1
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Cassel SE, Huntington BM, Chen W, Lei P, Andreadis ST, Kloxin AM. Dynamic reporters for probing real-time activation of human fibroblasts from single cells to populations. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:026127. [PMID: 38938687 PMCID: PMC11209894 DOI: 10.1063/5.0166152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Activation of fibroblasts is pivotal for wound healing; however, persistent activation leads to maladaptive processes and is a hallmark of fibrosis, where disease mechanisms are only partially understood. Human in vitro model systems complement in vivo animal models for both hypothesis testing and drug evaluation to improve the identification of therapeutics relevant to human disease. Despite advances, a challenge remains in understanding the dynamics of human fibroblast responses to complex microenvironment stimuli, motivating the need for more advanced tools to investigate fibrotic mechanisms. This work established approaches for assessing the temporal dynamics of these responses using genetically encoded fluorescent reporters of alpha smooth muscle actin expression, an indicator of fibroblast activation. Specifically, we created a toolset of human lung fibroblast reporter cell lines from different origins (male, female; healthy, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and used three different versions of the reporter with the fluorescent protein modified to exhibit different temporal stabilities, providing temporal resolution of protein expression processes over a range of timescales. Using this toolset, we demonstrated that reporters provide insight into population shifts in response to both mechanical and biochemical cues that are not detectable by traditional end point assessments with differential responses based on cell origin. Furthermore, individual cells can also be tracked over time, with opportunities for comparison to complementary end point measurements. The establishment of this reporter toolset enables dynamic cell investigations that can be translated into more complex synthetic culture environments for elucidating disease mechanisms and evaluating therapeutics for lung fibrosis and other complex biological processes more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E. Cassel
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | - Breanna M. Huntington
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | - Wilfred Chen
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | - Pedro Lei
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260-4200, USA
| | - Stelios T. Andreadis
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260-4200, USA
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2
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Major G, Ahn M, Cho WW, Santos M, Wise J, Phillips E, Wise SG, Jang J, Rnjak-Kovacina J, Woodfield T, Lim KS. Programming temporal stiffness cues within extracellular matrix hydrogels for modelling cancer niches. Mater Today Bio 2024; 25:101004. [PMID: 38420142 PMCID: PMC10900776 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening is a common occurrence during the progression of many diseases, such as breast cancer. To accurately mimic the pathophysiological context of disease within 3D in vitro models, there is high demand for smart biomaterials which replicate the dynamic and temporal mechanical cues of diseased states. This study describes a preclinical disease model, using breast cancer as an example, which replicates the dynamic plasticity of the tumour microenvironment by incorporating temporal (3-week progression) biomechanical cues within a tissue-specific hydrogel microenvironment. The composite hydrogel formulation, integrating adipose-derived decellularised ECM (AdECM) and silk fibroin, was initially crosslinked using a visible light-mediated system, and then progressively stiffened through spontaneous secondary structure interactions inherent between the polymer chains (∼10-15 kPa increase, with a final stiffness of 25 kPa). When encapsulated and cultured in vitro, MCF-7 breast cancer cells initially formed numerous, large spheroids (>1000 μm2 in area), however, with progressive temporal stiffening, cells demonstrated growth arrest and underwent phenotypic changes resulting in intratumoral heterogeneity. Unlike widely-investigated static mechanical models, this stiffening hydrogel allowed for progressive phenotypic changes to be observed, and fostered the development of mature organoid-like spheroids, which mimicked both the organisation and acinar-structures of mature breast epithelium. The spheroids contained a central population of cells which expressed aggressive cellular programs, evidenced by increased fibronectin expression and reduction of E-cadherin. The phenotypic heterogeneity observed using this model is more reflective of physiological tumours, demonstrating the importance of establishing temporal cues within preclinical models in future work. Overall, the developed model demonstrated a novel strategy to uncouple ECM biomechanical properties from the cellular complexities of the disease microenvironment and offers the potential for wide applicability in other 3D in vitro disease models through addition of tissue-specific dECM materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretel Major
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Minjun Ahn
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea
| | - Won-Woo Cho
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea
| | - Miguel Santos
- Applied Materials Group, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jessika Wise
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Elisabeth Phillips
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Steven G Wise
- Applied Materials Group, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jinah Jang
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea
| | - Jelena Rnjak-Kovacina
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Tim Woodfield
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Khoon S Lim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Light-Activated Materials Group, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia
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3
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Nizamoglu M, Alleblas F, Koster T, Borghuis T, Vonk JM, Thomas MJ, White ES, Watson CK, Timens W, El Kasmi KC, Melgert BN, Heijink IH, Burgess JK. Three dimensional fibrotic extracellular matrix directs microenvironment fiber remodeling by fibroblasts. Acta Biomater 2024; 177:118-131. [PMID: 38350556 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), for which effective treatments are limited, results in excessive and disorganized deposition of aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM). An altered ECM microenvironment is postulated to contribute to disease progression through inducing profibrotic behavior of lung fibroblasts, the main producers and regulators of ECM. Here, we examined this hypothesis in a 3D in vitro model system by growing primary human lung fibroblasts in ECM-derived hydrogels from non-fibrotic (control) or IPF lung tissue. Using this model, we compared how control and IPF lung-derived fibroblasts responded in control and fibrotic microenvironments in a combinatorial manner. Culture of fibroblasts in fibrotic hydrogels did not alter in the overall amount of collagen or glycosaminoglycans but did cause a drastic change in fiber organization compared to culture in control hydrogels. High-density collagen percentage was increased by control fibroblasts in IPF hydrogels at day 7, but decreased at day 14. In contrast, IPF fibroblasts only decreased the high-density collagen percentage at day 14, which was accompanied by enhanced fiber alignment in IPF hydrogels. Similarly, stiffness of fibrotic hydrogels was increased only by control fibroblasts by day 14 while those of control hydrogels were not altered by fibroblasts. These data highlight how the ECM-remodeling responses of fibroblasts are influenced by the origin of both the cells and the ECM. Moreover, by showing how the 3D microenvironment plays a crucial role in directing cells, our study paves the way in guiding future investigations examining fibrotic processes with respect to ECM remodeling responses of fibroblasts. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we investigated the influence of the altered extracellular matrix (ECM) in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), using a 3D in vitro model system composed of ECM-derived hydrogels from both IPF and control lungs, seeded with human IPF and control lung fibroblasts. While our results indicated that fibrotic microenvironment did not change the overall collagen or glycosaminoglycan content, it resulted in a dramatically alteration of fiber organization and mechanical properties. Control fibroblasts responded differently from IPF fibroblasts, highlighting the unique instructive role of the fibrotic ECM and the interplay with fibroblast origin. These results underscore the importance of 3D microenvironments in guiding pro-fibrotic responses, offering potential insights for future IPF therapies as well as other fibrotic diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Frederique Alleblas
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Taco Koster
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Theo Borghuis
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Judith M Vonk
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Epidemiology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew J Thomas
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Eric S White
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT, United States
| | - Carolin K Watson
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Wim Timens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Karim C El Kasmi
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Barbro N Melgert
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Irene H Heijink
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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4
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Montesi SB, Gomez CR, Beers M, Brown R, Chattopadhyay I, Flaherty KR, Garcia CK, Gomperts B, Hariri LP, Hogaboam CM, Jenkins RG, Kaminski N, Kim GHJ, Königshoff M, Kolb M, Kotton DN, Kropski JA, Lasky J, Magin CM, Maher TM, McCormick M, Moore BB, Nickerson-Nutter C, Oldham J, Podolanczuk AJ, Raghu G, Rosas I, Rowe SM, Schmidt WT, Schwartz D, Shore JE, Spino C, Craig JM, Martinez FJ. Pulmonary Fibrosis Stakeholder Summit: A Joint NHLBI, Three Lakes Foundation, and Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Workshop Report. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 209:362-373. [PMID: 38113442 PMCID: PMC10878386 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202307-1154ws] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite progress in elucidation of disease mechanisms, identification of risk factors, biomarker discovery, and the approval of two medications to slow lung function decline in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and one medication to slow lung function decline in progressive pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis remains a disease with a high morbidity and mortality. In recognition of the need to catalyze ongoing advances and collaboration in the field of pulmonary fibrosis, the NHLBI, the Three Lakes Foundation, and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation hosted the Pulmonary Fibrosis Stakeholder Summit on November 8-9, 2022. This workshop was held virtually and was organized into three topic areas: 1) novel models and research tools to better study pulmonary fibrosis and uncover new therapies, 2) early disease risk factors and methods to improve diagnosis, and 3) innovative approaches toward clinical trial design for pulmonary fibrosis. In this workshop report, we summarize the content of the presentations and discussions, enumerating research opportunities for advancing our understanding of the pathogenesis, treatment, and outcomes of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian R. Gomez
- Division of Lung Diseases, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Michael Beers
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert Brown
- Program in Neurotherapeutics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worchester, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Christine Kim Garcia
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Lida P. Hariri
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Cory M. Hogaboam
- Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - R. Gisli Jenkins
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Grace Hyun J. Kim
- Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, and
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Melanie Königshoff
- Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Martin Kolb
- Division of Respirology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darrell N. Kotton
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jonathan A. Kropski
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Joseph Lasky
- Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Chelsea M. Magin
- Department of Bioengineering
- Department of Pediatrics
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Toby M. Maher
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | | | | | - Anna J. Podolanczuk
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Ganesh Raghu
- Division of Pulmonary, Sleep and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ivan Rosas
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Steven M. Rowe
- Department of Medicine and
- Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | - David Schwartz
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - Cathie Spino
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - J. Matthew Craig
- Division of Lung Diseases, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Fernando J. Martinez
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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5
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Blomberg R, Sompel K, Hauer C, Smith AJ, Peña B, Driscoll J, Hume PS, Merrick DT, Tennis MA, Magin CM. Hydrogel-Embedded Precision-Cut Lung Slices Model Lung Cancer Premalignancy Ex Vivo. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302246. [PMID: 37953708 PMCID: PMC10872976 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302246] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading global cause of cancer-related deaths. Although smoking cessation is the best prevention, 50% of lung cancer diagnoses occur in people who have quit smoking. Research into treatment options for high-risk patients is constrained to rodent models, which are time-consuming, expensive, and require large cohorts. Embedding precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) within an engineered hydrogel and exposing this tissue to vinyl carbamate, a carcinogen from cigarette smoke, creates an in vitro model of lung cancer premalignancy. Hydrogel formulations are selected to promote early lung cancer cellular phenotypes and extend PCLS viability to six weeks. Hydrogel-embedded PCLS are exposed to vinyl carbamate, which induces adenocarcinoma in mice. Analysis of proliferation, gene expression, histology, tissue stiffness, and cellular content after six weeks reveals that vinyl carbamate induces premalignant lesions with a mixed adenoma/squamous phenotype. Putative chemoprevention agents diffuse through the hydrogel and induce tissue-level changes. The design parameters selected using murine tissue are validated with hydrogel-embedded human PCLS and results show increased proliferation and premalignant lesion gene expression patterns. This tissue-engineered model of human lung cancer premalignancy is the foundation for more sophisticated ex vivo models that enable the study of carcinogenesis and chemoprevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Blomberg
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver |Anschutz, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kayla Sompel
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Caroline Hauer
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Alex J Smith
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Brisa Peña
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver |Anschutz, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute & Adult Medical Genetics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Jennifer Driscoll
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, 80206, USA
| | - Patrick S Hume
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, 80206, USA
| | - Daniel T Merrick
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Meredith A Tennis
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Chelsea M Magin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver |Anschutz, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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6
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Crandell P, Stowers R. Spatial and Temporal Control of 3D Hydrogel Viscoelasticity through Phototuning. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:6860-6869. [PMID: 38019272 PMCID: PMC10716813 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of the extracellular environment can regulate a variety of cellular functions, such as spreading, migration, proliferation, and even differentiation and phenotypic determination. Much effort has been directed at understanding the effects of the extracellular matrix (ECM) elastic modulus and, more recently, stress relaxation on cellular processes. In physiological contexts such as development, wound healing, and fibrotic disease progression, ECM mechanical properties change substantially over time or space. Dynamically tunable hydrogel platforms have been developed to spatiotemporally modulate a gel's elastic modulus. However, dynamically altering the stress relaxation rate of a hydrogel remains a challenge. Here, we present a strategy to tune hydrogel stress relaxation rates in time or space using a light-triggered tethering of poly(ethylene glycol) to alginate. We show that the stress relaxation rate can be tuned without altering the elastic modulus of the hydrogel. We found that cells are capable of sensing and responding to dynamic stress relaxation rate changes, both morphologically and through differences in proliferation rates. We also exploited the light-based technique to generate spatial patterns of stress relaxation rates in 3D hydrogels. We anticipate that user-directed control of the 3D hydrogel stress relaxation rate will be a powerful tool that enables studies that mimic dynamic ECM contexts or as a means to guide cell fate in space and time for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Crandell
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, University of
California, Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93016, United States
| | - Ryan Stowers
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, University of
California, Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93016, United States
- Biological
Engineering Program, University of California,
Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
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7
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Li X, Shan J, Chen X, Cui H, Wen G, Yu Y. Decellularized diseased tissues: current state-of-the-art and future directions. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e399. [PMID: 38020712 PMCID: PMC10661834 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Decellularized matrices derived from diseased tissues/organs have evolved in the most recent years, providing novel research perspectives for understanding disease occurrence and progression and providing accurate pseudo models for developing new disease treatments. Although decellularized matrix maintaining the native composition, ultrastructure, and biomechanical characteristics of extracellular matrix (ECM), alongside intact and perfusable vascular compartments, facilitates the construction of bioengineered organ explants in vitro and promotes angiogenesis and tissue/organ regeneration in vivo, the availability of healthy tissues and organs for the preparation of decellularized ECM materials is limited. In this paper, we review the research advancements in decellularized diseased matrices. Considering that current research focuses on the matrices derived from cancers and fibrotic organs (mainly fibrotic kidney, lungs, and liver), the pathological characterizations and the applications of these diseased matrices are mainly discussed. Additionally, a contrastive analysis between the decellularized diseased matrices and decellularized healthy matrices, along with the development in vitro 3D models, is discussed in this paper. And last, we have provided the challenges and future directions in this review. Deep and comprehensive research on decellularized diseased tissues and organs will promote in-depth exploration of source materials in tissue engineering field, thus providing new ideas for clinical transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryShanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jianyang Shan
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryShanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryShanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- College of Fisheries and Life ScienceShanghai Ocean UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Haomin Cui
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryShanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Gen Wen
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryShanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yaling Yu
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryShanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Institute of Microsurgery on ExtremitiesShanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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8
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Nizamoglu M, Joglekar MM, Almeida CR, Larsson Callerfelt AK, Dupin I, Guenat OT, Henrot P, van Os L, Otero J, Elowsson L, Farre R, Burgess JK. Innovative three-dimensional models for understanding mechanisms underlying lung diseases: powerful tools for translational research. Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:230042. [PMID: 37495250 PMCID: PMC10369168 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0042-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lung diseases result from alteration and/or destruction of lung tissue, inevitably causing decreased breathing capacity and quality of life for patients. While animal models have paved the way for our understanding of pathobiology and the development of therapeutic strategies for disease management, their translational capacity is limited. There is, therefore, a well-recognised need for innovative in vitro models to reflect chronic lung diseases, which will facilitate mechanism investigation and the advancement of new treatment strategies. In the last decades, lungs have been modelled in healthy and diseased conditions using precision-cut lung slices, organoids, extracellular matrix-derived hydrogels and lung-on-chip systems. These three-dimensional models together provide a wide spectrum of applicability and mimicry of the lung microenvironment. While each system has its own limitations, their advantages over traditional two-dimensional culture systems, or even over animal models, increases the value of in vitro models. Generating new and advanced models with increased translational capacity will not only benefit our understanding of the pathobiology of lung diseases but should also shorten the timelines required for discovery and generation of new therapeutics. This article summarises and provides an outline of the European Respiratory Society research seminar "Innovative 3D models for understanding mechanisms underlying lung diseases: powerful tools for translational research", held in Lisbon, Portugal, in April 2022. Current in vitro models developed for recapitulating healthy and diseased lungs are outlined and discussed with respect to the challenges associated with them, efforts to develop best practices for model generation, characterisation and utilisation of models and state-of-the-art translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Both authors contributed equally
| | - Mugdha M Joglekar
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Both authors contributed equally
| | - Catarina R Almeida
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Isabelle Dupin
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, Université de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Olivier T Guenat
- Organs-on-Chip Technologies, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Henrot
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, Université de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- Service d'exploration fonctionnelle respiratoire, CHU de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Lisette van Os
- Organs-on-Chip Technologies, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jorge Otero
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Linda Elowsson
- Lung Biology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ramon Farre
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
- Institut Investigacions Biomediques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, Groningen, The Netherlands
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9
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Hewawasam RS, Blomberg R, Šerbedžija P, Magin CM. Chemical Modification of Human Decellularized Extracellular Matrix for Incorporation into Phototunable Hybrid-Hydrogel Models of Tissue Fibrosis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:15071-15083. [PMID: 36917510 PMCID: PMC11177228 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c18330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis remains a serious health condition with high morbidity and mortality rates. There is a critical need to engineer model systems that better recapitulate the spatial and temporal changes in the fibrotic extracellular microenvironment and enable study of the cellular and molecular alterations that occur during pathogenesis. Here, we present a process for chemically modifying human decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) and incorporating it into a dynamically tunable hybrid-hydrogel system containing a poly(ethylene glycol)-α methacrylate (PEGαMA) backbone. Following modification and characterization, an off-stoichiometry thiol-ene Michael addition reaction resulted in hybrid-hydrogels with mechanical properties that could be tuned to recapitulate many healthy tissue types. Next, photoinitiated, free-radical homopolymerization of excess α-methacrylates increased crosslinking density and hybrid-hydrogel elastic modulus to mimic a fibrotic microenvironment. The incorporation of dECM into the PEGαMA hydrogel decreased the elastic modulus and, relative to fully synthetic hydrogels, increased the swelling ratio, the average molecular weight between crosslinks, and the mesh size of hybrid-hydrogel networks. These changes were proportional to the amount of dECM incorporated into the network. Dynamic stiffening increased the elastic modulus and decreased the swelling ratio, average molecular weight between crosslinks, and the mesh size of hybrid-hydrogels, as expected. Stiffening also activated human fibroblasts, as measured by increases in average cellular aspect ratio (1.59 ± 0.02 to 2.98 ± 0.20) and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA). Fibroblasts expressing αSMA increased from 25.8 to 49.1% upon dynamic stiffening, demonstrating that hybrid-hydrogels containing human dECM support investigation of dynamic mechanosensing. These results improve our understanding of the biomolecular networks formed within hybrid-hydrogels: this fully human phototunable hybrid-hydrogel system will enable researchers to control and decouple the biochemical changes that occur during fibrotic pathogenesis from the resulting increases in stiffness to study the dynamic cell-matrix interactions that perpetuate fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukshika S Hewawasam
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver|Anschutz Medical Campus, 2115 Scranton Street, Suite 3010, Aurora, Colorado 80045-2559, United States
| | - Rachel Blomberg
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver|Anschutz Medical Campus, 2115 Scranton Street, Suite 3010, Aurora, Colorado 80045-2559, United States
| | - Predrag Šerbedžija
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver|Anschutz Medical Campus, 2115 Scranton Street, Suite 3010, Aurora, Colorado 80045-2559, United States
| | - Chelsea M Magin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver|Anschutz Medical Campus, 2115 Scranton Street, Suite 3010, Aurora, Colorado 80045-2559, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 2115 Scranton Street, Suite 3010, Aurora, Colorado 80045-2559, United States
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 2115 Scranton Street, Suite 3010, Aurora, Colorado 80045-2559, United States
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10
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Blomberg R, Sompel K, Hauer C, Pe A B, Driscoll J, Hume PS, Merrick DT, Tennis MA, Magin CM. Tissue-engineered models of lung cancer premalignancy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.15.532835. [PMID: 36993773 PMCID: PMC10055140 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.15.532835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading global cause of cancer-related deaths. Although smoking cessation is the best preventive action, nearly 50% of all lung cancer diagnoses occur in people who have already quit smoking. Research into treatment options for these high-risk patients has been constrained to rodent models of chemical carcinogenesis, which are time-consuming, expensive, and require large numbers of animals. Here we show that embedding precision-cut lung slices within an engineered hydrogel and exposing this tissue to a carcinogen from cigarette smoke creates an in vitro model of lung cancer premalignancy. Hydrogel formulations were selected to promote early lung cancer cellular phenotypes and extend PCLS viability up to six weeks. In this study, hydrogel-embedded lung slices were exposed to the cigarette smoke derived carcinogen vinyl carbamate, which induces adenocarcinoma in mice. At six weeks, analysis of proliferation, gene expression, histology, tissue stiffness, and cellular content revealed that vinyl carbamate induced the formation of premalignant lesions with a mixed adenoma/squamous phenotype. Two putative chemoprevention agents were able to freely diffuse through the hydrogel and induce tissue-level changes. The design parameters selected using murine tissue were validated with hydrogel-embedded human PCLS and results showed increased proliferation and premalignant lesion gene expression patterns. This tissue-engineered model of human lung cancer premalignancy is the starting point for more sophisticated ex vivo models and a foundation for the study of carcinogenesis and chemoprevention strategies.
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11
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Nizamoglu M, Burgess JK. Current possibilities and future opportunities provided by three-dimensional lung ECM-derived hydrogels. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1154193. [PMID: 36969853 PMCID: PMC10034771 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1154193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the complex interplay between cells and extracellular matrix (ECM), the scaffold that provides support, biochemical and biomechanical cues, is emerging as a key element underlying lung diseases. We readily acknowledge that the lung is a flexible, relatively soft tissue that is three dimensional (3D) in structure, hence a need exists to develop in vitro model systems that reflect these properties. Lung ECM-derived hydrogels have recently emerged as a model system that mimics native lung physiology; they contain most of the plethora of biochemical components in native lung, as well as reflecting the biomechanics of native tissue. Research investigating the contribution of cell:matrix interactions to acute and chronic lung diseases has begun adopting these models but has yet to harness their full potential. This perspective article provides insight about the latest advances in the development, modification, characterization and utilization of lung ECM-derived hydrogels. We highlight some opportunities for expanding research incorporating lung ECM-derived hydrogels and potential improvements for the current approaches. Expanding the capabilities of investigations using lung ECM-derived hydrogels is positioned at a cross roads of disciplines, the path to new and innovative strategies for unravelling disease underlying mechanisms will benefit greatly from interdisciplinary approaches. While challenges need to be addressed before the maximum potential can be unlocked, with the rapid pace at which this field is evolving, we are close to a future where faster, more efficient and safer drug development targeting the disrupted 3D microenvironment is possible using lung ECM-derived hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Janette K. Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Janette K. Burgess,
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12
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Weiss DJ. What is the need and why is it time for innovative models for understanding lung repair and regeneration? Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1130074. [PMID: 36860303 PMCID: PMC9968746 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1130074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in tissue engineering continue at a rapid pace and have provided novel methodologies and insights into normal cell and tissue homeostasis, disease pathogenesis, and new potential therapeutic strategies. The evolution of new techniques has particularly invigorated the field and span a range from novel organ and organoid technologies to increasingly sophisticated imaging modalities. This is particularly relevant for the field of lung biology and diseases as many lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic fibrosis (IPF), among others, remain incurable with significant morbidity and mortality. Advances in lung regenerative medicine and engineering also offer new potential avenues for critical illnesses such as the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) which also continue to have significant morbidity and mortality. In this review, an overview of lung regenerative medicine with focus on current status of both structural and functional repair will be presented. This will serve as a platform for surveying innovative models and techniques for study, highlighting the need and timeliness for these approaches.
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