1
|
Paukner D, Jennings IR, Cyron CJ, Humphrey JD. Dynamic biaxial loading of vascular smooth muscle cell seeded tissue equivalents. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 157:106639. [PMID: 38970943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106639] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
An intricate reciprocal relationship exists between adherent synthetic cells and their extracellular matrix (ECM). These cells deposit, organize, and degrade the ECM, which in turn influences cell phenotype via responses that include sensitivity to changes in the mechanical state that arises from changes in external loading. Collagen-based tissue equivalents are commonly used as simple but revealing model systems to study cell-matrix interactions. Nevertheless, few quantitative studies report changes in the forces that the cells establish and maintain in such gels under dynamic loading. Moreover, most prior studies have been limited to uniaxial experiments despite many soft tissues, including arteries, experiencing multiaxial loading in vivo. To begin to close this gap, we use a custom biaxial bioreactor to subject collagen gels seeded with primary aortic smooth muscle cells to different biaxial loading conditions. These conditions include cyclic loading with different amplitudes as well as different mechanical constraints at the boundaries of a cruciform sample. Irrespective of loading amplitude and boundary condition, similar mean steady-state biaxial forces emerged across all tests. Additionally, stiffness-force relationships assessed via intermittent equibiaxial force-extension tests showed remarkable similarity for ranges of forces to which the cells adapted during periods of cyclic loading. Taken together, these findings are consistent with a load-mediated homeostatic response by vascular smooth muscle cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Paukner
- Institute for Continuum and Material Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | | | - Christian J Cyron
- Institute for Continuum and Material Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hang JT, Wang H, Wang BC, Xu GK. Anisotropic power-law viscoelasticity of living cells is dominated by cytoskeletal network structure. Acta Biomater 2024; 180:197-205. [PMID: 38599439 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.04.002] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
During physiological and pathological processes, cells experience significant morphological alterations with the re-arrangement of cytoskeletal filaments, resulting in anisotropic viscoelasticity. Here, a structure-based cell model is proposed to study the anisotropic viscoelastic mechanical behaviors of living cells. We investigate how cell shape affects its creep responses in longitudinal and perpendicular directions. It is shown that cells exhibit power-law rheological behavior in both longitudinal and perpendicular directions under step stress, with a more solid-like behavior along the longitudinal direction. We reveal that the cell volume and cytoskeletal filament orientation, which have been neglected in most existing models, play a critical role in regulating cellular anisotropic viscoelasticity. The stiffness of the cell in both directions increases linearly with increasing its aspect ratio, due to the decrease of cell volume. Moreover, the increase in the cell's aspect ratio produces the aggregation of cytoskeletal filaments along the longitudinal direction, resulting in higher stiffness in this direction. It is also shown that the increase in cell's aspect ratio corresponds to a process of cellular ordering, which can be quantitatively characterized by the orientational entropy of cytoskeletal filaments. In addition, we present a simple yet robust method to establish the relationship between cell's aspect ratio and cell volume, thus providing a theoretical framework to capture the anisotropic viscoelastic behavior of cells. This study suggests that the structure-based cell models may be further developed to investigate cellular rheological responses to external mechanical stimuli and may be extended to the tissue scale. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The viscoelastic behaviors of cells hold significant importance in comprehending the roles of mechanical forces in embryo development, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. Here, a structure-based cell model is proposed to study the anisotropic viscoelastic mechanical behaviors of living cells. Our study highlights the crucial role of previously neglected factors, such as cell volume and cytoskeletal filament orientation, in regulating cellular anisotropic viscoelasticity. We further propose an orientational entropy of cytoskeletal filaments to quantitatively characterize the ordering process of cells with increasing aspect ratios. Moreover, we derived the analytical interrelationships between cell aspect ratio, cell stiffness, cell volume, and cytoskeletal fiber orientation. This study provides a theoretical framework to describe the anisotropic viscoelastic mechanical behavior of cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiu-Tao Hang
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Bi-Cong Wang
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Guang-Kui Xu
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhu Z, Liu Z, Zhang D, Li L, Pei J, Cai L. Models for calcific aortic valve disease in vivo and in vitro. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 13:6. [PMID: 38424219 PMCID: PMC10904700 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-024-00189-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Calcific Aortic Valve Disease (CAVD) is prevalent among the elderly as the most common valvular heart disease. Currently, no pharmaceutical interventions can effectively reverse or prevent CAVD, making valve replacement the primary therapeutic recourse. Extensive research spanning decades has contributed to the establishment of animal and in vitro cell models, which facilitates a deeper understanding of the pathophysiological progression and underlying mechanisms of CAVD. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary and analysis of the strengths and limitations associated with commonly employed models for the study of valve calcification. We specifically emphasize the advancements in three-dimensional culture technologies, which replicate the structural complexity of the valve. Furthermore, we delve into prospective recommendations for advancing in vivo and in vitro model studies of CAVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zijin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Zhirong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Donghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China.
| | - Jianqiu Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Lin Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Peters MM, Brister JK, Tang EM, Zhang FW, Lucian VM, Trackey PD, Bone Z, Zimmerman JF, Jin Q, Burpo FJ, Parker KK. Self-organizing behaviors of cardiovascular cells on synthetic nanofiber scaffolds. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:046114. [PMID: 38046543 PMCID: PMC10693444 DOI: 10.1063/5.0172423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In tissues and organs, the extracellular matrix (ECM) helps maintain inter- and intracellular architectures that sustain the structure-function relationships defining physiological homeostasis. Combining fiber scaffolds and cells to form engineered tissues is a means of replicating these relationships. Engineered tissues' fiber scaffolds are designed to mimic the topology and chemical composition of the ECM network. Here, we asked how cells found in the heart compare in their propensity to align their cytoskeleton and self-organize in response to topological cues in fibrous scaffolds. We studied cardiomyocytes, valvular interstitial cells, and vascular endothelial cells as they adapted their inter- and intracellular architectures to the extracellular space. We used focused rotary jet spinning to manufacture aligned fibrous scaffolds to mimic the length scale and three-dimensional (3D) nature of the native ECM in the muscular, valvular, and vascular tissues of the heart. The representative cardiovascular cell types were seeded onto fiber scaffolds and infiltrated the fibrous network. We measured different cell types' propensity for cytoskeletal alignment in response to fiber scaffolds with differing levels of anisotropy. The results indicated that valvular interstitial cells on moderately anisotropic substrates have a higher propensity for cytoskeletal alignment than cardiomyocytes and vascular endothelial cells. However, all cell types displayed similar levels of alignment on more extreme (isotropic and highly anisotropic) fiber scaffold organizations. These data suggest that in the hierarchy of signals that dictate the spatiotemporal organization of a tissue, geometric cues within the ECM and cellular networks may homogenize behaviors across cell populations and demographics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael M. Peters
- Disease Biophysics Group, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02134, USA
| | - Jackson K. Brister
- Disease Biophysics Group, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02134, USA
| | - Edward M. Tang
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, USA
| | - Felita W. Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, USA
| | - Veronica M. Lucian
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, USA
| | - Paul D. Trackey
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, USA
| | - Zachary Bone
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, USA
| | - John F. Zimmerman
- Disease Biophysics Group, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02134, USA
| | - Qianru Jin
- Disease Biophysics Group, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02134, USA
| | - F. John Burpo
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Snyder Y, Jana S. Strategies for Development of Synthetic Heart Valve Tissue Engineering Scaffolds. PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE 2023; 139:101173. [PMID: 37981978 PMCID: PMC10655624 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2023.101173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The current clinical solutions, including mechanical and bioprosthetic valves for valvular heart diseases, are plagued by coagulation, calcification, nondurability, and the inability to grow with patients. The tissue engineering approach attempts to resolve these shortcomings by producing heart valve scaffolds that may deliver patients a life-long solution. Heart valve scaffolds serve as a three-dimensional support structure made of biocompatible materials that provide adequate porosity for cell infiltration, and nutrient and waste transport, sponsor cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, and allow for extracellular matrix production that together contributes to the generation of functional neotissue. The foundation of successful heart valve tissue engineering is replicating native heart valve architecture, mechanics, and cellular attributes through appropriate biomaterials and scaffold designs. This article reviews biomaterials, the fabrication of heart valve scaffolds, and their in-vitro and in-vivo evaluations applied for heart valve tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuriy Snyder
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Soumen Jana
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bracco Gartner TCL, Wang Y, Leiteris L, van Adrichem I, Marsman J, Goumans MJ, Bouten CVC, Sluijter JPG, den Toonder JMJ, Suyker WJL, Hjortnaes J. Cyclic strain has antifibrotic effects on the human cardiac fibroblast transcriptome in a human cardiac fibrosis-on-a-chip platform. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 144:105980. [PMID: 37399762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105980] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
In cardiac fibrosis, in response to stress or injury, cardiac fibroblasts deposit excessive amounts of collagens which contribute to the development of heart failure. The biochemical stimuli in this process have been extensively studied, but the influence of cyclic deformation on the fibrogenic behavior of cardiac fibroblasts in the ever-beating heart is not fully understood. In fact, most investigated mechanotransduction pathways in cardiac fibroblasts seem to ultimately have profibrotic effects, which leaves an important question in cardiac fibrosis research unanswered: how do cardiac fibroblasts stay quiescent in the ever-beating human heart? In this study, we developed a human cardiac fibrosis-on-a-chip platform and utilized it to investigate if and how cyclic strain affects fibrogenic signaling. The pneumatically actuated platform can expose engineered tissues to controlled strain magnitudes of 0-25% - which covers the entire physiological and pathological strain range in the human heart - and to biochemical stimuli and enables high-throughput screening of multiple samples. Microtissues of human fetal cardiac fibroblasts (hfCF) embedded in gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) were 3D-cultured on this platform and exposed to strain conditions which mimic the healthy human heart. The results provide evidence of an antifibrotic effect of the applied strain conditions on cardiac fibroblast behavior, emphasizing the influence of biomechanical stimuli on the fibrogenic process and giving a detailed overview of the mechanosensitive pathways and genes involved, which can be used in the development of novel therapies against cardiac fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom C L Bracco Gartner
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ye Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University Eindhoven, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Laurynas Leiteris
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Iris van Adrichem
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Judith Marsman
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marie José Goumans
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V C Bouten
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap M J den Toonder
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Willem J L Suyker
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jesper Hjortnaes
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
West TM, Howsmon DP, Massidda MW, Vo HN, Janobas AA, Baker AB, Sacks MS. The effects of strain history on aortic valve interstitial cell activation in a 3D hydrogel environment. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:026101. [PMID: 37035541 PMCID: PMC10076067 DOI: 10.1063/5.0138030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aortic valves (AVs) undergo unique stretch histories that include high rates and magnitudes. While major differences in deformation patterns have been observed between normal and congenitally defective bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs), the relation to underlying mechanisms of rapid disease onset in BAV patients remains unknown. To evaluate how the variations in stretch history affect AV interstitial cell (AVIC) activation, high-throughput methods were developed to impart varied cyclical biaxial stretch histories into 3D poly(ethylene) glycol hydrogels seeded with AVICs for 48 h. Specifically, a physiologically mimicking stretch history was compared to two stretch histories with varied peak stretch and stretch rate. Post-conditioned AVICs were imaged for nuclear shape, alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and vimentin (VMN) polymerization, and small mothers against decapentaplegic homologs 2 and 3 (SMAD 2/3) nuclear activity. The results indicated that bulk gel deformations were accurately transduced to the AVICs. Lower peak stretches lead to increased αSMA polymerization. In contrast, VMN polymerization was a function of stretch rate, with SMAD 2/3 nuclear localization and nuclear shape also trending toward stretch rate dependency. Lower than physiological levels of stretch rate led to higher SMAD 2/3 activity, higher VMN polymerization around the nucleus, and lower nuclear elongation. αSMA polymerization did not correlate with VMN polymerization, SMAD 2/3 activity, nor nuclear shape. These results suggest that a negative feedback loop may form between SMAD 2/3, VMN, and nuclear shape to maintain AVIC homeostatic nuclear deformations, which is dependent on stretch rate. These novel results suggest that AVIC mechanobiological responses are sensitive to stretch history and provide insight into the mechanisms of AV disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toni M. West
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modelling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Austin, Texas 78711, USA
| | - Daniel P. Howsmon
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modelling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Austin, Texas 78711, USA
| | - Miles W. Massidda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78711, USA
| | | | | | - Aaron B. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78711, USA
| | - Michael S. Sacks
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modelling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Austin, Texas 78711, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Melo-Fonseca F, Carvalho O, Gasik M, Miranda G, Silva FS. Mechanical stimulation devices for mechanobiology studies: a market, literature, and patents review. Biodes Manuf 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s42242-023-00232-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
AbstractSignificant advancements in various research and technological fields have contributed to remarkable findings on the physiological dynamics of the human body. To more closely mimic the complex physiological environment, research has moved from two-dimensional (2D) culture systems to more sophisticated three-dimensional (3D) dynamic cultures. Unlike bioreactors or microfluidic-based culture models, cells are typically seeded on polymeric substrates or incorporated into 3D constructs which are mechanically stimulated to investigate cell response to mechanical stresses, such as tensile or compressive. This review focuses on the working principles of mechanical stimulation devices currently available on the market or custom-built by research groups or protected by patents and highlights the main features still open to improvement. These are the features which could be focused on to perform, in the future, more reliable and accurate mechanobiology studies.
Graphic abstract
Collapse
|
9
|
Dwivedi KK, Lakhani P, Sihota P, Tikoo K, Kumar S, Kumar N. The multiscale characterization and constitutive modeling of healthy and type 2 diabetes mellitus Sprague Dawley rat skin. Acta Biomater 2023; 158:324-346. [PMID: 36565785 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.12.037] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), elevated glucose level impairs the biochemistry of the skin which may result in alteration of its mechanical and structural properties. The several aspects of structural and mechanical changes in skin due to T2DM remain poorly understood. To fill these research gaps, we developed a non-obese T2DM rat (Sprague Dawley (SD)) model for investigating the effect of T2DM on the in vivo strain stress state, mechanical and structural properties of skin. In vivo strain and mechanical anisotropy of healthy and T2DM skin were measured using the digital imaging correlation (DIC) technique and DIC coupled bulge experiment, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy and histology were used to assess the collagen and elastin fibers microstructure whereas nanoscale structure was captured through atomic force microscopy (AFM). Based on the microstructural observations, skin was modeled as a multilayer membrane where in and out of plane distribution of collagen fibers and planar distribution of elastin fibers were cast in constitutive model. Further, the state of in vivo stresses of healthy and T2DM were measured using model parameters and in vivo strain in the constitutive model. The results showed that T2DM causes significant loss in in vivo stresses (p < 0.01) and increase in anisotropy (p < 0.001) of skin. These changes were found in good correlation with T2DM associated alteration in skin microstructure. Statistical analysis emphasized that increase in blood glucose concentration (HbA1c) was the main cause of impaired biomechanical properties of skin. The presented data in this study can help to understand the skin pathology and to simulate the skin related clinical procedures. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Our study is significant as it presents findings related to the effect of T2DM on the physiologic stress strain, structural and mechanical response of SD rat skin. In this study, we developed a non-obese T2DM SD rat model which mimics the phenotype of Asian type 2 diabetics (non-obese). Several structural and mechanical characterization techniques were explored for multiscale characterization of healthy and T2DM skin. Further, based on microstructural information, we presented the constitutive models that incorporate the real microstructure of skin. The presented results can be helpful to simulate the realistic mechanical response of skin during various clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krashn Kr Dwivedi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian institute of Technology Ropar, India
| | - Piyush Lakhani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian institute of Technology Ropar, India
| | - Praveer Sihota
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian institute of Technology Ropar, India
| | - Kulbhushan Tikoo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali, India
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian institute of Technology Ropar, India.
| | - Navin Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian institute of Technology Ropar, India; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian institute of Technology Ropar, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dalbosco M, Carniel TA, Fancello EA, Holzapfel GA. Multiscale simulations suggest a protective role of neo-adventitia in abdominal aortic aneurysms. Acta Biomater 2022; 146:248-258. [PMID: 35526737 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.04.049] [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: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a dangerous cardiovascular disease, the pathogenesis of which is not yet fully understood. In the present work a recent mechanopathological theory, which correlates AAA progression with microstructural and mechanical alterations in the tissue, is investigated using multiscale models. The goal is to combine these changes, within the framework of mechanobiology, with possible mechanical cues that are sensed by vascular cells along the AAA pathogenesis. Particular attention is paid to the formation of a 'neo-adventitia' on the abluminal side of the aortic wall, which is characterized by a highly random (isotropic) distribution of collagen fibers. Macro- and micro-scale results suggest that the formation of an AAA, as expected, perturbs the micromechanical state of the aortic tissue and triggers a growth and remodeling (G&R) reaction by mechanosensing cells such as fibroblasts. This G&R then leads to the formation of a thick neo-adventitia that appears to bring the micromechanical state of the tissue closer to the original homeostatic level. In this context, this new layer could act like a protective sheath, similar to the tunica adventitia in healthy aortas. This potential 'attempt at healing' by vascular cells would have important implications on the stability of the AAA wall and thus on the risk of rupture. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Current clinical criteria for risk assessment in AAAs are still empirical, as the causes and mechanisms of the disease are not yet fully understood. The strength of the arterial tissue is closely related to its microstructure, which in turn is remodeled by mechanosensing cells in the course of the disease. In this study, multiscale simulations show a possible connection between mechanical cues at the microscopic level and collagen G&R in AAA tissue. It should be emphasized that these micromechanical cues cannot be visualized in vivo. Therefore, the results presented here will help to advance our current understanding of the disease and motivate future experimental studies, with important implications for AAA risk assessment.
Collapse
|
11
|
Design of a Mechanobioreactor to Apply Anisotropic, Biaxial Strain to Large Thin Biomaterials for Tissue Engineered Heart Valve Applications. Ann Biomed Eng 2022; 50:1073-1089. [PMID: 35622208 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-022-02984-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Repair and replacement solutions for congenitally diseased heart valves capable of post-surgery growth and adaptation have remained elusive. Tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs) offer a potential biological solution that addresses the drawbacks of existing valve replacements. Typically, TEHVs are made from thin, fibrous biomaterials that either become cell populated in vitro or in situ. Often, TEHV designs poorly mimic the anisotropic mechanical properties of healthy native valves leading to inadequate biomechanical function. Mechanical conditioning of engineered tissues with anisotropic strain application can induce extracellular matrix remodelling to alter the anisotropic mechanical properties of a construct, but implementation has been limited to small-scale set-ups. To address this limitation for TEHV applications, we designed and built a mechanobioreactor capable of modulating biaxial strain anisotropy applied to large, thin, biomaterial sheets in vitro. The bioreactor can independently control two orthogonal stretch axes to modulate applied strain anisotropy on biomaterial sheets from 13 × 13 mm2 to 70 × 40 mm2. A design of experiments was performed using experimentally validated finite element (FE) models and demonstrated that biaxial strain was applied uniformly over a larger percentage of the cell seeded area for larger sheets (13 × 13 mm2: 58% of sheet area vs. 52 × 31 mm2: 86% of sheet area). Furthermore, bioreactor prototypes demonstrated that over 70% of the cell seeding area remained uniformly strained under different prescribed protocols: equibiaxial amplitudes between 5 to 40%, cyclic frequencies between 0.1 to 2.5 Hz and anisotropic strain ratios between 0:1 (constrained uniaxial) to 2:1. Lastly, proof-of-concept experiments were conducted where we applied equibiaxial (εx = εy = 8.75%) and anisotropic (εx = 12.5%, εy = 5%) strain protocols to cell-seeded, electrospun scaffolds. Cell nuclei and F-actin aligned to the vector-sum strain direction of each prescribed protocol (nuclei alignment: equibiaxial: 43.2° ± 1.8°, anisotropic: 17.5° ± 1.7°; p < 0.001). The abilities of this bioreactor to prescribe different strain amplitude, frequency and strain anisotropy protocols to cell-seeded scaffolds will enable future studies into the effects of anisotropic loading protocols on mechanically conditioned TEHVs and other engineered planar connective tissues.
Collapse
|
12
|
Tandon I, Ozkizilcik A, Ravishankar P, Balachandran K. Aortic valve cell microenvironment: Considerations for developing a valve-on-chip. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2021; 2:041303. [PMID: 38504720 PMCID: PMC10903420 DOI: 10.1063/5.0063608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac valves are sophisticated, dynamic structures residing in a complex mechanical and hemodynamic environment. Cardiac valve disease is an active and progressive disease resulting in severe socioeconomic burden, especially in the elderly. Valve disease also leads to a 50% increase in the possibility of associated cardiovascular events. Yet, valve replacement remains the standard of treatment with early detection, mitigation, and alternate therapeutic strategies still lacking. Effective study models are required to further elucidate disease mechanisms and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Organ-on-chip models offer a unique and powerful environment that incorporates the ease and reproducibility of in vitro systems along with the complexity and physiological recapitulation of the in vivo system. The key to developing effective valve-on-chip models is maintaining the cell and tissue-level microenvironment relevant to the study application. This review outlines the various components and factors that comprise and/or affect the cell microenvironment that ought to be considered while constructing a valve-on-chip model. This review also dives into the advancements made toward constructing valve-on-chip models with a specific focus on the aortic valve, that is, in vitro studies incorporating three-dimensional co-culture models that incorporate relevant extracellular matrices and mechanical and hemodynamic cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Tandon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Asya Ozkizilcik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Prashanth Ravishankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Kartik Balachandran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Immuno-regenerative biomaterials for in situ cardiovascular tissue engineering - Do patient characteristics warrant precision engineering? Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 178:113960. [PMID: 34481036 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In situ tissue engineering using bioresorbable material implants - or scaffolds - that harness the patient's immune response while guiding neotissue formation at the site of implantation is emerging as a novel therapy to regenerate human tissues. For the cardiovascular system, the use of such implants, like blood vessels and heart valves, is gradually entering the stage of clinical translation. This opens up the question if and to what extent patient characteristics influence tissue outcomes, necessitating the precision engineering of scaffolds to guide patient-specific neo-tissue formation. Because of the current scarcity of human in vivo data, herein we review and evaluate in vitro and preclinical investigations to predict the potential role of patient-specific parameters like sex, age, ethnicity, hemodynamics, and a multifactorial disease profile, with special emphasis on their contribution to the inflammation-driven processes of in situ tissue engineering. We conclude that patient-specific conditions have a strong impact on key aspects of in situ cardiovascular tissue engineering, including inflammation, hemodynamic conditions, scaffold resorption, and tissue remodeling capacity, suggesting that a tailored approach may be required to engineer immuno-regenerative biomaterials for safe and predictive clinical applicability.
Collapse
|
14
|
Karakaya C, van Asten JGM, Ristori T, Sahlgren CM, Loerakker S. Mechano-regulated cell-cell signaling in the context of cardiovascular tissue engineering. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2021; 21:5-54. [PMID: 34613528 PMCID: PMC8807458 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-021-01521-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular tissue engineering (CVTE) aims to create living tissues, with the ability to grow and remodel, as replacements for diseased blood vessels and heart valves. Despite promising results, the (long-term) functionality of these engineered tissues still needs improvement to reach broad clinical application. The functionality of native tissues is ensured by their specific mechanical properties directly arising from tissue organization. We therefore hypothesize that establishing a native-like tissue organization is vital to overcome the limitations of current CVTE approaches. To achieve this aim, a better understanding of the growth and remodeling (G&R) mechanisms of cardiovascular tissues is necessary. Cells are the main mediators of tissue G&R, and their behavior is strongly influenced by both mechanical stimuli and cell-cell signaling. An increasing number of signaling pathways has also been identified as mechanosensitive. As such, they may have a key underlying role in regulating the G&R of tissues in response to mechanical stimuli. A more detailed understanding of mechano-regulated cell-cell signaling may thus be crucial to advance CVTE, as it could inspire new methods to control tissue G&R and improve the organization and functionality of engineered tissues, thereby accelerating clinical translation. In this review, we discuss the organization and biomechanics of native cardiovascular tissues; recent CVTE studies emphasizing the obtained engineered tissue organization; and the interplay between mechanical stimuli, cell behavior, and cell-cell signaling. In addition, we review past contributions of computational models in understanding and predicting mechano-regulated tissue G&R and cell-cell signaling to highlight their potential role in future CVTE strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cansu Karakaya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jordy G M van Asten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Tommaso Ristori
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cecilia M Sahlgren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.,Faculty of Science and Engineering, Biosciences, Åbo Akademi, Turku, Finland
| | - Sandra Loerakker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands. .,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Walker M, Godin M, Pelling AE. Mechanical stretch sustains myofibroblast phenotype and function in microtissues through latent TGF-β1 activation. Integr Biol (Camb) 2021; 12:199-210. [PMID: 32877929 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyaa015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Developing methods to study tissue mechanics and myofibroblast activation may lead to new targets for therapeutic treatments that are urgently needed for fibrotic disease. Microtissue arrays are a promising approach to conduct relatively high-throughput research into fibrosis as they recapitulate key biomechanical aspects of the disease through a relevant 3D extracellular environment. In early work, our group developed a device called the MVAS-force to stretch microtissues while enabling simultaneous assessment of their dynamic mechanical behavior. Here, we investigated TGF-β1-induced fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation in microtissue cultures using our MVAS-force device through assessing α-SMA expression, contractility and stiffness. In doing so, we linked cell-level phenotypic changes to functional changes that characterize the clinical manifestation of fibrotic disease. As expected, TGF-β1 treatment promoted a myofibroblastic phenotype and microtissues became stiffer and possessed increased contractility. These changes were partially reversible upon TGF-β1 withdrawal under a static condition, while, in contrast, long-term cyclic stretching maintained myofibroblast activation. This pro-fibrotic effect of mechanical stretching was absent when TGF-β1 receptors were inhibited. Furthermore, stretching promoted myofibroblast differentiation when microtissues were given latent TGF-β1. Altogether, these results suggest that external mechanical stretch may activate latent TGF-β1 and, accordingly, might be a powerful stimulus for continued myofibroblast activation to progress fibrosis. Further exploration of this pathway with our approach may yield new insights into myofibroblast activation and more effective therapeutic treatments for fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Walker
- Department of Biology, Gendron Hall, 30 Marie Curie, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N5N5, Canada
| | - Michel Godin
- Department of Physics, 150 Louis Pasteur pvt., STEM Complex, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colonel By Hall, 161 Louis Pasteur, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N6N5, Canada.,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Colonel By Hall, 161 Louis Pasteur, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N6N5, Canada
| | - Andrew E Pelling
- Department of Biology, Gendron Hall, 30 Marie Curie, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N5N5, Canada.,Department of Physics, 150 Louis Pasteur pvt., STEM Complex, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.,Institute for Science Society and Policy, Simard Hall, 60 University, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N5N5, Canada.,SymbioticA, School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Leslie MN, Chou J, Young PM, Traini D, Bradbury P, Ong HX. How Do Mechanics Guide Fibroblast Activity? Complex Disruptions during Emphysema Shape Cellular Responses and Limit Research. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:110. [PMID: 34436113 PMCID: PMC8389228 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8080110] [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: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The emphysema death toll has steadily risen over recent decades, causing the disease to become the third most common cause of death worldwide in 2019. Emphysema is currently incurable and could be due to a genetic condition (Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency) or exposure to pollutants/irritants, such as cigarette smoke or poorly ventilated cooking fires. Despite the growing burden of emphysema, the mechanisms behind emphysematous pathogenesis and progression are not fully understood by the scientific literature. A key aspect of emphysematous progression is the destruction of the lung parenchyma extracellular matrix (ECM), causing a drastic shift in the mechanical properties of the lung (known as mechanobiology). The mechanical properties of the lung such as the stiffness of the parenchyma (measured as the elastic modulus) and the stretch forces required for inhalation and exhalation are both reduced in emphysema. Fibroblasts function to maintain the structural and mechanical integrity of the lung parenchyma, yet, in the context of emphysema, these fibroblasts appear incapable of repairing the ECM, allowing emphysema to progress. This relationship between the disturbances in the mechanical cues experienced by an emphysematous lung and fibroblast behaviour is constantly overlooked and consequently understudied, thus warranting further research. Interestingly, the failure of current research models to integrate the altered mechanical environment of an emphysematous lung may be limiting our understanding of emphysematous pathogenesis and progression, potentially disrupting the development of novel treatments. This review will focus on the significance of emphysematous lung mechanobiology to fibroblast activity and current research limitations by examining: (1) the impact of mechanical cues on fibroblast activity and the cell cycle, (2) the potential role of mechanical cues in the diminished activity of emphysematous fibroblasts and, finally, (3) the limitations of current emphysematous lung research models and treatments as a result of the overlooked emphysematous mechanical environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathew N. Leslie
- Respiratory Technology, The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia; (M.N.L.); (P.M.Y.); (D.T.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Healthy and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Joshua Chou
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Paul M. Young
- Respiratory Technology, The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia; (M.N.L.); (P.M.Y.); (D.T.)
- Department of Marketing, Macquarie Business School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Daniela Traini
- Respiratory Technology, The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia; (M.N.L.); (P.M.Y.); (D.T.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Healthy and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Peta Bradbury
- Respiratory Technology, The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia; (M.N.L.); (P.M.Y.); (D.T.)
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia;
- Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic and Tumoral Development Group, UMR168—Laboratoire Physico-Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, 75248 Paris, France
| | - Hui Xin Ong
- Respiratory Technology, The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia; (M.N.L.); (P.M.Y.); (D.T.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Healthy and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Engineering the aortic valve extracellular matrix through stages of development, aging, and disease. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2021; 161:1-8. [PMID: 34339757 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2021.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
For such a thin tissue, the aortic valve possesses an exquisitely complex, multi-layered extracellular matrix (ECM), and disruptions to this structure constitute one of the earliest hallmarks of fibrocalcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). The native valve structure provides a challenging target for engineers to mimic, but the development of advanced, ECM-based scaffolds may enable mechanistic and therapeutic discoveries that are not feasible in other culture or in vivo platforms. This review first discusses the ECM changes that occur during heart valve development, normal aging, onset of early-stage disease, and progression to late-stage disease. We then provide an overview of the bottom-up tissue engineering strategies that have been used to mimic the valvular ECM, and opportunities for advancement in these areas.
Collapse
|
18
|
Dey K, Roca E, Ramorino G, Sartore L. Progress in the mechanical modulation of cell functions in tissue engineering. Biomater Sci 2021; 8:7033-7081. [PMID: 33150878 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01255f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, mechanics at multiple stages-nucleus to cell to ECM-underlie multiple physiological and pathological functions from its development to reproduction to death. Under this inspiration, substantial research has established the role of multiple aspects of mechanics in regulating fundamental cellular processes, including spreading, migration, growth, proliferation, and differentiation. However, our understanding of how these mechanical mechanisms are orchestrated or tuned at different stages to maintain or restore the healthy environment at the tissue or organ level remains largely a mystery. Over the past few decades, research in the mechanical manipulation of the surrounding environment-known as substrate or matrix or scaffold on which, or within which, cells are seeded-has been exceptionally enriched in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. To do so, traditional tissue engineering aims at recapitulating key mechanical milestones of native ECM into a substrate for guiding the cell fate and functions towards specific tissue regeneration. Despite tremendous progress, a big puzzle that remains is how the cells compute a host of mechanical cues, such as stiffness (elasticity), viscoelasticity, plasticity, non-linear elasticity, anisotropy, mechanical forces, and mechanical memory, into many biological functions in a cooperative, controlled, and safe manner. High throughput understanding of key cellular decisions as well as associated mechanosensitive downstream signaling pathway(s) for executing these decisions in response to mechanical cues, solo or combined, is essential to address this issue. While many reports have been made towards the progress and understanding of mechanical cues-particularly, substrate bulk stiffness and viscoelasticity-in regulating the cellular responses, a complete picture of mechanical cues is lacking. This review highlights a comprehensive view on the mechanical cues that are linked to modulate many cellular functions and consequent tissue functionality. For a very basic understanding, a brief discussion of the key mechanical players of ECM and the principle of mechanotransduction process is outlined. In addition, this review gathers together the most important data on the stiffness of various cells and ECM components as well as various tissues/organs and proposes an associated link from the mechanical perspective that is not yet reported. Finally, beyond addressing the challenges involved in tuning the interplaying mechanical cues in an independent manner, emerging advances in designing biomaterials for tissue engineering are also explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamol Dey
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Driscoll K, Cruz AD, Butcher JT. Inflammatory and Biomechanical Drivers of Endothelial-Interstitial Interactions in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease. Circ Res 2021; 128:1344-1370. [PMID: 33914601 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.318011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease is dramatically increasing in global burden, yet no therapy exists outside of prosthetic replacement. The increasing proportion of younger and more active patients mandates alternative therapies. Studies suggest a window of opportunity for biologically based diagnostics and therapeutics to alleviate or delay calcific aortic valve disease progression. Advancement, however, has been hampered by limited understanding of the complex mechanisms driving calcific aortic valve disease initiation and progression towards clinically relevant interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander D Cruz
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca NY
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Niazy N, Barth M, Selig JI, Feichtner S, Shakiba B, Candan A, Albert A, Preuß K, Lichtenberg A, Akhyari P. Degeneration of Aortic Valves in a Bioreactor System with Pulsatile Flow. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050462. [PMID: 33922670 PMCID: PMC8145810 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease is the most common valvular heart disease in industrialized countries. Pulsatile pressure, sheer and bending stress promote initiation and progression of aortic valve degeneration. The aim of this work is to establish an ex vivo model to study the therein involved processes. Ovine aortic roots bearing aortic valve leaflets were cultivated in an elaborated bioreactor system with pulsatile flow, physiological temperature, and controlled pressure and pH values. Standard and pro-degenerative treatment were studied regarding the impact on morphology, calcification, and gene expression. In particular, differentiation, matrix remodeling, and degeneration were also compared to a static cultivation model. Bioreactor cultivation led to shrinking and thickening of the valve leaflets compared to native leaflets while gross morphology and the presence of valvular interstitial cells were preserved. Degenerative conditions induced considerable leaflet calcification. In comparison to static cultivation, collagen gene expression was stable under bioreactor cultivation, whereas expression of hypoxia-related markers was increased. Osteopontin gene expression was differentially altered compared to protein expression, indicating an enhanced protein turnover. The present ex vivo model is an adequate and effective system to analyze aortic valve degeneration under controlled physiological conditions without the need of additional growth factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naima Niazy
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (N.N.); (M.B.); (J.I.S.); (S.F.); (B.S.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.A.)
| | - Mareike Barth
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (N.N.); (M.B.); (J.I.S.); (S.F.); (B.S.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.A.)
| | - Jessica I. Selig
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (N.N.); (M.B.); (J.I.S.); (S.F.); (B.S.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.A.)
| | - Sabine Feichtner
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (N.N.); (M.B.); (J.I.S.); (S.F.); (B.S.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.A.)
| | - Babak Shakiba
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (N.N.); (M.B.); (J.I.S.); (S.F.); (B.S.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.A.)
| | - Asya Candan
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (N.N.); (M.B.); (J.I.S.); (S.F.); (B.S.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.A.)
| | - Alexander Albert
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (N.N.); (M.B.); (J.I.S.); (S.F.); (B.S.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.A.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Klinikum Dortmund gGmbH, Beurhausstraße 40, 44137 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Karlheinz Preuß
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Bioprocessing, Modulation and Simulation, University of Applied Sciences Mannheim, Paul-Wittsack-Straße 10, 68163 Mannheim, Germany;
| | - Artur Lichtenberg
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (N.N.); (M.B.); (J.I.S.); (S.F.); (B.S.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Payam Akhyari
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (N.N.); (M.B.); (J.I.S.); (S.F.); (B.S.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bracco Gartner TCL, Stein JM, Muylaert DEP, Bouten CVC, Doevendans PA, Khademhosseini A, Suyker WJL, Sluijter JPG, Hjortnaes J. Advanced In Vitro Modeling to Study the Paradox of Mechanically Induced Cardiac Fibrosis. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2021; 27:100-114. [PMID: 33407000 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2020.0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In heart failure, cardiac fibrosis is the result of an adverse remodeling process. Collagen is continuously synthesized in the myocardium in an ongoing attempt of the heart to repair itself. The resulting collagen depositions act counterproductively, causing diastolic dysfunction and disturbing electrical conduction. Efforts to treat cardiac fibrosis specifically have not been successful and the molecular etiology is only partially understood. The differentiation of quiescent cardiac fibroblasts to extracellular matrix-depositing myofibroblasts is a hallmark of cardiac fibrosis and a key aspect of the adverse remodeling process. This conversion is induced by a complex interplay of biochemical signals and mechanical stimuli. Tissue-engineered 3D models to study cardiac fibroblast behavior in vitro indicate that cyclic strain can activate a myofibroblast phenotype. This raises the question how fibroblast quiescence is maintained in the healthy myocardium, despite continuous stimulation of ultimately profibrotic mechanotransductive pathways. In this review, we will discuss the convergence of biochemical and mechanical differentiation signals of myofibroblasts, and hypothesize how these affect this paradoxical quiescence. Impact statement Mechanotransduction pathways of cardiac fibroblasts seem to ultimately be profibrotic in nature, but in healthy human myocardium, cardiac fibroblasts remain quiescent, despite continuous mechanical stimulation. We propose three hypotheses that could explain this paradoxical state of affairs. Furthermore, we provide suggestions for future research, which should lead to a better understanding of fibroblast quiescence and activation, and ultimately to new strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiac fibrosis and heart failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C L Bracco Gartner
- Division of Heart and Lungs, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen M Stein
- Division of Heart and Lungs, Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dimitri E P Muylaert
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V C Bouten
- Division of Soft Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Pieter A Doevendans
- Division of Heart and Lungs, Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Division of Heart and Lungs, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Central Military Hospital, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Department of Bioengineering, Radiology, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics (C-MIT), University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Willem J L Suyker
- Division of Heart and Lungs, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Division of Heart and Lungs, Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jesper Hjortnaes
- Division of Heart and Lungs, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Stassen OMJA, Ristori T, Sahlgren CM. Notch in mechanotransduction - from molecular mechanosensitivity to tissue mechanostasis. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/24/jcs250738. [PMID: 33443070 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.250738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue development and homeostasis are controlled by mechanical cues. Perturbation of the mechanical equilibrium triggers restoration of mechanostasis through changes in cell behavior, while defects in these restorative mechanisms lead to mechanopathologies, for example, osteoporosis, myopathies, fibrosis or cardiovascular disease. Therefore, sensing mechanical cues and integrating them with the biomolecular cell fate machinery is essential for the maintenance of health. The Notch signaling pathway regulates cell and tissue fate in nearly all tissues. Notch activation is directly and indirectly mechanosensitive, and regulation of Notch signaling, and consequently cell fate, is integral to the cellular response to mechanical cues. Fully understanding the dynamic relationship between molecular signaling, tissue mechanics and tissue remodeling is challenging. To address this challenge, engineered microtissues and computational models play an increasingly large role. In this Review, we propose that Notch takes on the role of a 'mechanostat', maintaining the mechanical equilibrium of tissues. We discuss the reciprocal role of Notch in the regulation of tissue mechanics, with an emphasis on cardiovascular tissues, and the potential of computational and engineering approaches to unravel the complex dynamic relationship between mechanics and signaling in the maintenance of cell and tissue mechanostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar M J A Stassen
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Biosciences, Åbo Akademi University, 20500 Turku, Finland.,Turku Bioscience Centre, Åbo Akademi University and University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Tommaso Ristori
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Cecilia M Sahlgren
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Biosciences, Åbo Akademi University, 20500 Turku, Finland .,Turku Bioscience Centre, Åbo Akademi University and University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhang W, Huang G, Xu F. Engineering Biomaterials and Approaches for Mechanical Stretching of Cells in Three Dimensions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:589590. [PMID: 33154967 PMCID: PMC7591716 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.589590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical stretch is widely experienced by cells of different tissues in the human body and plays critical roles in regulating their behaviors. Numerous studies have been devoted to investigating the responses of cells to mechanical stretch, providing us with fruitful findings. However, these findings have been mostly observed from two-dimensional studies and increasing evidence suggests that cells in three dimensions may behave more closely to their in vivo behaviors. While significant efforts and progresses have been made in the engineering of biomaterials and approaches for mechanical stretching of cells in three dimensions, much work remains to be done. Here, we briefly review the state-of-the-art researches in this area, with focus on discussing biomaterial considerations and stretching approaches. We envision that with the development of advanced biomaterials, actuators and microengineering technologies, more versatile and predictive three-dimensional cell stretching models would be available soon for extensive applications in such fields as mechanobiology, tissue engineering, and drug screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zhang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoyou Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ravishankar P, Ozkizilcik A, Husain A, Balachandran K. Anisotropic Fiber-Reinforced Glycosaminoglycan Hydrogels for Heart Valve Tissue Engineering. Tissue Eng Part A 2020; 27:513-525. [PMID: 32723024 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2020.0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates polymer fiber-reinforced protein-polysaccharide-based hydrogels for heart valve tissue engineering applications. Polycaprolactone and gelatin (3:1) blends were jet-spun to fabricate aligned fibers that possessed fiber diameters in the range found in the native heart valve. These fibers were embedded in methacrylated hydrogels made from gelatin, sodium hyaluronate, and chondroitin sulfate to create fiber-reinforced hydrogel composites (HCs). The fiber-reinforced gelatin glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-based HC possessed interconnected porous structures and porosity higher than fiber-only conditions. These fiber-reinforced HCs exhibited compressive modulus and biaxial mechanical behavior comparable to that of native porcine aortic valves. The fiber-reinforced HCs were able to swell higher and degraded less than the hydrogels. Elution studies revealed that less than 20% of incorporated gelatin methacrylate and GAGs were released over 2 weeks, with a steady-state release after the first day. When cultured with porcine valve interstitial cells (VICs), the fiber-reinforced composites were able to maintain higher cell viability compared with fiber-only samples. Quiescent VICs expressed alpha smooth muscle actin and calponin showing an activated phenotype, along with a few cells expressing the proliferation marker Ki67 and negative expression for RUNX2, an osteogenic marker. Our study demonstrated that compared with the hydrogels and fibers alone, combining both components can yield durable, reinforced composites that mimic heart valve mechanical behavior, while maintaining high cell viability and expressing positive activation as well as proliferation markers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth Ravishankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Asya Ozkizilcik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Anushae Husain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Kartik Balachandran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Seelbinder B, Scott AK, Nelson I, Schneider SE, Calahan K, Neu CP. TENSCell: Imaging of Stretch-Activated Cells Reveals Divergent Nuclear Behavior and Tension. Biophys J 2020; 118:2627-2640. [PMID: 32407683 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of cellular and nuclear mechanosensation are unclear, partially because of a lack of methods that can reveal dynamic processes. Here, we present a new concept for a low-cost, three-dimensionally printed device that enables high-magnification imaging of cells during stretch. We observed that nuclei of mouse embryonic skin fibroblasts underwent rapid (within minutes) and divergent responses, characterized by nuclear area expansion during 5% strain but nuclear area shrinkage during 20% strain. Only responses to low strain were dependent on calcium signaling, whereas actin inhibition abrogated all nuclear responses and increased nuclear strain transfer and DNA damage. Imaging of actin dynamics during stretch revealed similar divergent trends, with F-actin shifting away from (5% strain) or toward (20% strain) the nuclear periphery. Our findings emphasize the importance of simultaneous stimulation and data acquisition to capture mechanosensitive responses and suggest that mechanical confinement of nuclei through actin may be a protective mechanism during high mechanical stretch or loading.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Seelbinder
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Adrienne K Scott
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Isabel Nelson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Stephanie E Schneider
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Kristin Calahan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Corey P Neu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lei Y, Goldblatt ZE, Billiar KL. Micromechanical Design Criteria for Tissue-Engineering Biomaterials. Biomater Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816137-1.00083-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
27
|
Perbellini F, Watson SA, Scigliano M, Alayoubi S, Tkach S, Bardi I, Quaife N, Kane C, Dufton NP, Simon A, Sikkel MB, Faggian G, Randi AM, Gorelik J, Harding SE, Terracciano CM. Investigation of cardiac fibroblasts using myocardial slices. Cardiovasc Res 2019; 114:77-89. [PMID: 29016704 PMCID: PMC5852538 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are considered the principal regulators of cardiac fibrosis. Factors that influence CF activity are difficult to determine. When isolated and cultured in vitro, CFs undergo rapid phenotypic changes including increased expression of α-SMA. Here we describe a new model to study CFs and their response to pharmacological and mechanical stimuli using in vitro cultured mouse, dog and human myocardial slices. Methods and results Unloading of myocardial slices induced CF proliferation without α-SMA expression up to 7 days in culture. CFs migrating onto the culture plastic support or cultured on glass expressed αSMA within 3 days. The cells on the slice remained αSMA(−) despite transforming growth factor-β (20 ng/ml) or angiotensin II (200 µM) stimulation. When diastolic load was applied to myocardial slices using A-shaped stretchers, CF proliferation was significantly prevented at Days 3 and 7 (P < 0.001). Conclusions Myocardial slices allow the study of CFs in a multicellular environment and may be used to effectively study mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis and potential targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Perbellini
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12?0NN, UK
| | - Samuel A Watson
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12?0NN, UK
| | | | - Samha Alayoubi
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12?0NN, UK
| | - Sebastian Tkach
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12?0NN, UK
| | - Ifigeneia Bardi
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12?0NN, UK
| | - Nicholas Quaife
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12?0NN, UK
| | - Christopher Kane
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12?0NN, UK
| | - Neil P Dufton
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12?0NN, UK
| | - André Simon
- Department of Cardiothoracic Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield, UK
| | - Markus B Sikkel
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12?0NN, UK
| | - Giuseppe Faggian
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna M Randi
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12?0NN, UK
| | - Julia Gorelik
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12?0NN, UK
| | - Sian E Harding
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12?0NN, UK
| | - Cesare M Terracciano
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12?0NN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
van Kelle MAJ, Khalil N, Foolen J, Loerakker S, Bouten CVC. Increased Cell Traction-Induced Prestress in Dynamically Cultured Microtissues. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:41. [PMID: 30915330 PMCID: PMC6422899 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prestress is a phenomenon present in many cardiovascular tissues and has profound implications on their in vivo functionality. For instance, the in vivo mechanical properties are altered by the presence of prestress, and prestress also influences tissue growth and remodeling processes. The development of tissue prestress typically originates from complex growth and remodeling phenomena which yet remain to be elucidated. One particularly interesting mechanism in which prestress develops is by active traction forces generated by cells embedded in the tissue by means of their actin stress fibers. In order to understand how these traction forces influence tissue prestress, many have used microfabricated, high-throughput, micrometer scale setups to culture microtissues which actively generate prestress to specially designed cantilevers. By measuring the displacement of these cantilevers, the prestress response to all kinds of perturbations can be monitored. In the present study, such a microfabricated tissue gauge platform was combined with the commercially available Flexcell system to facilitate dynamic cyclic stretching of microtissues. First, the setup was validated to quantify the dynamic microtissue stretch applied during the experiments. Next, the microtissues were subjected to a dynamic loading regime for 24 h. After this interval, the prestress increased to levels over twice as high compared to static controls. The prestress in these tissues was completely abated when a ROCK-inhibitor was added, showing that the development of this prestress can be completely attributed to the cell-generated traction forces. Finally, after switching the microtissues back to static loading conditions, or when removing the ROCK-inhibitor, prestress magnitudes were restored to original values. These findings show that intrinsic cell-generated prestress is a highly controlled parameter, where the actin stress fibers serve as a mechanostat to regulate this prestress. Since almost all cardiovascular tissues are exposed to a dynamic loading regime, these findings have important implications for the mechanical testing of these tissues, or when designing cardiovascular tissue engineering therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu A J van Kelle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Nilam Khalil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Jasper Foolen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Sandra Loerakker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V C Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Duan B, Xu C, Das S, Chen JM, Butcher JT. Spatial Regulation of Valve Interstitial Cell Phenotypes within Three-Dimensional Micropatterned Hydrogels. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:1416-1425. [PMID: 33405617 PMCID: PMC10951959 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b01280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the third leading cause of cardiovascular disease. CAVD exhibits progressive disruption of the normally highly organized and aligned extracellular matrix (ECM) structure within the valve leaflets simultaneously with myofibroblastic and/or osteogenic differentiation of indigenous endogenous valve interstitial cells (VIC). It is unclear how the alignment of VIC within their 3D microenvironment drives VIC phenotype or how alignment affects cellular responses to biochemical cues in physiological or pathological conditions. In this study, we implement a photolithographic technique to control the alignment and elongation of both normal and diseased human aortic VIC (HAVIC) within microengineered 3D hydrogels consisting of methacrylated hyaluronic acid and methacrylated gelatin. Stripe micropatterning created distinct alignment of HAVIC within a 3D culture system, which promoted spreading and enhanced their activation and osteogenic differentiation in pro-osteogenic conditions. HAVIC from a patient with CAVD exhibited greater susceptibility to myofibroblastic and osteogenic differentiation in culture. The roles of conjugated basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) and RhoA/ROCK pathway in regulating HAVIC phenotypes were also investigated in the presence of aligned microtopography. The addition of bFGF was preventative to osteogenic differentiation for healthy HAVIC; however, it promoted osteogenic differentiation in diseased HAVIC. Inhibition of the ROCK pathway only decreased osteogenic differentiation for diseased HAVIC in the aligned formation. Collectively, these results improve our knowledge of the effects that VIC alignment has on VIC phenotypes and valve disease progression. The cell culture platform also enables a better understanding of the interplay between topography, biochemical cues, and VIC differentiation and provides information useful for directing differentiation as well as valve tissue regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Duan
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Charlie Xu
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Shoshana Das
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Jonathan T. Butcher
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ali MS, Wang X, Lacerda CMR. The effect of physiological stretch and the valvular endothelium on mitral valve proteomes. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2019; 244:241-251. [PMID: 30722697 PMCID: PMC6425102 DOI: 10.1177/1535370219829006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT This work is important to the field of heart valve pathophysiology as it provides new insights into molecular markers of mechanically induced valvular degeneration as well as the protective role of the valvular endothelium. These discoveries reported here advance our current knowledge of the valvular endothelium and how its removal essentially takes valve leaflets into an environmental shock. In addition, it shows that static conditions represent a mild pathological state for valve leaflets, while 10% cyclic stretch provides valvular cell quiescence. These findings impact the field by informing disease stages and by providing potential new drug targets to reverse or slow down valvular change before it affects cardiac function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mir S Ali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3121, USA
| | - Xinmei Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3121, USA
| | - Carla MR Lacerda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3121, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Walker A, Kim J, Wyatt J, Terlouw A, Balachandran K, Wolchok J. Repeated In Vitro Impact Conditioning of Astrocytes Decreases the Expression and Accumulation of Extracellular Matrix. Ann Biomed Eng 2019; 47:967-979. [PMID: 30706307 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-019-02219-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pathological changes to the physical and chemical properties of brain extracellular matrix (ECM) occur following injury. It is generally assumed that astrocytes play an important role in these changes. What remain unclear are the triggers that lead to changes in the regulation of ECM by astrocytes following injury. We hypothesize that mechanical stimulation triggers genotypic and phenotypic changes to astrocytes that could ultimately reshape the ECM composition of the central nervous system following injury. To explore astrocyte mechanobiology, an in vitro drop test bioreactor was employed to condition primary rat astrocytes using short duration (10 ms), high deceleration (150G) and strain (20%) impact stimuli. Experiments were designed to explore the effect of single and repeated impact (single vs. double) on mechano-sensitive behavior including cell viability; ECM gene (collagens I and IV, fibronectin, neurocan, versican) and reactivity gene [glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100B, vimentin] expression; matrix regulatory cytokine secretion [matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)]; and matrix accumulation [collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG)]. Experiments revealed that both ECM and reactive gliosis gene expression was significantly decreased in response to impact conditioning. The decreases for several genes, including collagen, versican, and GFAP were sensitive to impact number, suggesting mechano-sensitivity to repeated impact conditioning. The measured decreases in ECM gene expression were supported by longer-term in vitro experiments that demonstrated significant decreases in chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) and collagen accumulation within impact conditioned 3-D scaffolds accompanied by a 25% decrease in elastic modulus. Overall, the general trend across all samples was towards altered ECM and reactive gliosis gene expression in response to impact. These results suggest that the regulation of ECM production by astrocytes is sensitive to mechanical stimuli, and that repeated impact conditioning may increase this sensitivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Addison Walker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, 125 Engineering Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Johntaehwan Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, 125 Engineering Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Joseph Wyatt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, 125 Engineering Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Abby Terlouw
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, 125 Engineering Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Kartik Balachandran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, 125 Engineering Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Jeffrey Wolchok
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, 125 Engineering Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kong M, Lee J, Yazdi IK, Miri AK, Lin YD, Seo J, Zhang YS, Khademhosseini A, Shin SR. Cardiac Fibrotic Remodeling on a Chip with Dynamic Mechanical Stimulation. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1801146. [PMID: 30609312 PMCID: PMC6546425 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201801146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac tissue is characterized by being dynamic and contractile, imparting the important role of biomechanical cues in the regulation of normal physiological activity or pathological remodeling. However, the dynamic mechanical tension ability also varies due to extracellular matrix remodeling in fibrosis, accompanied with the phenotypic transition from cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) to myofibroblasts. It is hypothesized that the dynamic mechanical tension ability regulates cardiac phenotypic transition within fibrosis in a strain-mediated manner. In this study, a microdevice that is able to simultaneously and accurately mimic the biomechanical properties of the cardiac physiological and pathological microenvironment is developed. The microdevice can apply cyclic compressions with gradient magnitudes (5-20%) and tunable frequency onto gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels laden with CFs, and also enables the integration of cytokines. The strain-response correlations between mechanical compression and CFs spreading, and proliferation and fibrotic phenotype remolding, are investigated. Results reveal that mechanical compression plays a crucial role in the CFs phenotypic transition, depending on the strain of mechanical load and myofibroblast maturity of CFs encapsulated in GelMA hydrogels. The results provide evidence regarding the strain-response correlation of mechanical stimulation in CFs phenotypic remodeling, which can be used to develop new preventive or therapeutic strategies for cardiac fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Kong
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Yushan Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003, China
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Junmin Lee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
- Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics (C-MIT), University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI), University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
| | - Iman K. Yazdi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amir K. Miri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yi-Dong Lin
- Divisions of Genetics and Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115, USA
| | - Jungmok Seo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 14 Hwarang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
- Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics (C-MIT), University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI), University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
- Department of Bioindustrial Technologies, College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, Konkuk University, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Ryon Shin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Gould RA, Aziz H, Woods CE, Seman-Senderos MA, Sparks E, Preuss C, Wünnemann F, Bedja D, Moats CR, McClymont SA, Rose R, Sobreira N, Ling H, MacCarrick G, Kumar AA, Luyckx I, Cannaerts E, Verstraeten A, Björk HM, Lehsau AC, Jaskula-Ranga V, Lauridsen H, Shah AA, Bennett CL, Ellinor PT, Lin H, Isselbacher EM, Lino Cardenas CL, Butcher JT, Hughes GC, Lindsay ME, Mertens L, Franco-Cereceda A, Verhagen JMA, Wessels M, Mohamed SA, Eriksson P, Mital S, Van Laer L, Loeys BL, Andelfinger G, McCallion AS, Dietz HC. ROBO4 variants predispose individuals to bicuspid aortic valve and thoracic aortic aneurysm. Nat Genet 2019; 51:42-50. [PMID: 30455415 PMCID: PMC6309588 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-018-0265-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital heart defect (population incidence, 1-2%)1-3 that frequently presents with ascending aortic aneurysm (AscAA)4. BAV/AscAA shows autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance and male predominance. Causative gene mutations (for example, NOTCH1, SMAD6) are known for ≤1% of nonsyndromic BAV cases with and without AscAA5-8, impeding mechanistic insight and development of therapeutic strategies. Here, we report the identification of variants in ROBO4 (which encodes a factor known to contribute to endothelial performance) that segregate with disease in two families. Targeted sequencing of ROBO4 showed enrichment for rare variants in BAV/AscAA probands compared with controls. Targeted silencing of ROBO4 or mutant ROBO4 expression in endothelial cell lines results in impaired barrier function and a synthetic repertoire suggestive of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This is consistent with BAV/AscAA-associated findings in patients and in animal models deficient for ROBO4. These data identify a novel endothelial etiology for this common human disease phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Russell A Gould
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hamza Aziz
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Courtney E Woods
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Sparks
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christoph Preuss
- Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - Florian Wünnemann
- Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Djahida Bedja
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cassandra R Moats
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sarah A McClymont
- Center for Inherited Disease Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca Rose
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nara Sobreira
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hua Ling
- Center for Inherited Disease Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gretchen MacCarrick
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ajay Anand Kumar
- Center for Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ilse Luyckx
- Center for Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elyssa Cannaerts
- Center for Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Aline Verstraeten
- Center for Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hanna M Björk
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, University Hospital Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann-Cathrin Lehsau
- Department of Cardiac and Thoracic Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Vinod Jaskula-Ranga
- Wilmer Eye Institute in the Department of Ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Henrik Lauridsen
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Christopher L Bennett
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patrick T Ellinor
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Massachussets General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Honghuang Lin
- Section of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric M Isselbacher
- Thoracic Aortic Center, Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christian Lacks Lino Cardenas
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan T Butcher
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - G Chad Hughes
- Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mark E Lindsay
- Thoracic Aortic Center and Cardiovascular Genetics Program, Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luc Mertens
- Division of Cardiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Labatt Family Heart Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anders Franco-Cereceda
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Judith M A Verhagen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marja Wessels
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Salah A Mohamed
- Department of Cardiac and Thoracic Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Per Eriksson
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, University Hospital Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Seema Mital
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lut Van Laer
- Center for Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bart L Loeys
- Center for Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gregor Andelfinger
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Andrew S McCallion
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Harry C Dietz
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
A 3D printed mechanical bioreactor for investigating mechanobiology and soft tissue mechanics. MethodsX 2018; 5:924-932. [PMID: 30167382 PMCID: PMC6111048 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical loading is an important cue for directing stem cell fate and engineered tissue formation in vitro. Stem cells cultured on 2-dimensional (D) substrates and in 3D scaffolds have been shown to differentiate toward bone, tendon, cartilage, ligament, and skeletal muscle lineages depending on their exposure to mechanical stimuli. To apply this mechanical stimulus in vitro, mechanical bioreactors are needed. However, current bioreactor systems are challenged by their high cost, limited ability for customization, and lack of force measurement capabilities. We demonstrate the use of 3-dimensional printing (3DP) technology to design and fabricate a low-cost custom bioreactor system that can be used to apply controlled mechanical stimuli to cells in culture and measure the mechanical properties of small soft tissues. The results of our in vitro studies and mechanical evaluations show that 3DP technology is feasible as a platform for developing a low-cost, customizable, and multifunctional mechanical bioreactor system. • 3DP technology was used to print a multifunctional bioreactor system/tensile load frame for a fraction of the cost of commercial systems. • The system mechanically stimulated cells in culture and evaluated the mechanical properties of soft tissues. • This system is easily customizable and can be used to evaluate multiple types of soft tissues.
Collapse
Key Words
- 3D printing
- 3DP, 3-dimensional printing
- ABS, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
- CAD, computer-aided design
- D, dimensional
- DAPI, 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole
- DAQ, data acquisition device
- DMEM, Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium
- Design and fabrication of a 3D printed mechanical bioreactor system and small-scale tensile load frame
- FBS, fetal bovine serum
- MSC-constructs, MSC-seeded collagen sponges
- MSCs, mesenchymal stem cells
- MTTFs, mouse tail tendon fascicles
- Mechanical bioreactor
- Mechanobiology
- NI, National Instruments
- PBS, phosphate buffered saline
- Soft tissue biomechanics
- Stem cells
- Tissue engineering
Collapse
|
35
|
Lee PY, Liu YC, Wang MX, Hu JJ. Fibroblast-seeded collagen gels in response to dynamic equibiaxial mechanical stimuli: A biomechanical study. J Biomech 2018; 78:134-142. [PMID: 30107900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The remodeling of fibroblast-seeded collagen gels in response to dynamic mechanical stimuli was investigated by using a newly developed biaxial culture system capable of cyclically stretching planar soft tissues. Fibroblast-seeded collagen gels were subjected to three distinct dynamic mechanical conditions for six days: Cyclic Equibiaxial Stretching at two constant strain magnitudes (CES-7% and CES-20%), and Cyclic Equibiaxial Stretching with incrementally Increasing stain magnitude (ICES, 7% → 15% → 20% each for two days). The frequency of cyclic stretching was set at 1 Hz. At the end of culture, mechanical properties of the gels were examined by biaxial mechanical testing and checked again upon the removal of seeded cells. Collagen microstructure within the gels was illustrated by multiphoton microscopy. The mRNA levels of collagen type I and type III and fibronectin in the cells were examined by reverse transcription PCR. The protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin was detected by immunohistochemistry. We found that the gels cultured under cyclic stretching were stiffer than those cultured under static stretching. Particularly, the stiffness appeared to be significantly enhanced when the ICES was employed. The enhancement of mechanical properties by cyclic stretching appeared to persist upon cell removal, suggesting an irreversible remodeling of extracellular matrix. Second harmonic generation images showed that collagen fibers became thicker and more compact in the gels cultured under cyclic stretching, which may explain the mechanical findings. The mRNA expression of collagen type I in the cells of the ICES was significantly greater than that of the other groups except for the CES-20%. This study suggests that when cyclic stretching is to be used in engineering soft tissues, incrementally increasing strain magnitude may prove useful in the development of the tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yuan Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ching Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Xuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Jia Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Guenat OT, Berthiaume F. Incorporating mechanical strain in organs-on-a-chip: Lung and skin. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2018; 12:042207. [PMID: 29861818 PMCID: PMC5962443 DOI: 10.1063/1.5024895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, the advent of microfabrication and microfluidics and an increased interest in cellular mechanobiology have triggered the development of novel microfluidic-based platforms. They aim to incorporate the mechanical strain environment that acts upon tissues and in-vivo barriers of the human body. This article reviews those platforms, highlighting the different strains applied, and the actuation mechanisms and provides representative applications. A focus is placed on the skin and the lung barriers as examples, with a section that discusses the signaling pathways involved in the epithelium and the connective tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - François Berthiaume
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, 08854, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhang Q, Gao B, Yu C. The Effects of Left Ventricular Assist Device Support Level on the Biomechanical States of Aortic Valve. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:2003-2017. [PMID: 29618718 PMCID: PMC5900803 DOI: 10.12659/msm.906903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although aortic valve disease caused by left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support has attracted more and more attention, the precise biomechanical effects of LVAD support level on the aortic valve are still unclear. Material/Methods A structural finite element models study was conducted using an ideal aortic valve geometric model. Four different study conditions were designed, according to the reduction of the open duration of the aortic valve. The isotropic hyperelastic constitutive equation was chosen to reflect the mechanical property of the leaflets. The distribution of the stress, strain, and transient dynamics of the leaflet were calculated. Results Along with the increase of LVAD support level, the open duration of the aortic valve was also reduced by the increase of LVAD support (low support level case 0.23 seconds versus middle support level case 0.2 seconds versus high support level case 0.14 seconds). Moreover, along with the increase of support mode of LVAD, the von Mises stress in most leaflet areas was increased from the low stress level (0–0.4 MPa) to the middle region (0.4–0.8 MPa). Once the leaflets were continuously closed, the high stress level (larger than 0.8 MPa) was observed. In contrast, the support level of LVAD only had slight effects on the distribution of von Mises strain. According to the aforementioned results, maintaining the open duration of aortic valve longer than 0.2 seconds could achieve better performance of biomechanical states of leaflets. Conclusions This study could provide useful information on the determination of optimal LVAD support strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- School of Life Science and BioEngineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Bin Gao
- School of Life Science and BioEngineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Chang Yu
- School of Life Science and BioEngineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China (mainland)
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Growth and remodeling play opposing roles during postnatal human heart valve development. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1235. [PMID: 29352179 PMCID: PMC5775310 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19777-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue growth and remodeling are known to govern mechanical homeostasis in biological tissue, but their relative contributions to homeostasis remain unclear. Here, we use mechanical models, fueled by experimental findings, to demonstrate that growth and remodeling have different effects on heart valve stretch homeostasis during physiological postnatal development. Two developmental stages were considered: early-stage (from infant to adolescent) and late-stage (from adolescent to adult) development. Our models indicated that growth and remodeling play opposing roles in preserving tissue stretch and with time. During early-stage development, excessive tissue stretch was decreased by tissue growth and increased by remodeling. In contrast, during late-stage development tissue stretch was decreased by remodeling and increased by growth. Our findings contribute to an improved understanding of native heart valve adaptation throughout life, and are highly relevant for the development of tissue-engineered heart valves.
Collapse
|
39
|
Kim P, Chu N, Davis J, Kim DH. Mechanoregulation of Myofibroblast Fate and Cardiac Fibrosis. ADVANCED BIOSYSTEMS 2018; 2:1700172. [PMID: 31406913 PMCID: PMC6690497 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201700172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
During myocardial infarction, myocytes die and are replaced by a specialized fibrotic extracellular matrix, otherwise known as scarring. Fibrotic scarring presents a tremendous hemodynamic burden on the heart, as it creates a stiff substrate, which resists diastolic filling. Fibrotic mechanisms result in permanent scarring which often leads to hypertrophy, arrhythmias, and a rapid progression to failure. Despite the deep understanding of fibrosis in other tissues, acquired through previous investigations, the mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis remain unclear. Recent studies suggest that biochemical cues as well as mechanical cues regulate cells in myocardium. However, the steps in myofibroblast transdifferentiation, as well as the molecular mechanisms of such transdifferentiation in vivo, are poorly understood. This review is focused on defining myofibroblast physiology, scar mechanics, and examining current findings of myofibroblast regulation by mechanical stress, stiffness, and topography for understanding fibrotic disease dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Nick Chu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jennifer Davis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pagnozzi LA, Butcher JT. Mechanotransduction Mechanisms in Mitral Valve Physiology and Disease Pathogenesis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2017; 4:83. [PMID: 29312958 PMCID: PMC5744129 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2017.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitral valve exists in a mechanically demanding environment, with the stress of each cardiac cycle deforming and shearing the native fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Cells and their extracellular matrix exhibit a dynamic reciprocity in the growth and formation of tissue through mechanotransduction and continuously adapt to physical cues in their environment through gene, protein, and cytokine expression. Valve disease is the most common congenital heart defect with watchful waiting and valve replacement surgery the only treatment option. Mitral valve disease (MVD) has been linked to a variety of mechano-active genes ranging from extracellular components, mechanotransductive elements, and cytoplasmic and nuclear transcription factors. Specialized cell receptors, such as adherens junctions, cadherins, integrins, primary cilia, ion channels, caveolae, and the glycocalyx, convert mechanical cues into biochemical responses via a complex of mechanoresponsive elements, shared signaling modalities, and integrated frameworks. Understanding mechanosensing and transduction in mitral valve-specific cells may allow us to discover unique signal transduction pathways between cells and their environment, leading to cell or tissue specific mechanically targeted therapeutics for MVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leah A. Pagnozzi
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan T. Butcher
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Nachlas ALY, Li S, Davis ME. Developing a Clinically Relevant Tissue Engineered Heart Valve-A Review of Current Approaches. Adv Healthc Mater 2017; 6. [PMID: 29171921 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs) have the potential to address the shortcomings of current implants through the combination of cells and bioactive biomaterials that promote growth and proper mechanical function in physiological conditions. The ideal TEHV should be anti-thrombogenic, biocompatible, durable, and resistant to calcification, and should exhibit a physiological hemodynamic profile. In addition, TEHVs may possess the capability to integrate and grow with somatic growth, eliminating the need for multiple surgeries children must undergo. Thus, this review assesses clinically available heart valve prostheses, outlines the design criteria for developing a heart valve, and evaluates three types of biomaterials (decellularized, natural, and synthetic) for tissue engineering heart valves. While significant progress has been made in biomaterials and fabrication techniques, a viable tissue engineered heart valve has yet to be translated into a clinical product. Thus, current strategies and future perspectives are also discussed to facilitate the development of new approaches and considerations for heart valve tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline L. Y. Nachlas
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Siyi Li
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Michael E. Davis
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Atlanta GA 30332 USA
- Children's Heart Research & Outcomes (HeRO) Center Children's Healthcare of Atlanta & Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Sinha R, Verdonschot N, Koopman B, Rouwkema J. Tuning Cell and Tissue Development by Combining Multiple Mechanical Signals. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2017; 23:494-504. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2016.0500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Sinha
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Nico Verdonschot
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Orthopaedic Research Lab, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Koopman
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Rouwkema
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Rutkovskiy A, Malashicheva A, Sullivan G, Bogdanova M, Kostareva A, Stensløkken KO, Fiane A, Vaage J. Valve Interstitial Cells: The Key to Understanding the Pathophysiology of Heart Valve Calcification. J Am Heart Assoc 2017; 6:e006339. [PMID: 28912209 PMCID: PMC5634284 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.117.006339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arkady Rutkovskiy
- Division of Physiology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Malashicheva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia
- ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Gareth Sullivan
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Bogdanova
- Division of Physiology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Kostareva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia
- ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kåre-Olav Stensløkken
- Division of Physiology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Arnt Fiane
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jarle Vaage
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Hsieh HY, Chu CW, Chiu MH, Chu SY, Huang TW, Tseng FG. Gradient Strain Chip for Stimulating Cellular Behaviors in Cell-laden Hydrogel. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28809821 DOI: 10.3791/53715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial guidance for cellular alignment is a hot topic in the field of tissue engineering. Most of the previous research has investigated single strain-induced cellular alignment on a cell-laden hydrogel by using complex experimental processes and mass controlling systems, which are usually associated with contamination issues. Thus, in this article, we propose a simple approach to building a gradient static strain using a fluidic chip with a plastic PDMS cover and a UV transparent glass substrate for the stimulation of cellular behavior in a 3D hydrogel. Overloading photo-patternable cell prepolymer in the fluidic chamber can generate a convex curved PDMS membrane on the cover. After UV crosslinking, through a concentric circular micropattern under the curved PDMS membrane, and buffer washing, a microenvironment for investigating cell behaviors under a variety of gradient strains is self-established in a single fluidic chip, without external instruments. NIH3T3 cells were demonstrated after observing the change in the cellular alignment trend under geometry guidance, in cooperation with strain stimulation, which varied from 15 - 65% on hydrogels. After a 3-day incubation, the hydrogel geometry dominated the cell alignment under low compressive strain, where cells aligned along the hydrogel elongation direction under high compressive strain. Between these, the cells showed random alignment due to the dissipation of the radical guidance of hydrogel elongation and the geometry guidance of the patterned hydrogel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yi Hsieh
- Institute of NanoEngineering and MicroSystems, National Tsing Hua University
| | - Chiao-Wen Chu
- Department of Engineering and System, National Tsing Hua University
| | - Ming-Hsuan Chiu
- Institute of NanoEngineering and MicroSystems, National Tsing Hua University
| | - Shueh-Yao Chu
- Department of Engineering and System, National Tsing Hua University
| | - Tsu-Wei Huang
- Department of Engineering and System, National Tsing Hua University
| | - Fan-Gang Tseng
- Institute of NanoEngineering and MicroSystems, National Tsing Hua University; Department of Engineering and System, National Tsing Hua University;
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
A study of extracellular matrix remodeling in aortic heart valves using a novel biaxial stretch bioreactor. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2017; 75:351-358. [PMID: 28783560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In aortic valves, biaxial cyclic stretch is known to modulate cell differentiation, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and organization. We designed a novel bioreactor that can apply independent and precise stretch along radial and circumferential directions in a tissue culture environment. While this bioreactor can be used for either native or engineered tissues, this study determined matrix remodeling and strain distribution of aortic cusps after culturing under biaxial stretch for 14 days. The contents of collagen and glycosaminoglycans were determined using standard biochemical assays and compared with fresh controls. Strain fields in static cusps were more uniform than those in stretched cusps, which indicated degradation of the ECM fibers. The glycosaminoglycan content was significantly elevated in the static control as compared to fresh or stretched cusps, but no difference was observed in collagen content among the groups. The strain profile of freshly isolated fibrosa vs. ventricularis and left, right, and noncoronary cusps were also determined by Digital Image Correlation technique. Distinct strain patterns were observed under stretch on fibrosa and ventricularis sides and among the three cusps. This work highlights the critical role of the anisotropic ECM structure for proper functions of native aortic valves and the beneficial effects of biaxial stretch for maintenance of the native ECM structure.
Collapse
|
46
|
Lam NT, Lam H, Sturdivant NM, Balachandran K. Fabrication of a matrigel-collagen semi-interpenetrating scaffold for use in dynamic valve interstitial cell culture. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 12:045013. [PMID: 28484097 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/aa71be] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The study of heart valve homeostatic and disease mechanisms are often limited by the challenges in simulating the in vivo milieu, where valve cells are surrounded by the extracellular matrix in a three-dimensional (3D) environment and experience multiple dynamic mechanical forces. Type I collagen is typically the most common 3D matrix used to culture valve cells in vitro. Unfortunately, this material has poor mechanical behavior due to an inherent propensity to compact significantly, unlike native valve leaflets. We hypothesized that incorporation of matrigel, which contains other heart valve-relevant matrix components such as type IV collagen and sulfated proteoglycans, to type I collagen would provide an appropriate physiological milieu for in vitro valve interstitial cell culture. Different semi-interpenetrating mixtures of collagen type I and matrigel were prepared and a thorough characterization of their physical, mechanical and biocompatibility properties was performed. We observed that the matrigel-collagen hydrogel was porous and degradable with tunable swelling behavior. Incorporation of matrigel not only enhanced the mechanical behavior of the composite hydrogel but also presented the cultured valve interstitial cells with a more enriched extracellular matrix network for in vitro culture. We showed that cells cultured in the composite hydrogel had comparable viability, proliferation and cell phenotype as compared with those in a collagen only gel. Importantly, the composite hydrogel was also amenable to in vitro cyclic stretching culture for 48 h. Overall, we report here the potential use of the matrigel-collagen hydrogel as a three dimensional scaffold for the dynamic mechanical culture of valve interstitial cells in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Thien Lam
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States of America
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang X, Lee J, Ali M, Kim J, Lacerda CMR. Phenotype Transformation of Aortic Valve Interstitial Cells Due to Applied Shear Stresses Within a Microfluidic Chip. Ann Biomed Eng 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-017-1871-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
48
|
van Kelle MA, Oomen PJ, Bulsink JA, Janssen-van den Broek MW, Lopata RG, Rutten MC, Loerakker S, Bouten CV. A Bioreactor to Identify the Driving Mechanical Stimuli of Tissue Growth and Remodeling. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2017; 23:377-387. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2017.0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu A.J. van Kelle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Pim J.A. Oomen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen A. Bulsink
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Marloes W.J.T. Janssen-van den Broek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Richard G.P. Lopata
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel C.M. Rutten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Loerakker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V.C. Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Pesce M, Santoro R. Feeling the right force: How to contextualize the cell mechanical behavior in physiologic turnover and pathologic evolution of the cardiovascular system. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 171:75-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
50
|
Xue Y, Sant V, Phillippi J, Sant S. Biodegradable and biomimetic elastomeric scaffolds for tissue-engineered heart valves. Acta Biomater 2017; 48:2-19. [PMID: 27780764 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Valvular heart diseases are the third leading cause of cardiovascular disease, resulting in more than 25,000 deaths annually in the United States. Heart valve tissue engineering (HVTE) has emerged as a putative treatment strategy such that the designed construct would ideally withstand native dynamic mechanical environment, guide regeneration of the diseased tissue and more importantly, have the ability to grow with the patient. These desired functions could be achieved by biomimetic design of tissue-engineered constructs that recapitulate in vivo heart valve microenvironment with biomimetic architecture, optimal mechanical properties and possess suitable biodegradability and biocompatibility. Synthetic biodegradable elastomers have gained interest in HVTE due to their excellent mechanical compliance, controllable chemical structure and tunable degradability. This review focuses on the state-of-art strategies to engineer biomimetic elastomeric scaffolds for HVTE. We first discuss the various types of biodegradable synthetic elastomers and their key properties. We then highlight tissue engineering approaches to recreate some of the features in the heart valve microenvironment such as anisotropic and hierarchical tri-layered architecture, mechanical anisotropy and biocompatibility. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Heart valve tissue engineering (HVTE) is of special significance to overcome the drawbacks of current valve replacements. Although biodegradable synthetic elastomers have emerged as promising materials for HVTE, a mature HVTE construct made from synthetic elastomers for clinical use remains to be developed. Hence, this review summarized various types of biodegradable synthetic elastomers and their key properties. The major focus that distinguishes this review from the current literature is the thorough discussion on the key features of native valve microenvironments and various up-and-coming approaches to engineer synthetic elastomers to recreate these features such as anisotropic tri-layered architecture, mechanical anisotropy, biodegradability and biocompatibility. This review is envisioned to inspire and instruct the design of functional HVTE constructs and facilitate their clinical translation.
Collapse
|