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Simpson A, Mihalko EP, Fox C, Sridharan S, Krishnakumar M, Brown AC. Biomaterial systems for evaluating the influence of ECM mechanics on anti-fibrotic therapeutic efficacy. Matrix Biol Plus 2024; 23:100150. [PMID: 38882395 PMCID: PMC11170274 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2024.100150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by excessive accumulation and deposition of ECM proteins. Cardiac fibrosis is commonly implicated in a variety of cardiovascular diseases, including post-myocardial infarction (MI). We have previously developed a dual-delivery nanogel therapeutic to deliver tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and Y-27632 (a ROCK inhibitor) to address MI-associated coronary artery occlusion and downregulate cell-contractility mediated fibrotic responses. Initial in vitro studies were conducted on glass substrates. The study presented here employs the use of polyacrylamide (PA) gels and microgel thin films to mimic healthy and fibrotic cardiac tissue mechanics. Soft and stiff polyacrylamide substrates or high and low loss tangent microgel thin films were utilized to examine the influence of cell-substrate interactions on dual-loaded nanogel therapeutic efficacy. In the presence of Y-27632 containing nanogels, a reduction of fibrotic marker expression was noted on traditional PA gels mimicking healthy and fibrotic cardiac tissue mechanics. These findings differed on more physiologically relevant microgel thin films, where early treatment with the ROCK inhibitor intensified the fibrotic related responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryssa Simpson
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Emily P Mihalko
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Caroline Fox
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Smriti Sridharan
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Manasi Krishnakumar
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Ashley C Brown
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
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2
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Geervliet E, Karkdijk E, Bansal R. Inhibition of intrahepatic monocyte recruitment by Cenicriviroc and extracellular matrix degradation by MMP1 synergistically attenuate liver inflammation and fibrogenesis in vivo. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16897. [PMID: 39043893 PMCID: PMC11266417 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67926-6] [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: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The chemokine (CCL)-chemokine receptor (CCR2) interaction, importantly CCL2-CCR2, involved in the intrahepatic recruitment of monocytes upon liver injury promotes liver fibrosis. CCL2-CCR2 antagonism using Cenicriviroc (CVC) showed promising results in several preclinical studies. Unfortunately, CVC failed in phase III clinical trials due to lack of efficacy to treat liver fibrosis. Lack of efficacy could be attributed to the fact that macrophages are also involved in disease resolution by secreting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to degrade extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby inhibiting hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. HSCs are the key pathogenic cell types in liver fibrosis that secrete excessive amounts of ECM causing liver stiffening and liver dysfunction. Knowing the detrimental role of intrahepatic monocyte recruitment, ECM, and HSCs activation during liver injury, we hypothesize that combining CVC and MMP (MMP1) could reverse liver fibrosis. We evaluated the effects of CVC, MMP1 and CVC + MMP1 in vitro and in vivo in CCl4-induced liver injury mouse model. We observed that CVC + MMP1 inhibited macrophage migration, and TGF-β induced collagen-I expression in fibroblasts in vitro. In vivo, MMP1 + CVC significantly inhibited normalized liver weights, and improved liver function without any adverse effects. Moreover, MMP1 + CVC inhibited monocyte infiltration and liver inflammation as confirmed by F4/80 and CD11b staining, and TNFα gene expression. MMP1 + CVC also ameliorated liver fibrogenesis via inhibiting HSCs activation as assessed by collagen-I staining and collagen-I and α-SMA mRNA expression. In conclusion, we demonstrated that a combination therapeutic approach by combining CVC and MMP1 to inhibit intrahepatic monocyte recruitment and increasing collagen degradation respectively ameliorate liver inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Geervliet
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Department of Bioengineering Technologies, Faculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Carre 4419, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Esmee Karkdijk
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Department of Bioengineering Technologies, Faculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Carre 4419, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Department of Bioengineering Technologies, Faculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Carre 4419, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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3
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Fan W, Bradford TM, Török NJ. Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease and diabetes: Matrix remodeling, fibrosis, and therapeutic implications. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024. [PMID: 38996214 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD) and steatohepatitis (MASH) are becoming the most common causes of chronic liver disease in the United States and worldwide due to the obesity and diabetes epidemics. It is estimated that by 2030 close to 100 million people might be affected and patients with type 2 diabetes are especially at high risk. Twenty to 30% of patients with MASLD can progress to MASH, which is characterized by steatosis, necroinflammation, hepatocyte ballooning, and in advanced cases, fibrosis progressing to cirrhosis. Clinically, it is recognized that disease progression in diabetic patients is accelerated and the role of various genetic and epigenetic factors, as well as cell-matrix interactions in fibrosis and stromal remodeling, have recently been recognized. While there has been great progress in drug development and clinical trials for MASLD/MASH, the complexity of these pathways highlights the need to improve diagnosis/early detection and develop more successful antifibrotic therapies that not only prevent but reverse fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiguo Fan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Palo Alto VA Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Toby M Bradford
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Natalie J Török
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Palo Alto VA Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
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4
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Dietrich-Zagonel F, Alim MA, Beckman LB, Eliasson P. Dexamethasone treatment influences tendon healing through altered resolution and a direct effect on tendon cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15304. [PMID: 38961188 PMCID: PMC11222440 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66038-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation, corticosteroids, and loading all affect tendon healing, with an interaction between them. However, underlying mechanisms behind the effect of corticosteroids and the interaction with loading remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of dexamethasone during tendon healing, including specific effects on tendon cells. Rats (n = 36) were randomized to heavy loading or mild loading, the Achilles tendon was transected, and animals were treated with dexamethasone or saline. Gene and protein analyses of the healing tendon were performed for extracellular matrix-, inflammation-, and tendon cell markers. We further tested specific effects of dexamethasone on tendon cells in vitro. Dexamethasone increased mRNA levels of S100A4 and decreased levels of ACTA2/α-SMA, irrespective of load level. Heavy loading + dexamethasone reduced mRNA levels of FN1 and TenC (p < 0.05), while resolution-related genes were unaltered (p > 0.05). In contrast, mild loading + dexamethasone increased mRNA levels of resolution-related genes ANXA1, MRC1, PDPN, and PTGES (p < 0.03). Altered protein levels were confirmed in tendons with mild loading. Dexamethasone treatment in vitro prevented tendon construct formation, increased mRNA levels of S100A4 and decreased levels of SCX and collagens. Dexamethasone during tendon healing appears to act through immunomodulation by promoting resolution, but also through an effect on tendon cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciele Dietrich-Zagonel
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Md Abdul Alim
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Leo Bon Beckman
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Eliasson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden.
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Länsmansgatan 28, 431 80, Mölndal, Sweden.
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Nourmahnad A, Javad Shariyate M, Khak M, Grinstaff MW, Nazarian A, Rodriguez EK. Relaxin as a treatment for musculoskeletal fibrosis: What we know and future directions. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116273. [PMID: 38729446 PMCID: PMC11179965 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116273] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Fibrotic changes in musculoskeletal diseases arise from the abnormal buildup of fibrotic tissue around the joints, leading to limited mobility, compromised joint function, and diminished quality of life. Relaxin (RLX) attenuates fibrosis by accelerating collagen degradation and inhibiting excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Further, RLX disrupts myofibroblast activation by modulating the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathways, which reduces connective tissue fibrosis. However, the mechanisms and effects of RLX in musculoskeletal pathologies are emerging as increasing research focuses on relaxin's impact on skin, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, joint capsules, connective tissues, and muscles. This review delineates the actions of relaxin within the musculoskeletal system and the challenges to its clinical application. Relaxin shows significant potential in both in vivo and in vitro studies for broadly managing musculoskeletal fibrosis; however, challenges such as short biological half-life and sex-specific responses may pose hurdles for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Javad Shariyate
- Musculoskeletal Translational Innovation Initiative, Carl J. Shapiro Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohammad Khak
- Musculoskeletal Translational Innovation Initiative, Carl J. Shapiro Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ara Nazarian
- Musculoskeletal Translational Innovation Initiative, Carl J. Shapiro Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Edward K Rodriguez
- Musculoskeletal Translational Innovation Initiative, Carl J. Shapiro Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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6
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Howe A, Chen Z, Golobish K, Miduri VR, Liu D, Valencia D, McGaughey M, Szabo E, Franke M, Nieuwoudt S. Removal Forces of a Helical Microwire Structure Electrode. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:611. [PMID: 38927847 PMCID: PMC11200423 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11060611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Medical devices, especially neuromodulation devices, are often explanted for a variety of reasons. The removal process imparts significant forces on these devices, which may result in device fracture and tissue trauma. We hypothesized that a device's form factor interfacing with tissue is a major driver of the force required to remove a device, and we isolated helical and linear electrode structures as a means to study atraumatic removal. (2) Methods: Ductile linear and helical microwire structure electrodes were fabricated from either Gold (Au) or Platinum-Iridium (Pt-Ir, 90-10). Removal forces were captured from synthetic gel models and following chronic implantation in rodent and porcine models. Devices were fully implanted in the animal models, requiring a small incision (<10 mm) and removal via tissue forceps. (3) Results: Helical devices were shown to result in significantly lower maximal removal forces in both synthetic gel and rodent studies compared to their linear counterparts. Chronically (1 yr.), the maximal removal force of helical devices remained under 7.30 N, for which the Platinum-Iridium device's tensile failure force was 32.90 ± 2.09 N, resulting in a safety factor of 4.50. (4) Conclusions: An open-core helical structure that can freely elongate was shown to result in reduced removal forces both acutely and chronically.
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Ponomarchuk EM, Rosnitskiy PB, Tsysar SA, Khokhlova TD, Karzova MM, Kvashennikova AV, Tumanova KD, Kadrev AV, Buravkov SV, Trakhtman PE, Starostin NN, Sapozhnikov OA, Khokhlova VA. Elastic Properties of Aging Human Hematoma Model In Vitro and Its Susceptibility to Histotripsy Liquefaction. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2024; 50:927-938. [PMID: 38514363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2024.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tissue susceptibility to histotripsy disintegration has been reported to depend on its elastic properties. This work was aimed at investigation of histotripsy efficiency for liquefaction of human hematomas, depending on their stiffness and degree of retraction over time (0-10 d). METHODS As an in vitro hematoma model, anticoagulated human blood samples (200 mL) were recalcified at different temperatures. In one set of samples, the shear modulus was measured by shear wave elastography during blood clotting at 10℃, 22℃ and 37℃, and then daily during further aging. The ultrastructure of the samples was analyzed daily with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Another set of blood samples (50-200 mL) were recalcified at 37℃ for density and retraction measurements over aging and exposed to histotripsy at varying time points. Boiling histotripsy (2.5 ms pulses) and hybrid histotripsy (0.2 ms pulses) exposures (2 MHz, 1% dc, P+/P-/As = 182/-27/207 MPa in situ) were used to produce either individual cigar-shaped or volumetric (0.8-3 mL) lesions in samples incubated for 3 h, 5 d and 10 d. The obtained lesions were sized, then the lysate aspirated under B-mode guidance was analyzed ultrastructurally and diluted in distilled water for sizing of residual fragments. RESULTS It was found that clotting time decreased from 113 to 25 min with the increase in blood temperature from 10℃ to 37℃. The shear modulus increased to 0.53 ± 0.17 kPa during clotting and remained constant within 8 d of incubation at 2℃. Sample volumes decreased by 57% because of retraction within 10 d. SEM revealed significant echinocytosis but unchanged ultrastructure of the fibrin meshwork. Liquefaction rate and lesion dimensions produced with the same histotripsy protocols correlated with the increase in the degree of retraction and were lower in retracted samples versus freshly clotted samples. More than 80% of residual fibrin fragments after histotripsy treatment were shorter than 150 µm; the maximum length was 208 µm, allowing for unobstructed aspiration of the lysate with most clinically used needles. CONCLUSION The results indicate that hematoma susceptibility to histotripsy liquefaction is not entirely determined by its stiffness, and correlates with the retraction degree.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pavel B Rosnitskiy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sergey A Tsysar
- Physics Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana D Khokhlova
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Maria M Karzova
- Physics Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Alexey V Kadrev
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Medical Research and Educational Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Diagnostic Ultrasound Division, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey V Buravkov
- Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel E Trakhtman
- National Medical Research Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nicolay N Starostin
- National Medical Research Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg A Sapozhnikov
- Physics Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Vera A Khokhlova
- Physics Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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8
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Brock K, Alpha KM, Brennan G, De Jong EP, Luke E, Turner CE. A comparative analysis of paxillin and Hic-5 proximity interactomes. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 38801098 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Focal adhesions serve as structural and signaling hubs, facilitating bidirectional communication at the cell-extracellular matrix interface. Paxillin and the related Hic-5 (TGFβ1i1) are adaptor/scaffold proteins that recruit numerous structural and regulatory proteins to focal adhesions, where they perform both overlapping and discrete functions. In this study, paxillin and Hic-5 were expressed in U2OS osteosarcoma cells as biotin ligase (BioID2) fusion proteins and used as bait proteins for proximity-dependent biotinylation in order to directly compare their respective interactomes. The fusion proteins localized to both focal adhesions and the centrosome, resulting in biotinylation of components of each of these structures. Biotinylated proteins were purified and analyzed by mass spectrometry. The list of proximity interactors for paxillin and Hic-5 comprised numerous shared core focal adhesion proteins that likely contribute to their similar functions in cell adhesion and migration, as well as proteins unique to paxillin and Hic-5 that have been previously localized to focal adhesions, the centrosome, or the nucleus. Western blotting confirmed biotinylation and enrichment of FAK and vinculin, known interactors of Hic-5 and paxillin, as well as several potentially unique proximity interactors of Hic-5 and paxillin, including septin 7 and ponsin, respectively. Further investigation into the functional relationship between the unique interactors and Hic-5 or paxillin may yield novel insights into their distinct roles in cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Brock
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Kyle M Alpha
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Grant Brennan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Ebbing P De Jong
- Proteomics Core Facility, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth Luke
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Christopher E Turner
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
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9
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Nakamura Y, Niho S, Shimizu Y. Cell-Based Therapy for Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases, Current Status, and Potential Applications of iPSC-Derived Cells. Cells 2024; 13:893. [PMID: 38891026 PMCID: PMC11172081 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110893] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (FILDs), e.g., due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), are chronic progressive diseases with a poor prognosis. The management of these diseases is challenging and focuses mainly on the suppression of progression with anti-fibrotic drugs. Therefore, novel FILD treatments are needed. In recent years, cell-based therapy with various stem cells has been investigated for FILD, and the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been widely reported and clinical studies are also ongoing. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have also been reported to have an anti-fibrotic effect in FILD; however, these have not been as well studied as MSCs in terms of the mechanisms and side effects. While MSCs show a potent anti-fibrotic effect, the possibility of quality differences between donors and a stable supply in the case of donor shortage or reduced proliferative capacity after cell passaging needs to be considered. The application of iPSC-derived cells has the potential to overcome these problems and may lead to consistent quality of the cell product and stable product supply. This review provides an overview of iPSCs and FILD, followed by the current status of cell-based therapy for FILD, and then discusses the possibilities and perspectives of FILD therapy with iPSC-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Nakamura
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu 321-0293, Japan; (Y.N.); (S.N.)
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Mibu 321-0293, Japan
| | - Seiji Niho
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu 321-0293, Japan; (Y.N.); (S.N.)
| | - Yasuo Shimizu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu 321-0293, Japan; (Y.N.); (S.N.)
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Mibu 321-0293, Japan
- Respiratory Endoscopy Center, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Mibu 321-0293, Japan
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10
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Sneider A, Liu Y, Starich B, Du W, Nair PR, Marar C, Faqih N, Ciotti GE, Kim JH, Krishnan S, Ibrahim S, Igboko M, Locke A, Lewis DM, Hong H, Karl MN, Vij R, Russo GC, Gómez-de-Mariscal E, Habibi M, Muñoz-Barrutia A, Gu L, Eisinger-Mathason TK, Wirtz D. Small Extracellular Vesicles Promote Stiffness-mediated Metastasis. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:1240-1252. [PMID: 38630893 PMCID: PMC11080964 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Tissue stiffness is a critical prognostic factor in breast cancer and is associated with metastatic progression. Here we show an alternative and complementary hypothesis of tumor progression whereby physiologic matrix stiffness affects the quantity and protein cargo of small extracellular vesicles (EV) produced by cancer cells, which in turn aid cancer cell dissemination. Primary patient breast tissue released by cancer cells on matrices that model human breast tumors (25 kPa; stiff EVs) feature increased adhesion molecule presentation (ITGα2β1, ITGα6β4, ITGα6β1, CD44) compared with EVs from softer normal tissue (0.5 kPa; soft EVs), which facilitates their binding to extracellular matrix proteins including collagen IV, and a 3-fold increase in homing ability to distant organs in mice. In a zebrafish xenograft model, stiff EVs aid cancer cell dissemination. Moreover, normal, resident lung fibroblasts treated with stiff and soft EVs change their gene expression profiles to adopt a cancer-associated fibroblast phenotype. These findings show that EV quantity, cargo, and function depend heavily on the mechanical properties of the extracellular microenvironment. SIGNIFICANCE Here we show that the quantity, cargo, and function of breast cancer-derived EVs vary with mechanical properties of the extracellular microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Sneider
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences–Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ying Liu
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Bartholomew Starich
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences–Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wenxuan Du
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences–Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Praful R. Nair
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences–Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carolyn Marar
- Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Najwa Faqih
- Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gabrielle E. Ciotti
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joo Ho Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sejal Krishnan
- Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Salma Ibrahim
- Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Muna Igboko
- Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alexus Locke
- Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Daniel M. Lewis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences–Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hanna Hong
- Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michelle N. Karl
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences–Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Raghav Vij
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gabriella C. Russo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences–Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Estibaliz Gómez-de-Mariscal
- Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mehran Habibi
- Johns Hopkins Breast Center, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Arrate Muñoz-Barrutia
- Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luo Gu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - T.S. Karin Eisinger-Mathason
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Denis Wirtz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences–Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Vessella T, Xiang S, Xiao C, Stilwell M, Fok J, Shohet J, Rozen E, Zhou HS, Wen Q. DDR2 signaling and mechanosensing orchestrate neuroblastoma cell fate through different transcriptome mechanisms. FEBS Open Bio 2024; 14:867-882. [PMID: 38538106 PMCID: PMC11073507 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13798] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates carcinogenesis by interacting with cancer cells via cell surface receptors. Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 (DDR2) is a collagen-activated receptor implicated in cell survival, growth, and differentiation. Dysregulated DDR2 expression has been identified in various cancer types, making it as a promising therapeutic target. Additionally, cancer cells exhibit mechanosensing abilities, detecting changes in ECM stiffness, which is particularly important for carcinogenesis given the observed ECM stiffening in numerous cancer types. Despite these, whether collagen-activated DDR2 signaling and ECM stiffness-induced mechanosensing exert similar effects on cancer cell behavior and whether they operate through analogous mechanisms remain elusive. To address these questions, we performed bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells cultured on collagen-coated substrates. Our results show that DDR2 downregulation induces significant changes in the cell transcriptome, with changes in expression of 15% of the genome, specifically affecting the genes associated with cell division and differentiation. We validated the RNA-seq results by showing that DDR2 knockdown redirects the cell fate from proliferation to senescence. Like DDR2 knockdown, increasing substrate stiffness diminishes cell proliferation. Surprisingly, RNA-seq indicates that substrate stiffness has no detectable effect on the transcriptome. Furthermore, DDR2 knockdown influences cellular responses to substrate stiffness changes, highlighting a crosstalk between these two ECM-induced signaling pathways. Based on our results, we propose that the ECM could activate DDR2 signaling and mechanosensing in cancer cells to orchestrate their cell fate through distinct mechanisms, with or without involving gene expression, thus providing novel mechanistic insights into cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theadora Vessella
- Department of Chemical EngineeringWorcester Polytechnic InstituteMAUSA
| | | | - Cong Xiao
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain InstituteIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Black Family Stem Cell InstituteIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Madelyn Stilwell
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWichita State UniversityKSUSA
| | - Jaidyn Fok
- Department of NeurobiologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Jason Shohet
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Esteban Rozen
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
- Crnic Institute Boulder Branch, BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderCOUSA
| | - H. Susan Zhou
- Department of Chemical EngineeringWorcester Polytechnic InstituteMAUSA
| | - Qi Wen
- Department of PhysicsWorcester Polytechnic InstituteMAUSA
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12
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John J, Clark AR, Kumar H, Burrowes KS, Vandal AC, Wilsher ML, Milne DG, Bartholmai BJ, Levin DL, Tawhai MH. Quantitative Analysis of Lung Shape in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Insights Into Disease- and Age-Associated Patterns. Acad Radiol 2024:S1076-6332(24)00235-6. [PMID: 38679527 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2024.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Fibrotic scarring in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) typically develops first in the posterior-basal lung tissue before advancing to involve more of the lung. The complexity of lung shape in the costo-diaphragmatic region has been proposed as a potential factor in this regional development. Intrinsic and disease-related shape could therefore be important for understanding IPF risk and its staging. We hypothesized that lung and lobe shape in IPF would have important differences from controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS A principal component (PC) analysis was used to derive a statistical shape model (SSM) of the lung for a control cohort aged > 50 years (N = 39), using segmented lung and fissure surface data from CT imaging. Individual patient shape models derived for baseline (N = 18) and follow-up (N = 16) CT scans in patients with IPF were projected to the SSM to describe shape as the sum of the SSM average and weighted PC modes. Associations between the first four PC shape modes, lung function, percentage of fibrosis (fibrosis%) and pulmonary vessel-related structures (PVRS%), and other tissue metrics were assessed and compared between the two cohorts. RESULTS Shape was different between IPF and controls (P < 0.05 for all shape modes), with IPF shape forming a distinct shape cluster. Shape had a negative relationship with age in controls (P = 0.013), but a positive relationship with age in IPF (P = 0.026). Some features of shape changed on follow-up. Shape in IPF was associated with fibrosis% (P < 0.05) and PVRS% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Quantitative comparison of lung and lobe shape in IPF with controls of a similar age reveals shape differences that are strongly associated with age and percent fibrosis. The clustering of IPF cohort shape suggests that it could be an important feature to describe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce John
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys R Clark
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Haribalan Kumar
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kelly S Burrowes
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alain C Vandal
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - David G Milne
- Radiology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Merryn H Tawhai
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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13
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Sneider A, Liu Y, Starich B, Du W, Marar C, Faqih N, Ciotti GE, Kim JH, Krishnan S, Ibrahim S, Igboko M, Locke A, Lewis DM, Hong H, Karl M, Vij R, Russo GC, Nair P, Gómez-de-Mariscal E, Habibi M, Muñoz-Barrutia A, Gu L, Eisinger-Mathason TSK, Wirtz D. Small extracellular vesicles promote stiffness-mediated metastasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.07.01.545937. [PMID: 37425743 PMCID: PMC10327142 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.01.545937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Tissue stiffness is a critical prognostic factor in breast cancer and is associated with metastatic progression. Here we show an alternative and complementary hypothesis of tumor progression whereby physiological matrix stiffness affects the quantity and protein cargo of small EVs produced by cancer cells, which in turn drive their metastasis. Primary patient breast tissue produces significantly more EVs from stiff tumor tissue than soft tumor adjacent tissue. EVs released by cancer cells on matrices that model human breast tumors (25 kPa; stiff EVs) feature increased adhesion molecule presentation (ITGα 2 β 1 , ITGα 6 β 4 , ITGα 6 β 1 , CD44) compared to EVs from softer normal tissue (0.5 kPa; soft EVs), which facilitates their binding to extracellular matrix (ECM) protein collagen IV, and a 3-fold increase in homing ability to distant organs in mice. In a zebrafish xenograft model, stiff EVs aid cancer cell dissemination through enhanced chemotaxis. Moreover, normal, resident lung fibroblasts treated with stiff and soft EVs change their gene expression profiles to adopt a cancer associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotype. These findings show that EV quantity, cargo, and function depend heavily on the mechanical properties of the extracellular microenvironment.
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14
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Ozmen E, Demir TD, Ozcan G. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: protagonists of the tumor microenvironment in gastric cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1340124. [PMID: 38562556 PMCID: PMC10982390 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1340124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced knowledge of the interaction of cancer cells with their environment elucidated the critical role of tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and chemoresistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts act as the protagonists of the tumor microenvironment, fostering the metastasis, stemness, and chemoresistance of cancer cells and attenuating the anti-cancer immune responses. Gastric cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers in the clinic, refractory to anti-cancer therapies. Growing evidence indicates that cancer-associated fibroblasts are the most prominent risk factors for a poor tumor immune microenvironment and dismal prognosis in gastric cancer. Therefore, targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts may be central to surpassing resistance to conventional chemotherapeutics, molecular-targeted agents, and immunotherapies, improving survival in gastric cancer. However, the heterogeneity in cancer-associated fibroblasts may complicate the development of cancer-associated fibroblast targeting approaches. Although single-cell sequencing studies started dissecting the heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts, the research community should still answer these questions: "What makes a cancer-associated fibroblast protumorigenic?"; "How do the intracellular signaling and the secretome of different cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations differ from each other?"; and "Which cancer-associated fibroblast subtypes predominate specific cancer types?". Unveiling these questions can pave the way for discovering efficient cancer-associated fibroblast targeting strategies. Here, we review current knowledge and perspectives on these questions, focusing on how CAFs induce aggressiveness and therapy resistance in gastric cancer. We also review potential therapeutic approaches to prevent the development and activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts via inhibition of CAF inducers and CAF markers in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Ozmen
- Koç University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Tevriz Dilan Demir
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Gulnihal Ozcan
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
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15
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Meizlish ML, Kimura Y, Pope SD, Matta R, Kim C, Philip NH, Meyaard L, Gonzalez A, Medzhitov R. Mechanosensing regulates tissue repair program in macrophages. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk6906. [PMID: 38478620 PMCID: PMC10936955 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk6906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Tissue-resident macrophages play important roles in tissue homeostasis and repair. However, how macrophages monitor and maintain tissue integrity is not well understood. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key structural and organizational component of all tissues. Here, we find that macrophages sense the mechanical properties of the ECM to regulate a specific tissue repair program. We show that macrophage mechanosensing is mediated by cytoskeletal remodeling and can be performed in three-dimensional environments through a noncanonical, integrin-independent mechanism analogous to amoeboid migration. We find that these cytoskeletal dynamics also integrate biochemical signaling by colony-stimulating factor 1 and ultimately regulate chromatin accessibility to control the mechanosensitive gene expression program. This study identifies an "amoeboid" mode of ECM mechanosensing through which macrophages may regulate tissue repair and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L. Meizlish
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yoshitaka Kimura
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Scott D. Pope
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rita Matta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Catherine Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Naomi H. Philip
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Linde Meyaard
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anjelica Gonzalez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ruslan Medzhitov
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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16
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Iyer KS, Maruri DP, Schmidtke DW, Petroll WM, Varner VD. Treatment with both TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB disrupts the stiffness-dependent myofibroblast differentiation of corneal keratocytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.29.582803. [PMID: 38496568 PMCID: PMC10942298 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.29.582803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
During corneal wound healing, stromal keratocytes transform into a repair phenotype that is driven by the release of cytokines, like transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). Previous work has shown that TGF-β1 promotes the myofibroblast differentiation of corneal keratocytes in a manner that depends on PDGF signaling. In addition, changes in mechanical properties are known to regulate the TGF-β1-mediated differentiation of cultured keratocytes. While PDGF signaling acts synergistically with TGF-β1 during myofibroblast differentiation, how treatment with multiple growth factors affects stiffness-dependent differences in keratocyte behavior is unknown. Here, we treated primary corneal keratocytes with PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 and cultured them on polyacrylamide (PA) substrata of different stiffnesses. In the presence of TGF-β1 alone, the cells underwent stiffness-dependent myofibroblast differentiation. On stiff substrata, the cells developed robust stress fibers, exhibited high levels of ⍺-SMA staining, formed large focal adhesions (FAs), and exerted elevated contractile forces, whereas cells in a compliant microenvironment showed low levels of ⍺-SMA immunofluorescence, formed smaller focal adhesions, and exerted decreased contractile forces. When the cultured keratocytes were treated simultaneously with PDGF-BB however, increased levels of ⍺-SMA staining and stress fiber formation were observed on compliant substrata, even though the cells did not exhibit elevated contractility or focal adhesion size. Pharmacological inhibition of PDGF signaling disrupted the myofibroblast differentiation of cells cultured on substrata of all stiffnesses. These results indicate that treatment with PDGF-BB can decouple molecular markers of myofibroblast differentiation from the elevated contractile phenotype otherwise associated with these cells, suggesting that crosstalk in the mechanotransductive signaling pathways downstream of TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB can regulate the stiffness-dependent differentiation of cultured keratocytes. Statement of Significance In vitro experiments have shown that changes in ECM stiffness can regulate the differentiation of myofibroblasts. Typically, these assays involve the use of individual growth factors, but it is unclear how stiffness-dependent differences in cell behavior are affected by multiple cytokines. Here, we used primary corneal keratocytes to show that treatment with both TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB disrupts the dependency of myofibroblast differentiation on substratum stiffness. In the presence of both growth factors, keratocytes on soft substrates exhibited elevated ⍺-SMA immunofluorescence without a corresponding increase in contractility or focal adhesion formation. This result suggests that molecular markers of myofibroblast differentiation can be dissociated from the elevated contractile behavior associated with the myofibroblast phenotype, suggesting potential crosstalk in mechanotransductive signaling pathways downstream of TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB.
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17
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Regan K, LeBourdais R, Banerji R, Zhang S, Muhvich J, Zheng S, Nia HT. Multiscale elasticity mapping of biological samples in 3D at optical resolution. Acta Biomater 2024; 176:250-266. [PMID: 38160857 PMCID: PMC10922809 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.12.036] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of biological tissues have emerged as an integral determinant of tissue function in health and disease. Nonetheless, characterizing the elasticity of biological samples in 3D and at high resolution remains challenging. Here, we present a µElastography platform: a scalable elastography system that maps the elastic properties of tissues from cellular to organ scales. The platform leverages the use of a biocompatible, thermo-responsive hydrogel to deliver compressive stress to a biological sample and track its resulting deformation. By surrounding the specimen with a reference hydrogel of known Young's modulus, we are able to map the absolute values of elastic properties in biological samples. We validate the experimental and computational components of the platform using a hydrogel phantom and verify the system's ability to detect internal mechanical heterogeneities. We then apply the platform to map the elasticity of multicellular spheroids and the murine lymph node. With these applications, we demonstrate the platform's ability to map tissue elasticity at internal planes of interest, as well as capture mechanical heterogeneities neglected by most macroscale characterization techniques. The µElastography platform, designed to be implementable in any biology lab with access to 3D microscopy (e.g., confocal, multiphoton, or optical coherence microscopy), will provide the capability to characterize the mechanical properties of biological samples to labs across the large community of biological sciences by eliminating the need of specialized instruments such as atomic force microscopy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the elasticity of biological tissues is of great importance, but characterizing these properties typically requires highly specialized equipment. Utilizing stimulus-responsive hydrogels, we present a scalable, hydrogel-based elastography method that uses readily available reagents and imaging modalities to generate resolved maps of internal elasticity within biomaterials and biological samples at optical resolution. This new approach is capable of detecting internal stiffness heterogeneities within the 3D bulk of samples and is highly scalable across both imaging modalities and biological length scales. Thus, it will have significant impact on the measurement capabilities of labs studying engineered biomaterials, mechanobiology, disease progression, and tissue engineering and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Regan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Robert LeBourdais
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Rohin Banerji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sue Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Johnathan Muhvich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Siyi Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Hadi T Nia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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18
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Abbonante V, Karkempetzaki AI, Leon C, Krishnan A, Huang N, Di Buduo CA, Cattaneo D, Ward CMT, Matsuura S, Guinard I, Weber J, De Acutis A, Vozzi G, Iurlo A, Ravid K, Balduini A. Newly identified roles for PIEZO1 mechanosensor in controlling normal megakaryocyte development and in primary myelofibrosis. Am J Hematol 2024; 99:336-349. [PMID: 38165047 PMCID: PMC10922533 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27184] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Mechanisms through which mature megakaryocytes (Mks) and their progenitors sense the bone marrow extracellular matrix to promote lineage differentiation in health and disease are still partially understood. We found PIEZO1, a mechanosensitive cation channel, to be expressed in mouse and human Mks. Human mutations in PIEZO1 have been described to be associated with blood cell disorders. Yet, a role for PIEZO1 in megakaryopoiesis and proplatelet formation has never been investigated. Here, we show that activation of PIEZO1 increases the number of immature Mks in mice, while the number of mature Mks and Mk ploidy level are reduced. Piezo1/2 knockout mice show an increase in Mk size and platelet count, both at basal state and upon marrow regeneration. Similarly, in human samples, PIEZO1 is expressed during megakaryopoiesis. Its activation reduces Mk size, ploidy, maturation, and proplatelet extension. Resulting effects of PIEZO1 activation on Mks resemble the profile in Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF). Intriguingly, Mks derived from Jak2V617F PMF mice show significantly elevated PIEZO1 expression, compared to wild-type controls. Accordingly, Mks isolated from bone marrow aspirates of JAK2V617F PMF patients show increased PIEZO1 expression compared to Essential Thrombocythemia. Most importantly, PIEZO1 expression in bone marrow Mks is inversely correlated with patient platelet count. The ploidy, maturation, and proplatelet formation of Mks from JAK2V617F PMF patients are rescued upon PIEZO1 inhibition. Together, our data suggest that PIEZO1 places a brake on Mk maturation and platelet formation in physiology, and its upregulation in PMF Mks might contribute to aggravating some hallmarks of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Abbonante
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Anastasia Iris Karkempetzaki
- Department of Medicine and Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- University of Crete, School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Catherine Leon
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand Est, BPPS UMR-S 1255, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Anandi Krishnan
- Institute of Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Nasi Huang
- Department of Medicine and Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Daniele Cattaneo
- Hematology Division, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Christina Marie Torres Ward
- Department of Medicine and Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shinobu Matsuura
- Department of Medicine and Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ines Guinard
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand Est, BPPS UMR-S 1255, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Josiane Weber
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand Est, BPPS UMR-S 1255, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Aurora De Acutis
- Interdepartmental Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vozzi
- Interdepartmental Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Iurlo
- Hematology Division, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Katya Ravid
- Department of Medicine and Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alessandra Balduini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
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19
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Reeser RS, Salazar AK, Prutton KM, Roede JR, VeDepo MC, Jacot JG. Trisomy 21 Alters Cell Proliferation and Migration of iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes on Type VI Collagen. Cell Mol Bioeng 2024; 17:25-34. [PMID: 38435791 PMCID: PMC10901762 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-023-00791-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are 2000 times more likely to develop a congenital heart defect (CHD) than the typical population Freeman et al. in Am J Med Genet 80:213-217 (1998). The majority of CHDs in individuals with DS characteristically involve the atrioventricular (AV) canal, including the valves and the atrial or ventricular septum. Type VI collagen (COLVI) is the primary structural component in the developing septa and endocardial cushions, with two of the three genes encoding for COLVI located on human chromosome 21 and upregulated in Down syndrome (von Kaisenberg et al. in Obstet Gynecol 91:319-323, 1998; Gittenberger-De Groot et al. in Anatom Rec Part A 275:1109-1116, 2023). Methods To investigate the effect of COLVI dosage on cardiomyocytes with trisomy 21, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from individuals with DS and age- and sex-matched controls were differentiated into cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM) and plated on varying concentrations of COLVI. Results Real time quantitative PCR showed decreased expression of cardiac-specific genes of DS iPSC-CM lines compared to control iPSC-CM. As expected, DS iPSC-CM had increased expression of genes on chromosome 21, including COL6A1, COL6A2, as well as genes not located on chromosome 21, namely COL6A3, HAS2 and HYAL2. We found that higher concentrations of COLVI result in decreased proliferation and migration of DS iPSC-CM, but not control iPSC-CM. Conclusions These results suggest that the increased expression of COLVI in DS may result in lower migration-driven elongation of endocardial cushions stemming from lower cell proliferation and migration, possibly contributing to the high incidence of CHD in the DS population. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-023-00791-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S. Reeser
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Alyssa K. Salazar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Kendra M. Prutton
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - James R. Roede
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Mitchell C. VeDepo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Jeffrey G. Jacot
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
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20
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Cosgrove BD, Bounds LR, Taylor CK, Su AL, Rizzo AJ, Barrera A, Crawford GE, Hoffman BD, Gersbach CA. Mechanosensitive genomic enhancers potentiate the cellular response to matrix stiffness. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.10.574997. [PMID: 38260455 PMCID: PMC10802421 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.10.574997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic control of cellular transcription and phenotype is influenced by changes in the cellular microenvironment, yet how mechanical cues from these microenvironments precisely influence epigenetic state to regulate transcription remains largely unmapped. Here, we combine genome-wide epigenome profiling, epigenome editing, and phenotypic and single-cell RNA-seq CRISPR screening to identify a new class of genomic enhancers that responds to the mechanical microenvironment. These 'mechanoenhancers' could be active on either soft or stiff extracellular matrix contexts, and regulated transcription to influence critical cell functions including apoptosis, mechanotransduction, proliferation, and migration. Epigenetic editing of mechanoenhancers on rigid materials tuned gene expression to levels observed on softer materials, thereby reprogramming the cellular response to the mechanical microenvironment. These editing approaches may enable the precise alteration of mechanically-driven disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Cosgrove
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Lexi R. Bounds
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Carson Key Taylor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Alan L. Su
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Anthony J. Rizzo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Alejandro Barrera
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Gregory E. Crawford
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Brenton D. Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Charles A. Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center; Durham, NC 27708, USA
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21
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Martinez-Vidal L, Testi C, Pontecorvo E, Pederzoli F, Alchera E, Locatelli I, Venegoni C, Spinelli A, Lucianò R, Salonia A, Podestà A, Ruocco G, Alfano M. Progressive alteration of murine bladder elasticity in actinic cystitis detected by Brillouin microscopy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:484. [PMID: 38177637 PMCID: PMC10766652 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-51006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder mechanical properties are critical for organ function and tissue homeostasis. Therefore, alterations of tissue mechanics are linked to disease onset and progression. This study aims to characterize the tissue elasticity of the murine bladder wall considering its different anatomical components, both in healthy conditions and in actinic cystitis, a state characterized by tissue fibrosis. Here, we exploit Brillouin microscopy, an emerging technique in the mechanobiology field that allows mapping tissue mechanics at the microscale, in non-contact mode and free of labeling. We show that Brillouin imaging of bladder tissues is able to recognize the different anatomical components of the bladder wall, confirmed by histopathological analysis, showing different tissue mechanical properties of the physiological bladder, as well as a significant alteration in the presence of tissue fibrosis. Our results point out the potential use of Brillouin imaging on clinically relevant samples as a complementary technique to histopathological analysis, deciphering complex mechanical alteration of each tissue layer of an organ that strongly relies on mechanical properties to perform its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Martinez-Vidal
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | - Claudia Testi
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Roma, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Pontecorvo
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Roma, Italy
- CrestOptics S.p.A., Via Di Torre Rossa, 66, 00165, Roma, Italy
| | - Filippo Pederzoli
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Alchera
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Locatelli
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Venegoni
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonello Spinelli
- Experimental Imaging Centre, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Lucianò
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Salonia
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Podestà
- Dipartimento Di Fisica "Aldo Pontremoli" and CIMAINA, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ruocco
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento Di Fisica, Universitá Di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Massimo Alfano
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132, Milan, Italy
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22
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Mierke CT. Extracellular Matrix Cues Regulate Mechanosensing and Mechanotransduction of Cancer Cells. Cells 2024; 13:96. [PMID: 38201302 PMCID: PMC10777970 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010096] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular biophysical properties have particular implications for a wide spectrum of cellular behaviors and functions, including growth, motility, differentiation, apoptosis, gene expression, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion, and signal transduction including mechanotransduction. Cells not only react to unambiguously mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM), but can occasionally manipulate the mechanical features of the matrix in parallel with biological characteristics, thus interfering with downstream matrix-based cues in both physiological and pathological processes. Bidirectional interactions between cells and (bio)materials in vitro can alter cell phenotype and mechanotransduction, as well as ECM structure, intentionally or unintentionally. Interactions between cell and matrix mechanics in vivo are of particular importance in a variety of diseases, including primarily cancer. Stiffness values between normal and cancerous tissue can range between 500 Pa (soft) and 48 kPa (stiff), respectively. Even the shear flow can increase from 0.1-1 dyn/cm2 (normal tissue) to 1-10 dyn/cm2 (cancerous tissue). There are currently many new areas of activity in tumor research on various biological length scales, which are highlighted in this review. Moreover, the complexity of interactions between ECM and cancer cells is reduced to common features of different tumors and the characteristics are highlighted to identify the main pathways of interaction. This all contributes to the standardization of mechanotransduction models and approaches, which, ultimately, increases the understanding of the complex interaction. Finally, both the in vitro and in vivo effects of this mechanics-biology pairing have key insights and implications for clinical practice in tumor treatment and, consequently, clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Biological Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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23
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Ward NA, Hanley S, Tarpey R, Schreiber LHJ, O'Dwyer J, Roche ET, Duffy GP, Dolan EB. Intermittent actuation attenuates fibrotic behaviour of myofibroblasts. Acta Biomater 2024; 173:80-92. [PMID: 37967693 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The foreign body response (FBR) to implanted materials culminates in the deposition of a hypo-permeable, collagen rich fibrotic capsule by myofibroblast cells at the implant site. The fibrotic capsule can be deleterious to the function of some medical implants as it can isolate the implant from the host environment. Modulation of fibrotic capsule formation has been achieved using intermittent actuation of drug delivery implants, however the mechanisms underlying this response are not well understood. Here, we use analytical, computational, and in vitro models to understand the response of human myofibroblasts (WPMY-1 stromal cell line) to intermittent actuation using soft robotics and investigate how actuation can alter the secretion of collagen and pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines by these cells. Our findings suggest that there is a mechanical loading threshold that can modulate the fibrotic behaviour of myofibroblasts, by reducing the secretion of soluble collagen, transforming growth factor beta-1 and interleukin 1-beta, and upregulating the anti-inflammatory interleukin-10. By improving our understanding of how cells involved in the FBR respond to mechanical actuation, we can harness this technology to improve functional outcomes for a wide range of implanted medical device applications including drug delivery and cell encapsulation platforms. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A major barrier to the successful clinical translation of many implantable medical devices is the foreign body response (FBR) and resultant deposition of a hypo-permeable fibrotic capsule (FC) around the implant. Perturbation of the implant site using intermittent actuation (IA) of soft-robotic implants has previously been shown to modulate the FBR and reduce FC thickness. However, the mechanisms of action underlying this response were largely unknown. Here, we investigate how IA can alter the activity of myofibroblast cells, and ultimately suggest that there is a mechanical loading threshold within which their fibrotic behaviour can be modulated. These findings can be harnessed to improve functional outcomes for a wide range of medical implants, particularly drug delivery and cell encapsulation devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh A Ward
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Shirley Hanley
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ruth Tarpey
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Lucien H J Schreiber
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Joanne O'Dwyer
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ellen T Roche
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Garry P Duffy
- Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research Centre (AMBER), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Eimear B Dolan
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
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24
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Nauser S, Steinkohl E, Olesen SS, Drewes AM, Frøkjær JB. Co-existence of hepatic and pancreatic fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis patients including associated risk factors: a magnetic resonance elastography study. Scand J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:100-107. [PMID: 37615331 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2023.2250496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the co-existence of hepatic and pancreatic fibrosis using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in chronic pancreatitis (CP), including the association between hepatic and pancreatic MRE-derived stiffness and exploration of potential etiological risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-four CP patients and 35 healthy controls underwent hepatic and pancreatic MRE with measurements of tissue stiffness. Clinical parameters including stage (probable or definite CP), etiology of CP, the presence of diabetes or exocrine insufficiency, and previous history of common bile duct stenosis were assessed. Uni- and multivariate regression models were used to investigate risk factors associated with hepatic fibrosis/stiffness in CP patients. RESULTS Fifteen percent of CP patients and none of the controls had abnormal liver stiffness (>2.5 kPa), p = 0.02. 5.6% of CP patients had liver stiffness indicating F1 fibrosis (>2.93 kPa). However, hepatic stiffness was not higher in patients than in healthy controls (2.20 ± 0.41 vs 2.08 ± 0.21 kPa, p = 0.10). In patients, a positive association was seen between hepatic and pancreatic stiffness (r = 0.270, p = 0.048). In the multivariate analysis (adjusted for age, gender and BMI), liver stiffness was significantly associated with alcoholic etiology of CP (p = 0.029). In contrast, stage of CP, history of common bile duct stenosis, and the presence of diabetes or exocrine insufficiency were not associated with liver stiffness (all p > 0.14). CONCLUSIONS Only a modest co-existence of hepatic and pancreatic fibrosis was observed in CP. However, the positive association between hepatic and pancreatic stiffness indicates some level of common pathophysiology. Especially, alcoholic etiology of CP was related to increased hepatic stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Nauser
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Emily Steinkohl
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Radiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Centre for Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Søren Schou Olesen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Centre for Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Asbjørn Mohr Drewes
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Centre for Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jens Brøndum Frøkjær
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Radiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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25
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Matthews DG, Maciejewski MF, Wong GA, Lauder GV, Bolnick DI. Locomotor effects of a fibrosis-based immune response in stickleback fish. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb246684. [PMID: 37947155 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246684] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate immune system provides an impressively effective defense against parasites and pathogens. However, these benefits must be balanced against a range of costly side-effects including energy loss and risks of auto-immunity. These costs might include biomechanical impairment of movement, but little is known about the intersection between immunity and biomechanics. Here, we show that a fibrosis immune response to Schistocephalus solidus infection in freshwater threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) has collateral effects on their locomotion. Although fibrosis is effective at reducing infection, some populations of stickleback actively suppress this immune response, possibly because the costs of fibrosis outweigh the benefits. We quantified the locomotor effects of the fibrosis immune response in the absence of parasites to investigate whether there are incidental costs of fibrosis that could help explain why some fish forego this effective defense. To do this, we induced fibrosis in stickleback and then tested their C-start escape performance. Additionally, we measured the severity of fibrosis, body stiffness and body curvature during the escape response. We were able to estimate performance costs of fibrosis by including these variables as intermediates in a structural equation model. This model revealed that among control fish without fibrosis, there is a performance cost associated with increased body stiffness. However, fish with fibrosis did not experience this cost but rather displayed increased performance with higher fibrosis severity. This result demonstrates that the adaptive landscape of immune responses can be complex with the potential for wide-reaching and unexpected fitness consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Matthews
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Meghan F Maciejewski
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Greta A Wong
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - George V Lauder
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Daniel I Bolnick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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26
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Okhovatian S, Shakeri A, Huyer LD, Radisic M. Elastomeric Polyesters in Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering and Organs-on-a-Chip. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4511-4531. [PMID: 37639715 PMCID: PMC10915885 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular tissue constructs provide unique design requirements due to their functional responses to substrate mechanical properties and cyclic stretching behavior of cardiac tissue that requires the use of durable elastic materials. Given the diversity of polyester synthesis approaches, an opportunity exists to develop a new class of biocompatible, elastic, and immunomodulatory cardiovascular polymers. Furthermore, elastomeric polyester materials have the capability to provide tailored biomechanical synergy with native tissue and hence reduce inflammatory response in vivo and better support tissue maturation in vitro. In this review, we highlight underlying chemistry and design strategies of polyester elastomers optimized for cardiac tissue scaffolds. The major advantages of these materials such as their tunable elasticity, desirable biodegradation, and potential for incorporation of bioactive compounds are further expanded. Unique fabrication methods using polyester materials such as micromolding, 3D stamping, electrospinning, laser ablation, and 3D printing are discussed. Moreover, applications of these biomaterials in cardiovascular organ-on-a-chip devices and patches are analyzed. Finally, we outline unaddressed challenges in the field that need further study to enable the impactful translation of soft polyesters to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomaterials Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3G9; Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto; Ontario, M5G 2C4; Canada
| | - Amid Shakeri
- Institute of Biomaterials Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3G9; Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto; Ontario, M5G 2C4; Canada
| | - Locke Davenport Huyer
- Department of Applied Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculties of Medicine and Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3G9; Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto; Ontario, M5G 2C4; Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3E5; Canada
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27
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Adu-Berchie K, Liu Y, Zhang DKY, Freedman BR, Brockman JM, Vining KH, Nerger BA, Garmilla A, Mooney DJ. Generation of functionally distinct T-cell populations by altering the viscoelasticity of their extracellular matrix. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1374-1391. [PMID: 37365267 PMCID: PMC10749992 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01052-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of adoptive T-cell therapies largely depends on the generation of T-cell populations that provide rapid effector function and long-term protective immunity. Yet it is becoming clearer that the phenotypes and functions of T cells are inherently linked to their localization in tissues. Here we show that functionally distinct T-cell populations can be generated from T cells that received the same stimulation by altering the viscoelasticity of their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). By using a model ECM based on a norbornene-modified collagen type I whose viscoelasticity can be adjusted independently from its bulk stiffness by varying the degree of covalent crosslinking via a bioorthogonal click reaction with tetrazine moieties, we show that ECM viscoelasticity regulates T-cell phenotype and function via the activator-protein-1 signalling pathway, a critical regulator of T-cell activation and fate. Our observations are consistent with the tissue-dependent gene-expression profiles of T cells isolated from mechanically distinct tissues from patients with cancer or fibrosis, and suggest that matrix viscoelasticity could be leveraged when generating T-cell products for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwasi Adu-Berchie
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yutong Liu
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David K Y Zhang
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin R Freedman
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua M Brockman
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle H Vining
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Preventative and Restorative Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bryan A Nerger
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David J Mooney
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
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28
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Eriksson O, Velikyan I. Radiotracers for Imaging of Fibrosis: Advances during the Last Two Decades and Future Directions. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1540. [PMID: 38004406 PMCID: PMC10674214 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111540] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis accompanies various pathologies, and there is thus an unmet medical need for non-invasive, sensitive, and quantitative methods for the assessment of fibrotic processes. Currently, needle biopsy with subsequent histological analysis is routinely used for the diagnosis along with morphological imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US). However, none of these imaging techniques are sufficiently sensitive and accurate to detect minor changes in fibrosis. More importantly, they do not provide information on fibrotic activity on the molecular level, which is critical for fundamental understanding of the underlying biology and disease course. Molecular imaging technology using positron emission tomography (PET) offers the possibility of imaging not only physiological real-time activity, but also high-sensitivity and accurate quantification. This diagnostic tool is well established in oncology and has exhibited exponential development during the last two decades. However, PET diagnostics has only recently been widely applied in the area of fibrosis. This review presents the progress of development of radiopharmaceuticals for non-invasive detection of fibrotic processes, including the fibrotic scar itself, the deposition of new fibrotic components (fibrogenesis), or the degradation of existing fibrosis (fibrolysis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Olof Eriksson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Antaros Tracer AB, Dragarbrunnsgatan 46, 2 tr, 753 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Irina Velikyan
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Nuclear Medicine and PET, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, 752 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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29
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Mitten EK, Portincasa P, Baffy G. Portal Hypertension in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Challenges and Paradigms. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1201-1211. [PMID: 37577237 PMCID: PMC10412712 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension in cirrhosis is defined as an increase in the portal pressure gradient (PPG) between the portal and hepatic veins and is traditionally estimated by the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), which is the difference in pressure between the free-floating and wedged positions of a balloon catheter in the hepatic vein. By convention, HVPG≥10 mmHg indicates clinically significant portal hypertension, which is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disorder with a heterogeneous clinical course, which includes the development of portal hypertension. There is increasing evidence that portal hypertension in NAFLD deserves special considerations. First, elevated PPG often precedes fibrosis in NAFLD, suggesting a bidirectional relationship between these pathological processes. Second, HVPG underestimates PPG in NAFLD, suggesting that portal hypertension is more prevalent in this condition than currently believed. Third, cellular mechanoresponses generated early in the pathogenesis of NAFLD provide a mechanistic explanation for the pressure-fibrosis paradigm. Finally, a better understanding of liver mechanobiology in NAFLD may aid in the development of novel pharmaceutical targets for prevention and management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie K. Mitten
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Division of Internal Medicine and Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University ‘Aldo Moro’ Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - György Baffy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
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30
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Wu D, Wu J, Liu H, Shi S, Wang L, Huang Y, Yu X, Lei Z, Ouyang T, Shen J, Wu G, Wang S. A biomimetic renal fibrosis progression model on-chip evaluates anti-fibrotic effects longitudinally in a dynamic fibrogenic niche. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4708-4725. [PMID: 37840380 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00393k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Although renal fibrosis can advance chronic kidney disease and progressively lead to end-stage renal failure, no effective anti-fibrotic drugs have been clinically approved. To aid drug development, we developed a biomimetic renal fibrosis progression model on-chip to evaluate anti-fibrotic effects of natural killer cell-derived extracellular vesicles and pirfenidone (PFD) across different fibrotic stages. First, the dynamic interplay between fibroblasts and kidney-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) resembling the fibrogenic niche on-chip demonstrated that myofibroblasts induced by stiff ECM in 3 days were reversed to fibroblasts by switching to soft ECM, which was within 2, but not 7 days. Second, PFD significantly down-regulated the expression of α-SMA in NRK-49F in medium ECM, as opposed to stiff ECM. Third, a study in rats showed that early administration of PFD significantly inhibited renal fibrosis in terms of the expression levels of α-SMA and YAP. Taken together, both on-chip and animal models indicate the importance of early anti-fibrotic intervention for checking the progression of renal fibrosis. Therefore, this renal fibrosis progression on-chip with a feature of recapitulating dynamic biochemical and biophysical cues can be readily used to assess anti-fibrotic candidates and to explore the tipping point when the fibrotic fate can be rescued for better medical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Institute for Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Rare Diseases, Endocrinology and Metabolism Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, and, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
- Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, City of Future Medicine, Chengdu, 641400, China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- Institute for Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Institute for Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Shengyu Shi
- Institute for Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Liangwen Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yixiao Huang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xiaorui Yu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Zhuoyue Lei
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Tanliang Ouyang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Jia Shen
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Guohua Wu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Rare Diseases, Endocrinology and Metabolism Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, and, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, City of Future Medicine, Chengdu, 641400, China
| | - Shuqi Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, City of Future Medicine, Chengdu, 641400, China
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31
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Bale S, Verma P, Varga J, Bhattacharyya S. Extracellular Matrix-Derived Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMP): Implications in Systemic Sclerosis and Fibrosis. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:1877-1885. [PMID: 37452808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are intracellular molecules released under cellular stress or recurring tissue injury, which serve as endogenous ligands for toll-like receptors (TLRs). Such DAMPs are either actively secreted by immune cells or passively released into the extracellular environment from damaged cells or generated as alternatively spliced mRNA variants of extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins. When recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as TLRs, DAMPs trigger innate immune responses. Currently, the best-characterized PRRs include, in addition to TLRs, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors, RIG-I-like RNA helicases, C-type lectin receptors, and many more. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation and progressive fibrosis in multiple organs. Using an unbiased survey for SSc-associated DAMPs, we have identified the ECM glycoproteins fibronectin-containing extra domain A and tenascin C as the most highly upregulated in SSc skin and lung biopsies. These DAMPs activate TLR4 on resident stromal cells to elicit profibrotic responses and sustained myofibroblasts activation resulting in progressive fibrosis. This review summarizes the current understanding of the complex functional roles of DAMPs in the progression and failure of resolution of fibrosis in general, with a particular focus on SSc, and considers viable therapeutic approaches targeting DAMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarna Bale
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Priyanka Verma
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - John Varga
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Swati Bhattacharyya
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
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32
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Sloas DC, Tran JC, Marzilli AM, Ngo JT. Tension-tuned receptors for synthetic mechanotransduction and intercellular force detection. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1287-1295. [PMID: 36646932 PMCID: PMC10499187 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01638-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cells interpret mechanical stimuli from their environments and neighbors, but the ability to engineer customized mechanosensing capabilities has remained a synthetic and mechanobiology challenge. Here we introduce tension-tuned synthetic Notch (SynNotch) receptors to convert extracellular and intercellular forces into specifiable gene expression changes. By elevating the tension requirements of SynNotch activation, in combination with structure-guided mutagenesis, we designed a set of receptors with mechanical sensitivities spanning the physiologically relevant picoNewton range. Cells expressing these receptors can distinguish between varying tensile forces and respond by enacting customizable transcriptional programs. We applied these tools to design a decision-making circuit, through which fibroblasts differentiate into myoblasts upon stimulation with distinct tension magnitudes. We also characterize cell-generated forces transmitted between cells during Notch signaling. Overall, this work provides insight into how mechanically induced changes in protein structure can be used to transduce physical forces into biochemical signals. The system should facilitate the further programming and dissection of force-related phenomena in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Christopher Sloas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeremy C Tran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander M Marzilli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John T Ngo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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33
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Li K, Ding K, Zhu Q, Han F, He X, Tan S, Wu Z, Zheng Z, Tang Z, Liu Y. Extracellular matrix stiffness aggravates urethral stricture through Igfbp3/Smad pathway. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14315. [PMID: 37653219 PMCID: PMC10471624 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41584-6] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Urethral stricture refers to the narrowing of the urethral lumen. While previous studies have hinted at inflammation as the initial driver of this condition, the reasons and mechanisms behind its progression remain largely unknown. By Atomic force microscope (AFM), researchers measured the matrix stiffness of urethra to be 5.23 ± 0.37 kPa for normal tissue and 41.59 ± 2.48 kPa for stricture urethral scar. Similar results were observed in rat urethral stricture models, where the matrix stiffness of normal urethra was 4.29 ± 0.82 kPa, while 32.94 ± 7.12 kPa for urethral stricture scar. Notably, the matrix stiffness increased in rat models over time. To further investigate, polyacrylamide hydrogels were employed to mimic different levels of stiffness for normal and stricture condition. Interestingly, higher matrix stiffness led to an increased fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) in rat urethral fibroblasts, indicated by enhanced expression of α-SMA and Collagen I, as well as changing in the morphology of fibroblast. RNA-seq analysis suggested that Igfbp3/Smads might regulate the progressive FMT in urethral stricture. In the experiment where the expression of Igfbp3 was inhibited, increasing matrix stiffness lose the potential to stimulate FMT progression and the expression of p-Smad2/3 decreased. On the contrary, overexpression of Igfbp3 promoted the process of FMT in urethral fibroblasts. In conclusion, Igfbp3/Smad pathway appeared to be involved in the progression of urethral fibrosis. This finding suggested that Igfbp3/Smad might be an promising target for future research and treatment in this filed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixuan Li
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Provincial Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Genitourinary System Disease, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ke Ding
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Provincial Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Genitourinary System Disease, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Quan Zhu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Provincial Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Genitourinary System Disease, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Feng Han
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Provincial Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Genitourinary System Disease, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xi He
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuo Tan
- Provincial Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Genitourinary System Disease, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Department of Urology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Ziqiang Wu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Provincial Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Genitourinary System Disease, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhihuan Zheng
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Provincial Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Genitourinary System Disease, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhengyan Tang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Provincial Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Genitourinary System Disease, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Yanling Liu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Provincial Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Genitourinary System Disease, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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34
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Han X, Xu L, Dou T, Du R, Deng L, Wang X. Inhibitory Effects of Epithelial Cells on Fibrosis Mechanics of Microtissue and Their Spatiotemporal Dependence on the Epithelial-Fibroblast Interaction. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:4846-4854. [PMID: 37418666 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01502] [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] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Cell-generated contraction force is the primary physical drive for fibrotic densification of biological tissues. Previous studies using two-dimensional culture models have shown that epithelial cells inhibit the myofibroblast-derived contraction force via the regulation of the fibroblast/myofibroblast transition (FMT). However, it remains unclear how epithelial cells interact with fibroblasts and myofibroblasts to determine the mechanical consequences and spatiotemporal regulation of fibrosis development. In this study, we established a three-dimensional microtissue model using an NIH/3T3 fibroblast-laden collagen hydrogel, incorporated with a microstring-based force sensor, to assess fibrosis mechanics. When Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells were cocultured on the microtissue's surface, the densification, stiffness, and contraction force of the microtissue greatly decreased compared to the monocultured microtissue without epithelial cells. The key fibrotic features, such as enhanced protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and collagen indicating FMT and matrix deposition, respectively, were also significantly reduced. The antifibrotic effects of epithelial cells on the microtissue were dependent on the intercellular signaling molecule prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) with an effective concentration of 10 μM and their proximity to the fibroblasts, indicating paracrine cellular signaling between the two types of cells during tissue fibrosis. The effect of PGE2 on microtissue contraction was also dependent on the time point when PGE2 was delivered or blocked, suggesting that the presence of epithelial cells at an early stage is critical for preventing or treating advanced fibrosis. Taken together, this study provides insights into the spatiotemporal regulation of mechanical properties of fibrosis by epithelial cells, and the cocultured microtissue model incorporated with a real-time and sensitive force sensor will be a suitable system for evaluating fibrosis and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Han
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
- School of Medical and Health Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lele Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Dou
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Du
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linhong Deng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
- School of Medical and Health Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
- School of Medical and Health Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
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35
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Nakamura Y, Shimizu Y, Fujimaki-Shiraishi M, Uchida N, Takemasa A, Niho S. A Protective Effect of Pirfenidone in Lung Fibroblast-Endothelial Cell Network via Inhibition of Rho-Kinase Activity. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2259. [PMID: 37626755 PMCID: PMC10452915 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a life-threatening disease that has been attributed to several causes. Specifically, vascular injury is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. The effects of the antifibrotic drug pirfenidone on angiogenesis have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of pirfenidone in human lung fibroblast-endothelial cell co-culture network formation and to analyze the underlying molecular mechanisms. Human lung fibroblasts were co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells to establish a co-culture network cell sheet. The influence of pirfenidone was evaluated for protective effect on the endothelial network in cell sheets stimulated with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Results indicated that TGF-β disrupted the network formation. Pirfenidone and Y27632 (Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase [Rho-kinase or ROCK] inhibitor) protected against the TGF-β-induced endothelial network disruption. TGF-β activated Rho-kinase signaling in cells composing the co-culture cell sheet, whereas pirfenidone and Y27632 inhibited these effects. In conclusion, TGF-β-induced Rho-kinase activation and disrupted endothelial network formation. Pirfenidone suppressed TGF-β-induced Rho-kinase activity in cell sheets, thereby enabling vascular endothelial cells networks to be preserved in the cell sheets. These findings suggest that pirfenidone has potential vascular network-preserving effect via inhibiting Rho-kinase activity in vascular injury, which is a precursor to pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasuo Shimizu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu 321-0293, Tochigi, Japan; (Y.N.); (M.F.-S.); (N.U.); (A.T.); (S.N.)
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36
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Nahum A, Koren Y, Ergaz B, Natan S, Miller G, Tamir Y, Goren S, Kolel A, Jagadeeshan S, Elkabets M, Lesman A, Zaritsky A. Inference of long-range cell-cell force transmission from ECM remodeling fluctuations. Commun Biol 2023; 6:811. [PMID: 37537232 PMCID: PMC10400639 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05179-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells sense, manipulate and respond to their mechanical microenvironment in a plethora of physiological processes, yet the understanding of how cells transmit, receive and interpret environmental cues to communicate with distant cells is severely limited due to lack of tools to quantitatively infer the complex tangle of dynamic cell-cell interactions in complicated environments. We present a computational method to systematically infer and quantify long-range cell-cell force transmission through the extracellular matrix (cell-ECM-cell communication) by correlating ECM remodeling fluctuations in between communicating cells and demonstrating that these fluctuations contain sufficient information to define unique signatures that robustly distinguish between different pairs of communicating cells. We demonstrate our method with finite element simulations and live 3D imaging of fibroblasts and cancer cells embedded in fibrin gels. While previous studies relied on the formation of a visible fibrous 'band' extending between cells to inform on mechanical communication, our method detected mechanical propagation even in cases where visible bands never formed. We revealed that while contractility is required, band formation is not necessary, for cell-ECM-cell communication, and that mechanical signals propagate from one cell to another even upon massive reduction in their contractility. Our method sets the stage to measure the fundamental aspects of intercellular long-range mechanical communication in physiological contexts and may provide a new functional readout for high content 3D image-based screening. The ability to infer cell-ECM-cell communication using standard confocal microscopy holds the promise for wide use and democratizing the method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Nahum
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Yoni Koren
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Bar Ergaz
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Sari Natan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Gad Miller
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Yuval Tamir
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Shahar Goren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Avraham Kolel
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Sankar Jagadeeshan
- The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Ayelet Lesman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel.
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
| | - Assaf Zaritsky
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
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37
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Adu-Berchie K, Obuseh FO, Mooney DJ. T Cell Development and Function. Rejuvenation Res 2023; 26:126-138. [PMID: 37154728 PMCID: PMC10460695 DOI: 10.1089/rej.2023.0015] [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] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells play critical roles in the immune system, including in responses to cancer, autoimmunity, and tissue regeneration. T cells arise from common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) that differentiate from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. CLPs then traffic to the thymus, where they undergo thymopoiesis through a number of selection steps, resulting in mature single positive naive CD4 helper or CD8 cytotoxic T cells. Naive T cells are home to secondary lymphoid organs like lymph nodes and are primed by antigen-presenting cells, which scavenge for both foreign and self-antigens. Effector T cell function is multifaceted, including direct target cell lysis and secretion of cytokines, which regulate the functions of other immune cells (refer to "Graphical Abstract"). This review will discuss T cell development and function, from the development of lymphoid progenitors in the bone marrow to principles that govern T cell effector function and dysfunction, specifically within the context of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwasi Adu-Berchie
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Favour O. Obuseh
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David J. Mooney
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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38
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Matthews DG, Maciejewski MF, Wong GA, Lauder GV, Bolnick DI. Locomotor effects of a fibrosis-based immune response in stickleback fish. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.24.546342. [PMID: 37425734 PMCID: PMC10326981 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.24.546342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate immune system provides an impressively effective defense against parasites and pathogens. However, these benefits must be balanced against a range of costly side-effects including energy loss and risks of auto-immunity. These costs might include biomechanical impairment of movement, but little is known about the intersection between immunity and biomechanics. Here, we show that a fibrosis immune response in threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) has collateral effects on their locomotion. When freshwater stickleback are infected with the tapeworm parasite Schistocephalus solidus, they face an array of fitness consequences ranging from impaired body condition and fertility to an increased risk of mortality. To fight the infection, some stickleback will initiate a fibrosis immune response in which they produce excess collagenous tissue in their coelom. Although fibrosis is effective at reducing infection, some populations of stickleback actively suppress this immune response, possibly because the costs of fibrosis outweigh the benefits. Here we quantify the locomotor effects of the fibrosis immune response in the absence of parasites to investigate whether there are collateral costs of fibrosis that could help explain why some fish forego this effective defense. To do this, we induce fibrosis in stickleback and then test their C-start escape performance. Additionally, we measure the severity of fibrosis, body stiffness, and body curvature during the escape response. We were able to estimate performance costs of fibrosis by including these variables as intermediates in a structural equation model. This model reveals that among control fish without fibrosis, there is a performance cost associated with increased body stiffness. However, fish with fibrosis did not experience this cost but rather displayed increased performance with higher fibrosis severity. This result demonstrates that the adaptive landscape of immune responses can be complex with the potential for wide reaching and unexpected fitness consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G. Matthews
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, 02138, MA, USA
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, 02138, MA, USA
| | - Meghan F. Maciejewski
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, 61820, IL, USA
- Department of Ecology Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, 06269, CT, USA
| | - Greta A. Wong
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, 02138, MA, USA
| | - George V. Lauder
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, 02138, MA, USA
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, 02138, MA, USA
| | - Daniel I. Bolnick
- Department of Ecology Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, 06269, CT, USA
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39
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Jetta D, Shireen T, Hua SZ. Epithelial cells sense local stiffness via Piezo1 mediated cytoskeletal reorganization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1198109. [PMID: 37293127 PMCID: PMC10244755 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1198109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Local substrate stiffness is one of the major mechanical inputs for tissue organization during its development and remodeling. It is widely recognized that adherent cells use transmembrane proteins (integrins) at focal adhesions to translate ECM mechanical cues into intracellular bioprocess. Here we show that epithelial cells respond to substrate stiffening primarily via actin cytoskeleton organization, that requires activation of mechanosensitive Piezo1 channels. Piezo1 Knockdown cells eliminated the actin stress fibers that formed on stiff substrates, while it had minimal effect on cell morphology and spreading area. Inhibition of Piezo1 channels with GsMTx4 also significantly reduced stiffness-induced F-actin reorganization, suggesting Piezo1 mediated cation current plays a role. Activation of Piezo1 channels with specific agonist (Yoda1) resulted in thickening of F-actin fibers and enlargement of FAs on stiffer substrates, whereas it did not affect the formation of nascent FAs that facilitate spreading on the soft substrates. These results demonstrate that Piezo1 functions as a force sensor that couples with actin cytoskeleton to distinguish the substrate stiffness and facilitate epithelial adaptive remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deekshitha Jetta
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Tasnim Shireen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Susan Z. Hua
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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40
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Gui Y, Wang Y, Palanza Z, Wang JL, Gupta P, Tao J, Qiao Y, Hargis G, Kreutzer DL, Bastacky SI, Yu Y, Wang Y, Liu S, Fu H, Zhou D. Calponin 2 harnesses metabolic reprogramming to determine kidney fibrosis. Mol Metab 2023; 71:101712. [PMID: 36963615 PMCID: PMC10090436 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the fibrotic kidneys, the extent of a formed deleterious microenvironment is determined by cellular mechanical forces. This process requires metabolism for energy. However, how cellular mechanics and metabolism are connected remains unclear. METHODS A multi-disciplinary approach was employed: the fibrotic kidney disease models were induced by renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and unilateral ureteral obstruction in Calponin 2 (CNN2) knockdown mice. Proteomics, bioinformatics, and in vivo and in vitro molecular experimental pathology studies were performed. RESULT Our proteomics revealed that actin filament binding and cell metabolism are the two most dysregulated events in the fibrotic kidneys. As a prominent actin stabilizer, CNN2 was predominantly expressed in fibroblasts and pericytes. In CKD patients, CNN2 levels was markedly induced in blood. In mice, CNN2 knockdown preserves kidney function and alleviates fibrosis. Global proteomics profiled that CNN2 knockdown enhanced the activities of the key rate-limiting enzymes and regulators of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in the diseased kidneys. Inhibiting carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α in the FAO pathway resulted in lipid accumulation and extracellular matrix deposition in the fibrotic kidneys, which were restored after CNN2 knockdown. Bioinformatics and chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that CNN2 interactor, estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2), binds peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) to transcriptionally regulate FAO downstream target genes expression amid kidney fibrosis. In vitro, ESR2 knockdown repressed the mRNA levels of PPARα and the key genes in the FAO pathway. Conversely, activation of PPARα reduced CNN2-induced matrix inductions. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that balancing cell mechanics and metabolism is crucial to develop therapeutic strategies to halt kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gui
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Zachary Palanza
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Jack L Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Priya Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Jianling Tao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yi Qiao
- Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Geneva Hargis
- University of Connecticut, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Donald L Kreutzer
- Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Sheldon I Bastacky
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Yanbao Yu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Yanlin Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Silvia Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Haiyan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
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Zhao YQ, Deng XW, Xu GQ, Lin J, Lu HZ, Chen J. Mechanical homeostasis imbalance in hepatic stellate cells activation and hepatic fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1183808. [PMID: 37152902 PMCID: PMC10157180 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1183808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease or repeated damage to hepatocytes can give rise to hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a pathological process of excessive sedimentation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagens, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans (PGs) in the hepatic parenchyma. Changes in the composition of the ECM lead to the stiffness of the matrix that destroys its inherent mechanical homeostasis, and a mechanical homeostasis imbalance activates hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into myofibroblasts, which can overproliferate and secrete large amounts of ECM proteins. Excessive ECM proteins are gradually deposited in the Disse gap, and matrix regeneration fails, which further leads to changes in ECM components and an increase in stiffness, forming a vicious cycle. These processes promote the occurrence and development of hepatic fibrosis. In this review, the dynamic process of ECM remodeling of HF and the activation of HSCs into mechanotransduction signaling pathways for myofibroblasts to participate in HF are discussed. These mechanotransduction signaling pathways may have potential therapeutic targets for repairing or reversing fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Quan Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Xi-Wen Deng
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Guo-Qi Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Hua-Ze Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
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42
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Sumey JL, Johnston PC, Harrell AM, Caliari SR. Hydrogel mechanics regulate fibroblast DNA methylation and chromatin condensation. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:2886-2897. [PMID: 36880435 PMCID: PMC10329270 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm02058k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Cellular mechanotransduction plays a central role in fibroblast activation during fibrotic disease progression, leading to increased tissue stiffness and reduced organ function. While the role of epigenetics in disease mechanotransduction has begun to be appreciated, little is known about how substrate mechanics, particularly the timing of mechanical inputs, regulate epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and chromatin reorganization during fibroblast activation. In this work, we engineered a hyaluronic acid hydrogel platform with independently tunable stiffness and viscoelasticity to model normal (storage modulus, G' ∼ 0.5 kPa, loss modulus, G'' ∼ 0.05 kPa) to increasingly fibrotic (G' ∼ 2.5 and 8 kPa, G'' ∼ 0.05 kPa) lung mechanics. Human lung fibroblasts exhibited increased spreading and nuclear localization of myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) with increasing substrate stiffness within 1 day, with these trends holding steady for longer cultures. However, fibroblasts displayed time-dependent changes in global DNA methylation and chromatin organization. Fibroblasts initially displayed increased DNA methylation and chromatin decondensation on stiffer hydrogels, but both of these measures decreased with longer culture times. To investigate how culture time affected the responsiveness of fibroblast nuclear remodeling to mechanical signals, we engineered hydrogels amenable to in situ secondary crosslinking, enabling a transition from a compliant substrate mimicking normal tissue to a stiffer substrate resembling fibrotic tissue. When stiffening was initiated after only 1 day of culture, fibroblasts rapidly responded and displayed increased DNA methylation and chromatin decondensation, similar to fibroblasts on static stiffer hydrogels. Conversely, when fibroblasts experienced later stiffening at day 7, they showed no changes in DNA methylation and chromatin condensation, suggesting the induction of a persistent fibroblast phenotype. These results highlight the time-dependent nuclear changes associated with fibroblast activation in response to dynamic mechanical perturbations and may provide mechanisms to target for controlling fibroblast activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L Sumey
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, USA.
| | | | | | - Steven R Caliari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, USA
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43
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Ece B, Aydin S. Can Shear Wave Elastography Help Differentiate Acute Tonsillitis from Normal Tonsils in Pediatric Patients: A Prospective Preliminary Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10040704. [PMID: 37189953 DOI: 10.3390/children10040704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a non-invasive imaging technique used to quantify the elasticity/stiffness of any tissue. There are normative SWE studies on tonsils in healthy children in the literature. The purpose of this study is to analyze the palatine tonsils in children with acute tonsillitis using ultrasound and SWE. In this prospective study, pediatric patients aged 4-18 years diagnosed with acute tonsillitis and healthy children were included. Those with antibiotic use, chronic tonsillitis, adenoid hypertrophy, and having chronic disease, immunodeficiency, and autoimmune disease, or any rheumatological disease were excluded. The volume and elasticity of palatine tonsil were measured via ultrasound and SWE. The study included 81 (46 female, 35 male) acute tonsillitis patients, and 63 (38 female, 25 male) healthy children between the ages of 4 and 18. Elasticity (kPa) values of tonsils were found significantly higher in the tonsillitis group (SWE-R: 25.39 ± 4.64, SWE-L: 25.01 ± 4.17) compared to the normal group (SWE-R: 9.71 ± 2.37, SWE-L: 9.39 ± 2.19) (p < 0.001). In the tonsillitis group, a significant positive correlation was found between tonsil volume and elasticity (r: 0.774, p: 0.002). In conclusion, in pediatric patients with acute tonsillitis, higher kPa values were obtained with SWE in the palatine tonsils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bunyamin Ece
- Department of Radiology, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu 37150, Turkey
| | - Sonay Aydin
- Department of Radiology, Erzincan University, Erzincan 24100, Turkey
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44
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Vasse GF, Russo S, Barcaru A, Oun AAA, Dolga AM, van Rijn P, Kwiatkowski M, Govorukhina N, Bischoff R, Melgert BN. Collagen type I alters the proteomic signature of macrophages in a collagen morphology-dependent manner. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5670. [PMID: 37024614 PMCID: PMC10079972 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32715-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease that causes scarring and loss of lung function. Macrophages play a key role in fibrosis, but their responses to altered morphological and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix in fibrosis is relatively unexplored. Our previous work showed functional changes in murine fetal liver-derived alveolar macrophages on fibrous or globular collagen morphologies. In this study, we applied differential proteomics to further investigate molecular mechanisms underlying the observed functional changes. Macrophages cultured on uncoated, fibrous, or globular collagen-coated plastic were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The presence of collagen affected expression of 77 proteins, while 142 were differentially expressed between macrophages grown on fibrous or globular collagen. Biological process and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that culturing on any type of collagen induced higher expression of enzymes involved in glycolysis. However, this did not lead to a higher rate of glycolysis, probably because of a concomitant decrease in activity of these enzymes. Our data suggest that macrophages sense collagen morphologies and can respond with changes in expression and activity of metabolism-related proteins. These findings suggest intimate interactions between macrophages and their surroundings that may be important in repair or fibrosis of lung tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenda F Vasse
- Biomedical Engineering Department-FB40, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Sara Russo
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrei Barcaru
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Asmaa A A Oun
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Groningen Institute of Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Amalia M Dolga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick van Rijn
- Biomedical Engineering Department-FB40, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Kwiatkowski
- Functional Proteo-Metabolomics, Department of Biochemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Natalia Govorukhina
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rainer Bischoff
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbro N Melgert
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Kamperman T, Willemen NGA, Kelder C, Koerselman M, Becker M, Lins L, Johnbosco C, Karperien M, Leijten J. Steering Stem Cell Fate within 3D Living Composite Tissues Using Stimuli-Responsive Cell-Adhesive Micromaterials. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205487. [PMID: 36599686 PMCID: PMC10074101 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Engineered living microtissues such as cellular spheroids and organoids have enormous potential for the study and regeneration of tissues and organs. Microtissues are typically engineered via self-assembly of adherent cells into cellular spheroids, which are characterized by little to no cell-material interactions. Consequently, 3D microtissue models currently lack structural biomechanical and biochemical control over their internal microenvironment resulting in suboptimal functional performance such as limited stem cell differentiation potential. Here, this work report on stimuli-responsive cell-adhesive micromaterials (SCMs) that can self-assemble with cells into 3D living composite microtissues through integrin binding, even under serum-free conditions. It is demonstrated that SCMs homogeneously distribute within engineered microtissues and act as biomechanically and biochemically tunable designer materials that can alter the composite tissue microenvironment on demand. Specifically, cell behavior is controlled based on the size, stiffness, number ratio, and biofunctionalization of SCMs in a temporal manner via orthogonal secondary crosslinking strategies. Photo-based mechanical tuning of SCMs reveals early onset stiffness-controlled lineage commitment of differentiating stem cell spheroids. In contrast to conventional encapsulation of stem cell spheroids within bulk hydrogel, incorporating cell-sized SCMs within stem cell spheroids uniquely provides biomechanical cues throughout the composite microtissues' volume, which is demonstrated to be essential for osteogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Kamperman
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Niels G. A. Willemen
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Cindy Kelder
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Michelle Koerselman
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Malin Becker
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Luanda Lins
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Castro Johnbosco
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Leijten
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
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Layton TB, Williams L, Nanchahal J. Dupuytren's disease: a localised and accessible human fibrotic disorder. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:218-227. [PMID: 36566101 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We review the biology of Dupuytren's disease (DD), a common localised fibrotic disorder of the hand. The disease develops through a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, and epigenetic signalling. The early-stage disease nodules comprise a complex milieu of stromal and immune cells which interact to promote disease development. Recently, inhibition of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) locally resulted in softening and a decrease in nodule size, potentially controlling disease progression. Unlike fibrotic disorders of the visceral organs, the easy access to tissue in DD patients enables dissection of the cellular landscape and molecular signalling pathways. In addition, the study of DD may have wider benefits in enhancing our understanding of less-accessible fibrotic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Layton
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 8FE, UK
| | - Lynn Williams
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 8FE, UK
| | - Jagdeep Nanchahal
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 8FE, UK.
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47
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Roberge CL, Kingsley DM, Cornely LR, Spain CJ, Fortin AG, Corr DT. Viscoelastic Properties of Bioprinted Alginate Microbeads Compared to Their Bulk Hydrogel Analogs. J Biomech Eng 2023; 145:031002. [PMID: 36149022 PMCID: PMC9791675 DOI: 10.1115/1.4055757] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogel microbeads are engineered spherical microgels widely used for biomedical applications in cell cultures, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. Their mechanical and physical properties (i.e., modulus, porosity, diffusion) heavily influence their utility by affecting encapsulated cellular behavior, biopayload elution kinetics, and stability for longer term cultures. There is a need to quantify these properties to guide microbead design for effective application. However, there are few techniques with the μN-level resolution required to evaluate these relatively small, compliant constructs. To circumvent mechanically testing individual microbeads, researchers often approximate microbead properties by characterizing larger bulk gel analogs of the same material formulation. This approach provides some insight into the hydrogel properties. However, bulk gels possess key structural and mechanical differences compared to their microbead equivalents, which may limit their accuracy and utility as analogs for estimating microbead properties. Herein, we explore how microbead properties are influenced by hydrogel formulation (i.e., alginate concentration, divalent cation crosslinker, and crosslinker concentration), and whether these trends are accurately reflected in bulk gel analogs. To accomplish this, we utilize laser direct-write bioprinting to create 12 × 12 arrays of alginate microbeads and characterize all 144 microbeads in parallel using a commercially available microcompression system. In this way, the compressive load is distributed across a large number of beads, thus amplifying sample signal. Comparing microbead properties to those of their bulk gel analogs, we found that their trends in modulus, porosity, and diffusion with hydrogel formulation are consistent, yet bulk gels exhibit significant discrepancies in their measured values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L. Roberge
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 Eighth Street, Troy, NY 12180
| | - David M. Kingsley
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 Eighth Street, Troy, NY 12180
| | - Lexie R. Cornely
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 Eighth Street, Troy, NY 12180
| | - Connor J. Spain
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Biomedical Engineering Department, 110 Eighth Street, Troy, NY 12180
| | - Aiyana G. Fortin
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Vermont, 590 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401
| | - David T. Corr
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 Eighth Street, Troy, NY 12180
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48
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Cellular and Molecular Control of Lipid Metabolism in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Clinical Application of the Lysophosphatidic Acid Pathway. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040548. [PMID: 36831215 PMCID: PMC9954511 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a representative disease that causes fibrosis of the lungs. Its pathogenesis is thought to be characterized by sustained injury to alveolar epithelial cells and the resultant abnormal tissue repair, but it has not been fully elucidated. IPF is currently difficult to cure and is known to follow a chronic progressive course, with the patient's survival period estimated at about three years. The disease occasionally exacerbates acutely, leading to a fatal outcome. In recent years, it has become evident that lipid metabolism is involved in the fibrosis of lungs, and various reports have been made at the cellular level as well as at the organic level. The balance among eicosanoids, sphingolipids, and lipid composition has been reported to be involved in fibrosis, with particularly close attention being paid to a bioactive lipid "lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)" and its pathway. LPA signals are found in a wide variety of cells, including alveolar epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, and have been reported to intensify pulmonary fibrosis via LPA receptors. For instance, in alveolar epithelial cells, LPA signals reportedly induce mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to epithelial damage, or induce the transcription of profibrotic cytokines. Based on these mechanisms, LPA receptor inhibitors and the metabolic enzymes involved in LPA formation are now considered targets for developing novel means of IPF treatment. Advances in basic research on the relationships between fibrosis and lipid metabolism are opening the path to new therapies targeting lipid metabolism in the treatment of IPF.
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49
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Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive, age-related optic neuropathy, whereby the prevalence increases sharply over the age of 60 and is associated with increased systemic tissue stiffness. On a molecular basis, this is associated with increased deposition of collagen and loss of elastin structure, resulting in aberrant biomechanical compliance and reduced tissue elasticity. Increased tissue stiffness is a known driver of myofibroblast activation and persistence, especially in chronic cellular injuries via mechanotransduction pathways mediated by integrins and focal adhesion kinases. Evidence from histological and imaging studies plus force measurements of glaucomatous eyes show that several ocular tissues are stiffer than normal, healthy age-matched controls including the trabecular meshwork, Schlemm's canal, cornea, sclera and the lamina cribrosa. This is associated with increased extracellular matrix deposition and fibrosis. This review reports on the evidence to support the concept that glaucoma represents 'a stiff eye in a stiff body' and addresses potential mechanisms to attenuate this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Powell
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Catherine McAuley Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mustapha Irnaten
- Catherine McAuley Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colm O'Brien
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Catherine McAuley Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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50
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He S, Wang J, Huang Y, Kong F, Yang R, Zhan Y, Li Z, Ye C, Meng L, Ren Y, Zhou Y, Chen G, Shen Z, Sun S, Zheng S, Dong R. Intestinal fibrosis in aganglionic segment of Hirschsprung's disease revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1193. [PMID: 36738110 PMCID: PMC9898741 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a relatively common congenital disability. Accumulating extracellular matrix (ECM) prompts intestinal fibrosis remodelling in the aganglionic segments of HSCR. The contributions of various cellular subsets in the fibrogenesis of HSCR segments are poorly understood. METHODS Single-cell transcriptomics from 8 aganglionic segments and 5 normal segments of 7 HSCR subjects and 26 healthy segments of seven healthy donors were analysed. Fibrotic phenotype and alterations were explored using differential expression analysis and single-cell trajectory analysis. Fibrosis-related transcription factors were inferred through single-cell regulatory network inference. Bulk transcriptomic data, proteomic data, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to validate the alterations in the HSCR intestine. RESULTS Various collagen, fibronectin and laminin protein-coding genes expression were up-regulated in the stromal and glial cells of the HSCR intestine. The number of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the aganglionic segments increased, and more myofibroblasts were activated at an earlier stage in HSCR segments, which infers that there is an intestinal fibrosis phenotype in HSCR segments. The fibrotic regulators POSTN, ANXA1 and HSP70 were highly expressed in the ECM-related cellular subsets in the transitional segments and aganglionic segments. The transcription factor regulatory network revealed that fibrosis-related and megacolon-related NR2F1 in the fibroblasts and glial subsets was up-regulated in the aganglionic segment. CONCLUSIONS This work identifies intestinal fibrosis and related regulators in aganglionic segments of HSCR; hence, anti-fibrotic therapy may be considered to prevent HSCR-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), relieve intestinal stricture and improve cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei He
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yanlei Huang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Fanyang Kong
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Ran Yang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yong Zhan
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Zifeng Li
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Chunjing Ye
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Lingdu Meng
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yankang Ren
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Zhen Shen
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Song Sun
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Shan Zheng
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
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