1
|
Islam MM, Gaska I, Oshinowo O, Otumala A, Shekhar S, Au Yong N, Myers DR. Single-pericyte nanomechanics measured by contraction cytometry. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:036109. [PMID: 39131206 PMCID: PMC11316606 DOI: 10.1063/5.0213761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pericytes line the microvasculature throughout the body and play a key role in regulating blood flow by constricting and dilating vessels. However, the biophysical mechanisms through which pericytes transduce microenvironmental chemical and mechanical cues to mediate vessel diameter, thereby impacting oxygen and nutrient delivery, remain largely unknown. This knowledge gap is clinically relevant as numerous diseases are associated with the aberrant contraction of pericytes, which are unusually susceptible to injury. Here, we report the development of a high-throughput hydrogel-based pericyte contraction cytometer that quantifies single-cell contraction forces from murine and human pericytes in different microvascular microenvironments and in the presence of competing vasoconstricting and vasodilating stimuli. We further show that murine pericyte survival in hypoxia is mediated by the mechanical microenvironment and that, paradoxically, pre-treating pericytes to reduce contraction increases hypoxic cell death. Moreover, using the contraction cytometer as a drug-screening tool, we found that cofilin-1 could be applied extracellularly to release murine pericytes from hypoxia-induced contractile rigor mortis and, therefore, may represent a novel approach for mitigating the long-lasting decrease in blood flow that occurs after hypoxic injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ignas Gaska
- Departments of Physics, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | | | | | - Shashank Shekhar
- Departments of Physics, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | | | - David R. Myers
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: 404-727-0401
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen H, Wang S, Cao Y, Lei H. Molecular Force Sensors for Biological Application. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6198. [PMID: 38892386 PMCID: PMC11173168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanical forces exerted by cells on their surrounding microenvironment are known as cellular traction forces. These forces play crucial roles in various biological processes, such as tissue development, wound healing and cell functions. However, it is hard for traditional techniques to measure cellular traction forces accurately because their magnitude (from pN to nN) and the length scales over which they occur (from nm to μm) are extremely small. In order to fully understand mechanotransduction, highly sensitive tools for measuring cellular forces are needed. Current powerful techniques for measuring traction forces include traction force microscopy (TFM) and fluorescent molecular force sensors (FMFS). In this review, we elucidate the force imaging principles of TFM and FMFS. Then we highlight the application of FMFS in a variety of biological processes and offer our perspectives and insights into the potential applications of FMFS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiyan Chen
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (H.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Shouhan Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (H.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Yi Cao
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (H.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Hai Lei
- School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Institute for Advanced Study in Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hu S, Chapski DJ, Gehred ND, Kimball TH, Gromova T, Flores A, Rowat AC, Chen J, Packard RRS, Olszewski E, Davis J, Rau CD, McKinsey TA, Rosa-Garrido M, Vondriska TM. Histone H1.0 couples cellular mechanical behaviors to chromatin structure. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2024; 3:441-459. [PMID: 38765203 PMCID: PMC11101354 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-024-00460-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Tuning of genome structure and function is accomplished by chromatin-binding proteins, which determine the transcriptome and phenotype of the cell. Here we investigate how communication between extracellular stress and chromatin structure may regulate cellular mechanical behaviors. We demonstrate that histone H1.0, which compacts nucleosomes into higher-order chromatin fibers, controls genome organization and cellular stress response. We show that histone H1.0 has privileged expression in fibroblasts across tissue types and that its expression is necessary and sufficient to induce myofibroblast activation. Depletion of histone H1.0 prevents cytokine-induced fibroblast contraction, proliferation and migration via inhibition of a transcriptome comprising extracellular matrix, cytoskeletal and contractile genes, through a process that involves locus-specific H3K27 acetylation. Transient depletion of histone H1.0 in vivo prevents fibrosis in cardiac muscle. These findings identify an unexpected role of linker histones to orchestrate cellular mechanical behaviors, directly coupling force generation, nuclear organization and gene transcription.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuaishuai Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Douglas J. Chapski
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Natalie D. Gehred
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Todd H. Kimball
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Tatiana Gromova
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Angelina Flores
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Amy C. Rowat
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Junjie Chen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - René R. Sevag Packard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Emily Olszewski
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Jennifer Davis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Christoph D. Rau
- Department of Genetics and McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Timothy A. McKinsey
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology and Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Manuel Rosa-Garrido
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Thomas M. Vondriska
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang Y, Han K, Huang S, Wang K, Wang Y, Ding S, Zhang L, Zhang M, Xu B, Ma S, Wang Y, Wu S, Wang X. Revelation of adhesive proteins affecting cellular contractility through reference-free traction force microscopy. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:3249-3261. [PMID: 38466580 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00065j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the critical role played by cellular contractility associated mechanotransduction in the regulation of cell functions has been revealed. In this case, numerous biomaterials have been chemically or structurally designed to manipulate cell behaviors through the regulation of cellular contractility. In particular, adhesive proteins including fibronectin, poly-L-lysine and collagen type I have been widely applied in various biomaterials to improve cell adhesion. Therefore, clarifying the effects of adhesive proteins on cellular contractility has been valuable for the development of biomaterial design. In this study, reference-free traction force microscopy with a well-organized microdot array was designed and prepared to investigate the relationship between adhesive proteins, cellular contractility, and mechanotransduction. The results showed that fibronectin and collagen type I were able to promote the assembly of focal adhesions and further enhance cellular contraction and YAP activity. In contrast, although poly-L-lysine supported cell spreading and elongation, it was inefficient at inducing cell contractility and activating YAP. Additionally, compared with cellular morphogenesis, cellular contraction was essential for YAP activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Yang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan, P. R. China
| | - Kuankuan Han
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Siyuan Huang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Sichuan Vocational College of Health and Rehabilitation, Zigong, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Shukai Ding
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Le Zhang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Bingshe Xu
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Interface Science and Engineering in Advanced Materials, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shufang Ma
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Yongtao Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shengli Wu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xinlong Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights how the perception of platelet function is evolving based on recent insights into platelet mechanobiology. RECENT FINDINGS The mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 mediates activation of free-flowing platelets under conditions of flow acceleration through mechanisms independent of adhesion receptors and classical activation pathways. Interference with the initiation of platelet migration or with the phenotypic switch of migrating platelets to a procoagulant state aggravates inflammatory bleeding. Mechanosensing of biochemical and biophysical microenvironmental cues during thrombus formation feed into platelet contractile force generation. Measurements of single platelet contraction and bulk clot retraction show promise to identify individuals at risk for hemorrhage. SUMMARY New findings unravel novel mechanotransduction pathways and effector functions in platelets, establishing mechanobiology as a pivotal component of platelet function. These insights highlight limitations of existing treatments and offer new potential therapeutic approaches and diagnostic avenues based on mechanobiological principles. Further extensive research is required to distinguish between core hemostatic and pathological mechanisms influenced by platelet mechanosensing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingmar Schoen
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology
| | - Martin Kenny
- UCD Conway SPHERE Research Group
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Smita Patil
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mollica MY, Beussman KM, Kandasamy A, Rodríguez LM, Morales FR, Chen J, Manohar K, Del Álamo JC, López JA, Thomas WE, Sniadecki NJ. Distinct platelet F-actin patterns and traction forces on von Willebrand factor versus fibrinogen. Biophys J 2023; 122:3738-3748. [PMID: 37434354 PMCID: PMC10541491 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Upon vascular injury, platelets form a hemostatic plug by binding to the subendothelium and to each other. Platelet-to-matrix binding is initially mediated by von Willebrand factor (VWF) and platelet-to-platelet binding is mediated mainly by fibrinogen and VWF. After binding, the actin cytoskeleton of a platelet drives its contraction, generating traction forces that are important to the cessation of bleeding. Our understanding of the relationship between adhesive environment, F-actin morphology, and traction forces is limited. Here, we examined F-actin morphology of platelets attached to surfaces coated with fibrinogen and VWF. We identified distinct F-actin patterns induced by these protein coatings and found that these patterns were identifiable into three classifications via machine learning: solid, nodular, and hollow. We observed that traction forces for platelets were significantly higher on VWF than on fibrinogen coatings and these forces varied by F-actin pattern. In addition, we analyzed the F-actin orientation in platelets and noted that their filaments were more circumferential when on fibrinogen coatings and having a hollow F-actin pattern, while they were more radial on VWF and having a solid F-actin pattern. Finally, we noted that subcellular localization of traction forces corresponded to protein coating and F-actin pattern: VWF-bound, solid platelets had higher forces at their central region while fibrinogen-bound, hollow platelets had higher forces at their periphery. These distinct F-actin patterns on fibrinogen and VWF and their differences in F-actin orientation, force magnitude, and force localization could have implications in hemostasis, thrombus architecture, and venous versus arterial thrombosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly Y Mollica
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Division of Hematology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Bloodworks Research Institute, Seattle, Washington; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Kevin M Beussman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Adithan Kandasamy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | - Junmei Chen
- Bloodworks Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Krithika Manohar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Juan C Del Álamo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - José A López
- Division of Hematology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Bloodworks Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Wendy E Thomas
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nathan J Sniadecki
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Resuscitation Engineering Science Unit, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Molecular Engineering and Science Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gil‐Redondo JC, Weber A, Vivanco MDM, Toca‐Herrera JL. Measuring (biological) materials mechanics with atomic force microscopy. 5. Traction force microscopy (cell traction forces). Microsc Res Tech 2023; 86:1069-1078. [PMID: 37345422 PMCID: PMC10952526 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Cells generate traction forces to probe the mechanical properties of the surroundings and maintain a basal equilibrium state of stress. Traction forces are also implicated in cell migration, adhesion and ECM remodeling, and alteration of these forces is often observed in pathologies such as cancer. Thus, analyzing the traction forces is important for studies of cell mechanics in cancer and metastasis. In this primer, the methodology for conducting two-dimensional traction force microscopy (2D-TFM) experiments is reported. As a practical example, we analyzed the traction forces generated by three human breast cancer cell lines of different metastatic potential: MCF10-A, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, and studied the effects of actin cytoskeleton disruption on those traction forces. Contrary to what is often reported in literature, lower traction forces were observed in cells with higher metastatic potential (MDA-MB-231). Implications of substrate stiffness and concentration of extracellular matrix proteins in such findings are discussed in the text. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Traction force microscopy (TFM) is suitable for studying and quantifying cell-substrate and cell-cell forces. TFM is suitable for investigating the relationship between chemical to mechanical signal transduction and vice versa. TFM can be combined with classical indentation studies providing a compact picture of cell mechanics. TFM still needs new physico-chemical (sample preparation) and computational approaches for more accurate data evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Gil‐Redondo
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of BionanosciencesUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Andreas Weber
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of BionanosciencesUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Maria dM. Vivanco
- Cancer Heterogeneity Lab, CIC BioGUNEBasque Research and Technology Alliance, BRTABizkaia Technology ParkDerioSpain
| | - José L. Toca‐Herrera
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of BionanosciencesUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaViennaAustria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Oshinowo O, Azer SS, Lin J, Lam WA. Why platelet mechanotransduction matters for hemostasis and thrombosis. J Thromb Haemost 2023; 21:2339-2353. [PMID: 37331517 PMCID: PMC10529432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction is the ability of cells to "feel" or sense their mechanical microenvironment and integrate and convert these physical stimuli into adaptive biochemical cellular responses. This phenomenon is vital for the physiology of numerous nucleated cell types to affect their various cellular processes. As the main drivers of hemostasis and clot retraction, platelets also possess this ability to sense the dynamic mechanical microenvironments of circulation and convert those signals into biological responses integral to clot formation. Like other cell types, platelets leverage their "hands" or receptors/integrins to mechanotransduce important signals in responding to vascular injury to achieve hemostasis. The clinical relevance of cellular mechanics and mechanotransduction is imperative as pathologic alterations or aberrant mechanotransduction in platelets has been shown to lead to bleeding and thrombosis. As such, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of the most recent research related to platelet mechanotransduction, from platelet generation to platelet activation, within the hemodynamic environment and clot contraction at the site of vascular injury, thereby covering the entire "life cycle" of platelets. Additionally, we describe the key mechanoreceptors in platelets and discuss the new biophysical techniques that have enabled the field to understand how platelets sense and respond to their mechanical microenvironment via those receptors. Finally, the clinical significance and importance of continued exploration of platelet mechanotransduction have been discussed as the key to better understanding of both thrombotic and bleeding disorders lies in a more complete mechanistic understanding of platelet function by way of mechanotransduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oluwamayokun Oshinowo
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Inc, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sally S Azer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Inc, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jessica Lin
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Wilbur A Lam
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Inc, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
| |
Collapse
|