspectives on tools and techniques that could be adapted to measure cell traction force in complex biochemical and biophysical environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian C H Cheung
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Rana J Abbed
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA;
| | - Mingming Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Susan E Leggett
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA;
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schwayer C, Brückner DB. Connecting theory and experiment in cell and tissue mechanics. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs261515. [PMID: 38149871 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261515] [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] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding complex living systems, which are fundamentally constrained by physical phenomena, requires combining experimental data with theoretical physical and mathematical models. To develop such models, collaborations between experimental cell biologists and theoreticians are increasingly important but these two groups often face challenges achieving mutual understanding. To help navigate these challenges, this Perspective discusses different modelling approaches, including bottom-up hypothesis-driven and top-down data-driven models, and highlights their strengths and applications. Using cell mechanics as an example, we explore the integration of specific physical models with experimental data from the molecular, cellular and tissue level up to multiscale input. We also emphasize the importance of constraining model complexity and outline strategies for crosstalk between experimental design and model development. Furthermore, we highlight how physical models can provide conceptual insights and produce unifying and generalizable frameworks for biological phenomena. Overall, this Perspective aims to promote fruitful collaborations that advance our understanding of complex biological systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Schwayer
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - David B Brückner
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ahmed RK, Abdalrahman T, Davies NH, Vermolen F, Franz T. Mathematical model of mechano-sensing and mechanically induced collective motility of cells on planar elastic substrates. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2023; 22:809-824. [PMID: 36814004 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-022-01682-2] [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: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Cells mechanically interact with their environment to sense, for example, topography, elasticity and mechanical cues from other cells. Mechano-sensing has profound effects on cellular behaviour, including motility. The current study aims to develop a mathematical model of cellular mechano-sensing on planar elastic substrates and demonstrate the model's predictive capabilities for the motility of individual cells in a colony. In the model, a cell is assumed to transmit an adhesion force, derived from a dynamic focal adhesion integrin density, that locally deforms a substrate, and to sense substrate deformation originating from neighbouring cells. The substrate deformation from multiple cells is expressed as total strain energy density with a spatially varying gradient. The magnitude and direction of the gradient at the cell location define the cell motion. Cell-substrate friction, partial motion randomness, and cell death and division are included. The substrate deformation by a single cell and the motility of two cells are presented for several substrate elasticities and thicknesses. The collective motility of 25 cells on a uniform substrate mimicking the closure of a circular wound of 200 µm is predicted for deterministic and random motion. Cell motility on substrates with varying elasticity and thickness is explored for four cells and 15 cells, the latter again mimicking wound closure. Wound closure by 45 cells is used to demonstrate the simulation of cell death and division during migration. The mathematical model can adequately simulate the mechanically induced collective cell motility on planar elastic substrates. The model is suitable for extension to other cell and substrates shapes and the inclusion of chemotactic cues, offering the potential to complement in vitro and in vivo studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riham K Ahmed
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa.
| | - Tamer Abdalrahman
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa
- Computational Mechanobiology, Julius Wolff Institute for Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Neil H Davies
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Chris Barnard Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, MRC IUCHRU, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa
| | - Fred Vermolen
- Computational Mathematics Group, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Thomas Franz
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa
- Bioengineering Science Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cabral KA, Srivastava V, Graham AJ, Coyle MC, Stashko C, Weaver V, Gartner ZJ. Programming the Self-Organization of Endothelial Cells into Perfusable Microvasculature. Tissue Eng Part A 2023; 29:80-92. [PMID: 36181350 PMCID: PMC10266707 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2022.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The construction of three-dimensional (3D) microvascular networks with defined structures remains challenging. Emerging bioprinting strategies provide a means of patterning endothelial cells (ECs) into the geometry of 3D microvascular networks, but the microenvironmental cues necessary to promote their self-organization into cohesive and perfusable microvessels are not well known. To this end, we reconstituted microvessel formation in vitro by patterning thin lines of closely packed ECs fully embedded within a 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) and observed how different microenvironmental parameters influenced EC behaviors and their self-organization into microvessels. We found that the inclusion of fibrillar matrices, such as collagen I, into the ECM positively influenced cell condensation into extended geometries such as cords. We also identified the presence of a high-molecular-weight protein(s) in fetal bovine serum that negatively influenced EC condensation. This component destabilized cord structure by promoting cell protrusions and destabilizing cell-cell adhesions. Endothelial cords cultured in the presence of fibrillar collagen and in the absence of this protein activity were able to polarize, lumenize, incorporate mural cells, and support fluid flow. These optimized conditions allowed for the construction of branched and perfusable microvascular networks directly from patterned cells in as little as 3 days. These findings reveal important design principles for future microvascular engineering efforts based on bioprinting and micropatterning techniques. Impact statement Bioprinting is a potential strategy to achieve microvascularization in engineered tissues. However, the controlled self-organization of patterned endothelial cells into perfusable microvasculature remains challenging. We used DNA Programmed Assembly of Cells to create cell-dense, capillary-sized cords of endothelial cells with complete control over their structure. We optimized the matrix and media conditions to promote self-organization and maturation of these endothelial cords into stable and perfusable microvascular networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn A. Cabral
- Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, San Francisco and University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Vasudha Srivastava
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Austin J. Graham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Maxwell C. Coyle
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Connor Stashko
- Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, San Francisco and University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Valerie Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Zev J. Gartner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Center for Cellular Construction, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cunha AF, Matias AF, Dias C, Oliveira MB, Araújo NAM, Mano JF. Cell Response in Free-Packed Granular Systems. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:40469-40480. [PMID: 36044384 PMCID: PMC9773234 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c24095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The study of the interactions of living adherent cells with mechanically stable (visco)elastic materials enables understanding and exploitation of physiological phenomena mediated by cell-extracellular communication. Insights into the interaction of cells and surrounding objects with different stability patterns upon cell contact might unveil biological responses to engineer innovative applications. Here, we hypothesize that the efficiency of cell attachment, spreading, and movement across a free-packed granular bed of microparticles depends on the microparticle diameter, raising the possibility of a necessary minimum traction force for the reinforcement of cell-particle bonds and long-term cell adhesion. The results suggest that microparticles with diameters of 14-20 μm are prone to cell-mediated mobility, holding the potential of inducing early cell detachment, while objects with diameters from 38 to 85 μm enable long-lasting cell adhesion and proliferation. An in silico hybrid particle-based model that addresses the time-dependent biological mechanisms of cell adhesion is proposed, providing inspiration for engineering platforms to address healthcare-related challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana F. Cunha
- Department
of Chemistry, CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - André F.
V. Matias
- Centro
de Física Teórica e Computacional, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento
de Física, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristóvão
S. Dias
- Centro
de Física Teórica e Computacional, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento
de Física, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mariana B. Oliveira
- Department
of Chemistry, CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Nuno A. M. Araújo
- Centro
de Física Teórica e Computacional, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento
de Física, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João F. Mano
- Department
of Chemistry, CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hajiabbas M, D'Agostino C, Simińska-Stanny J, Tran SD, Shavandi A, Delporte C. Bioengineering in salivary gland regeneration. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:35. [PMID: 35668440 PMCID: PMC9172163 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00819-w] [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: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Salivary gland (SG) dysfunction impairs the life quality of many patients, such as patients with radiation therapy for head and neck cancer and patients with Sjögren’s syndrome. Multiple SG engineering strategies have been considered for SG regeneration, repair, or whole organ replacement. An in-depth understanding of the development and differentiation of epithelial stem and progenitor cells niche during SG branching morphogenesis and signaling pathways involved in cell–cell communication constitute a prerequisite to the development of suitable bioengineering solutions. This review summarizes the essential bioengineering features to be considered to fabricate an engineered functional SG model using various cell types, biomaterials, active agents, and matrix fabrication methods. Furthermore, recent innovative and promising approaches to engineering SG models are described. Finally, this review discusses the different challenges and future perspectives in SG bioengineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hajiabbas
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 808 Route de Lennik, Blg G/E CP 611, B-1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Claudia D'Agostino
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 808 Route de Lennik, Blg G/E CP 611, B-1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julia Simińska-Stanny
- Department of Process Engineering and Technology of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Norwida 4/6, 50-373, Wroclaw, Poland.,3BIO-BioMatter, École Polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Simon D Tran
- McGill Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Amin Shavandi
- 3BIO-BioMatter, École Polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Delporte
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 808 Route de Lennik, Blg G/E CP 611, B-1070, Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sutlive J, Xiu H, Chen Y, Gou K, Xiong F, Guo M, Chen Z. Generation, Transmission, and Regulation of Mechanical Forces in Embryonic Morphogenesis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2103466. [PMID: 34837328 PMCID: PMC8831476 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202103466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic morphogenesis is a biological process which depicts shape forming of tissues and organs during development. Unveiling the roles of mechanical forces generated, transmitted, and regulated in cells and tissues through these processes is key to understanding the biophysical mechanisms governing morphogenesis. To this end, it is imperative to measure, simulate, and predict the regulation and control of these mechanical forces during morphogenesis. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the recent advances on mechanical properties of cells and tissues, generation of mechanical forces in cells and tissues, the transmission processes of these generated forces during cells and tissues, the tools and methods used to measure and predict these mechanical forces in vivo, in vitro, or in silico, and to better understand the corresponding regulation and control of generated forces. Understanding the biomechanics and mechanobiology of morphogenesis will not only shed light on the fundamental physical mechanisms underlying these concerted biological processes during normal development, but also uncover new information that will benefit biomedical research in preventing and treating congenital defects or tissue engineering and regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Sutlive
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Haning Xiu
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Yunfeng Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Kun Gou
- Department of Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78224
| | - Fengzhu Xiong
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Zi Chen
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kim J, Mailand E, Ang I, Sakar MS, Bouklas N. A model for 3D deformation and reconstruction of contractile microtissues. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:10198-10209. [PMID: 33118554 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01182g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tissue morphogenesis and regeneration are essentially mechanical processes that involve coordination of cellular forces, production and structural remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM), and cell migration. Discovering the principles of cell-ECM interactions and tissue-scale deformation in mechanically-loaded tissues is instrumental to the development of novel regenerative therapies. The combination of high-throughput three-dimensional (3D) culture systems and experimentally-validated computational models accelerate the study of these principles. In our previous work [E. Mailand, et al., Biophys. J., 2019, 117, 975-986], we showed that prominent surface stresses emerge in constrained fibroblast-populated collagen gels, driving the morphogenesis of fibrous microtissues. Here, we introduce an active material model that allows the embodiment of surface and bulk contractile stresses while maintaining the passive elasticity of the ECM in a 3D setting. Unlike existing models, the stresses are driven by mechanosensing and not by an externally applied signal. The mechanosensing component is incorporated in the model through a direct coupling of the local deformation state with the associated contractile force generation. Further, we propose a finite element implementation to account for large deformations, nonlinear active material response, and surface effects. Simulation results quantitatively capture complex shape changes during tissue formation and as a response to surgical disruption of tissue boundaries, allowing precise calibration of the parameters of the 3D model. The results of this study imply that the organization of the extracellular matrix in the bulk of the tissue may not be a major factor behind the morphogenesis of fibrous tissues at sub-millimeter length scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaemin Kim
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
| | - Erik Mailand
- Institutes of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ida Ang
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
| | - Mahmut Selman Sakar
- Institutes of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nikolaos Bouklas
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Simao M, Régnier F, Taheraly S, Fraisse A, Tacine R, Fraudeau M, Benabid A, Feuillet V, Lambert M, Delon J, Randriamampita C. cAMP Bursts Control T Cell Directionality by Actomyosin Cytoskeleton Remodeling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:633099. [PMID: 34095108 PMCID: PMC8173256 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.633099] [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: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
T lymphocyte migration is an essential step to mounting an efficient immune response. The rapid and random motility of these cells which favors their sentinel role is conditioned by chemokines as well as by the physical environment. Morphological changes, underlaid by dynamic actin cytoskeleton remodeling, are observed throughout migration but especially when the cell modifies its trajectory. However, the signaling cascade regulating the directional changes remains largely unknown. Using dynamic cell imaging, we investigated in this paper the signaling pathways involved in T cell directionality. We monitored cyclic adenosine 3′-5′ monosphosphate (cAMP) variation concomitantly with actomyosin distribution upon T lymphocyte migration and highlighted the fact that spontaneous bursts in cAMP starting from the leading edge, are sufficient to promote actomyosin redistribution triggering trajectory modification. Although cAMP is commonly considered as an immunosuppressive factor, our results suggest that, when transient, it rather favors the exploratory behavior of T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Simao
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Fabienne Régnier
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Taheraly
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Achille Fraisse
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France.,Master de Biologie, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Rachida Tacine
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Marie Fraudeau
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Adam Benabid
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Feuillet
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Mireille Lambert
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Delon
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Emon B, Li Z, Joy MSH, Doha U, Kosari F, Saif MTA. A novel method for sensor-based quantification of single/multicellular force dynamics and stiffening in 3D matrices. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabf2629. [PMID: 33837084 PMCID: PMC8034860 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf2629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Cells in vivo generate mechanical traction on the surrounding 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) and neighboring cells. Such traction and biochemical cues may remodel the matrix, e.g., increase stiffness, which, in turn, influences cell functions and forces. This dynamic reciprocity mediates development and tumorigenesis. Currently, there is no method available to directly quantify single-cell forces and matrix remodeling in 3D. Here, we introduce a method to fulfill this long-standing need. We developed a high-resolution microfabricated sensor that hosts a 3D cell-ECM tissue formed by self-assembly. This sensor measures cell forces and tissue stiffness and can apply mechanical stimulation to the tissue. We measured single and multicellular force dynamics of fibroblasts (3T3), human colon (FET) and lung (A549) cancer cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF05) with 1-nN resolution. Single cells show notable force fluctuations in 3D. FET/CAF coculture system, mimicking cancer tumor microenvironment, increased tissue stiffness by three times within 24 hours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bashar Emon
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Zhengwei Li
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Md Saddam H Joy
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Umnia Doha
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Farhad Kosari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - M Taher A Saif
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dawson MR, Xuan B, Hsu J, Ghosh D. Force balancing ACT-IN the tumor microenvironment: Cytoskeletal modifications in cancer and stromal cells to promote malignancy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 360:1-31. [PMID: 33962748 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a complex milieu that dictates the growth, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. Both cancer and stromal cells in the tumor tissue encounter and adapt to a variety of extracellular factors, and subsequently contribute and drive the progression of the disease to more advanced stages. As the disease progresses, a small population of cancer cells becomes more invasive through a complex process known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and nearby stromal cells assume a carcinoma associated fibroblast phenotype characterized by enhanced migration, cell contractility, and matrix secretion with the ability to reorganize extracellular matrices. As cells transition into more malignant phenotypes their biophysical properties, controlled by the organization of cytoskeletal proteins, are altered. Actin and its associated proteins are essential modulators and facilitators of these changes. As the cells respond to the cues in the microenvironment, actin driven mechanical forces inside and outside the cells also evolve. Recent advances in biophysical techniques have enabled us to probe these actin driven changes in cancer and stromal cells and demarcate their role in driving changes in the microenvironment. Understanding the underlying biophysical mechanisms that drive cancer progression could provide critical insight on novel therapeutic approaches in the fight against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R Dawson
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Brown University, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Providence, RI, United States.
| | - Botai Xuan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Jeffrey Hsu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Deepraj Ghosh
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Challenging human somatic testicular cell reassembly by protein kinase inhibition -setting up a functional in vitro test system. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8935. [PMID: 32488054 PMCID: PMC7265505 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65924-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Signalling pathways and cellular interactions defining initial processes of testis morphogenesis, i.e. cord formation, are poorly understood. In vitro cell-based systems modelling cord formation can be utilised as platforms to interrogate processes of tubulogenesis. We aimed at testing our established cord formation in vitro model using adult human testicular cells as a quantitative assay that can facilitate future studies on cord morphogenesis. We challenged the responsiveness of our system with a broad-spectrum protein kinase inhibitor, K252a. Cultured testicular cells were treated with various K252a concentrations under constant exposure and compound withdrawal. To quantify cell reaggregation changes, we performed computer-assisted phase-contrast image analysis of aggregate size and number. Cell reaggregation was analysed in detail by categorisation of aggregates into size groups and accounting for changes in aggregate number per size category. We found a dose-related disturbance of testicular cell reaggregation. K252a decreased aggregate size (IC50 of 203.3 nM) and reduced the large aggregate numbers. Video recordings revealed that treatment with K252a at a concentration above IC50 interfered with aggregate coalescence into cords. Short-term exposure and compound wash-out induced irreversible decrease in large aggregates. We propose our in vitro model as a functional platform to quantitatively investigate seminiferous tubulogenesis under pharmacological impact.
Collapse
|
13
|
Messi Z, Bornert A, Raynaud F, Verkhovsky AB. Traction Forces Control Cell-Edge Dynamics and Mediate Distance Sensitivity during Cell Polarization. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1762-1769.e5. [PMID: 32220324 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.02.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Traction forces are generated by cellular actin-myosin system and transmitted to the environment through adhesions. They are believed to drive cell motion, shape changes, and extracellular matrix remodeling [1-3]. However, most of the traction force analysis has been performed on stationary cells, investigating forces at the level of individual focal adhesions or linking them to static cell parameters, such as area and edge curvature [4-10]. It is not well understood how traction forces are related to shape changes and motion, e.g., forces were reported to either increase or drop prior to cell retraction [11-15]. Here, we analyze the dynamics of traction forces during the protrusion-retraction cycle of polarizing fish epidermal keratocytes and find that forces fluctuate together with the cycle, increasing during protrusion and reaching maximum at the beginning of retraction. We relate force dynamics to the recently discovered phenomenological rule [16] that governs cell-edge behavior during keratocyte polarization: both traction forces and probability of switch from protrusion to retraction increase with the distance from the cell center. Diminishing forces with cell contractility inhibitor leads to decreased edge fluctuations and abnormal polarization, although externally applied force can induce protrusion-retraction switch. These results suggest that forces mediate distance sensitivity of the edge dynamics and organize cell-edge behavior, leading to spontaneous polarization. Actin flow rate did not exhibit the same distance dependence as traction stress, arguing against its role in organizing edge dynamics. Finally, using a simple model of actin-myosin network, we show that force-distance relationship might be an emergent feature of such networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeno Messi
- Laboratory of Physics of Living Matter, EPFL, Route de la Sorge, Lausanne 1015, Switzerland.
| | - Alicia Bornert
- Laboratory of Physics of Living Matter, EPFL, Route de la Sorge, Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Franck Raynaud
- Scientific and Parallel Computing Group, Computer Science Department, University of Geneva, Route de Drize, Carouge 1227, Switzerland
| | - Alexander B Verkhovsky
- Laboratory of Physics of Living Matter, EPFL, Route de la Sorge, Lausanne 1015, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Huang J, Lin F, Xiong C. Mechanical characterization of single cells based on microfluidic techniques. Trends Analyt Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2019.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
15
|
Lemke SB, Weidemann T, Cost AL, Grashoff C, Schnorrer F. A small proportion of Talin molecules transmit forces at developing muscle attachments in vivo. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000057. [PMID: 30917109 PMCID: PMC6453563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells in developing organisms are subjected to particular mechanical forces that shape tissues and instruct cell fate decisions. How these forces are sensed and transmitted at the molecular level is therefore an important question, one that has mainly been investigated in cultured cells in vitro. Here, we elucidate how mechanical forces are transmitted in an intact organism. We studied Drosophila muscle attachment sites, which experience high mechanical forces during development and require integrin-mediated adhesion for stable attachment to tendons. Therefore, we quantified molecular forces across the essential integrin-binding protein Talin, which links integrin to the actin cytoskeleton. Generating flies expressing 3 Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based Talin tension sensors reporting different force levels between 1 and 11 piconewton (pN) enabled us to quantify physiologically relevant molecular forces. By measuring primary Drosophila muscle cells, we demonstrate that Drosophila Talin experiences mechanical forces in cell culture that are similar to those previously reported for Talin in mammalian cell lines. However, in vivo force measurements at developing flight muscle attachment sites revealed that average forces across Talin are comparatively low and decrease even further while attachments mature and tissue-level tension remains high. Concomitantly, the Talin concentration at attachment sites increases 5-fold as quantified by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), suggesting that only a small proportion of Talin molecules are mechanically engaged at any given time. Reducing Talin levels at late stages of muscle development results in muscle–tendon rupture in the adult fly, likely as a result of active muscle contractions. We therefore propose that a large pool of adhesion molecules is required to share high tissue forces. As a result, less than 15% of the molecules experience detectable forces at developing muscle attachment sites at the same time. Our findings define an important new concept of how cells can adapt to changes in tissue mechanics to prevent mechanical failure in vivo. The protein Talin links the transmembrane cell adhesion molecule integrin to the actin cytoskeleton. Quantitative FRET-based force measurements across Talin in vivo reveal that only few Talin molecules are under force during the development of muscle attachment sites. Cells in our body are constantly exposed to mechanical forces, which they need to sense and react to. In previous studies, fluorescent force sensors were developed to demonstrate that individual proteins in adhesion structures of a cell experience forces in the piconewton (pN) range. However, these cells were analyzed in isolation in an artificial plastic or glass environment. Here, we explored forces on adhesion proteins in their natural environment within a developing animal and used the muscle–tendon tissue in the fruit fly Drosophila as a model system. We made genetically modified fly lines with force sensors or controls inserted into the gene that produces the essential adhesion protein Talin. Using these force sensor flies, we found that only a small proportion of all the Talin proteins (<15%) present at developing muscle–tendon attachments experience detectable forces at the same time. Nevertheless, a large amount of Talin is accumulated at these attachments during fly development. We found that this large Talin pool is important to prevent rupture of the muscle–tendon connection in adult flies that produce high muscle forces during flight. In conclusion, we demonstrated that a large pool of Talin proteins is required for stable muscle–tendon attachment, likely with the individual Talin molecules dynamically sharing the mechanical load.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra B. Lemke
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
- * E-mail: (FS); (CG); (SBL)
| | | | - Anna-Lena Cost
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
- University of Münster, Institute for Molecular Cell Biology, Münster, Germany
| | - Carsten Grashoff
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
- University of Münster, Institute for Molecular Cell Biology, Münster, Germany
- * E-mail: (FS); (CG); (SBL)
| | - Frank Schnorrer
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France
- * E-mail: (FS); (CG); (SBL)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nerger BA, Nelson CM. 3D culture models for studying branching morphogenesis in the mammary gland and mammalian lung. Biomaterials 2018; 198:135-145. [PMID: 30174198 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The intricate architecture of branched tissues and organs has fascinated scientists and engineers for centuries. Yet-despite their ubiquity-the biophysical and biochemical mechanisms by which tissues and organs undergo branching morphogenesis remain unclear. With the advent of three-dimensional (3D) culture models, an increasingly powerful and diverse set of tools are available for investigating the development and remodeling of branched tissues and organs. In this review, we discuss the application of 3D culture models for studying branching morphogenesis of the mammary gland and the mammalian lung in the context of normal development and disease. While current 3D culture models lack the cellular and molecular complexity observed in vivo, we emphasize how these models can be used to answer targeted questions about branching morphogenesis. We highlight the specific advantages and limitations of using 3D culture models to study the dynamics and mechanisms of branching in the mammary gland and mammalian lung. Finally, we discuss potential directions for future research and propose strategies for engineering the next generation of 3D culture models for studying tissue morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Nerger
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Celeste M Nelson
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
| |
Collapse
|