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Rahmati N, Maftoon N. Computational analysis of cancer cell adhesion in curved vessels affected by wall shear stress for prediction of metastatic spreading. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1393413. [PMID: 38860135 PMCID: PMC11163055 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1393413] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The dynamics of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) within blood vessels play a pivotal role in predicting metastatic spreading of cancer within the body. However, the limited understanding and method to quantitatively investigate the influence of vascular architecture on CTC dynamics hinders our ability to predict metastatic process effectively. To address this limitation, the present study was conducted to investigate the influence of blood vessel tortuosity on the behaviour of CTCs, focusing specifically on establishing methods and examining the role of shear stress in CTC-vessel wall interactions and its subsequent impact on metastasis. Methods: We computationally simulated CTC behaviour under various shear stress conditions induced by vessel tortuosity. Our computational model, based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and a coarse-grained spectrin-link membrane model, efficiently simulates blood plasma dynamics and CTC deformability. The model incorporates fluid-structure interactions and receptor-ligand interactions crucial for CTC adhesion using the immersed boundary method (IBM). Results: Our findings reveal that uniform shear stress in straight vessels leads to predictable CTC-vessel interactions, whereas in curved vessels, asymmetrical flow patterns and altered shear stress create distinct adhesion dynamics, potentially influencing CTC extravasation. Quantitative analysis shows a 25% decrease in the wall shear stress in low-shear regions and a 58.5% increase in the high-shear region. We observed high-shear regions in curved vessels to be potential sites for increased CTC adhesion and extravasation, facilitated by elevated endothelial expression of adhesion molecules. This phenomenon correlates with the increased number of adhesion bonds, which rises to approximately 40 in high-shear regions, compared to around 12 for straight vessels and approximately 5-6 in low-shear regions. The findings also indicate an optimal cellular stiffness necessary for successful CTC extravasation in curved vessels. Discussion: By the quantitative assessment of the risk of CTC extravasation as a function of vessel tortuosity, our study offers a novel tool for the prediction of metastasis risk to support the development of personalized therapeutic interventions based on individual vascular characteristics and tumor cell properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Rahmati
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Nima Maftoon
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Li Y, Shteyman DB, Hachem Z, Ulay AA, Fan J, Fu BM. Heparan Sulfate Modulation Affects Breast Cancer Cell Adhesion and Transmigration across In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier. Cells 2024; 13:190. [PMID: 38275815 PMCID: PMC10813861 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020190] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The disruption of endothelial heparan sulfate (HS) is an early event in tumor cell metastasis across vascular barriers, and the reinforcement of endothelial HS reduces tumor cell adhesion to endothelium. Our recent study showed that while vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) greatly reduces HS at an in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) formed by human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs), it significantly enhances HS on a breast cancer cell, MDA-MB-231 (MB231). Here, we tested that this differential effect of VEGF on the HS favors MB231 adhesion and transmigration. We also tested if agents that enhance endothelial HS may affect the HS of MB231 and reduce its adhesion and transmigration. To test these hypotheses, we generated an in vitro BBB by culturing hCMECs on either a glass-bottom dish or a Transwell filter. We first quantified the HS of the BBB and MB231 after treatment with VEGF and endothelial HS-enhancing agents and then quantified the adhesion and transmigration of MB231 across the BBB after pretreatment with these agents. Our results demonstrated that the reduced/enhanced BBB HS and enhanced/reduced MB231 HS increase/decrease MB231 adhesion to and transmigration across the BBB. Our findings suggest a therapeutic intervention by targeting the HS-mediated breast cancer brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA; (Y.L.); (D.B.S.); (A.A.U.)
| | - David B. Shteyman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA; (Y.L.); (D.B.S.); (A.A.U.)
| | - Zeina Hachem
- Department of Natural Sciences, CASL, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA; (Z.H.); (J.F.)
| | - Afaf A. Ulay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA; (Y.L.); (D.B.S.); (A.A.U.)
| | - Jie Fan
- Department of Natural Sciences, CASL, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA; (Z.H.); (J.F.)
| | - Bingmei M. Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA; (Y.L.); (D.B.S.); (A.A.U.)
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Du R, Li L, Ji J, Fan Y. Receptor-Ligand Binding: Effect of Mechanical Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109062. [PMID: 37240408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109062] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gaining insight into the in situ receptor-ligand binding is pivotal for revealing the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological and pathological processes and will contribute to drug discovery and biomedical application. An important issue involved is how the receptor-ligand binding responds to mechanical stimuli. This review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of the effect of several representative mechanical factors, such as tension, shear stress, stretch, compression, and substrate stiffness on receptor-ligand binding, wherein the biomedical implications are focused. In addition, we highlight the importance of synergistic development of experimental and computational methods for fully understanding the in situ receptor-ligand binding, and further studies should focus on the coupling effects of these mechanical factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruotian Du
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Long Li
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jing Ji
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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Alsabbagh R, Ahmed M, Alqudah MAY, Hamoudi R, Harati R. Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Extravasation in Brain Metastasis of Breast Cancer, Melanoma, and Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082258. [PMID: 37190188 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis is an incurable end-stage of systemic cancer associated with poor prognosis, and its incidence is increasing. Brain metastasis occurs through a multi-step cascade where cancer cells spread from the primary tumor site to the brain. The extravasation of tumor cells through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical step in brain metastasis. During extravasation, circulating cancer cells roll along the brain endothelium (BE), adhere to it, then induce alterations in the endothelial barrier to transmigrate through the BBB and enter the brain. Rolling and adhesion are generally mediated by selectins and adhesion molecules induced by inflammatory mediators, while alterations in the endothelial barrier are mediated by proteolytic enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinase, and the transmigration step mediated by factors, including chemokines. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating extravasation are not yet fully understood. A better understanding of these mechanisms is essential as it may serve as the basis for the development of therapeutic strategies for the prevention or treatment of brain metastases. In this review, we summarize the molecular events that occur during the extravasation of cancer cells through the blood-brain barrier in three types of cancer most likely to develop brain metastasis: breast cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer. Common molecular mechanisms driving extravasation in these different tumors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Alsabbagh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Munazza Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad A Y Alqudah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7EJ, UK
| | - Rania Harati
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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Li Y, Sun Z, Zhu H, Sun Y, Shteyman DB, Markx S, Leong KW, Xu B, Fu BM. Inhibition of Abl Kinase by Imatinib Can Rescue the Compromised Barrier Function of 22q11.2DS Patient-iPSC-Derived Blood-Brain Barriers. Cells 2023; 12:422. [PMID: 36766762 PMCID: PMC9913366 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously established that the integrity of the induced blood-brain barrier (iBBB) formed by brain microvascular endothelial cells derived from the iPSC of 22q11.2 DS (22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, also called DiGeorge Syndrome) patients is compromised. We tested the possibility that the haploinsufficiency of CRKL, a gene within the 22q11.2 DS deletion region, contributes to the deficit. The CRKL is a major substrate of the Abl tyrosine kinase, and the Abl/CRKL signaling pathway is critical for endothelial barrier functions. Imatinib, an FDA-approved drug, inhibits Abl kinase and has been used to treat various disorders involving vascular leakages. To test if imatinib can restore the compromised iBBB, we treated the patient's iBBB with imatinib. After treatment, both trans-endothelial electrical resistance and solute permeability returned to comparable levels of the control iBBB. Correspondingly, changes in tight junctions and endothelial glycocalyx of the iBBB were also restored. Western blotting showed that imatinib increased the level of active forms of the CRKL protein. A transcriptome study revealed that imatinib up-regulated genes in the signaling pathways responsible for the protein modification process and down-regulated those for cell cycling. The KEGG pathway analysis further suggested that imatinib improved the gene expression of the CRKL signaling pathway and tight junctions, which agrees with our expectations and the observations at protein levels. Our results indicate that the 22q11.2DS iBBB is at least partially caused by the haploinsufficiency of CRKL, which can be rescued by imatinib via its effects on the Abl/CRKL signaling pathway. Our findings uncover a novel disease mechanism associated with 22q11.2DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Zhixiong Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Huixiang Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David B. Shteyman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Sander Markx
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Bingmei M. Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
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Setting the stage for universal pharmacological targeting of the glycocalyx. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2023; 91:61-88. [PMID: 37080681 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
All cells in the human body are covered by a complex meshwork of sugars as well as proteins and lipids to which these sugars are attached, collectively termed the glycocalyx. Over the past few decades, the glycocalyx has been implicated in a range of vital cellular processes in health and disease. Therefore, it has attracted considerable interest as a therapeutic target. Considering its omnipresence and its relevance for various areas of cell biology, the glycocalyx should be a versatile platform for therapeutic intervention, however, the full potential of the glycocalyx as therapeutic target is yet to unfold. This might be attributable to the fact that glycocalyx alterations are currently discussed mainly in the context of specific diseases. In this perspective review, we shift the attention away from a disease-centered view of the glycocalyx, focusing on changes in glycocalyx state. Furthermore, we survey important glycocalyx-targeted drugs currently available and finally discuss future steps. We hope that this approach will inspire a unified, holistic view of the glycocalyx in disease, helping to stimulate novel glycocalyx-targeted therapy strategies.
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Hang B, Jassem E, Mohammed H, Wan LQ, Herschkowitz JI, Fan J. Interacting with tumor cells weakens the intrinsic clockwise chirality of endothelial cells. APL Bioeng 2022; 6:046107. [PMID: 36505506 PMCID: PMC9729015 DOI: 10.1063/5.0115827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) possess a strong intrinsic clockwise (CW, or rightward) chirality under normal conditions. Enervating this chirality of ECs significantly impairs the function of the endothelial barrier. Malignant tumor cells (TCs) undergo metastasis by playing upon the abnormal leakage of blood vessels. However, the impact of TCs on EC chirality is still poorly understood. Using a transwell model, we co-cultured the human umbilical vein endothelial cells or human lung microvascular endothelial cells and breast epithelial tumor cell lines to simulate the TC-EC interaction. Using a micropatterning method, we assessed the EC chirality changes induced by paracrine signaling of and physical contact with TCs. We found that the intrinsic clockwise chirality of ECs was significantly compromised by the TC's physical contact, while the paracrine signaling (i.e., without physical contact) of TCs causes minimal changes. In addition, ECs neighboring TCs tend to possess a left bias, while ECs spaced apart from TCs are more likely to preserve the intrinsic right bias. Finally, we found the chirality change of ECs could result from physical binding between CD44 and E-selectin, which activates protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) and induces pseudopodial movement of EC toward TC. Our findings together suggest the crucial role of EC-TC physical interaction in EC chirality and that weakening the EC chirality could potentially compromise the overall endothelial integrity which increases the probability of metastatic cancer spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benson Hang
- Department of Natural Sciences, CASL, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, Michigan 48128, USA
| | - Eman Jassem
- Department of Natural Sciences, CASL, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, Michigan 48128, USA
| | - Hanan Mohammed
- Department of Natural Sciences, CASL, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, Michigan 48128, USA
| | | | - Jason I. Herschkowitz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany-SUNY, Rensselaer, New York 12144, USA
| | - Jie Fan
- Department of Natural Sciences, CASL, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, Michigan 48128, USA,Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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Glycocalyx Acts as a Central Player in the Development of Tumor Microenvironment by Extracellular Vesicles for Angiogenesis and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215415. [PMID: 36358833 PMCID: PMC9655334 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The glycocalyx is a fluffy sugar coat covering the surface of all mammalian cells. While glycocalyx at endothelial cells is a barrier to tumor cell adhesion and transmigration, glycocalyx at tumor cells promotes tumor metastasis. Angiogenesis at primary tumors and the growth of tumor cells at metastatic sites are all affected by the tumor microenvironment, including the blood vasculature, extracellular matrix (ECM), and fibroblasts. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by the tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells are also considered to be the components of the tumor microenvironment. They can modify tumor vasculature, ECM, and fibroblasts. But how the EVs are generated, secreted, and up taken by the endothelial and tumor cells in the development of the tumor microenvironment are unclear, especially after anti-angiogenic therapy (AAT). The objective of this short review is to summarize the role of the glycocalyx in EV biogenesis, secretion, and uptake, as well as the modulation of the glycocalyx by the EVs. Abstract Angiogenesis in tumor growth and progression involves a series of complex changes in the tumor microenvironment. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important components of the tumor microenvironment, which can be classified as exosomes, apoptotic vesicles, and matrix vesicles according to their origins and properties. The EVs that share many common biological properties are important factors for the microenvironmental modification and play a vital role in tumor growth and progression. For example, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) exosomes, which carry VEGF, participate in the tolerance of anti-angiogenic therapy (AAT). The glycocalyx is a mucopolysaccharide structure consisting of glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans. Both endothelial and tumor cells have glycocalyx at their surfaces. Glycocalyx at both cells mediates the secretion and uptake of EVs. On the other hand, many components carried by EVs can modify the glycocalyx, which finally facilitates the development of the tumor microenvironment. In this short review, we first summarize the role of EVs in the development of the tumor microenvironment. Then we review how the glycocalyx is associated with the tumor microenvironment and how it is modulated by the EVs, and finally, we review the role of the glycocalyx in the synthesis, release, and uptake of EVs that affect tumor microenvironments. This review aims to provide a basis for the mechanistic study of AAT and new clues to address the challenges in AAT tolerance, tumor angiogenesis and metastasis.
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Xia Y, Li Y, Fu BM. Differential effects of vascular endothelial growth factor on glycocalyx of endothelial and tumor cells and potential targets for tumor metastasis. APL Bioeng 2022; 6:016101. [PMID: 35071967 PMCID: PMC8769769 DOI: 10.1063/5.0064381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
On the surface of every mammalian cell, there is a matrix-like glycocalyx (GCX) consisting of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Disruption of endothelial cell (EC) GCX by a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, VEGF-A165), a tumor secretion, was found to be an early event in tumor cell (TC) metastasis across vascular barriers. However, how the TC secretion VEGF affects its own GCX is unknown. To investigate the VEGF effect on TC GCX and to elucidate the ultrastructural organization of EC and TC GCX and their alteration by VEGF, we employed super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy to observe the spatio-chemical organizations of the heparan sulfate (HS) and hyaluronic acid (HA), two representative GAGs of GCX, on human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC) and malignant breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 (MB231). We found that HS and HA have distinct organizations on hCMEC and MB231. Only HS of hCMEC is perpendicular to the cell surface, while HA of hCMEC as well as HS and HA of MB231 all lie in the same plane as the cell surface where they appear to weave into a 2D network covering the cell. We also found that VEGF significantly reduces the length and coverage of HS on hCMEC but does not change the thickness and coverage of HA on hCMEC. On the contrary, VEGF significantly enhances the coverage of HS and HA on MB231 although it does not alter the thickness. The differential effects of VEGF on the GCX of TC and that of EC may favor TC adhesion and transmigration across EC barriers for their metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Xia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10031, USA
| | - Yunfei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10031, USA
| | - Bingmei M. Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10031, USA
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Motallebnejad P, Rajesh VV, Azarin SM. Evaluating the Role of IL-1β in Transmigration of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells Across the Brain Endothelium. Cell Mol Bioeng 2022; 15:99-114. [PMID: 35096187 PMCID: PMC8761198 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-021-00710-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In vivo, breast cancer cells spend on average 3-7 days adhered to the endothelial cells inside the vascular lumen before entering the brain. IL-1β is one of the highly upregulated molecules in brain-seeking triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. In this study, the effect of IL-1β on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and astrocytes and its role in transmigration of TNBC cells were evaluated. METHODS The effect of IL-1β on transendothelial electrical resistance, gene and protein expression of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain-specific microvascular endothelial-like cells (iBMECs) was studied. Transport of IL-1β across the iBMEC layer was investigated and the effect of IL-1β treatment of astrocytes on their cytokine and chemokine secretome was evaluated with a cytokine membrane array. Using BBB-on-a-chip devices, transmigration of MDA-MB-231 cells and their brain-seeking variant (231BR) across the iBMECs was studied, and the effect of an IL-1β neutralizing antibody on TNBC cell transmigration was investigated. RESULTS We showed that IL-1β reduces BBB integrity and induces endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in iBMECs. IL-1β crosses the iBMEC layer and induces secretion of multiple chemokines by astrocytes, which can enhance TNBC cell transmigration across the BBB. Transmigration assays in a BBB-on-a-chip device showed that 231BR cells have a higher rate of transmigration across the iBMECs compared to MDA-MB-231 cells, and IL-1β pretreatment of BBB-on-a-chip devices increases the number of transmigrated MDA-MB-231 cells. Finally, we demonstrated that neutralizing IL-1β reduces the rate of 231BR cell transmigration. CONCLUSION IL-1β plays a significant role in transmigration of brain-seeking TNBC cells across the BBB. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-021-00710-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedram Motallebnejad
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Vinayak V. Rajesh
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Samira M. Azarin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
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Xia Y, Li Y, Khalid W, Bikson M, Fu BM. Direct Current Stimulation Disrupts Endothelial Glycocalyx and Tight Junctions of the Blood-Brain Barrier in vitro. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:731028. [PMID: 34650977 PMCID: PMC8505730 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.731028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive physical therapy to treat many psychiatric disorders and to enhance memory and cognition in healthy individuals. Our recent studies showed that tDCS with the proper dosage and duration can transiently enhance the permeability (P) of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in rat brain to various sized solutes. Based on the in vivo permeability data, a transport model for the paracellular pathway of the BBB also predicted that tDCS can transiently disrupt the endothelial glycocalyx (EG) and the tight junction between endothelial cells. To confirm these predictions and to investigate the structural mechanisms by which tDCS modulates P of the BBB, we directly quantified the EG and tight junctions of in vitro BBB models after DCS treatment. Human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs) and mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd3) were cultured on the Transwell filter with 3 μm pores to generate in vitro BBBs. After confluence, 0.1–1 mA/cm2 DCS was applied for 5 and 10 min. TEER and P to dextran-70k of the in vitro BBB were measured, HS (heparan sulfate) and hyaluronic acid (HA) of EG was immuno-stained and quantified, as well as the tight junction ZO-1. We found disrupted EG and ZO-1 when P to dextran-70k was increased and TEER was decreased by the DCS. To further investigate the cellular signaling mechanism of DCS on the BBB permeability, we pretreated the in vitro BBB with a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L-NMMA. L-NMMA diminished the effect of DCS on the BBB permeability by protecting the EG and reinforcing tight junctions. These in vitro results conform to the in vivo observations and confirm the model prediction that DCS can disrupt the EG and tight junction of the BBB. Nevertheless, the in vivo effects of DCS are transient which backup its safety in the clinical application. In conclusion, our current study directly elucidates the structural and signaling mechanisms by which DCS modulates the BBB permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Xia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yunfei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wasem Khalid
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marom Bikson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bingmei M Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
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Li Y, Xia Y, Zhu H, Luu E, Huang G, Sun Y, Sun K, Markx S, Leong KW, Xu B, Fu BM. Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Deficits of 22 q11.2 Deletion Syndrome with a Patient-iPSC-Derived Blood-Brain Barrier Model. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102576. [PMID: 34685556 PMCID: PMC8534009 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is important in the normal functioning of the central nervous system. An altered BBB has been described in various neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of such alterations remain unclear. Here, we investigate if BBB integrity is compromised in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (also called DiGeorge syndrome), which is one of the validated genetic risk factors for schizophrenia. We utilized a set of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) derived from the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines of patients with 22q11.2-deletion-syndrome-associated schizophrenia. We found that the solute permeability of the BBB formed from patient HBMECs increases by ~1.3–1.4-fold, while the trans-endothelial electrical resistance decreases to ~62% of the control values. Correspondingly, tight junction proteins and the endothelial glycocalyx that determine the integrity of the BBB are significantly disrupted. A transcriptome study also suggests that the transcriptional network related to the cell–cell junctions in the compromised BBB is substantially altered. An enrichment analysis further suggests that the genes within the altered gene expression network also contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. Our findings suggest that neurovascular coupling can be targeted in developing novel therapeutical strategies for the treatment of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA; (Y.L.); (Y.X.); (E.L.); (G.H.)
| | - Yifan Xia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA; (Y.L.); (Y.X.); (E.L.); (G.H.)
| | - Huixiang Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Eric Luu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA; (Y.L.); (Y.X.); (E.L.); (G.H.)
| | - Guangyao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA; (Y.L.); (Y.X.); (E.L.); (G.H.)
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Kevin Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Sander Markx
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA;
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: (B.X.); (B.M.F.); Tel.: +1-212-650-7531 (B.M.F.)
| | - Bingmei M. Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA; (Y.L.); (Y.X.); (E.L.); (G.H.)
- Correspondence: (B.X.); (B.M.F.); Tel.: +1-212-650-7531 (B.M.F.)
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13
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Godinho-Pereira J, Garcia AR, Figueira I, Malhó R, Brito MA. Behind Brain Metastases Formation: Cellular and Molecular Alterations and Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7057. [PMID: 34209088 PMCID: PMC8268492 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) brain metastases is a life-threatening condition to which accounts the poor understanding of BC cells' (BCCs) extravasation into the brain, precluding the development of preventive strategies. Thus, we aimed to unravel the players involved in the interaction between BCCs and blood-brain barrier (BBB) endothelial cells underlying BBB alterations and the transendothelial migration of malignant cells. We used brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) as a BBB in vitro model, under conditions mimicking shear stress to improve in vivo-like BBB features. Mixed cultures were performed by the addition of fluorescently labelled BCCs to distinguish individual cell populations. BCC-BMEC interaction compromised BBB integrity, as revealed by junctional proteins (β-catenin and zonula occludens-1) disruption and caveolae (caveolin-1) increase, reflecting paracellular and transcellular hyperpermeability, respectively. Both BMECs and BCCs presented alterations in the expression pattern of connexin 43, suggesting the involvement of the gap junction protein. Myosin light chain kinase and phosphorylated myosin light chain were upregulated, revealing the involvement of the endothelial cytoskeleton in the extravasation process. β4-Integrin and focal adhesion kinase were colocalised in malignant cells, reflecting molecular interaction. Moreover, BCCs exhibited invadopodia, attesting migratory properties. Collectively, hub players involved in BC brain metastases formation were unveiled, disclosing possible therapeutic targets for metastases prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Godinho-Pereira
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Garcia
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Figueira
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Farm-ID—Faculty of Pharmacy Association for Research and Development, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rui Malhó
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande 016, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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14
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Picturing Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis Development to Unravel Molecular Players and Cellular Crosstalk. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040910. [PMID: 33671551 PMCID: PMC7926545 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer is a devastating disorder affecting millions of women worldwide. With improved therapeutics for the primary tumor, the appearance of metastasis has been increasing. Breast cancer frequently metastasizes to the brain, constituting a major hurdle without cure and with a poor survival. It is imperative to better understand the mechanisms involved in malignant cell transposition of the brain microvasculature and parenchymal colonization by deciphering the alterations occurring in the tumor and microvascular cells, as well as the occurrence of intercellular communication during the process. We aimed to profile the process of the formation of breast cancer brain metastasis and the timeline of events governing it. We used a specific mouse model of the disease to perform extensive microscopic analyses. We identified phenotypic changes and the activation of relevant molecular players in tumorigenesis, together with vascular alterations, and the occurrence of crosstalk. Our findings unravel putative therapeutic targets to tackle breast cancer brain metastasis. Abstract With breast cancer (BC) therapy improvements, the appearance of brain metastases has been increasing, representing a life-threatening condition. Brain metastasis formation involves BC cell (BCC) extravasation across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and brain colonization by unclear mechanisms. We aimed to disclose the actors involved in BC brain metastasis formation, focusing on BCCs’ phenotype, growth factor expression, and signaling pathway activation, correlating with BBB alterations and intercellular communication. Hippocampi of female mice inoculated with 4T1 BCCs were examined over time by hematoxylin-eosin, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Well-established metastases were observed at seven days, increasing thereafter. BCCs entering brain parenchyma presented mesenchymal, migratory, and proliferative features; however, with time, they increasingly expressed epithelial markers, reflecting a mesenchymal–epithelial transition. BCCs also expressed platelet-derived growth factor-B, β4 integrin, and focal adhesion kinase, suggesting autocrine and/or paracrine regulation with adhesion signaling activation, while balance between Rac1 and RhoA was associated with the motility status. Intercellular communication via gap junctions was clear among BCCs, and between BCCs and endothelial cells. Thrombin accumulation, junctional protein impairment, and vesicular proteins increase reflect BBB alterations related with extravasation. Expression of plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein was increased in BCCs, along with augmented vascularization, whereas pericyte contraction indicated mural cells’ activation. Our results provide further understanding of BC brain metastasis formation, disclosing potential therapeutic targets.
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15
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Transcellular Model for Neutral and Charged Nanoparticles Across an In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2020; 11:607-620. [PMID: 33113565 PMCID: PMC7592456 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-020-00496-6] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The therapeutic drug-loaded nanoparticles (NPs, 20–100 nm) have been widely used to treat brain disorders. To improve systemic brain delivery efficacy of these NPs, it is necessary to quantify their transport parameters across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and understand the underlying transport mechanism. Methods Permeability of an in vitro BBB, bEnd3 (mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells) monolayer, to three neutral NPs with the representative diameters was measured using an automated fluorometer system. To elucidate the transport mechanism of the neutral NPs across the in vitro BBB, and that of positively charged NPs whose BBB permeability was measured in a previous study, we developed a novel transcellular model, which incorporates the charge of the in vitro BBB, the mechanical property of the cell membrane, the ion concentrations of the surrounding salt solution and the size and charge of the NPs. Results Our model indicates that the negative charge of the surface glycocalyx and basement membrane of the BBB plays a pivotal role in the transcelluar transport of NPs with diameter 20-100 nm across the BBB. The electrostatic force between the negative charge at the in vitro BBB and the positive charge at NPs greatly enhances NP permeability. The predictions from our transcellular model fit very well with the measured BBB permeability for both neutral and charged NPs. Conclusion Our model can be used to predict the optimal size and charge of the NPs and the optimal charge of the BBB for an optimal systemic drug delivery strategy to the brain.
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16
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Harati R, Hafezi S, Mabondzo A, Tlili A. Silencing miR-202-3p increases MMP-1 and promotes a brain invasive phenotype in metastatic breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239292. [PMID: 33002044 PMCID: PMC7529272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain metastasis (BM) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in breast cancer (BC) and its molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. Transmigration of metastatic cells through the brain endothelium is an essential step in BM. Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) overexpression plays a key role in promoting trans-endothelial migration by degrading the inter-endothelial junctions and disrupting the endothelial integrity. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that induce MMP-1 in metastatic cells granting them a brain invasive phenotype. MiR-202-3p is downregulated in brain metastases compared to primary breast tumors and directly targets MMP-1. Here, we unraveled a critical role of miR-202-3p loss in MMP-1 upregulation promoting transmigration of metastatic cells through the brain endothelium. METHODS A variant of the MDA-MB-231 human BC cell line (MDA-MB-231-BrM2) selected for its propensity to form brain metastases was found to express high levels of MMP-1 and low levels of miR-202-3p compared to the parental cells. Using a gain-and-loss of function approach, we modulated levels of miR-202-3p and examined the resultant effect on MMP-1 expression. Effect of miR-202-3p modulation on integrity of the brain endothelium and the transmigrative ability of BC cells were also examined. RESULTS Loss of miR-202-3p in breast cancer cells enhanced their transmigration through the brain endothelium by upregulating MMP-1 and disrupting the inter-endothelial junctions (claudin-5, ZO-1 and ß-catenin). Restoring miR-202-3p exerted a metastasis-suppressive effect and preserved the endothelial barrier integrity. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified a critical regulatory role of miR-202-3p in brain metastasis and shed light on miR-202-3p/MMP-1 axis as a novel prognostic and therapeutic target that can be exploited to predict and prevent brain metastasis in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Harati
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shirin Hafezi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aloïse Mabondzo
- Department of Medicines and Healthcare Technologies, CEA, Paris-Saclay University, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Abdelaziz Tlili
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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17
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The Glycocalyx and Its Role in Vascular Physiology and Vascular Related Diseases. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2020; 12:37-71. [PMID: 32959164 PMCID: PMC7505222 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-020-00485-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose In 2007 the two senior authors wrote a review on the structure and function of the endothelial glycocalyx layer (Weinbaum in Annu Rev Biomed Eng 9:121–167, 2007). Since then there has been an explosion of interest in this hydrated gel-like structure that coats the luminal surface of endothelial cells that line our vasculature due to its important functions in (A) basic vascular physiology and (B) vascular related diseases. This review will highlight the major advances that have occurred since our 2007 paper. Methods A literature search mainly focusing on the role of the glycocalyx in the two major areas described above was performed using electronic databases. Results In part (A) of this review, the new formulation of the century old Starling principle, now referred to as the Michel–Weinbaum glycoclayx model or revised Starling hypothesis, is described including new subtleties and physiological ramifications. New insights into mechanotransduction and release of nitric oxide due to fluid shear stress sensed by the glycocalyx are elaborated. Major advances in understanding the organization and function of glycocalyx components, and new techniques for measuring both its thickness and spatio-chemical organization based on super resolution, stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) are presented. As discussed in part (B) of this review, it is now recognized that artery wall stiffness associated with hypertension and aging induces glycocalyx degradation, endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease. In addition to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, the glycocalyx plays an important role in lifestyle related diseases (e.g., diabetes) and cancer. Infectious diseases including sepsis, Dengue, Zika and Corona viruses, and malaria also involve the glycocalyx. Because of increasing recognition of the role of the glycocalyx in a wide range of diseases, there has been a vigorous search for methods to protect the glycocalyx from degradation or to enhance its synthesis in disease environments. Conclusion As we have seen in this review, many important developments in our basic understanding of GCX structure, function and role in diseases have been described since the 2007 paper. The future is wide open for continued GCX research.
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18
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Fan J, Sun Y, Xia Y, Tarbell JM, Fu BM. Endothelial surface glycocalyx (ESG) components and ultra-structure revealed by stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM). Biorheology 2020; 56:77-88. [PMID: 31045510 DOI: 10.3233/bir-180204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to play different roles in vascular functions as a mechanosensor to blood flows and as a barrier to transvascular exchange, the endothelial surface glycocalyx (ESG) should have an organized structure. Due to the limitations of optical and electron microscopy, the ultra-structure of ESG has not been revealed until the recent development of super-resolution optical microscopy, STORM. OBJECTIVES To investigate the ESG components and their organization on bEnd3 (mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells) monolayer. METHODS ESG was immunolabeled with anti-heparan sulfate (HS), followed by an ATTO488 conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG, and with biotinylated hyaluronic acid (HA) binding protein, followed by an AF647 conjugated anti-biotin. The ESG was then imaged by the STORM. RESULTS HA is a long molecule weaving into a network which covers the endothelial luminal surface. In contrast, HS is a shorter molecule, perpendicular to the cell surface. HA and HS are partially overlapped with each other at the endothelial luminal surface. We also quantified the length, diameter, orientation, and density of HS at the top, middle and bottom regions of the endothelial surface. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that HS plays a major role in mechanosensing and HA plays a major role in the molecular sieve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, \unskip\break New York, NY, USA
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Electrical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yifan Xia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, \unskip\break New York, NY, USA
| | - John M Tarbell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, \unskip\break New York, NY, USA
| | - Bingmei M Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, \unskip\break New York, NY, USA
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19
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Harding IC, Mitra R, Mensah SA, Nersesyan A, Bal NN, Ebong EE. Endothelial barrier reinforcement relies on flow-regulated glycocalyx, a potential therapeutic target. Biorheology 2020; 56:131-149. [PMID: 30988234 DOI: 10.3233/bir-180205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The onset of many disease processes depends on the function of the endothelial cell (EC) glycocalyx (GCX) which acts as a flow-dependent barrier to cellular infiltration and molecular transport across the blood vessel wall. OBJECTIVE This review aims to examine these processes with the potential end goal of implementing GCX repair to restore EC barrier function and slow the progression of disease. METHODS Cell and mouse studies were employed to examine the state of EC GCX in healthy versus disruptive flow conditions. Correlations of observations of the GCX with a number of EC functions were sought with an emphasis on studies of trans-endothelial barrier integrity against vessel wall infiltration of cells and molecules from the circulation. To demonstrate the importance of GCX as a regulator of trans-endothelial infiltration, assays were performed using ECs with an intact GCX and compared to assays of ECs with an experimentally degraded GCX. Studies were also conducted of ECs in which a degraded GCX was repaired. RESULTS In healthy flow conditions, the EC GCX was found to be thick and substantially covered the endothelial surface. GCX expression dropped significantly in complex flow conditions and coincided with a disease-like cellular and molecular accumulation in the endothelium or within the blood vessel wall. Therapeutic repair of the GCX abolished this accumulation. CONCLUSIONS Regenerating the degraded GCX reverses EC barrier dysfunction and may attenuate the progression of vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Harding
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ronodeep Mitra
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Solomon A Mensah
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alina Nersesyan
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nandita N Bal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eno E Ebong
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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20
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Mensah SA, Nersesyan AA, Harding IC, Lee CI, Tan X, Banerjee S, Niedre M, Torchilin VP, Ebong EE. Flow-regulated endothelial glycocalyx determines metastatic cancer cell activity. FASEB J 2020; 34:6166-6184. [PMID: 32167209 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901920r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis and secondary tumor initiation largely depend on circulating tumor cell (CTC) and vascular endothelial cell (EC) interactions by incompletely understood mechanisms. Endothelial glycocalyx (GCX) dysfunction may play a significant role in this process. GCX structure depends on vascular flow patterns, which are irregular in tumor environments. This work presents evidence that disturbed flow (DF) induces GCX degradation, leading to CTC homing to the endothelium, a first step in secondary tumor formation. A 2-fold greater attachment of CTCs to human ECs was found to occur under DF conditions, compared to uniform flow (UF) conditions. These results corresponded to an approximately 50% decrease in wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-labeled components of the GCX under DF conditions, vs UF conditions, with undifferentiated levels of CTC-recruiting E-selectin under DF vs UF conditions. Confirming the role of the GCX, neuraminidase induced the degradation of WGA-labeled GCX under UF cell culture conditions or in Balb/C mice and led to an over 2-fold increase in CTC attachment to ECs or Balb/C mouse lungs, respectively, compared to untreated conditions. These experiments confirm that flow-induced GCX degradation can enable metastatic CTC arrest. This work, therefore, provides new insight into pathways of secondary tumor formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon A Mensah
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alina A Nersesyan
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ian C Harding
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claire I Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xuefei Tan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Selina Banerjee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark Niedre
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Eno E Ebong
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.,Neuroscience Department, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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21
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Gray KM, Jung JW, Inglut CT, Huang HC, Stroka KM. Quantitatively relating brain endothelial cell-cell junction phenotype to global and local barrier properties under varied culture conditions via the Junction Analyzer Program. Fluids Barriers CNS 2020; 17:16. [PMID: 32046757 PMCID: PMC7014765 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-020-0177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endothelial cell-cell junctions of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) play a pivotal role in the barrier's function. Altered cell-cell junctions can lead to barrier dysfunction and have been implicated in several diseases. Despite this, the driving forces regulating junctional protein presentation remain relatively understudied, largely due to the lack of efficient techniques to quantify their presentation at sites of cell-cell adhesion. Here, we used our novel Junction Analyzer Program (JAnaP) to quantify junction phenotype (i.e., continuous, punctate, or perpendicular) in response to various substrate compositions, cell culture times, and cAMP treatments in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). We then quantitatively correlated junction presentation with barrier permeability on both a "global" and "local" scale. METHODS We cultured HBMECs on collagen I, fibronectin, collagen IV, laminin, fibronectin/collagen IV/laminin, or hyaluronic acid/gelatin for 2, 4, and 7 days with varying cAMP treatment schedules. Images of immunostained ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and claudin-5 were analyzed using the JAnaP to calculate the percent of the cell perimeter presenting continuous, punctate, or perpendicular junctions. Transwell permeability assays and resistance measurements were used to measure bulk ("global") barrier properties, and a "local" permeability assay was used to correlate junction presentation proximal to permeable monolayer regions. RESULTS Substrate composition was found to play little role in junction presentation, while cAMP supplements significantly increased the continuous junction architecture. Increased culture time required increased cAMP treatment time to reach similar ZO-1 and VE-cadherin coverage observed with shorter culture, though longer cultures were required for claudin-5 presentation. Prolonged cAMP treatment (6 days) disrupted junction integrity for all three junction proteins. Transwell permeability and TEER assays showed no correlation with junction phenotype, but a local permeability assay revealed a correlation between the number of discontinuous and no junction regions with barrier penetration. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that cAMP signaling influences HBMEC junction architecture more than matrix composition. Our studies emphasized the need for local barrier measurement to mechanistically understand the role of junction phenotype and supported previous results that continuous junctions are indicative of a more mature/stable endothelial barrier. Understanding what conditions influence junction presentations, and how they, in turn, affect barrier integrity, could lead to the development of therapeutics for diseases associated with BBB dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M Gray
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 3110 A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Jae W Jung
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 3110 A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Collin T Inglut
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 3110 A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Huang-Chiao Huang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 3110 A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland-Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Kimberly M Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 3110 A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland-Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland-Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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22
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Pranda MA, Gray KM, DeCastro AJL, Dawson GM, Jung JW, Stroka KM. Tumor Cell Mechanosensing During Incorporation into the Brain Microvascular Endothelium. Cell Mol Bioeng 2019; 12:455-480. [PMID: 31719927 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-019-00591-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tumor metastasis to the brain occurs in approximately 20% of all cancer cases and often occurs due to tumor cells crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The brain microenvironment is comprised of a soft hyaluronic acid (HA)-rich extracellular matrix with an elastic modulus of 0.1-1 kPa, whose crosslinking is often altered in disease states. Methods To explore the effects of HA crosslinking on breast tumor cell migration, we developed a biomimetic model of the human brain endothelium, consisting of brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) monolayers on HA and gelatin (HA/gelatin) films with different degrees of crosslinking, as established by varying the concentration of the crosslinker Extralink. Results and Discussion Metastatic breast tumor cell migration speed, diffusion coefficient, spreading area, and aspect ratio increased with decreasing HA crosslinking, a mechanosensing trend that correlated with tumor cell actin organization but not CD44 expression. Meanwhile, breast tumor cell incorporation into endothelial monolayers was independent of HA crosslinking density, suggesting that alterations in HA crosslinking density affect tumor cells only after they exit the vasculature. Tumor cells appeared to exploit both the paracellular and transcellular routes of trans-endothelial migration. Quantitative phenotyping of HBMEC junctions via a novel Python software revealed a VEGF-dependent decrease in punctate VE-cadherin junctions and an increase in continuous and perpendicular junctions when HBMECs were treated with tumor cell-secreted factors. Conclusions Overall, our quantitative results suggest that a combination of biochemical and physical factors promote tumor cell migration through the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A Pranda
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Kelsey M Gray
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Ariana Joy L DeCastro
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Gregory M Dawson
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Jae W Jung
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Kimberly M Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742 USA.,Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742 USA.,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland - Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland - Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, 3110 A. James Clark Hall, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD 20742 USA
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23
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Mensah SA, Harding IC, Zhang M, Jaeggli MP, Torchilin VP, Niedre MJ, Ebong EE. Metastatic cancer cell attachment to endothelium is promoted by endothelial glycocalyx sialic acid degradation. AIChE J 2019; 65. [PMID: 31367063 PMCID: PMC6668365 DOI: 10.1002/aic.16634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
While it is known that cancer cell interactions with vascular endothelial cells (ECs) drive metastatic cancer cell extravasation from blood vessels into secondary tumor sites, the mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that neuraminidase‐induced degradation of EC surface glycocalyx (GCX), particularly the sialic acid (SA) residue components of the GCX, will substantially increase metastatic cancer cell attachment to ECs. To our knowledge, our study is the first to isolate the role of GCX SA residues in cancer cell attachment to the endothelium, which were found to be differentially affected by the presence of neuraminidase and to indeed regulate metastatic cancer cell homing to ECs. We hope that this work will eventually translate to identification of EC GCX‐based cancer markers that can be therapeutically targeted to hinder the progression of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon A. Mensah
- Bioengineering Department Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts
| | - Ian C. Harding
- Bioengineering Department Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts
| | - Michelle Zhang
- Chemical Engineering Department Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Mark J. Niedre
- Bioengineering Department Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts
| | - Eno E. Ebong
- Bioengineering Department Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts
- Chemical Engineering Department Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts
- Neuroscience Department Albert Einstein College of Medicine New York New York
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24
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Zeng Y, Yao X, Liu X, He X, Li L, Liu X, Yan Z, Wu J, Fu BM. Anti-angiogenesis triggers exosomes release from endothelial cells to promote tumor vasculogenesis. J Extracell Vesicles 2019; 8:1629865. [PMID: 31258881 PMCID: PMC6586113 DOI: 10.1080/20013078.2019.1629865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although anti-angiogenic therapies (AATs) have some effects against multiple malignancies, they are limited by subsequent tumor vasculogenesis and progression. To investigate the mechanisms by which tumor vasculogenesis and progression following AATs, we transfected microRNA (miR)-9 into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to mimic the tumor-associated endothelial cells in hepatocellular carcinoma and simulated the AATs in vitro and in vivo. We found that administration of the angiogenesis inhibitor vandetanib completely abolished miR-9-induced angiogenesis and promoted autophagy in HUVECs, but induced the release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-enriched exosomes. These VEGF-enriched exosomes significantly promoted the formation of endothelial vessels and vasculogenic mimicry in hepatocellular carcinoma and its progression in mice. Anti-autophagic therapy is proposed to improve the efficacy of AATs. However, similar effects by AATs were observed with the application of anti-autophagy by 3-methyladenine. Our results revealed that tumor vasculogenesis and progression after AATs and anti-autophagic therapies were due to the cross-talk between endothelial and tumor cells via VEGF-enriched exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zeng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinghong Yao
- Radiation Therapy Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoheng Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueling He
- Laboratory Animal Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiping Yan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bingmei M Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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25
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Ma YHV, Xu L, Mei X, Middleton K, You L. Mechanically stimulated osteocytes reduce the bone-metastatic potential of breast cancer cells in vitro by signaling through endothelial cells. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:7590-7601. [PMID: 30417549 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Bone metastases occur in 65% to 75% of patients with advanced breast cancer and significantly worsen their survival and quality of life. We previously showed that conditioned medium (CM) from osteocytes stimulated with oscillatory fluid flow, mimicking bone mechanical loading during routine physical activities, reduced the transendothelial migration of breast cancer cells. Endothelial cells are situated at an ideal location to mediate signals between osteocytes in the bone matrix and metastasizing cancer cells in the blood vessels. In this study, we investigated the specific effects of flow-stimulated osteocytes on the interaction between endothelial cells and breast cancer cells in vitro. We observed that CM from flow-stimulated osteocytes reduced endothelial permeability by 15% and breast cancer cell adhesion onto endothelial monolayers by 18%. The difference in adhesion was abolished with anti-intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, CM from endothelial cells conditioned in CM from flow-stimulated osteocytes significantly altered the gene expression in bone-metastatic breast cancer cells, as shown by RNA sequencing. Specifically, breast cancer cell expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) was downregulated by 62%, and frizzled-4 (FZD4) by 61%, when the osteocytes were stimulated with flow. The invasion of these breast cancer cells across Matrigel was also reduced by 47%, and this difference was abolished by MMP-9 inhibitors. In conclusion, we demonstrated that flow-stimulated osteocytes downregulate the bone-metastatic potential of breast cancer cells by signaling through endothelial cells. This provides insights into the capability of bone mechanical regulation in preventing bone metastases; and may assist in prescribing exercise or bone-loading regimens to patients with breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Heng Vivian Ma
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liangcheng Xu
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xueting Mei
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Middleton
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lidan You
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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26
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Dabagh M, Randles A. Role of deformable cancer cells on wall shear stress-associated-VEGF secretion by endothelium in microvasculature. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211418. [PMID: 30794550 PMCID: PMC6386247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial surface layer (glycocalyx) is the major physiological regulator of tumor cell adhesion to endothelium. Cancer cells express vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which increases the permeability of a microvessel wall by degrading glycocalyx. Endothelial cells lining large arteries have also been reported, in vitro and in vivo, to mediate VEGF expression significantly under exposure to high wall shear stress (WSS) > 0.6 Pa. The objective of the present study is to explore whether local hemodynamic conditions in the vicinity of a migrating deformable cancer cell can influence the function of endothelial cells to express VEGF within the microvasculature. A three-dimensional model of deformable cancer cells (DCCs) migrating within a capillary is developed by applying a massively parallel hemodynamics application to simulate the fluid-structure interaction between the DCC and fluid surrounding the DCC. We study how dynamic interactions between the DCC and its local microenvironment affect WSS exposed on endothelium, under physiological conditions of capillaries with different diameters and flow conditions. Moreover, we quantify the area of endothelium affected by the DCC. Our results show that the DCC alters local hemodynamics in its vicinity up to an area as large as 40 times the cancer cell lateral surface. In this area, endothelium experiences high WSS values in the range of 0.6–12 Pa. Endothelial cells exposed to this range of WSS have been reported to express VEGF. Furthermore, we demonstrate that stiffer cancer cells expose higher WSS on the endothelium. A strong impact of cell stiffness on its local microenvironment is observed in capillaries with diameters <16 μm. WSS-induced-VEGF by endothelium represents an important potential mechanism for cancer cell adhesion and metastasis in the microvasculature. This work serves as an important first step in understanding the mechanisms driving VEGF-expression by endothelium and identifying the underlying mechanisms of glycocalyx degradation by endothelium in microvasculature. The identification of angiogenesis factors involved in early stages of cancer cell-endothelium interactions and understanding their regulation will help, first to develop anti-angiogenic strategies applied to diagnostic studies and therapeutic interventions, second to predict accurately where different cancer cell types most likely adhere in microvasculature, and third to establish accurate criteria predisposing the cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Dabagh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Amanda Randles
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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Modeling Cell Adhesion and Extravasation in Microvascular System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018. [PMID: 30315548 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-96445-4_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The blood flow behaviors in the microvessels determine the transport modes and further affect the metastasis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Much biochemical and biological efforts have been made on CTC metastasis; however, precise experimental measurement and accurate theoretical prediction on its mechanical mechanism are limited. To complement these, numerical modeling of a CTC extravasation from the blood circulation, including the steps of adhesion and transmigration, is discussed in this chapter. The results demonstrate that CTCs prefer to adhere at the positive curvature of curved microvessels, which is attributed to the positive wall shear stress/gradient. Then, the effects of particulate nature of blood on CTC adhesion are investigated and are found to be significant in the microvessels. Furthermore, the presence of red blood cell (RBC) aggregates is also found to promote the CTC adhesion by providing an additional wall-directed force. Finally, a single cell passing through a narrow slit, mimicking CTC transmigration, was examined under the effects of cell deformability. It showed that the cell shape and surface area increase play a more important role than the cell elasticity in cell transit across the narrow slit.
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28
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Xia Y, Fu BM. Investigation of Endothelial Surface Glycocalyx Components and Ultrastructure by Single Molecule Localization Microscopy: Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (STORM). THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2018; 91:257-266. [PMID: 30258313 PMCID: PMC6153618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
On the luminal surface of our blood vessels, there is a thin layer called endothelial surface glycocalyx (ESG) which consists of proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and glycoproteins. The GAGs in the ESG are heparan sulfate (HS), hyaluronic acid (HA), chondroitin sulfate (CS), and sialic acid (SA). In order to play important roles in regulating vascular functions, such as being a mechanosensor and transducer for the endothelial cells (ECs) to sense the blood flow, a molecular sieve to maintain normal microvessel permeability and a barrier between the circulating cells and endothelial cells forming the vessel wall, the ESG should have an organized structure at the molecular level. Due to the limitations of conventional optical and electrical microscopy, the ultrastructure of ESG, in the order of 10 to 100 nanometers, has not been revealed until recent development of a super resolution fluorescence optical microscope, Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscope (STORM), which is one type of single molecule localization microscopy. This short review describes how the STORM can overcome the diffraction barrier in the conventional fluorescence microscopy to identify the chemical components of the ESG at a high spatial resolution. Examples of the organized ultrastructure of the ESG on the in vitro EC monolayer revealed by the Nikon-STORM system are given as well as how its components get lost during the onset of sepsis, a systemic inflammatory syndrome induced by bacterial infection, which demonstrate that this new technique can be applied to discover the structural and molecular mechanisms at nanometer scales in the native cellular environment for the cellular functions under normal and disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Xia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY
| | - Bingmei M. Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY
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29
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Wilhelm I, Fazakas C, Molnár K, Végh AG, Haskó J, Krizbai IA. Foe or friend? Janus-faces of the neurovascular unit in the formation of brain metastases. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2018; 38:563-587. [PMID: 28920514 PMCID: PMC5888855 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17732025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite the potential obstacle represented by the blood-brain barrier for extravasating malignant cells, metastases are more frequent than primary tumors in the central nervous system. Not only tightly interconnected endothelial cells can hinder metastasis formation, other cells of the brain microenvironment (like astrocytes and microglia) can also be very hostile, destroying the large majority of metastatic cells. However, malignant cells that are able to overcome these harmful mechanisms may benefit from the shielding and even support provided by cerebral endothelial cells, astrocytes and microglia, rendering the brain a sanctuary site against anti-tumor strategies. Thus, cells of the neurovascular unit have a Janus-faced attitude towards brain metastatic cells, being both destructive and protective. In this review, we present the main mechanisms of brain metastasis formation, including those involved in extravasation through the brain vasculature and survival in the cerebral environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Csilla Fazakas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kinga Molnár
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila G Végh
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - János Haskó
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István A Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
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30
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Fu BM. Transport Across the Blood-Brain Barrier. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1097:235-259. [PMID: 30315549 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-96445-4_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic barrier essential for maintaining the microenvironment of the brain. Although the special anatomical features of the BBB determine its protective role for the central nervous system (CNS) from blood-borne neurotoxins, however, the BBB extremely limits the therapeutic efficacy of drugs into the CNS, which greatly hinders the treatment of major brain diseases. This chapter summarized the unique structures of the BBB; described a variety of in vivo and in vitro experimental methods for determining the transport properties of the BBB and the permeability of the BBB to water, ions, and solutes including nutrients, therapeutic agents, and drug carriers; and presented recently developed mathematical models which quantitatively correlate the anatomical structures of the BBB with its barrier functions. Recent findings for modulation of the BBB permeability by chemical and physical stimuli were described. Finally, drug delivery strategies through specific trans-BBB routes were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingmei M Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
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31
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Fu BM. Tumor Metastasis in the Microcirculation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1097:201-218. [PMID: 30315547 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-96445-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cell metastasis through blood circulation is a complex process and is one of the great challenges in cancer research as metastatic spread is responsible for ∼90% of cancer-related mortality. Tumor cell intravasation into, arrest and adhesion at, and extravasation from the microvessel walls are critical steps in metastatic spread. Understanding these steps may lead to new therapeutic concepts for tumor metastasis. Vascular endothelium forming the microvessel wall and the glycocalyx layer at its surface are the principal barriers to and regulators of the material exchange between circulating blood and body tissues. The cleft between adjacent endothelial cells is the principal pathway for water and solute transport through the microvessel wall in health. Recently, this cleft has been found to be the location for tumor cell adhesion and extravasation. The blood-flow-induced hydrodynamic factors such as shear rates and stresses, shear rate and stress gradients, as well as vorticities, especially at the branches and turns of microvasculatures, also play important roles in tumor cell arrest and adhesion. This chapter therefore reports the current advances from in vivo animal studies and in vitro culture cell studies to demonstrate how the endothelial integrity or microvascular permeability, hydrodynamic factors, microvascular geometry, cell adhesion molecules, and surrounding extracellular matrix affect critical steps of tumor metastasis in the microcirculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingmei M Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
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32
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Custódio-Santos T, Videira M, Brito MA. Brain metastasization of breast cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2017; 1868:132-147. [PMID: 28341420 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system metastases have been reported in 15-25% of breast cancer patients, and the incidence is increasing. Moreover, the survival of these patients is generally poor, with reports of a 1-year survival rate of 20%. Therefore, a better knowledge about the determinants of brain metastasization is essential for the improvement of the clinical outcomes. Here, we summarize the current data about the metastatic cascade, ranging from the output of cancer cells from the primary tumour to their colonization in the brain, which involves the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion of mammary tissue, intravasation into circulation, and homing into and extravasation towards the brain. The phenotypic change in malignant cells, and the importance of the microenvironment in the formation of brain metastases are also inspected. Finally, the importance of genetic and epigenetic changes, and the recently disclosed effects of microRNAs in brain metastasization of breast cancer are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Custódio-Santos
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Videira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Galenic Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
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33
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Dragovich MA, Chester D, Fu BM, Wu C, Xu Y, Goligorsky MS, Zhang XF. Mechanotransduction of the endothelial glycocalyx mediates nitric oxide production through activation of TRP channels. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2016; 311:C846-C853. [PMID: 27681180 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00288.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The endothelial surface glycocalyx (ESG) is a carbohydrate-rich layer found on the vascular endothelium, serving critical functions in the mechanotransduction of blood flow-induced forces. One of the most important protective functions of the ESG is to mediate the production of nitric oxide (NO) in response to blood flow. However, the detailed mechanism underlying ESG's mechanotransduction of the production of NO has not been completely identified. Herein, using the cultured rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3) as a model system, we have implemented a combined atomic force and fluorescence microscopy approach to show that the ESG senses and transduces vertical mechanical stretch to produce NO. This rapid NO production is dependent on the presence of both heparan sulfate (HS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in ESG, as the removal of HS and/or HA leads to a significant decrease in NO production. Moreover, the production of NO is dependent on the intake of Ca2+ via endothelial transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Together, our results demonstrate the molecular mechanism of rapid production of NO in response to vertical mechanical stretch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Dragovich
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel Chester
- Bioengineering Program, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
| | - Bingmei M Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, New York; and
| | - Chenyu Wu
- Bioengineering Program, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael S Goligorsky
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - X Frank Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; .,Bioengineering Program, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
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34
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Xiao LL, Liu Y, Chen S, Fu BM. Numerical simulation of a single cell passing through a narrow slit. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2016; 15:1655-1667. [PMID: 27080221 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-016-0789-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The narrow slit between endothelial cells that line the microvessel wall is the principal pathway for tumor cell extravasation to the surrounding tissue. To understand this crucial step for tumor hematogenous metastasis, we used dissipative particle dynamics method to investigate an individual cell passing through a narrow slit numerically. The cell membrane was simulated by a spring-based network model which can separate the internal cytoplasm and surrounding fluid. The effects of the cell elasticity, cell shape, nucleus and slit size on the cell transmigration through the slit were investigated. Under a fixed driving force, the cell with higher elasticity can be elongated more and pass faster through the slit. When the slit width decreases to 2/3 of the cell diameter, the spherical cell becomes jammed despite reducing its elasticity modulus by 10 times. However, transforming the cell from a spherical to ellipsoidal shape and increasing the cell surface area by merely 9.3 % can enable the cell to pass through the narrow slit. Therefore, the cell shape and surface area increase play a more important role than the cell elasticity in cell passing through the narrow slit. In addition, the simulation results indicate that the cell migration velocity decreases during entrance but increases during exit of the slit, which is qualitatively in agreement with the experimental observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L L Xiao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - S Chen
- School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - B M Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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35
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Zhang L, Zeng M, Fu BM. Inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase decreases breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231 adhesion to intact microvessels under physiological flows. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016; 310:H1735-47. [PMID: 27059076 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00109.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) at different concentrations may promote or inhibit tumor growth and metastasis under various conditions. To test the hypothesis that tumor cells prefer to adhere to the locations with a higher endothelial NO production in intact microvessels under physiological flows and to further test that inhibiting NO production decreases tumor cell adhesion, we used intravital fluorescence microscopy to measure NO production and tumor cell adhesion in postcapillary venules of rat mesentery under normal and reduced flow conditions, and in the presence of an endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor, N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA). Rats (SD, 250-300 g) were anesthetized. A midline incision (∼2 inch) was made in the abdominal wall, and the mesentery was taken out from the abdominal cavity and spread over a coverslip for the measurement. An individual postcapillary venule (35-50 μm) was first loaded with 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2 DA), a fluorescent indictor for NO. Then the DAF-2 intensity was measured for 30 min under a normal or reduced flow velocity, with and without perfusion with MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, and in the presence of l-NMMA. We found that tumor cells prefer to adhere to the microvessel locations with a higher NO production such as curved portions. Inhibition of eNOS by l-NMMA attenuated the flow-induced NO production and reduced tumor cell adhesion. We also found that l-NMMA treatment for ∼40 min reduced microvessel permeability to albumin. Our results suggest that inhibition of eNOS is a good approach to preventing tumor cell adhesion to intact microvessels under physiological flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Min Zeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Bingmei M Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, New York
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