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Bergamaschi G, Taris KKH, Biebricher AS, Seymonson XMR, Witt H, Peterman EJG, Wuite GJL. Viscoelasticity of diverse biological samples quantified by Acoustic Force Microrheology (AFMR). Commun Biol 2024; 7:683. [PMID: 38834871 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06367-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the context of soft matter and cellular mechanics, microrheology - the use of micron-sized particles to probe the frequency-dependent viscoelastic response of materials - is widely used to shed light onto the mechanics and dynamics of molecular structures. Here we present the implementation of active microrheology in an Acoustic Force Spectroscopy setup (AFMR), which combines multiplexing with the possibility of probing a wide range of forces ( ~ pN to ~nN) and frequencies (0.01-100 Hz). To demonstrate the potential of this approach, we perform active microrheology on biological samples of increasing complexity and stiffness: collagen gels, red blood cells (RBCs), and human fibroblasts, spanning a viscoelastic modulus range of five orders of magnitude. We show that AFMR can successfully quantify viscoelastic properties by probing many beads with high single-particle precision and reproducibility. Finally, we demonstrate that AFMR to map local sample heterogeneities as well as detect cellular responses to drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bergamaschi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kees-Karel H Taris
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas S Biebricher
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Xamanie M R Seymonson
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hannes Witt
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin J G Peterman
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs J L Wuite
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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2
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Braidotti N, Demontis G, Conti M, Andolfi L, Ciubotaru CD, Sbaizero O, Cojoc D. The local mechanosensitive response of primary cardiac fibroblasts is influenced by the microenvironment mechanics. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10365. [PMID: 38710778 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60685-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are essential for preserving myocardial integrity and function. They can detect variations in cardiac tissue stiffness using various cellular mechanosensors, including the Ca2+ permeable mechanosensitive channel Piezo1. Nevertheless, how CFs adapt the mechanosensitive response to stiffness changes remains unclear. In this work we adopted a multimodal approach, combining the local mechanical stimulation (from 10 pN to 350 nN) with variations of culture substrate stiffness. We found that primary rat CFs cultured on stiff (GPa) substrates showed a broad Piezo1 distribution in the cell with particular accumulation at the mitochondria membrane. CFs displayed a force-dependent behavior in both calcium uptake and channel activation probability, showing a threshold at 300 nN, which involves both cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ mobilization. This trend decreases as the myofibroblast phenotype within the cell population increases, following a possible Piezo1 accumulation at focal adhesion sites. In contrast, the inhibition of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts transition with soft substrates (kPa) considerably reduces both mechanically- and chemically-induced Piezo1 activation and expression. Our findings shed light on how Piezo1 function and expression are regulated by the substrate stiffness and highlight its involvement in the environment-mediated modulation of CFs mechanosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Braidotti
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- CNR-Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM), SS 14 km 163.5, Area Science Park Basovizza, 34149, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giorgia Demontis
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- CNR-Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM), SS 14 km 163.5, Area Science Park Basovizza, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Martina Conti
- CNR-Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM), SS 14 km 163.5, Area Science Park Basovizza, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Andolfi
- CNR-Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM), SS 14 km 163.5, Area Science Park Basovizza, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Catalin Dacian Ciubotaru
- CNR-Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM), SS 14 km 163.5, Area Science Park Basovizza, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Orfeo Sbaizero
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 6/A, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Dan Cojoc
- CNR-Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM), SS 14 km 163.5, Area Science Park Basovizza, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
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3
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Connaughton M, Dabagh M. Modeling Physical Forces Experienced by Cancer and Stromal Cells Within Different Organ-Specific Tumor Tissue. IEEE JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL ENGINEERING IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE 2024; 12:413-434. [PMID: 38765886 PMCID: PMC11100865 DOI: 10.1109/jtehm.2024.3388561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical force exerted on cancer cells by their microenvironment have been reported to drive cells toward invasive phenotypes by altering cells' motility, proliferation, and apoptosis. These mechanical forces include compressive, tensile, hydrostatic, and shear forces. The importance of forces is then hypothesized to be an alteration of cancer cells' and their microenvironment's biophysical properties as the indicator of a tumor's malignancy state. Our objective is to investigate and quantify the correlation between a tumor's malignancy state and forces experienced by the cancer cells and components of the microenvironment. In this study, we have developed a multicomponent, three-dimensional model of tumor tissue consisting of a cancer cell surrounded by fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM). Our results on three different organs including breast, kidney, and pancreas show that: A) the stresses within tumor tissue are impacted by the organ specific ECM's biophysical properties, B) more invasive cancer cells experience higher stresses, C) in pancreas which has a softer ECM (Young modulus of 1.0 kPa) and stiffer cancer cells (Young modulus of 2.4 kPa and 1.7 kPa) than breast and kidney, cancer cells experienced significantly higher stresses, D) cancer cells in contact with ECM experienced higher stresses compared to cells surrounded by fibroblasts but the area of tumor stroma experiencing high stresses has a maximum length of 40 μm when the cancer cell is surrounded by fibroblasts and 12 μm for when the cancer cell is in vicinity of ECM. This study serves as an important first step in understanding of how the stresses experienced by cancer cells, fibroblasts, and ECM are associated with malignancy states of cancer cells in different organs. The quantification of forces exerted on cancer cells by different organ-specific ECM and at different stages of malignancy will help, first to develop theranostic strategies, second to predict accurately which tumors will become highly malignant, and third to establish accurate criteria controlling the progression of cancer cells malignancy. Furthermore, our in silico model of tumor tissue can yield critical, useful information for guiding ex vivo or in vitro experiments, narrowing down variables to be investigated, understanding what factors could be impacting cancer treatments or even biomarkers to be looking for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Connaughton
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukeeWI53211USA
| | - Mahsa Dabagh
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukeeWI53211USA
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4
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Crawford AJ, Gomez-Cruz C, Russo GC, Huang W, Bhorkar I, Roy T, Muñoz-Barrutia A, Wirtz D, Garcia-Gonzalez D. Tumor proliferation and invasion are intrinsically coupled and unraveled through tunable spheroid and physics-based models. Acta Biomater 2024; 175:170-185. [PMID: 38160858 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.12.043] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Proliferation and invasion are two key drivers of tumor growth that are traditionally considered independent multicellular processes. However, these processes are intrinsically coupled through a maximum carrying capacity, i.e., the maximum spatial cell concentration supported by the tumor volume, total cell count, nutrient access, and mechanical properties of the tissue stroma. We explored this coupling of proliferation and invasion through in vitro and in silico methods where we modulated the mechanical properties of the tumor and the surrounding extracellular matrix. E-cadherin expression and stromal collagen concentration were manipulated in a tunable breast cancer spheroid to determine the overall impacts of these tumor variables on net tumor proliferation and continuum invasion. We integrated these results into a mixed-constitutive formulation to computationally delineate the influences of cellular and extracellular adhesion, stiffness, and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix on net proliferation and continuum invasion. This framework integrates biological in vitro data into concise computational models of invasion and proliferation to provide more detailed physical insights into the coupling of these key tumor processes and tumor growth. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Tumor growth involves expansion into the collagen-rich stroma through intrinsic coupling of proliferation and invasion within the tumor continuum. These processes are regulated by a maximum carrying capacity that is determined by the total cell count, tumor volume, nutrient access, and mechanical properties of the surrounding stroma. The influences of biomechanical parameters (i.e., stiffness, cell elongation, net proliferation rate and cell-ECM friction) on tumor proliferation or invasion cannot be unraveled using experimental methods alone. By pairing a tunable spheroid system with computational modeling, we delineated the interdependencies of each system parameter on tumor proliferation and continuum invasion, and established a concise computational framework for studying tumor mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh J Crawford
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Clara Gomez-Cruz
- Department of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganes, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Bioingenieria, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganes, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriella C Russo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Wilson Huang
- Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA; Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Isha Bhorkar
- Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Triya Roy
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Arrate Muñoz-Barrutia
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Departamento de Bioingenieria, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganes, Madrid, Spain; Area de Ingenieria Biomedica, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Gregorio Maranon, Calle del Doctor Esquerdo 46, Madrid' ES 28007, Spain
| | - Denis Wirtz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA; Departments of Pathology and Oncology and Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21215, USA.
| | - Daniel Garcia-Gonzalez
- Department of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganes, Madrid, Spain.
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5
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Markova O, Clanet C, Husson J. Quantifying both viscoelasticity and surface tension: Why sharp tips overestimate cell stiffness. Biophys J 2024; 123:210-220. [PMID: 38087780 PMCID: PMC10808041 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantifying the mechanical properties of cells is important to better understand how mechanics constrain cellular processes. Furthermore, because pathologies are usually paralleled by altered cell mechanical properties, mechanical parameters can be used as a novel way to characterize the pathological state of cells. Key features used in models are cell tension, cell viscoelasticity (representing the average of the cell bulk), or a combination of both. It is unclear which of these features is the most relevant or whether both should be included. To clarify this, we performed microindentation experiments on cells with microindenters of various tip radii, including micrometer-sized microneedles. We obtained different cell-indenter contact radii and measured the corresponding contact stiffness. We derived a model predicting that this contact stiffness should be an affine function of the contact radius and that, at vanishing contact radius, the cell stiffness should be equal to the cell tension multiplied by a constant. When microindenting leukocytes and both adherent and trypsinized adherent cells, the contact stiffness was indeed an affine function of the contact radius. For leukocytes, the deduced surface tension was consistent with that measured using micropipette aspiration. For detached endothelial cells, agreement between microindentation and micropipette aspiration was better when considering these as only viscoelastic when analyzing micropipette aspiration experiments. This work suggests that indenting cells with sharp tips but neglecting the presence of surface tension leads to an effective elastic modulus whose origin is in fact surface tension. Accordingly, using sharp tips when microindenting a cell is a good way to directly measure its surface tension without the need to let the viscoelastic modulus relax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Markova
- Laboratoire d'Hydrodynamique (LadHyX), CNRS, École Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Christophe Clanet
- Laboratoire d'Hydrodynamique (LadHyX), CNRS, École Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Julien Husson
- Laboratoire d'Hydrodynamique (LadHyX), CNRS, École Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France.
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6
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Hall D. Simulating biological surface dynamics in high-speed atomic force microscopy experiments. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:2069-2079. [PMID: 38192349 PMCID: PMC10771409 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01169-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
High-speed atomic force microscopy (HSAFM) is an important tool for studying the dynamic behavior of large biomolecular assemblies at surfaces. However, unlike light microscopy techniques, which visualize each point in the field of view at the same time, in HSAFM, the surface is literally imaged pixel-by-pixel with a variable extent of time separation existing between recordings made at one pixel and all others within the surface image. Such "temporal asynchronicity" in the recording of the spatial information can introduce distortions into the image when the surface components move at a rate comparable to that at which the surface is imaged. This Letter describes recently released software developments that are able to predict the likely form of these distortions and estimate confidence levels when assigning the identity of observed structures. These described approaches may facilitate both the design and optimization of future HSAFM experimental protocols. Further to this, they may assist in the interpretation of results from already published HSAFM studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Hall
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakumamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1164 Japan
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7
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Kolay J, Zhang P, Zhou X, Wan Z, Chieng A, Wang S. Ligand Binding-Induced Cellular Membrane Deformation is Correlated with the Changes in Membrane Stiffness. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:9943-9953. [PMID: 37963180 PMCID: PMC10763494 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c06282] [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: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Study interaction between ligands and protein receptors is a key step for biomarker research and drug discovery. In situ measurement of cell surface membrane protein binding on whole cells eliminates the cost and pitfalls associated with membrane protein purification. Ligand binding to membrane protein was recently found to induce nanometer-scale cell membrane deformations, which can be monitored with real-time optical imaging to quantify ligand/protein binding kinetics. However, the insight into this phenomenon has still not been fully understood. We hypothesize that ligand binding can change membrane stiffness, which induces membrane deformation. To investigate this, cell height and membrane stiffness changes upon ligand binding are measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) is used as a model ligand that binds to the cell surface glycoprotein. The changes in cell membrane stiffness and cell height upon ligand bindings are determined for three different cell lines (human A431, HeLa, and rat RBL-2H3) on two different substrates. AFM results show that cells become stiffer with increased height after WGA modification for all cases studied. The increase in cell membrane stiffness is further confirmed by plasmonic scattering microscopy, which shows an increased cell spring constant upon WGA binding. Therefore, this study provides direct experimental evidence that the membrane stiffness changes are directly correlated with ligand binding-induced cell membrane deformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayeeta Kolay
- Biodesign Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Biodesign Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhou
- Biodesign Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
| | - Zijian Wan
- Biodesign Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
- School of Electrical, Energy and Computer Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
| | - Andy Chieng
- Biodesign Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
| | - Shaopeng Wang
- Biodesign Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
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Beedle AE, Jaganathan A, Albajar-Sigalés A, Yavitt FM, Bera K, Andreu I, Granero-Moya I, Zalvidea D, Kechagia Z, Wiche G, Trepat X, Ivaska J, Anseth KS, Shenoy VB, Roca-Cusachs P. Fibrillar adhesion dynamics govern the timescales of nuclear mechano-response via the vimentin cytoskeleton. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.08.566191. [PMID: 37986921 PMCID: PMC10659263 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.08.566191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The cell nucleus is continuously exposed to external signals, of both chemical and mechanical nature. To ensure proper cellular response, cells need to regulate not only the transmission of these signals, but also their timing and duration. Such timescale regulation is well described for fluctuating chemical signals, but if and how it applies to mechanical signals reaching the nucleus is still unknown. Here we demonstrate that the formation of fibrillar adhesions locks the nucleus in a mechanically deformed conformation, setting the mechanical response timescale to that of fibrillar adhesion remodelling (~1 hour). This process encompasses both mechanical deformation and associated mechanotransduction (such as via YAP), in response to both increased and decreased mechanical stimulation. The underlying mechanism is the anchoring of the vimentin cytoskeleton to fibrillar adhesions and the extracellular matrix through plectin 1f, which maintains nuclear deformation. Our results reveal a mechanism to regulate the timescale of mechanical adaptation, effectively setting a low pass filter to mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E.M. Beedle
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Physics, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Anuja Jaganathan
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Aina Albajar-Sigalés
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - F. Max Yavitt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303 USA
| | - Kaustav Bera
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303 USA
| | - Ion Andreu
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC), University of the Basque Country, E-48940, Leioa, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Ignasi Granero-Moya
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dobryna Zalvidea
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zanetta Kechagia
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Wiche
- Max Perutz Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Xavier Trepat
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Tukholmankatu 8, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303 USA
| | - Vivek B. Shenoy
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Pere Roca-Cusachs
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Thomas-Chemin O, Séverac C, Trévisiol E, Dague E. Indentation of living cells by AFM tips may not be what we thought! Micron 2023; 174:103523. [PMID: 37595406 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2023.103523] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The models used to calculate Young's moduli from atomic force microscopy (AFM) force curves consider the shape of the indentation. It is then assumed that the geometry of the indentation is identical to the geometry of the indenter, which has been verified for hard materials (E > 1 MPa). Based on this assumption, the force curves calculated by these models, for the same object with a given Young's modulus, are different if the indenter geometry is different. On the contrary, we observe experimentally that the force curves recorded on soft living cells, with pyramidal, spherical, or tipless indenters, are almost similar. This indicates that this basic assumption on the indentation geometry does not work for soft materials (E of the order of 5 kPa or less). This means that, in this case, the shape of the indentation is therefore different from the shape of the indenter. Indentation of living cells by AFM is not what we thought!
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Childérick Séverac
- RESTORE Research Center, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, EFS, ENVT, Université P. Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Etienne Dague
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France.
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10
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Ren K, Feng J, Bi H, Sun Q, Li X, Han D. AFM-Based Poroelastic@Membrane Analysis of Cells and its Opportunities for Translational Medicine. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2303610. [PMID: 37403276 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303610] [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] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell mechanics is an emerging field of research for translational medicine. Here, the cell is modeled as poroelastic cytoplasm wrapped by tensile membrane (poroelastic@membrane model) and is characterized by the atomic force microscopy (AFM). The parameters of cytoskeleton network modulus EC , cytoplasmic apparent viscosity ηC , and cytoplasmic diffusion coefficient DC are used to describe the mechanical behavior of cytoplasm, and membrane tension γ is used to evaluate the cell membrane. Poroelastic@membrane analysis of breast cells and urothelial cells show that non-cancer cells and cancer cells have different distribution regions and distribution trends in the four-dimensional space composed of EC , ηC . From non-cancer to cancer cells, there is often a trend of γ, EC , ηC decreases and DC increases. Patients with urothelial carcinoma at different malignant stages can be distinguished at high sensitivity and specificity by analyzing the urothelial cells from tissue or urine. However, sampling directly from tumor tissues is an invasive method, may lead to undesirable consequences. Thus, AFM-based poroelastic@membrane analysis of urothelial cells from urine may provide a non-invasive and no-bio-label method to detecting urothelial carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keli Ren
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No.11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Haidian, Beijing, 100191, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.1 Yanqihu East Rd, Huairou Distric, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jiantao Feng
- Artemisinin Research Center and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No.16, Nanxiao street, Dongzhimen, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Hai Bi
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd., Haidian, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Quanmei Sun
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No.11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Haidian, Beijing, 100191, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.1 Yanqihu East Rd, Huairou Distric, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xiang Li
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No.11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Haidian, Beijing, 100191, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.1 Yanqihu East Rd, Huairou Distric, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Dong Han
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No.11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Haidian, Beijing, 100191, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.1 Yanqihu East Rd, Huairou Distric, Beijing, 100190, China
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11
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Jebane C, Varlet AA, Karnat M, Hernandez- Cedillo LM, Lecchi A, Bedu F, Desgrouas C, Vigouroux C, Vantyghem MC, Viallat A, Rupprecht JF, Helfer E, Badens C. Enhanced cell viscosity: A new phenotype associated with lamin A/C alterations. iScience 2023; 26:107714. [PMID: 37701573 PMCID: PMC10494210 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107714] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Lamin A/C is a well-established key contributor to nuclear stiffness and its role in nucleus mechanical properties has been extensively studied. However, its impact on whole-cell mechanics has been poorly addressed, particularly concerning measurable physical parameters. In this study, we combined microfluidic experiments with theoretical analyses to quantitatively estimate the whole-cell mechanical properties. This allowed us to characterize the mechanical changes induced in cells by lamin A/C alterations and prelamin A accumulation resulting from atazanavir treatment or lipodystrophy-associated LMNA R482W pathogenic variant. Our results reveal a distinctive increase in long-time viscosity as a signature of cells affected by lamin A/C alterations. Furthermore, they show that the whole-cell response to mechanical stress is driven not only by the nucleus but also by the nucleo-cytoskeleton links and the microtubule network. The enhanced cell viscosity assessed with our microfluidic assay could serve as a valuable diagnosis marker for lamin-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Jebane
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | | | - Marc Karnat
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, CPT, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Corinne Vigouroux
- Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Saint-Antoine Hospital, National Reference Centre for Rares diseases of Insulin-Secretion and Insulin-Sensitivity (PRISIS), Department of Endocrinology, Paris, France
- Sorbonne University, Saint-Antoine Research Centre, Inserm UMR_S938, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Christine Vantyghem
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism Department, Inserm U1190, EGID, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Annie Viallat
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-François Rupprecht
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, CPT, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuèle Helfer
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Catherine Badens
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, MMG, Marseille, France
- AP-HM, Laboratoire de Biochimie, Marseille, France
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12
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Herrera-Reinoza N, Tortelli Junior TC, Teixeira FDS, Chammas R, Salvadori MC. Role of galectin-3 in the elastic response of radial growth phase melanoma cancer cells. Microsc Res Tech 2023; 86:1353-1362. [PMID: 37070727 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24328] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is originated from the malignant transformation of the melanocytes and is characterized by a high rate of invasion, the more serious stage compromising deeper layers of the skin and eventually leading to the metastasis. A high mortality due to melanoma lesion persists because most of melanoma lesions are detected in advanced stages, which decreases the chances of survival. The identification of the principal mechanics implicated in the development and progression of melanoma is essential to devise new early diagnosis strategies. Cell mechanics is related with a lot of cellular functions and processes, for instance motility, differentiation, migration and invasion. In particular, the elastic modulus (Young's modulus) is a very explored parameter to describe the cell mechanical properties; most cancer cells reported in the literature smaller elasticity modulus. In this work, we show that the elastic modulus of melanoma cells lacking galectin-3 is significantly lower than those of melanoma cells expressing galectin-3. More interestingly, the gradient of elastic modulus in cells from the nuclear region towards the cell periphery is more pronounced in shGal3 cells. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: AFM imaging and force spectroscopy were used to investigate the morphology and elasticity properties of healthy HaCaT cells and melanoma cells WM1366, with (shSCR) and without (shGal3) expression of galectin-3. It is shown the effect of galectin-3 protein on the elastic properties of cells: the cells without expression of galectin-3 presents lower elastic modulus. By the results, we suggest here that galectin-3 could be used as an effective biomarker of malignancy in both melanoma diagnostic and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Roger Chammas
- Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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13
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Najera J, Rosenberger MR, Datta M. Atomic Force Microscopy Methods to Measure Tumor Mechanical Properties. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3285. [PMID: 37444394 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133285] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a popular tool for evaluating the mechanical properties of biological materials (cells and tissues) at high resolution. This technique has become particularly attractive to cancer researchers seeking to bridge the gap between mechanobiology and cancer initiation, progression, and treatment resistance. The majority of AFM studies thus far have been extensively focused on the nanomechanical characterization of cells. However, these approaches fail to capture the complex and heterogeneous nature of a tumor and its host organ. Over the past decade, efforts have been made to characterize the mechanical properties of tumors and tumor-bearing tissues using AFM. This has led to novel insights regarding cancer mechanopathology at the tissue scale. In this Review, we first explain the principles of AFM nanoindentation for the general study of tissue mechanics. We next discuss key considerations when using this technique and preparing tissue samples for analysis. We then examine AFM application in characterizing the mechanical properties of cancer tissues. Finally, we provide an outlook on AFM in the field of cancer mechanobiology and its application in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Najera
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Matthew R Rosenberger
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Meenal Datta
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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14
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Sajid N. Topography and mechanical measurements of primary Schwann cells and neuronal cells with atomic force microscope for understanding and controlling nerve growth. Micron 2023; 167:103427. [PMID: 36805164 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2023.103427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries require a piece of substantial information for a satisfactory treatment. The prior peripheral nerve injury knowledge, can improve nerve repair, and its growth at molecular and cellular level. In this study, we employed an atomic force microscope (AFM) to investigate the topography and mechanical properties of the primary Schwann cells and neuronal cells. Tapping mode images and contact points force-volume maps provide the cells topography. Two different probes were used to acquire the micro and nanomechanical properties of the primary Schwann cells, NG-108-15 neuronal cells, and growth cones. Moreover, the sharp probe was only used to investigate neurites nanomechanics. A significant difference in the elastic moduli found between primary Schwann cells, and neuronal cells, with both probes, with consistent results. The elastic moduli of the growth cones were found higher, than the neuronal cells and primary Schwann cells, with both probes. Furthermore, the modulus variations were also found between neurites. These results have significant implications for a better understanding of the peripheral nerve system (PNS) in terms of defining the optimal pattern surface and nerve guidance conduits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Sajid
- Department of Physics, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
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15
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Kontomaris SV, Stylianou A, Georgakopoulos A, Malamou A. 3D AFM Nanomechanical Characterization of Biological Materials. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:395. [PMID: 36770357 PMCID: PMC9920073 DOI: 10.3390/nano13030395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a powerful tool enabling the mechanical characterization of biological materials at the nanoscale. Since biological materials are highly heterogeneous, their mechanical characterization is still considered to be a challenging procedure. In this paper, a new approach that leads to a 3-dimensional (3D) nanomechanical characterization is presented based on the average Young's modulus and the AFM indentation method. The proposed method can contribute to the clarification of the variability of the mechanical properties of biological samples in the 3-dimensional space (variability at the x-y plane and depth-dependent behavior). The method was applied to agarose gels, fibroblasts, and breast cancer cells. Moreover, new mathematical methods towards a quantitative mechanical characterization are also proposed. The presented approach is a step forward to a more accurate and complete characterization of biological materials and could contribute to an accurate user-independent diagnosis of various diseases such as cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Vasileios Kontomaris
- BioNanoTec Ltd., 2043 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Metropolitan College, 15125 Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Stylianou
- School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 2404 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Anastasios Georgakopoulos
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Malamou
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece
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16
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Kontomaris SV, Stylianou A, Chliveros G, Malamou A. Determining Spatial Variability of Elastic Properties for Biological Samples Using AFM. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:mi14010182. [PMID: 36677243 PMCID: PMC9862197 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Measuring the mechanical properties (i.e., elasticity in terms of Young's modulus) of biological samples using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) indentation at the nanoscale has opened new horizons in studying and detecting various pathological conditions at early stages, including cancer and osteoarthritis. It is expected that AFM techniques will play a key role in the future in disease diagnosis and modeling using rigorous mathematical criteria (i.e., automated user-independent diagnosis). In this review, AFM techniques and mathematical models for determining the spatial variability of elastic properties of biological materials at the nanoscale are presented and discussed. Significant issues concerning the rationality of the elastic half-space assumption, the possibility of monitoring the depth-dependent mechanical properties, and the construction of 3D Young's modulus maps are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Vasileios Kontomaris
- BioNanoTec Ltd., Nicosia 2043, Cyprus
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Metropolitan College, 15125 Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Stylianou
- School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Georgios Chliveros
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Metropolitan College, 15125 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Malamou
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece
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17
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Botet-Carreras A, Marimon MB, Millan-Solsona R, Aubets E, Ciudad CJ, Noé V, Montero MT, Domènech Ò, Borrell JH. On the uptake of cationic liposomes by cells: From changes in elasticity to internalization. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 221:112968. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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18
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Cell-Specific Response of NSIP- and IPF-Derived Fibroblasts to the Modification of the Elasticity, Biological Properties, and 3D Architecture of the Substrate. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314714. [PMID: 36499041 PMCID: PMC9738992 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The fibrotic fibroblasts derived from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) are surrounded by specific environments, characterized by increased stiffness, aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, and altered lung architecture. The presented research was aimed at investigating the effect of biological, physical, and topographical modification of the substrate on the properties of IPF- and NSIP-derived fibroblasts, and searching for the parameters enabling their identification. Soft and stiff polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was chosen for the basic substrates, the properties of which were subsequently tuned. To obtain the biological modification of the substrates, they were covered with ECM proteins, laminin, fibronectin, and collagen. The substrates that mimicked the 3D structure of the lungs were prepared using two approaches, resulting in porous structures that resemble natural lung architecture and honeycomb patterns, typical of IPF tissue. The growth of cells on soft and stiff PDMS covered with proteins, traced using fluorescence microscopy, confirmed an altered behavior of healthy and IPF- and NSIP-derived fibroblasts in response to the modified substrate properties, enabling their identification. In turn, differences in the mechanical properties of healthy and fibrotic fibroblasts, determined using atomic force microscopy working in force spectroscopy mode, as well as their growth on 3D-patterned substrates were not sufficient to discriminate between cell lines.
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19
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Kontomaris S, Stylianou A, Georgakopoulos A, Malamou A. Is it mathematically correct to fit AFM data (obtained on biological materials) to equations arising from Hertzian mechanics? Micron 2022; 164:103384. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2022.103384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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20
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Melanoma Detection by AFM Indentation of Histological Specimens. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12071736. [PMID: 35885640 PMCID: PMC9323377 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is visible unlike other types of cancer, but it is still challenging to diagnose correctly because of the difficulty in distinguishing between benign nevus and melanoma. We conducted a robust investigation of melanoma, identifying considerable differences in local elastic properties between nevus and melanoma tissues by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation of histological specimens. Specifically, the histograms of the elastic modulus of melanoma displayed multimodal Gaussian distributions, exhibiting heterogeneous mechanical properties, in contrast with the unimodal distributions of elastic modulus in the benign nevus. We identified this notable signature was consistent regardless of blotch incidence by sex, age, anatomical site (e.g., thigh, calf, arm, eyelid, and cheek), or cancer stage (I, IV, and V). In addition, we found that the non-linearity of the force-distance curves for melanoma is increased compared to benign nevus. We believe that AFM indentation of histological specimens may technically complement conventional histopathological analysis for earlier and more precise melanoma detection.
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21
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Discovery of surface biomarkers for cell mechanophenotype via an intracellular protein-based enrichment strategy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:320. [PMID: 35622146 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04351-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cellular mechanophenotype is often a defining characteristic of conditions like cancer malignancy/metastasis, cardiovascular disease, lung and liver fibrosis, and stem cell differentiation. However, acquiring living cells based on mechanophenotype is challenging for conventional cell sorters due to a lack of biomarkers. In this study, we demonstrate a workflow for surface protein discovery associated with cellular mechanophenotype. We sorted heterogeneous adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) into groups with low vs. high lamin A/C, an intracellular protein linked to whole-cell mechanophenotype. Proteomic data of enriched groups identified surface protein candidates as potential biochemical proxies for ASC mechanophenotype. Select surface biomarkers were used for live-cell enrichment, with subsequent single-cell mechanical testing and lineage-specific differentiation. Ultimately, we identified CD44 to have a strong inverse correlation with whole-cell elastic modulus, with CD44lo cells exhibiting moduli three times greater than that of CD44hi cells. Functionally, these stiff and soft ASCs showed enhanced osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential, respectively. The described workflow can be replicated for any phenotype with a known correlated intracellular protein, allowing for the acquisition of live cells for further characterization, diagnostics, or therapeutics.
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22
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Cathelicidin LL-37 in Health and Diseases of the Oral Cavity. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051086. [PMID: 35625823 PMCID: PMC9138798 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms for maintaining oral cavity homeostasis are subject to the constant influence of many environmental factors, including various chemicals and microorganisms. Most of them act directly on the oral mucosa, which is the mechanical and immune barrier of the oral cavity, and such interaction might lead to the development of various oral pathologies and systemic diseases. Two important players in maintaining oral health or developing oral pathology are the oral microbiota and various immune molecules that are involved in controlling its quantitative and qualitative composition. The LL-37 peptide is an important molecule that upon release from human cathelicidin (hCAP-18) can directly perform antimicrobial action after insertion into surface structures of microorganisms and immunomodulatory function as an agonist of different cell membrane receptors. Oral LL-37 expression is an important factor in oral homeostasis that maintains the physiological microbiota but is also involved in the development of oral dysbiosis, infectious diseases (including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections), autoimmune diseases, and oral carcinomas. This peptide has also been proposed as a marker of inflammation severity and treatment outcome.
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23
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Kontomaris SV, Stylianou A, Malamou A. Is It Possible to Directly Determine the Radius of a Spherical Indenter Using Force Indentation Data on Soft Samples? SCANNING 2022; 2022:6463063. [PMID: 35265251 PMCID: PMC8872683 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6463063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
An important factor affecting the accuracy of Young's modulus calculation in Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) indentation experiments is the determination of the dimensions of the indenter. This procedure is usually performed using AFM calibration gratings or Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging. However, the aforementioned procedure is frequently omitted because it requires additional equipment. In this paper, a new approach is presented that focused on the calibration of spherical indenters without the need of special equipment but instead using force indentation data on soft samples. Firstly, the question whether it is mathematically possible to simultaneously calculate the indenter's radius and the Young's modulus of the tested sample (under the restriction that the sample presents a linear elastic response) using the same force indentation data is discussed. Using a simple mathematical approach, it was proved that the aforementioned procedure is theoretically valid. In addition, to test this method in real indentation experiments agarose gels were used. Multiple measurements on different agarose gels showed that the calibration of a spherical indenter is possible and can be accurately performed. Thus, the indenter's radius and the soft sample's Young's modulus can be determined using the same force indentation data. It is also important to note that the provided accuracy is similar to the accuracy obtained when using AFM calibration gratings. The major advantage of this paper is that it provides a method for the simultaneous determination of the indenter's radius and the sample's Young's modulus without requiring any additional equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. V. Kontomaris
- Metropolitan College, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Athens, Greece
- BioNanoTec LTD, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - A. Stylianou
- School of Science, European University Cyprus, Cyprus
| | - A. Malamou
- Radar Systems and Remote Sensing Lab of School of Electrical & Computer Engineering of National Technical University of Athens, Greece
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24
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Orzechowska B, Awsiuk K, Wnuk D, Pabijan J, Stachura T, Soja J, Sładek K, Raczkowska J. Discrimination between NSIP- and IPF-Derived Fibroblasts Based on Multi-Parameter Characterization of Their Growth, Morphology and Physic-Chemical Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042162. [PMID: 35216278 PMCID: PMC8880018 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The aim of the research presented here was to find a set of parameters enabling discrimination between three types of fibroblasts, i.e., healthy ones and those derived from two disorders mimicking each other: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). Methods: The morphology and growth of cells were traced using fluorescence microscopy and analyzed quantitatively using cell proliferation and substrate cytotoxicity indices. The viability of cells was recorded using MTS assays, and their stiffness was examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) working in force spectroscopy (FS) mode. To enhance any possible difference in the examined parameters, experiments were performed with cells cultured on substrates of different elasticities. Moreover, the chemical composition of cells was determined using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), combined with sophisticated analytical tools, i.e., Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results: The obtained results demonstrate that discrimination between cell lines derived from healthy and diseased patients is possible based on the analysis of the growth of cells, as well as their physical and chemical properties. In turn, the comparative analysis of the cellular response to altered stiffness of the substrates enables the identification of each cell line, including distinguishing between IPF- and NSIP-derived fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Orzechowska
- Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Radzikowskiego 152, 31-342 Krakow, Poland; (B.O.); (J.P.)
| | - Kamil Awsiuk
- The Marian Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-428 Krakow, Poland;
- Jagiellonian Center of Biomedical Imaging, Jagiellonian University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Joanna Pabijan
- Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Radzikowskiego 152, 31-342 Krakow, Poland; (B.O.); (J.P.)
| | - Tomasz Stachura
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688 Krakow, Poland; (T.S.); (J.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Jerzy Soja
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688 Krakow, Poland; (T.S.); (J.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Krzysztof Sładek
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688 Krakow, Poland; (T.S.); (J.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Joanna Raczkowska
- The Marian Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-428 Krakow, Poland;
- Jagiellonian Center of Biomedical Imaging, Jagiellonian University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
- Correspondence:
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25
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The Hertzian theory in AFM nanoindentation experiments regarding biological samples: Overcoming limitations in data processing. Micron 2022; 155:103228. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2022.103228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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26
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Lei X, Li H, Han Y, Li J, Yu F, Liang Q. Modulus characterization of cells with submicron colloidal probes by atomic force microscope. Microsc Res Tech 2021; 85:882-891. [PMID: 34708461 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23957] [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: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Colloidal probes have been increasingly demanded for the characterization of cellular modulus in atomic force microscope because of their well-defined geometry and large contact area with cell. In this work, submicron colloidal probes are prepared by scanning electron microscope/focused ion beam and compared with sharp tip and micron colloidal probe, in conjunction with loading velocity and indentation depth on the apparent elastic modulus. NIM and cartilage cells are used as specimens. The results show that modulus value measured by sharp tip changes significantly with loading velocity while remains almost stable by colloidal probes. Also, submicron colloidal probe is superior in characterizing the modulus with increasing indentation depth, which could help reveal the mechanical details of cellular membrane and the modulus of the whole cell. To test the submicron colloidal probe further, the modulus distribution map of cell is scanned with submicron colloidal probe of 50 nm radius during small and large indentation depths with high spatial resolution. The outcome of this work will provide the effective submicron colloidal probe according to the effect of loading velocity and indentation depth, characterizing the mechanical properties of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiao Lei
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiqin Li
- Instrumental Analysis Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Han
- Instrumental Analysis Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjin Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Yu
- Instrumental Analysis Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Liang
- School of Astronomy and Physics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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27
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Li S, Yang K, Chen X, Zhu X, Zhou H, Li P, Chen Y, Jiang Y, Li T, Qin X, Yang H, Wu C, Ji B, You F, Liu Y. Simultaneous 2D and 3D cell culture array for multicellular geometry, drug discovery and tumor microenvironment reconstruction. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [PMID: 34407511 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac1ea8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cell culture systems are indispensablein vitrotools for biomedical research. Although conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures are still used for most biomedical and biological studies, the three-dimensional (3D) cell culture technology attracts increasing attention from researchers, especially in cancer and stem cell research. Due to the different spatial structures, cells in 2D and 3D cultures exhibit different biochemical and biophysical phenotypes. Therefore, a new platform with both 2D and 3D cell cultures is needed to bridge the gap between 2D and 3D cell-based assays. Here, a simultaneous 2D and 3D cell culture array system was constructed by microprinting technology, in which cancer cells exhibited heterozygous geometry structures with both 2D monolayers and 3D spheroids. Cells grown in 3D spheroids showed higher proliferation ability and stronger cell-cell adhesion. Spheroids derived from various types of cancer cell lines exhibited distinct morphologies through a geometrical confinement stimulated biomechanical transduction. Z-projected images of cancer cell aggregates were used to analyze 3D multicellular architecture features. Notably, by using a support vector machine classifier, we distinguished tumor cells from normal cells with an accuracy greater than 95%, according to the geometrical features of multicellular spheroids in phase contrast microscopy images. Cancer cells in multicellular spheroid arrays exhibited higher drug resistance of anticancer drug cisplatin than cells grown in 2D cultures. Finally, we developed a co-culture system composed of tumor spheroid arrays, fibroblast cells and photo-crosslinkable gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel to mimic tumor microenvironment which consisted of solid tumor massed, surrounding stromal cells and extracellular matrix. Together, our newly developed simultaneous 2D and 3D cell culture array has great potential in comprehensive evaluation of cellular events in both 2D and 3D, rapid production of spheroid arrays and multicellular geometry-based tumor cell detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaifu Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyan Chen
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinglong Zhu
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanying Zhou
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Qin
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunhui Wu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao Ji
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengming You
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu 610072, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiyao Liu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu 610072, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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Spałek J, Deptuła P, Durnaś B, Król G, Kaliniak S, Bucki R, Okła S. Potential colonization of provox voice prosthesis by Candida spp. with no sign of failure for approximately 10 years exploitation time. ACTA OTO-LARYNGOLOGICA CASE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/23772484.2021.1927737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Spałek
- Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, University of Jan Kochanowski, Kielce, Poland
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Holy-Cross Cancer Center, Kielce, Poland
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Deptuła
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Bonita Durnaś
- Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, University of Jan Kochanowski, Kielce, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Król
- Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, University of Jan Kochanowski, Kielce, Poland
| | - Szczepan Kaliniak
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Holy-Cross Cancer Center, Kielce, Poland
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Sławomir Okła
- Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, University of Jan Kochanowski, Kielce, Poland
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Holy-Cross Cancer Center, Kielce, Poland
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29
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Nicolas-Boluda A, Vaquero J, Vimeux L, Guilbert T, Barrin S, Kantari-Mimoun C, Ponzo M, Renault G, Deptula P, Pogoda K, Bucki R, Cascone I, Courty J, Fouassier L, Gazeau F, Donnadieu E. Tumor stiffening reversion through collagen crosslinking inhibition improves T cell migration and anti-PD-1 treatment. eLife 2021; 10:58688. [PMID: 34106045 PMCID: PMC8203293 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Only a fraction of cancer patients benefits from immune checkpoint inhibitors. This may be partly due to the dense extracellular matrix (ECM) that forms a barrier for T cells. Comparing five preclinical mouse tumor models with heterogeneous tumor microenvironments, we aimed to relate the rate of tumor stiffening with the remodeling of ECM architecture and to determine how these features affect intratumoral T cell migration. An ECM-targeted strategy, based on the inhibition of lysyl oxidase, was used. In vivo stiffness measurements were found to be strongly correlated with tumor growth and ECM crosslinking but negatively correlated with T cell migration. Interfering with collagen stabilization reduces ECM content and tumor stiffness leading to improved T cell migration and increased efficacy of anti-PD-1 blockade. This study highlights the rationale of mechanical characterizations in solid tumors to understand resistance to immunotherapy and of combining treatment strategies targeting the ECM with anti-PD-1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Nicolas-Boluda
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016/CNRS UMR 8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.,Laboratoire Matière et Systèmes Complexes (MSC), CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Javier Vaquero
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, Paris, France.,TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain.,LPP (Laboratoire de physique des plasmas, UMR 7648), Sorbonne Université, Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), Ecole Polytechnique, Paris, France.,Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lene Vimeux
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016/CNRS UMR 8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Guilbert
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016/CNRS UMR 8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Barrin
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016/CNRS UMR 8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Chahrazade Kantari-Mimoun
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016/CNRS UMR 8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Matteo Ponzo
- CNRS ERL 9215, CRRET laboratory, University of Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), Paris, France
| | - Gilles Renault
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016/CNRS UMR 8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Piotr Deptula
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Pogoda
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Ilaria Cascone
- CNRS ERL 9215, CRRET laboratory, University of Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), Paris, France
| | - José Courty
- CNRS ERL 9215, CRRET laboratory, University of Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), Paris, France
| | - Laura Fouassier
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, Paris, France
| | - Florence Gazeau
- Laboratoire Matière et Systèmes Complexes (MSC), CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Donnadieu
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016/CNRS UMR 8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
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30
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Nanomechanical Hallmarks of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatric Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115624. [PMID: 34070700 PMCID: PMC8198391 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: the molecular mechanism of gastric cancer development related to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has not been fully understood, and further studies are still needed. Information regarding nanomechanical aspects of pathophysiological events that occur during H. pylori infection can be crucial in the development of new prevention, treatment, and diagnostic measures against clinical consequences associated with H. pylori infection, including gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and gastric cancer. Methods: in this study, we assessed mechanical properties of children’s healthy and H. pylori positive stomach tissues and the mechanical response of human gastric cells exposed to heat-treated H. pylori cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM NanoWizard 4 BioScience JPK Instruments Bruker). Elastic modulus (i.e., the Young’s modulus) was derived from the Hertz–Sneddon model applied to force-indentation curves. Human tissue samples were evaluated using rapid urease tests to identify H. pylori positive samples, and the presence of H. pylori cells in those samples was confirmed using immunohistopathological staining. Results and conclusion: collected data suggest that nanomechanical properties of infected tissue might be considered as markers indicated H. pylori presence since infected tissues are softer than uninfected ones. At the cellular level, this mechanical response is at least partially mediated by cell cytoskeleton remodeling indicating that gastric cells are able to tune their mechanical properties when subjected to the presence of H. pylori products. Persistent fluctuations of tissue mechanical properties in response to H. pylori infection might, in the long-term, promote induction of cancer development.
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31
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Ren K, Gao J, Han D. AFM Force Relaxation Curve Reveals That the Decrease of Membrane Tension Is the Essential Reason for the Softening of Cancer Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:663021. [PMID: 34055793 PMCID: PMC8152666 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.663021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in stiffness constitute an extremely important aspect of the mechanical differences between cancer cells and normal cells, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) is the most commonly used tool to characterize the difference in stiffness. However, the process of mechanical characterization using AFM has been controversial and the influence of the membrane tension on AFM measurement results was often ignored. Here, a physical model involving a simultaneous consideration of the effects of the cell membrane, cytoskeleton network and cytosol was proposed. We carried out a theoretical analysis of AFM force relaxation curves, and as a result solved many of the remaining controversial issues regarding AFM-based mechanical characterization of cells, and provided a quantitative solution for the membrane tension measured using AFM indentation experiments for the first time. From the results of experiments on cells with different adherent shapes and different pairs of normal cells and cancer cells, we found additional force provided by membrane tension to be the main component of the force applied to the AFM probe, with decreased cell membrane tension being the essential reason for the greater softness of cancer cells than of normal cells. Hence, regulating membrane tension may become an important method for regulating the behavior of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keli Ren
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China.,National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwei Gao
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China.,National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Han
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China.,National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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32
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Sobiepanek A, Paone A, Cutruzzolà F, Kobiela T. Biophysical characterization of melanoma cell phenotype markers during metastatic progression. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2021; 50:523-542. [PMID: 33730175 PMCID: PMC8190004 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-021-01514-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most fatal form of skin cancer, with increasing prevalence worldwide. The most common melanoma genetic driver is mutation of the proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase BRAF; thus, the inhibition of its MAP kinase pathway by specific inhibitors is a commonly applied therapy. However, many patients are resistant, or develop resistance to this type of monotherapy, and therefore combined therapies which target other signaling pathways through various molecular mechanisms are required. A possible strategy may involve targeting cellular energy metabolism, which has been recognized as crucial for cancer development and progression and which connects through glycolysis to cell surface glycan biosynthetic pathways. Protein glycosylation is a hallmark of more than 50% of the human proteome and it has been recognized that altered glycosylation occurs during the metastatic progression of melanoma cells which, in turn facilitates their migration. This review provides a description of recent advances in the search for factors able to remodel cell metabolism between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, and of changes in specific markers and in the biophysical properties of cells during melanoma development from a nevus to metastasis. This development is accompanied by changes in the expression of surface glycans, with corresponding changes in ligand-receptor affinity, giving rise to structural features and viscoelastic parameters particularly well suited to study by label-free biophysical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sobiepanek
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Interactions Studies, Chair of Drug and Cosmetics Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Alessio Paone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cutruzzolà
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tomasz Kobiela
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Interactions Studies, Chair of Drug and Cosmetics Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664, Warsaw, Poland
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33
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Molla MS, Katti DR, Katti KS. Mechanobiological evaluation of prostate cancer metastasis to bone using an in vitro prostate cancer testbed. J Biomech 2021; 114:110142. [PMID: 33290947 PMCID: PMC8281967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.110142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer exhibits a propensity to metastasize to the bone, which often leads to fatality. Bone metastasis is characterized by complex biochemical, morphological, pathophysiological, and genetic changes to cancer cells as they colonize at bone sites. In this study, we report the evaluation of MDA PCa2b prostate cancer cells' nanomechanical properties during the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) and during disease progression at the metastatic site. Bone-mimetic tissue-engineered 3D nanoclay scaffolds have been used to create in vitro metastatic site for prostate cancer. A significant softening of the prostate cancer cells during MET and further softening as disease progression occurs at metastasis is also reported. The significant reduction in elastic modulus of prostate cancer cells during MET was attributed to actin reorganization and depolymerization. This study provides input towards direct nanomechanical measurements to evaluate the time evolution of cells' mechanical behavior in tumors at bone metastasis site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shahjahan Molla
- Center for Engineered Cancer Testbeds, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58104, United States; Biomedical Engineering, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58104, United States; Materials and Nanotechnology, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58104, United States.
| | - Dinesh R Katti
- Center for Engineered Cancer Testbeds, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58104, United States; Biomedical Engineering, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58104, United States; Materials and Nanotechnology, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58104, United States.
| | - Kalpana S Katti
- Center for Engineered Cancer Testbeds, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58104, United States; Biomedical Engineering, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58104, United States; Materials and Nanotechnology, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58104, United States.
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34
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In search of the correlation between nanomechanical and biomolecular properties of prostate cancer cells with different metastatic potential. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 697:108718. [PMID: 33296690 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanomechanical properties of living cells, as measured with atomic force microscopy (AFM), are increasingly recognized as criteria that differentiate normal and pathologically altered cells. Locally measured cell elastic properties, described by the parameter known as Young's modulus, are currently proposed as a new diagnostic parameter that can be used at the early stage of cancer detection. In this study, local mechanical properties of normal human prostate (RWPE-1) cells and a range of malignant (22Rv1) and metastatic prostate cells (LNCaP, Du145 and PC3) were investigated. It was found that non-malignant prostate cells are stiffer than cancer cells while the metastatic cells are much softer than malignant cells from the primary tumor site. Next, the biochemical properties of the cells were measured using confocal Raman (RS) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies to reveal these cells' biochemical composition as malignant transformation proceeds. Nanomechanical and biochemical profiles of five different prostate cell lines were subsequently analyzed using partial least squares regression (PLSR) in order to identify which spectral features of the RS and FT-IR spectra correlate with the cell's elastic properties. The PLSR-based model could predict Young's modulus values based on both RS and FT-IR spectral information. These outcomes show not only that AFM, RS and FT-IR techniques can be used for discrimination between normal and cancer cells, but also that a linear correlation between mechanical response and biomolecular composition of the cells that undergo malignant transformation can be found. This knowledge broadens our understanding of how prostate cancer cells evolve thorough the multistep process of tumor pathogenesis.
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35
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Hao Y, Cheng S, Tanaka Y, Hosokawa Y, Yalikun Y, Li M. Mechanical properties of single cells: Measurement methods and applications. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 45:107648. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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36
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Fontana D, Mauri M, Renso R, Docci M, Crespiatico I, Røst LM, Jang M, Niro A, D'Aliberti D, Massimino L, Bertagna M, Zambrotta G, Bossi M, Citterio S, Crescenzi B, Fanelli F, Cassina V, Corti R, Salerno D, Nardo L, Chinello C, Mantegazza F, Mecucci C, Magni F, Cavaletti G, Bruheim P, Rea D, Larsen S, Gambacorti-Passerini C, Piazza R. ETNK1 mutations induce a mutator phenotype that can be reverted with phosphoethanolamine. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5938. [PMID: 33230096 PMCID: PMC7684297 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19721-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent somatic mutations in ETNK1 (Ethanolamine-Kinase-1) were identified in several myeloid malignancies and are responsible for a reduced enzymatic activity. Here, we demonstrate in primary leukemic cells and in cell lines that mutated ETNK1 causes a significant increase in mitochondrial activity, ROS production, and Histone H2AX phosphorylation, ultimately driving the increased accumulation of new mutations. We also show that phosphoethanolamine, the metabolic product of ETNK1, negatively controls mitochondrial activity through a direct competition with succinate at mitochondrial complex II. Hence, reduced intracellular phosphoethanolamine causes mitochondria hyperactivation, ROS production, and DNA damage. Treatment with phosphoethanolamine is able to counteract complex II hyperactivation and to restore a normal phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diletta Fontana
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Mario Mauri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Rossella Renso
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Mattia Docci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Ilaria Crespiatico
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Lisa M Røst
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mi Jang
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Antonio Niro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Deborah D'Aliberti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Luca Massimino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Mayla Bertagna
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zambrotta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Mario Bossi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Stefania Citterio
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Barbara Crescenzi
- Centro Ricerche Emato-Oncologiche, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Fanelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valeria Cassina
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Roberta Corti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Domenico Salerno
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Luca Nardo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Clizia Chinello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Francesco Mantegazza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Cristina Mecucci
- Centro Ricerche Emato-Oncologiche, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Fulvio Magni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Guido Cavaletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Per Bruheim
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Delphine Rea
- Service d'Hématologie adulte, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Steen Larsen
- X-lab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Carlo Gambacorti-Passerini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Hematology and Clinical Research Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Rocco Piazza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy. .,Hematology and Clinical Research Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy. .,Bicocca Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Bioimaging Centre (B4), University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
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37
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Yubero ML, Kosaka PM, San Paulo Á, Malumbres M, Calleja M, Tamayo J. Effects of energy metabolism on the mechanical properties of breast cancer cells. Commun Biol 2020; 3:590. [PMID: 33082491 PMCID: PMC7576174 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01330-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis induces actin cortex remodeling, which makes cancerous cells softer. Cell deformability is largely determined by myosin-driven cortical tension and actin fiber architecture at the cell cortex. However, it is still unclear what the weight of each contribution is, and how these contributions change during cancer development. Moreover, little attention has been paid to the effect of energy metabolism on this phenomenon and its reprogramming in cancer. Here, we perform precise two-dimensional mechanical phenotyping based on power-law rheology to unveil the contributions of myosin II, actin fiber architecture and energy metabolism to the deformability of healthy (MCF-10A), noninvasive cancerous (MCF-7), and metastatic (MDA-MB-231) human breast epithelial cells. Contrary to the perception that the actin cortex is a passive structure that provides mechanical resistance to the cell, we find that this is only true when the actin cortex is activated by metabolic processes. The results show marked differences in the nature of the active processes that build up cell stiffness, namely that healthy cells use ATP-driven actin polymerization whereas metastatic cells use myosin II activity. Noninvasive cancerous cells exhibit an anomalous behavior, as their stiffness is not as affected by the lack of nutrients and ATP, suggesting that energy metabolism reprogramming is used to sustain active processes at the actin cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina L Yubero
- Bionanomechanics Lab, Instituto de Micro y Nanotecnología, IMN-CNM (CSIC), Isaac Newton 8 (PTM), E-28760, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Priscila M Kosaka
- Bionanomechanics Lab, Instituto de Micro y Nanotecnología, IMN-CNM (CSIC), Isaac Newton 8 (PTM), E-28760, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro San Paulo
- Bionanomechanics Lab, Instituto de Micro y Nanotecnología, IMN-CNM (CSIC), Isaac Newton 8 (PTM), E-28760, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos Malumbres
- Cell Division and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), C/ Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3, E-28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Calleja
- Bionanomechanics Lab, Instituto de Micro y Nanotecnología, IMN-CNM (CSIC), Isaac Newton 8 (PTM), E-28760, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Tamayo
- Bionanomechanics Lab, Instituto de Micro y Nanotecnología, IMN-CNM (CSIC), Isaac Newton 8 (PTM), E-28760, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain.
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38
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Kontomaris SV, Malamou A, Stylianou A. A New Approach for the AFM-Based Mechanical Characterization of Biological Samples. SCANNING 2020; 2020:2896792. [PMID: 33133331 PMCID: PMC7591964 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2896792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The AFM nanoindentation technique is a powerful tool for the mechanical characterization of biological samples at the nanoscale. The data analysis of the experimentally obtained results is usually performed using the Hertzian contact mechanics. However, the aforementioned theory can be applied only in cases that the sample is homogeneous and isotropic and presents a linear elastic response. However, biological samples often present depth-dependent mechanical properties, and the Hertzian analysis cannot be used. Thus, in this paper, a different approach is presented, based on a new physical quantity used for the determination of the mechanical properties at the nanoscale. The aforementioned physical quantity is the work done by the indenter per unit volume. The advantages of the presented analysis are significant since the abovementioned magnitude can be used to examine if a sample can be approximated to an elastic half-space. If this approximation is valid, then the new proposed method enables the accurate calculation of Young's modulus. Additionally, it can be used to explore the mechanical properties of samples that are characterized by a depth-dependent mechanical behavior. In conclusion, the proposed analysis presents an accurate yet simple technique for the determination of the mechanical properties of biological samples at the nanoscale that can be also used beyond the Hertzian limit.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. V. Kontomaris
- Athens Metropolitan College, Faculty of Architecture, Engineering and Built Environment, Athens, Greece
| | - A. Malamou
- Radar Systems and Remote Sensing Lab of School of Electrical & Computer Engineering of National Technical University of Athens, Greece
| | - A. Stylianou
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Cyprus, Cyprus
- School of Science, European University Cyprus, Cyprus
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39
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Developing a multiscale in silico cornea for understanding the role of cell mechanics in corneal pathologies. Biocybern Biomed Eng 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbe.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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40
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Deptuła P, Łysik D, Pogoda K, Cieśluk M, Namiot A, Mystkowska J, Król G, Głuszek S, Janmey PA, Bucki R. Tissue Rheology as a Possible Complementary Procedure to Advance Histological Diagnosis of Colon Cancer. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:5620-5631. [PMID: 33062848 PMCID: PMC7549092 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
![]()
In recent years,
rheological measurements of cells and tissues
at physiological and pathological stages have become an essential
method to determine how forces and changes in mechanical properties
contribute to disease development and progression, but there is no
standardization of this procedure so far. In this study, we evaluate
the potential of nanoscale atomic force microscopy (AFM) and macroscopic
shear rheometry to assess the mechanical properties of healthy and
cancerous human colon tissues. The direct comparison of tissue mechanical
behavior under uniaxial and shear deformation shows that cancerous
tissues not only are stiffer compared to healthy tissue but also respond
differently when shear and compressive stresses are applied. These
results suggest that rheological parameters can be useful measures
of colon cancer mechanopathology. Additionally, we extend the list
of biological materials exhibiting compressional stiffening and shear
weakening effects to human colon tumors. These mechanical responses
might be promising mechanomarkers and become part of the new procedures
in colon cancer diagnosis. Enrichment of histopathological grading
with rheological assessment of tissue mechanical properties will potentially
allow more accurate colon cancer diagnosis and improve prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Deptuła
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Dawid Łysik
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Pogoda
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland
| | - Mateusz Cieśluk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Andrzej Namiot
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-230 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Joanna Mystkowska
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Król
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-516 Kielce, Poland
| | - Stanisław Głuszek
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-369 Kielce, Poland.,Clinic for General, Oncologic and Endocrine Surgery, Regional Hospital, 25-736 Kielce, Poland
| | - Paul A Janmey
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,Departments of Physiology and Physics & Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
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41
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Zapotoczny B, Braet F, Wisse E, Lekka M, Szymonski M. Biophysical nanocharacterization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells through atomic force microscopy. Biophys Rev 2020; 12:625-636. [PMID: 32424787 PMCID: PMC7311612 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-020-00699-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The structural-functional hallmark of the liver sinusoidal endothelium is the presence of fenestrae grouped in sieve plates. Fenestrae are open membrane bound pores supported by a (sub)membranous cytoskeletal lattice. Changes in number and diameter of fenestrae alter bidirectional transport between the sinusoidal blood and the hepatocytes. Their physiological relevance has been shown in different liver disease models. Although the structural organization of fenestrae has been well documented using different electron microscopy approaches, the dynamic nature of those pores remained an enigma until the recent developments in the research field of four dimensional (4-D) AFM. In this contribution we highlight how AFM as a biophysical nanocharacterization tool enhanced our understanding in the dynamic behaviour of liver sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae. Different AFM probing approaches, including spectroscopy, enabled mapping of topography and nanomechanical properties at unprecedented resolution under live cell imaging conditions. This dynamic biophysical characterization approach provided us with novel information on the 'short' life-span, formation, disappearance and closure of hepatic fenestrae. These observations are briefly reviewed against the existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Filip Braet
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Australian Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre (Cellular Imaging Facility), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Eddie Wisse
- Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute, Division of Nanoscopy, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Malgorzata Lekka
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-342, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marek Szymonski
- Research Centre for Nanometer-Scale Science and Advanced Materials, NANOSAM, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Advanced Computer Science, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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42
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Kristi N, Gafur A, Kong L, Ma X, Ye Z, Wang G. Atomic Force Microscopy in Mechanoimmunology Analysis: A New Perspective for Cancer Immunotherapy. Biotechnol J 2020; 15:e1900559. [PMID: 32240578 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201900559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has remarkable success outcomes against hematological malignancies with high rates of complete remission. To date, many studies have been conducted to increase its effectiveness in other types of cancer. However, it still yields unsatisfying results in solid tumor therapy. This limitation is partly attributed to the lack of understanding of how immunotherapy works in cancer from other perspectives. The traditional studies focus on the biological and chemical perspectives to determine which molecular substrates are involved in the immune system that can eradicate cancer cells. In the last decades, accumulating evidence has shown that physical properties also play important roles in the immune system to combat cancer, which is studied in mechanoimmunology. Mechanoimmunology analysis requires special tools; and herein, atomic force microscopy (AFM) appears as a versatile tool to determine and quantify the mechanical properties of a sample in nanometer precisions. Owing to its multifunctional capabilities, AFM can be used to explore immune system function from the physical perspective. This review paper explains the mechanoimmunology of how immune systems work through AFM, which includes mechanosignaling, mechanosensing, and mechanotransduction, with the aim to deepen the understanding of the mechanistic role of immunotherapy for further development in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kristi
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Alidha Gafur
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Lingwen Kong
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Central Hospital of Chongqing University, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing, 400014, P. R. China
| | - Xinshuang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Zhiyi Ye
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Guixue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing, 400030, China
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43
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Green Synthesis of Ag-MnO 2 Nanoparticles using Chelidonium majus and Vinca minor Extracts and Their In Vitro Cytotoxicity. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25040819. [PMID: 32070017 PMCID: PMC7070435 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25040819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants are often used as reducing agents to prepare metal nanoparticles through green-synthesis due to natural compounds and their potential as chemotherapeutic drugs. Thus, three types of eco-friendly Ag-MnO2 nanoparticles (Ag-MnO2NPs) were synthesized using C. majus (CmNPs), V. minor (VmNPs), and a 1:1 mixture of the two extracts (MNPs). These NPs were characterized using S/TEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR methods, and their biological activity was assessed in vitro on normal keratinocytes (HaCaT) and skin melanoma cells (A375). All synthesized NPs had manganese oxide in the middle, and silver oxide and plant extract on the exterior. The NPs had different forms (polygonal, oval, and spherical), uniformly distributed, with crystalline structures and different sizes (9.3 nm for MNPs; 10 nm for VmNPs, and 32.4 nm for CmNPs). The best results were obtained with VmNPs, which reduced the viability of A375 cells up 38.8% and had a moderate cytotoxic effect on HaCaT (46.4%) at concentrations above 500 µg/mL. At the same concentrations, CmNPs had a rather proliferative effect, whereas MNPs negatively affected both cell lines. For the first time, this paper proved the synergistic action of the combined C. majus and V. minor extracts to form small and uniformly distributed Ag-MnO2NPs with high potential for selective treatments.
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44
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Determination of viscohyperelastic properties of tubule epithelial cells by an approach combined with AFM nanoindentation and finite element analysis. Micron 2020; 129:102779. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2019.102779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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45
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Zhang X, Flores LR, Keeling MC, Sliogeryte K, Gavara N. Ezrin Phosphorylation at T567 Modulates Cell Migration, Mechanical Properties, and Cytoskeletal Organization. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020435. [PMID: 31936668 PMCID: PMC7013973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ezrin, a member of the ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) family of proteins, serves as a crosslinker between the plasma membrane and the actin cytoskeleton. By doing so, it provides structural links to strengthen the connection between the cell cortex and the plasma membrane, acting also as a signal transducer in multiple pathways during migration, proliferation, and endocytosis. In this study, we investigated the role of ezrin phosphorylation and its intracellular localization on cell motility, cytoskeleton organization, and cell stiffness, using fluorescence live-cell imaging, image quantification, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our results show that cells expressing constitutively active ezrin T567D (phosphomimetic) migrate faster and in a more directional manner, especially when ezrin accumulates at the cell rear. Similarly, image quantification results reveal that transfection with ezrin T567D alters the cell’s gross morphology and decreases cortical stiffness. In contrast, constitutively inactive ezrin T567A accumulates around the nucleus, and although it does not impair cell migration, it leads to a significant buildup of actin fibers, a decrease in nuclear volume, and an increase in cytoskeletal stiffness. Finally, cell transfection with the dominant negative ezrin FERM domain induces significant morphological and nuclear changes and affects actin, microtubules, and the intermediate filament vimentin, resulting in cytoskeletal fibers that are longer, thicker, and more aligned. Collectively, our results suggest that ezrin’s phosphorylation state and its intracellular localization plays a pivotal role in cell migration, modulating also biophysical properties, such as membrane–cortex linkage, cytoskeletal and nuclear organization, and the mechanical properties of cells.
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46
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Martinac B, Nikolaev YA, Silvani G, Bavi N, Romanov V, Nakayama Y, Martinac AD, Rohde P, Bavi O, Cox CD. Cell membrane mechanics and mechanosensory transduction. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2020; 86:83-141. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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47
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Patteson AE, Pogoda K, Byfield FJ, Mandal K, Ostrowska-Podhorodecka Z, Charrier EE, Galie PA, Deptuła P, Bucki R, McCulloch CA, Janmey PA. Loss of Vimentin Enhances Cell Motility through Small Confining Spaces. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1903180. [PMID: 31721440 PMCID: PMC6910987 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201903180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The migration of cells through constricting spaces or along fibrous tracks in tissues is important for many biological processes and depends on the mechanical properties of a cytoskeleton made up of three different filaments: F-actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. The signaling pathways and cytoskeletal structures that control cell motility on 2D are often very different from those that control motility in 3D. Previous studies have shown that intermediate filaments can promote actin-driven protrusions at the cell edge, but have little effect on overall motility of cells on flat surfaces. They are however important for cells to maintain resistance to repeated compressive stresses that are expected to occur in vivo. Using mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from wild-type and vimentin-null mice, it is found that loss of vimentin increases motility in 3D microchannels even though on flat surfaces it has the opposite effect. Atomic force microscopy and traction force microscopy experiments reveal that vimentin enhances perinuclear cell stiffness while maintaining the same level of acto-myosin contractility in cells. A minimal model in which a perinuclear vimentin cage constricts along with the nucleus during motility through confining spaces, providing mechanical resistance against large strains that could damage the structural integrity of cells, is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison E. Patteson
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Physics Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244
| | - Katarzyna Pogoda
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland
| | - Fitzroy J. Byfield
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Kalpana Mandal
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | | | - Elisabeth E. Charrier
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Peter A. Galie
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028
| | - Piotr Deptuła
- Department of Microbiological and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, Białystok, Poland
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Microbiological and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, Białystok, Poland
| | | | - Paul A. Janmey
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Departments of Physiology and Physics & Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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48
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Tognoni E, Orsini P, Pellegrino M. Nonlinear indentation of single human erythrocytes under application of a localized mechanical force. Micron 2019; 127:102760. [PMID: 31614267 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2019.102760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite the accepted notion that erythrocytes are uniquely deformable cells, the apparent Young's modulus values reported in the literature do not differ so much from those of other cells. We devised to measure the local deformability of living immobilized human erythrocytes at a low force, in contact-free mode, using an application of Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM) previously developed in our laboratory. Reversible indentations were induced by forces of up to few hundreds pN. The indentation did not grow linearly with the force. The apparent Young's modulus varied from 0.2 to 1.5 kPa applying forces from 20 to 500 pN on a cell surface area of about 0.2 μm2, exhibiting a progressive stiffening at increasing force. Control measurements showed that A549 cells exhibit a constant value of the apparent Young's modulus (about 2 kPa) for forces up to about 800 pN. These findings show that SICM is a suitable tool to investigate cell mechanical properties, when forces in the range of tens of pN are required, in the absence of mechanical contact between probe and sample. The nonlinear deformation of the erythrocyte has to be taken into account in modeling the complex regulation mechanism of the microvascular beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Tognoni
- Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (INO-CNR), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Paolo Orsini
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, via S. Zeno 31, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Pellegrino
- Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (INO-CNR), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
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49
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Sliogeryte K, Gavara N. Vimentin Plays a Crucial Role in Fibroblast Ageing by Regulating Biophysical Properties and Cell Migration. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101164. [PMID: 31569795 PMCID: PMC6848922 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is the result of changes in biochemical and biophysical processes at the cellular level that lead to progressive organ decline. Here we focus on the biophysical changes that impair cellular function of human dermal fibroblasts using donors of increasing age. We find that cell motility is impaired in cells from older donors, which is associated with increased Young’s modulus, viscosity, and adhesion. Cellular morphology also displays parallel increases in spread area and cytoskeletal assembly, with a threefold increase in vimentin filaments alongside a decrease in its remodelling rate. Treatments with withaferin A or acrylamide show that cell motility can be modulated by regulating vimentin assembly. Crucially, decreasing vimentin amount in cells from older individuals to levels displayed by the neonatal donor rescues their motility. Our results suggest that increased vimentin assembly may underlay the aberrant biophysical properties progressively observed at the cellular level in the course of human ageing and propose vimentin as a potential therapeutic target for ageing-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Sliogeryte
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Núria Gavara
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK.
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50
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Szydlak R, Majka M, Lekka M, Kot M, Laidler P. AFM-based Analysis of Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4351. [PMID: 31491893 PMCID: PMC6769989 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that can be used in regenerative medicine. However, to reach the high therapeutic efficacy of WJ-MSCs, it is necessary to obtain a large amount of MSCs, which requires their extensive in vitro culturing. Numerous studies have shown that in vitro expansion of MSCs can lead to changes in cell behavior; cells lose their ability to proliferate, differentiate and migrate. One of the important measures of cells' migration potential is their elasticity, determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and quantified by Young's modulus. This work describes the elasticity of WJ-MSCs during in vitro cultivation. To identify the properties that enable transmigration, the deformability of WJ-MSCs that were able to migrate across the endothelial monolayer or Matrigel was analyzed by AFM. We showed that WJ-MSCs displayed differences in deformability during in vitro cultivation. This phenomenon seems to be strongly correlated with the organization of F-actin and reflects the changes characteristic for stem cell maturation. Furthermore, the results confirm the relationship between the deformability of WJ-MSCs and their migration potential and suggest the use of Young's modulus as one of the measures of competency of MSCs with respect to their possible use in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Szydlak
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 7, 31-034 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Marcin Majka
- Department of Transplantation, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Lekka
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Radzikowskiego 152, 31-342 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Marta Kot
- Department of Transplantation, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Piotr Laidler
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 7, 31-034 Krakow, Poland.
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