Thickness sensing of hMSCs on collagen gel directs stem cell fate

Geometric constraint of mechanosensing by modification of hydrogel thickness prevents stiffness-induced differentiation in bone marrow stromal cells

Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness is fundamental in cell division, movement and differentiation. The stiffness that cells sense is determined not only by the elastic modulus of the ECM material but also by ECM geometry and cell density. We hypothesized that these factors would influence cell traction-induced matrix deformations and cellular differentiation in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). To achieve this, we cultivated BMSCs on polyacrylamide hydrogels that varied in elastic modulus and geometry and measured cell spreading, cell-imparted matrix deformations and differentiation. At low cell density BMSCs spread to a greater extent on stiff compared with soft hydrogels, or on thin compared with thick hydrogels. Cell-imparted matrix deformations were greater on soft compared with stiff hydrogels or thick compared with thin hydrogels. There were no significant differences in osteogenic differentiation relative to hydrogel elastic modulus and thickness. However, increased cell density and/or prolonged culture significantly reduced matrix deformations on soft hydrogels to levels similar to those on stiff substrates. This suggests that at high cell densities cell traction-induced matrix displacements are reduced by both neighbouring cells and the constraint imposed by an underlying stiff support. This may explain observations of the lack of difference in osteogenic differentiation as a function of stiffness.

Waste-to-resource: Extraction and transformation of aquatic biomaterials for regenerative medicine

The fisheries and aquaculture industry are known for generating substantial waste or by-products, often underutilized, or relegated to low-value purposes. However, this overlooked segment harbors a rich repository of valuable bioactive materials of which have a broad-spectrum of high-value applications. As the blue economy gains momentum and fisheries expand, sustainable exploitation of these aquatic resources is increasingly prioritized. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of technology-enabled methods for extracting and transforming aquatic waste into valuable biomaterials and their recent advances in regenerative medicine applications, focusing on marine collagen, chitin/chitosan, calcium phosphate and bioactive-peptides. We discuss the inherent bioactive qualities of these "waste-to-resource" aquatic biomaterials and identify opportunities for their use in regenerative medicine to advance healthcare while achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Environmentally dependent and independent control of 3D cell shape

How cancer cells determine their shape in response to three-dimensional (3D) geometric and mechanical cues is unclear. We develop an approach to quantify the 3D cell shape of over 60,000 melanoma cells in collagen hydrogels using high-throughput stage-scanning oblique plane microscopy (ssOPM). We identify stereotypic and environmentally dependent changes in shape and protrusivity depending on whether a cell is proximal to a flat and rigid surface or is embedded in a soft environment. Environmental sensitivity metrics calculated for small molecules and gene knockdowns identify interactions between the environment and cellular factors that are important for morphogenesis. We show that the Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RhoGEF) TIAM2 contributes to shape determination in environmentally independent ways but that non-muscle myosin II, microtubules, and the RhoGEF FARP1 regulate shape in ways dependent on the microenvironment. Thus, changes in cancer cell shape in response to 3D geometric and mechanical cues are modulated in both an environmentally dependent and independent fashion.

3-D culture of human lung fibroblasts decreases proliferative and increases extracellular matrix remodeling genes

Fibroblasts are the main producers of extracellular matrix (ECM) responsible for ECM maintenance and repair, a process often disrupted in chronic lung diseases. The accompanying mechanical changes adversely affect resident cells and overall lung function. Numerous models have been used to elucidate fibroblast behavior that are now evolving toward complex three-dimensional (3-D) models incorporating ECM, aiming to replicate the cells' native environment. Little is known about the cellular changes that occur when moving from two-dimensional (2-D) to 3-D cell culture. This study compared the gene expression profiles of primary human lung fibroblasts from seven subjects with normal lung function, that were cultured for 24 h on 2-D collagen I-coated tissue culture plastic and in 3-D collagen I hydrogels, which are commonly used to mimic ECM in various models, from contraction assays to intricate organ-on-a-chip models. Comparing 3-D with 2-D cell culture, 6,771 differentially expressed genes (2,896 up, 3,875 down) were found; enriched gene sets within the downregulated genes, identified through Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, were involved in the initiation of DNA replication which implied downregulation of fibroblast proliferation in 3-D. Observation of cells for 72 h in 2-D and 3-D environments confirmed the reduced progression through the cell cycle in 3-D. A focused analysis, examining the Hippo pathway and ECM-associated genes, showed differential patterns of gene expression in the 3-D versus 2-D culture. Altogether, the transcriptional response of fibroblasts cultured in 3-D indicated inhibition of proliferation, and alterations in Hippo and ECM pathways indicating a complete switch from proliferation to ECM remodeling.NEW & NOTEWORTHY With the introduction of complex three-dimensional (3-D) lung models, comes a need for understanding cellular behavior in these models. We compared gene expression profiles of human lung fibroblasts grown on two-dimensional (2-D) collagen I-coated surfaces with those in 3-D collagen I hydrogels. RNA sequencing and subsequent pathway analyses showed decreased proliferation, increased extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and altered Hippo signaling and ECM deposition-related gene signatures. These findings highlight unique responses of fibroblasts in 3-D models.

Static and Dynamic: Evolving Biomaterial Mechanical Properties to Control Cellular Mechanotransduction

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic system that constantly offers physical, biological, and chemical signals to embraced cells. Increasing evidence suggests that mechanical signals derived from the dynamic cellular microenvironment are essential controllers of cell behaviors. Conventional cell culture biomaterials, with static mechanical properties such as chemistry, topography, and stiffness, have offered a fundamental understanding of various vital biochemical and biophysical processes, such as cell adhesion, spreading, migration, growth, and differentiation. At present, novel biomaterials that can spatiotemporally impart biophysical cues to manipulate cell fate are emerging. The dynamic properties and adaptive traits of new materials endow them with the ability to adapt to cell requirements and enhance cell functions. In this review, an introductory overview of the key players essential to mechanobiology is provided. A biophysical perspective on the state-of-the-art manipulation techniques and novel materials in designing static and dynamic ECM-mimicking biomaterials is taken. In particular, different static and dynamic mechanical cues in regulating cellular mechanosensing and functions are compared. This review to benefit the development of engineering biomechanical systems regulating cell functions is expected.

Self-assembly of mesoscale collagen architectures and applications in 3D cell migration

3D in vitro tumor models have recently been investigated as they can recapitulate key features in the tumor microenvironment. Reconstruction of a biomimetic scaffold is critical in these models. However, most current methods focus on modulating local properties, e.g. micro- and nano-scaled topographies, without capturing the global millimeter or intermediate mesoscale features. Here we introduced a method for modulating the collagen I-based extracellular matrix structure by disruption of fibrillogenesis and the gelation process through mechanical agitation. With this method, we generated collagen scaffolds that are thickened and wavy at a larger scale while featuring global softness. Thickened collagen patches were interconnected with loose collagen networks, highly resembling collagen architecture in the tumor stroma. This thickened collagen network promoted tumor cell dissemination. In addition, this novel modified scaffold triggered differences in morphology and migratory behaviors of tumor cells. Altogether, our method for altered collagen architecture paves new ways for studying in detail cell behavior in physiologically relevant biological processes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Tumor progression usually involves chronic tissue damage and repair processes. Hallmarks of tumors are highly overlapped with those of wound healing. To mimic the tumor milieu, collagen-based scaffolds are widely used. These scaffolds focus on modulating microscale topographies and mechanics, lacking global architecture similarity compared with in vivo architecture. Here we introduced one type of thick collagen bundles that mimics ECM architecture in human skin scars. These thickened collagen bundles are long and wavy while featuring global softness. This collagen architecture imposes fewer steric restraints and promotes tumor cell dissemination. Our findings demonstrate a distinct picture of cell behaviors and intercellular interactions, highlighting the importance of collagen architecture and spatial heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment.

Mechanical homeostasis in tissue equivalents: a review

There is substantial evidence that growth and remodeling of load bearing soft biological tissues is to a large extent controlled by mechanical factors. Mechanical homeostasis, which describes the natural tendency of such tissues to establish, maintain, or restore a preferred mechanical state, is thought to be one mechanism by which such control is achieved across multiple scales. Yet, many questions remain regarding what promotes or prevents homeostasis. Tissue equivalents, such as collagen gels seeded with living cells, have become an important tool to address these open questions under well-defined, though limited, conditions. This article briefly reviews the current state of research in this area. It summarizes, categorizes, and compares experimental observations from the literature that focus on the development of tension in tissue equivalents. It focuses primarily on uniaxial and biaxial experimental studies, which are well-suited for quantifying interactions between mechanics and biology. The article concludes with a brief discussion of key questions for future research in this field.

Stem Cell Mechanobiology and the Role of Biomaterials in Governing Mechanotransduction and Matrix Production for Tissue Regeneration

Mechanobiology has underpinned many scientific advances in understanding how biophysical and biomechanical cues regulate cell behavior by identifying mechanosensitive proteins and specific signaling pathways within the cell that govern the production of proteins necessary for cell-based tissue regeneration. It is now evident that biophysical and biomechanical stimuli are as crucial for regulating stem cell behavior as biochemical stimuli. Despite this, the influence of the biophysical and biomechanical environment presented by biomaterials is less widely accounted for in stem cell-based tissue regeneration studies. This Review focuses on key studies in the field of stem cell mechanobiology, which have uncovered how matrix properties of biomaterial substrates and 3D scaffolds regulate stem cell migration, self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation, and activation of specific biological responses. First, we provide a primer of stem cell biology and mechanobiology in isolation. This is followed by a critical review of key experimental and computational studies, which have unveiled critical information regarding the importance of the biophysical and biomechanical cues for stem cell biology. This review aims to provide an informed understanding of the intrinsic role that physical and mechanical stimulation play in regulating stem cell behavior so that researchers may design strategies that recapitulate the critical cues and develop effective regenerative medicine approaches.

Endometrial stromal cell inflammatory phenotype during severe ovarian endometriosis as a cause of endometriosis-associated infertility

RESEARCH QUESTION

Do endometrial stromal cells from primary infertile patients with severe ovarian endometriosis display differential secretory profiles of inflammation-associated cytokines during the implantation window that may cause infertility?

DESIGN

Forty-eight cytokines were measured in conditioned medium of isolated endometrial stromal cells obtained from primary infertile patients without endometriosis (control group, n = 12) or with stage IV ovarian endometriosis (ovarian endometriosis group, n = 14) using multiplex assays. Key cytokines showing differential secretory profiles were validated using Western immunoblotting. Cellular phenotypic validation was carried out in vitro by comparing proliferation and migration capacity between control (n = 6) and ovarian endometriosis (n = 7) groups.

RESULTS

CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL10, FGF2, IFNG, IL1RN, IL5, TNFA, and VEGF could be detected only in the conditioned media of stromal cells obtained from the ovarian endometriosis group. Among other cytokines detected in the conditioned media of both groups, CCL2 (P = 0.0018), CSF3 (P = 0.0017), IL1B (P = 0.0066), IL4 (P = 0.036), IL6 (P = 0.0039) and IL13 (P = 0.036) were found to be higher, whereas the concentration of IL18 was lower (P = 0.023) in the ovarian endometriosis group. Concentrations of CCL2, IL1B, IL4 and IL13 in conditioned medium reflected significant diagnostic performance for predicting ovarian endometriosis. Cellular phenotypic validation in vitro revealed an enhanced proliferative phenotype (P = 0.046) with no change in cell migratory capacity of endometrial stromal cells from the ovarian endometriosis group.

CONCLUSIONS

Endometrial stromal cells derived from severe ovarian endometriosis samples displayed a hyperinflammatory and hyperproliferative bias in the endometrial stroma during the 'window of implantation' putatively causing loss of fecundability.

Targeting the cytoskeleton to direct pancreatic differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells

Generation of pancreatic β cells from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) holds promise as a cell replacement therapy for diabetes. In this study, we establish a link between the state of the actin cytoskeleton and the expression of pancreatic transcription factors that drive pancreatic lineage specification. Bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated that different degrees of actin polymerization biased cells toward various endodermal lineages and that conditions favoring a polymerized cytoskeleton strongly inhibited neurogenin 3-induced endocrine differentiation. Using latrunculin A to depolymerize the cytoskeleton during endocrine induction, we developed a two-dimensional differentiation protocol for generating human pluripotent stem-cell-derived β (SC-β) cells with improved in vitro and in vivo function. SC-β cells differentiated from four hPSC lines exhibited first- and second-phase dynamic glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Transplantation of islet-sized aggregates of these cells rapidly reversed severe preexisting diabetes in mice at a rate close to that of human islets and maintained normoglycemia for at least 9 months.

Mechanically tunable coaxial electrospun models of YAP/TAZ mechanoresponse and IGF-1R activation in osteosarcoma

Current in vitro methods for assessing cancer biology and therapeutic response rely heavily on monolayer cell culture on hard, plastic surfaces that do not recapitulate essential elements of the tumor microenvironment. While a host of tumor models exist, most are not engineered to control the physical properties of the microenvironment and thus may not reflect the effects of mechanotransduction on tumor biology. Utilizing coaxial electrospinning, we developed three-dimensional (3D) tumor models with tunable mechanical properties in order to elucidate the effects of substrate stiffness and tissue architecture in osteosarcoma. Mechanical properties of coaxial electrospun meshes were characterized with a series of macroscale testing with uniaxial tensile testing and microscale testing utilizing atomic force microscopy on single fibers. Calculated moduli in our models ranged over three orders of magnitude in both macroscale and microscale testing. Osteosarcoma cells responded to decreasing substrate stiffness in 3D environments by increasing nuclear localization of Hippo pathway effectors, YAP and TAZ, while downregulating total YAP. Additionally, a downregulation of the IGF-1R/mTOR axis, the target of recent clinical trials in sarcoma, was observed in 3D models and heralded increased resistance to combination chemotherapy and IGF-1R/mTOR targeted agents compared to monolayer controls. In this study, we highlight the necessity of incorporating mechanical cues in cancer biology investigation and the complexity in mechanotransduction as a confluence of stiffness and culture architecture. Our models provide a versatile, mechanically variable substrate on which to study the effects of physical cues on the pathogenesis of tumors. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in cancer pathogenesis. In this work, we engineered 3D, mechanically tunable, coaxial electrospun environments to determine the roles of the mechanical environment on osteosarcoma cell phenotype, morphology, and therapeutic response. We characterize the effects of varying macroscale and microscale stiffnesses in 3D environments on the localization and expression of the mechanoresponsive proteins, YAP and TAZ, and evaluate IGF-1R/mTOR pathway activation, a target of recent clinical trials in sarcoma. Increased nuclear YAP/TAZ was observed as stiffness in 3D was decreased. Downregulation of the IGF-1R/mTOR cascade in all 3D environments was observed. Our study highlights the complexity of mechanotransduction in 3D culture and represents a step towards controlling microenvironmental elements in in vitro cancer investigations.

A biomimetic tarso-conjunctival biphasic scaffold for eyelid reconstruction in vivo

Conventional 3D porous scaffolds used as tarsal plate substitute may cause corneal irritation and conjunctival mucoid discharge, and even lead to blindness and cicatricial blepharon deformities. In this study, collagen/chitosan (Col/CS) sponges with thickness of 240 μm, 466 μm, and 724 μm were composited onto poly(propylene fumarate)-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (PPF-HEMA) polymer networks to obtain the corresponding biphasic scaffolds, which simulate the natural anatomy of posterior lamella of eyelid. These three scaffolds exhibited a porous structure with porosity of ∼90%, simulated elastic modulus, appropriate degradation rate and good biocompatibility. Composited with Col/CS sponge of difference thickness, the scaffolds induced different cellular behaviors such as proliferation, distribution and stratification, by regulating the mechanical properties cells sensed as effective modulus. In a rabbit tarso-conjunctival defect model, the grafted biphasic scaffolds promoted re-epithelization with functional regenerated conjunctiva. Hence, the biphasic composite scaffolds may be a promising substitute for tarso-conjunctival repair.

Nanomechanical Analysis of Extracellular Matrix and Cells in Multicellular Spheroids

Introduction

Over the last decade, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has played an important role in understanding nanomechanical properties of various cancer cell lines. This study is focused on Lewis lung carcinoma cell tumours as 3D multicellular spheroid (MS). Not much is know about the mechanical properties of the cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) in rapidly growing tumours.

Methods

Depth-dependent indentation measurements were conducted with the AFM. Force-vs.-indentation curves were used to create stiffness profiles as a function of depth. Here studies were focused on the outer most layer, i.e., proliferation zone of the spheroid.

Results

Both surface and sub-surface stiffness profiles of MS were created. This study revealed three nanomechanical topographies, Type A-high modulus due to collagen fibers, Type B-high stiffness at cell membrane and ECM interface and Type C-increased modulus due to cell lying deep inside matrix at a depth of 1.35 μm. Both Type and Type-B topographies result from collagen-based structures in ECM.

Conclusion

This study has first time revealed mechanical constitution of an MS. Depth-dependent indentation studies have the revealed role of various molecular and cellular components responsible for providing mechanical stability to MS. Nanomechanical heterogeneities revealed in this investigation can shed new light in developing correct dosage regime for collagenase treatment of tumours and designing better controlled artificial extracellular matrix systems for replicating tissue growth in-vitro.

The multiscale stiffness of electrospun substrates and aspects of their mechanical biocompatibility

In contrast to homogeneous materials, the mechanical properties of fibrous substrates depend on the probing lengthscale. This suggests that cells feel very different mechanical cues than expected from the macroscale characterisation of the substrate materials. By means of multiscale computational analyses we study here the mechanical environment of cells adhering to typical electrospun networks used in biomedical applications, with comparable macroscopic stiffness but different fibre diameters. The stiffness evaluated at the level of focal adhesions varies significantly, and the overall magnitude is strongly affected by the fibre diameter. The microscopic stiffness evaluated at cell scale depends substantially on the network topology and is about one order of magnitude lower than the macroscopic stiffness of the substrate, and two to three orders of magnitude below the fibres' elastic modulus. Moreover, the translation of stiffness over the scales is modulated by global deformations of the scaffold. In particular, uniaxial or biaxial stretching of the substrate induces nonlinear microscopic stiffening. Finally, although electrospun networks allow long-range transmission of cell-induced deformations, the comparison between the range of forces measured in cell traction force microscopy and those required to markedly deform typical electrospun networks reveals an order of magnitude difference, suggesting that these scaffolds provide a rather rigid environment for cells. All these results underline that the achievement of mechanical biocompatibility at all relevant lengthscales, and over the whole range of physiological loading states is extremely challenging. At the same time, the study shows that the diameter, length and curvature of fibre segments might be tunable towards achieving this goal. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Electrospun fabrics have growing use as substrates and scaffolds in tissue engineering and other biomedical applications. Based on multiscale computational analyses, this study shows that substrates of comparable macroscopic stiffness can provide tremendously different mechanical micro-environments, and that cells adhering to fibrous substrates may thus experience by orders of magnitude different mechanical cues than it would be expected from macroscale material characterisation. The simulations further reveal that the transfer of stiffness over the length scales changes with macroscopic deformation, and identify some key parameters that govern the transfer ratio. We believe that such refined understanding of the multiscale aspects of mechanical biocompatibility is key to the development of successful scaffold materials.

A coupled approach for fluid saturated poroelastic media and immersed solids for modeling cell-tissue interactions

In this paper, we propose a finite element-based immersed method to treat the mechanical coupling between a deformable porous medium model (PM) and an immersed solid model (ISM). The PM is formulated as a homogenized, volume-coupled two-field model, comprising a nearly incompressible solid phase that interacts with an incompressible Darcy-Brinkman flow. The fluid phase is formulated with respect to the Lagrangian finite element mesh, following the solid phase deformation. The ISM is discretized with an independent Lagrangian mesh and may behave arbitrarily complex (it may, eg, be compressible, grow, and perform active deformations). We model two distinct types of interactions, namely, (1) the immersed fluid-structure interaction (FSI) between the ISM and the fluid phase in the PM and (2) the immersed structure-structure interaction (SSI) between the ISM and the solid phase in the PM. Within each time step, we solve both FSI and SSI, employing strongly coupled partitioned schemes. This novel finite element method establishes a main building block of an evolving computational framework for modeling and simulating complex biomechanical problems, with focus on key phenomena during cell migration. Cell movement is strongly influenced by mechanical interactions between the cell body and the surrounding tissue, ie, the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this context, the PM represents the ECM, ie, a fibrous scaffold of structural proteins interacting with interstitial flow, and the ISM represents the cell body. The FSI models the influence of fluid drag, and the SSI models the force transmission between cell and ECM at adhesions sites.

Protein-Engineered Large Area Adipose-derived Stem Cell Sheets for Wound Healing

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) formed robust cell sheets by engineering the cells with soluble cell adhesive molecules (CAMs), which enabled unique approaches to harvest large area hADSC sheets. As a soluble CAM, fibronectin (FN) (100 pg/ml) enhanced the cell proliferation rate and control both cell-to-cell and cell-to-substrate interactions. Through this engineering of FN, a transferrable hADSC sheet was obtained as a free-stranding sheet (122.6 mm²) by a photothermal method. During the harvesting of hADSC sheets by the photothermal method, a collagen layer in-between cells and conductive polymer film (CP) was dissociated, to protect cells from direct exposure to a near infrared (NIR) source. The hADSC sheets were applied to chronic wound of genetically diabetic db/db mice in vivo, to accelerate 30% faster wound closure with a high closure effect (ε_wc) than that of control groups. These results indicated that the engineering of CAM and collagens allow hADSC sheet harvesting, which could be extended to engineer various stem cell sheets for efficient therapies.

Extracellular matrix surface regulates self-assembly of three-dimensional placental trophoblast spheroids

The incorporation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for generating in vitro models that truly represent the microarchitecture found in human tissues. However, the cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions in vitro remains poorly understood in placental trophoblast biology. We investigated the effects of varying the surface properties (surface thickness and stiffness) of two ECMs, collagen I and Matrigel, on placental trophoblast cell morphology, viability, proliferation, and expression of markers involved in differentiation/syncytial fusion. Most notably, thicker Matrigel surfaces were found to induce the self-assembly of trophoblast cells into 3D spheroids that exhibited thickness-dependent changes in viability, proliferation, syncytial fusion, and gene expression profiles compared to two-dimensional cultures. Changes in F-actin organization, cell spread morphologies, and integrin and matrix metalloproteinase gene expression profiles, further reveal that the response to surface thickness may be mediated in part through cellular stiffness-sensing mechanisms. Our derivation of self-assembling trophoblast spheroid cultures through regulation of ECM surface alone contributes to a deeper understanding of cell-ECM interactions, and may be important for the advancement of in vitro platforms for research or diagnostics.

Collective Cell Behavior in Mechanosensing of Substrate Thickness

Extracellular matrix stiffness has a profound effect on the behavior of many cell types. Adherent cells apply contractile forces to the material on which they adhere and sense the resistance of the material to deformation-its stiffness. This is dependent on both the elastic modulus and the thickness of the material, with the corollary that single cells are able to sense underlying stiff materials through soft hydrogel materials at low (<10 μm) thicknesses. Here, we hypothesized that cohesive colonies of cells exert more force and create more hydrogel deformation than single cells, therefore enabling them to mechanosense more deeply into underlying materials than single cells. To test this, we modulated the thickness of soft (1 kPa) elastic extracellular-matrix-functionalized polyacrylamide hydrogels adhered to glass substrates and allowed colonies of MG63 cells to form on their surfaces. Cell morphology and deformations of fluorescent fiducial-marker-labeled hydrogels were quantified by time-lapse fluorescence microscopy imaging. Single-cell spreading increased with respect to decreasing hydrogel thickness, with data fitting to an exponential model with half-maximal response at a thickness of 3.2 μm. By quantifying cell area within colonies of defined area, we similarly found that colony-cell spreading increased with decreasing hydrogel thickness but with a greater half-maximal response at 54 μm. Depth-sensing was dependent on Rho-associated protein kinase-mediated cellular contractility. Surface hydrogel deformations were significantly greater on thick hydrogels compared to thin hydrogels. In addition, deformations extended greater distances from the periphery of colonies on thick hydrogels compared to thin hydrogels. Our data suggest that by acting collectively, cells mechanosense rigid materials beneath elastic hydrogels at greater depths than individual cells. This raises the possibility that the collective action of cells in colonies or sheets may allow cells to sense structures of differing material properties at comparatively large distances.

Fiber Network Models Predict Enhanced Cell Mechanosensing on Fibrous Gels

The propagation of mechanical signals through nonlinear fibrous tissues is much more extensive than through continuous synthetic hydrogels. Results from recent studies indicate that increased mechanical propagation arises from the fibrous nature of the material rather than the strain-stiffening property. The relative importance of different parameters of the fibrous network structure to this propagation, however, remains unclear. In this work, we directly compared the mechanical response of substrates of varying thickness subjected to a constant cell traction force using either a nonfibrous strain-stiffening continuum-based model or a volume-averaged fiber network model consisting of two different types of fiber network structures: one with low fiber connectivity (growth networks) and one with high fiber connectivity (Delaunay networks). The growth network fiber models predicted a greater propagation of substrate displacements through the model and a greater sensitivity to gel thickness compared to the more connected Delaunay networks and the nonlinear continuum model. Detailed analysis of the results indicates that rotational freedom of the fibers in a network with low fiber connectivity is critically important for enhanced, long-range mechanosensing. Our findings demonstrate the utility of multiscale models in predicting cells mechanosensing on fibrous gels, and they provide a more complete understanding of how cell traction forces propagate through fibrous tissues, which has implications for the design of engineered tissues and the stem cell niche.

Mechanical Cell-Cell Communication in Fibrous Networks: The Importance of Network Geometry

Cells contracting in extracellular matrix (ECM) can transmit stress over long distances, communicating their position and orientation to cells many tens of micrometres away. Such phenomena are not observed when cells are seeded on substrates with linear elastic properties, such as polyacrylamide (PA) gel. The ability for fibrous substrates to support far reaching stress and strain fields has implications for many physiological processes, while the mechanical properties of ECM are central to several pathological processes, including tumour invasion and fibrosis. Theoretical models have investigated the properties of ECM in a variety of network geometries. However, the effects of network architecture on mechanical cell-cell communication have received little attention. This work investigates the effects of geometry on network mechanics, and thus the ability for cells to communicate mechanically through different networks. Cell-derived displacement fields are quantified for various network geometries while controlling for network topology, cross-link density and micromechanical properties. We find that the heterogeneity of response, fibre alignment, and substrate displacement fields are sensitive to network choice. Further, we show that certain geometries support mechanical communication over longer distances than others. As such, we predict that the choice of network geometry is important in fundamental modelling of cell-cell interactions in fibrous substrates, as well as in experimental settings, where mechanical signalling at the cellular scale plays an important role. This work thus informs the construction of theoretical models for substrate mechanics and experimental explorations of mechanical cell-cell communication.

Guiding cell migration with microscale stiffness patterns and undulated surfaces

By placing stiff structures under soft materials, prior studies have demonstrated that cells sense and prefer to position themselves over the stiff structures. However, an understanding of how cells migrate on such surfaces has not been established. Many studies have also shown that cells readily align to surface topography. Here we investigate the influence of these two aspects in directing cell migration on surfaces with 5 and 10μm line stiffness patterns (a cellular to subcellular length scale). A simple approach to create flat, stiffness-patterned surfaces by suspending a thin, low modulus polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film over a high modulus PDMS structure is presented, as well as a route to add undulations. We confirm that cells are able to sense through the thin film by observation of focal adhesions being positioned on stiff regions. We examine migration by introducing migration efficiency, a quantitative parameter to determine how strongly cells migrate in a certain direction. We found that cells have a preference to align and migrate along stiffness patterns while the addition of undulations boosts this effect, significantly increasing migration efficiency in either case. Interestingly, we found speed to play little role in the migration efficiency and to be mainly influenced by the top layer modulus. Our results demonstrate that both stiffness patterns and surface undulations are important considerations when investigating the interactions of cells with biomaterial surfaces.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Two common physical considerations for cell-surface interactions include patterned stiffness and patterned topography. However, their relative influences on cell migration behavior have not been established, particularly on cellular to subcellular scale patterns. For stiffness patterning, it has been recently shown that cells tend to position themselves over a stiff structure that is placed under a thin soft layer. By quantifying the directional migration efficiency on such surfaces with and without undulations, we show that migration can be manipulated by flat stiffness patterns, although surface undulations also play a strong role. Our results offer insight on the effect of cellular scale stiffness and topographical patterns on cell migration, which is critical for the development of fundamental cell studies and engineered implants.

Differentiation of Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Smooth Muscle Progenitor Cells Is Regulated by PDGF-BB and Collagen

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are key regulators of vascular disease and circulating smooth muscle progenitor cells may play important roles in vascular repair or remodelling. We developed enhanced protocols to derive smooth muscle progenitors from murine bone marrow and tested whether factors that are increased in atherosclerotic plaques, namely platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and monomeric collagen, can influence the smooth muscle specific differentiation, proliferation, and survival of mouse bone marrow-derived progenitor cells. During a 21 day period of culture, bone marrow cells underwent a marked increase in expression of the SMC markers α-SMA (1.93 ± 0.15 vs. 0.0008 ± 0.0003 (ng/ng GAPDH) at 0 d), SM22-α (1.50 ± 0.27 vs. 0.005 ± 0.001 (ng/ng GAPDH) at 0 d) and SM-MHC (0.017 ± 0.004 vs. 0.001 ± 0.001 (ng/ng GAPDH) at 0 d). Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation experiments showed that in early culture, the smooth muscle progenitor subpopulation could be identified by high proliferative rates prior to the expression of smooth muscle specific markers. Culture of fresh bone marrow or smooth muscle progenitor cells with PDGF-BB suppressed the expression of α-SMA and SM22-α, in a rapidly reversible manner requiring PDGF receptor kinase activity. Progenitors cultured on polymerized collagen gels demonstrated expression of SMC markers, rates of proliferation and apoptosis similar to that of cells on tissue culture plastic; in contrast, cells grown on monomeric collagen gels displayed lower SMC marker expression, lower growth rates (319 ± 36 vs. 635 ± 97 cells/mm2), and increased apoptosis (5.3 ± 1.6% vs. 1.0 ± 0.5% (Annexin 5 staining)). Our data shows that the differentiation and survival of smooth muscle progenitors are critically affected by PDGF-BB and as well as the substrate collagen structure.

Improved approach for chondrogenic differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have demonstrated great potential for hyaline cartilage regeneration. However, current approaches for chondrogenic differentiation of hiPSCs are complicated and inefficient primarily due to intermediate embryoid body formation, which is required to generate endodermal, ectodermal, and mesodermal cell lineages. We report a new, straightforward and highly efficient approach for chondrogenic differentiation of hiPSCs, which avoids embryoid body formation. We differentiated hiPSCs directly into mesenchymal stem /stromal cells (MSC) and chondrocytes. hiPSC-MSC-derived chondrocytes showed significantly increased Col2A1, GAG, and SOX9 gene expression compared to hiPSC-MSCs. Following transplantation of hiPSC-MSC and hiPSC-MSC-derived chondrocytes into osteochondral defects of arthritic joints of athymic rats, magnetic resonance imaging studies showed gradual engraftment, and histological correlations demonstrated hyaline cartilage matrix production. Results present an efficient and clinically translatable approach for cartilage tissue regeneration via patient-derived hiPSCs, which could improve cartilage regeneration outcomes in arthritic joints.

The effect of substrate stiffness, thickness, and cross-linking density on osteogenic cell behavior

Osteogenic cells respond to mechanical changes in their environment by altering their spread area, morphology, and gene expression profile. In particular, the bulk modulus of the substrate, as well as its microstructure and thickness, can substantially alter the local stiffness experienced by the cell. Although bone tissue regeneration strategies involve culture of bone cells on various biomaterial scaffolds, which are often cross-linked to enhance their physical integrity, it is difficult to ascertain and compare the local stiffness experienced by cells cultured on different biomaterials. In this study, we seek to characterize the local stiffness at the cellular level for MC3T3-E1 cells plated on biomaterial substrates of varying modulus, thickness, and cross-linking concentration. Cells were cultured on flat and wedge-shaped gels made from polyacrylamide or cross-linked collagen. The cross-linking density of the collagen gels was varied to investigate the effect of fiber cross-linking in conjunction with substrate thickness. Cell spread area was used as a measure of osteogenic differentiation. Finite element simulations were used to examine the effects of fiber cross-linking and substrate thickness on the resistance of the gel to cellular forces, corresponding to the equivalent shear stiffness for the gel structure in the region directly surrounding the cell. The results of this study show that MC3T3 cells cultured on a soft fibrous substrate attain the same spread cell area as those cultured on a much higher modulus, but nonfibrous substrate. Finite element simulations predict that a dramatic increase in the equivalent shear stiffness of fibrous collagen gels occurs as cross-linking density is increased, with equivalent stiffness also increasing as gel thickness is decreased. These results provide an insight into the response of osteogenic cells to individual substrate parameters and have the potential to inform future bone tissue regeneration strategies that can optimize the equivalent stiffness experienced by a cell.

Collective motion of mammalian cell cohorts in 3D

Collective cell migration is ubiquitous in biology, from development to cancer; it occurs in complex systems comprised of heterogeneous cell types, signals and matrices, and requires large scale regulation in space and time. Understanding how cells achieve organized collective motility is crucial to addressing cellular and tissue function and disease progression. While current two-dimensional model systems recapitulate the dynamic properties of collective cell migration, quantitative three-dimensional equivalent model systems have proved elusive. To establish such a model system, we study cell collectives by tracking individuals within cell cohorts embedded in three dimensional collagen scaffolding. We develop a custom algorithm to quantify the temporal and spatial heterogeneity of motion in cell cohorts during motility events. In the absence of external driving agents, we show that these cohorts rotate in short bursts, <2 hours, and translate for up to 6 hours. We observe, track, and analyze three dimensional motion of cell cohorts composed of 3-31 cells, and pave a path toward understanding cell collectives in 3D as a complex emergent system.

A guide to mechanobiology: Where biology and physics meet

Cells actively sense and process mechanical information that is provided by the extracellular environment to make decisions about growth, motility and differentiation. It is important to understand the underlying mechanisms given that deregulation of the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is implicated in various diseases, such as cancer and fibrosis. Moreover, matrix mechanics can be exploited to program stem cell differentiation for organ-on-chip and regenerative medicine applications. Mechanobiology is an emerging multidisciplinary field that encompasses cell and developmental biology, bioengineering and biophysics. Here we provide an introductory overview of the key players important to cellular mechanobiology, taking a biophysical perspective and focusing on a comparison between flat versus three dimensional substrates. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mechanobiology.

Union is strength: matrix elasticity and microenvironmental factors codetermine stem cell differentiation fate

Stem cells are an attractive cellular source for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications due to their multipotency. Although the elasticity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) has been shown to have crucial impacts in directing stem cell differentiation, it is not the only contributing factor. Many researchers have recently attempted to design microenvironments that mimic the stem cell niche with combinations of ECM elasticity and other cues, such as ECM physical properties, soluble biochemical factors and cell-cell interactions, thereby driving cells towards their preferred lineages. Here, we briefly discuss the effect of matrix elasticity on stem cell lineage specification and then summarize recent advances in the study of the combined effects of ECM elasticity and other cues on the differentiation of stem cells, focusing on two aspects: biophysical and biochemical factors. In the future, biomedical scientists will continue investigating the union strength of matrix elasticity and microenvironmental cues for manipulating stem cell fates.

Engineered heart slices for electrophysiological and contractile studies

A major consideration in the design of engineered cardiac tissues for the faithful representation of physiological behavior is the recapitulation of the complex topography and biochemistry of native tissue. In this study we present engineered heart slices (EHS), which consist of neonatal rat ventricular cells (NRVCs) seeded onto thin slices of decellularized cardiac tissue that retain important aspects of native extracellular matrix (ECM). To form EHS, rat or pig ventricular tissue was sectioned into 300 μm-thick, 5 to 16 mm-diameter disks, which were subsequently decellularized using detergents, spread on coverslips, and seeded with NRVCs. The organized fiber structure of the ECM remained after decellularization and promoted cell elongation and alignment, resulting in an anisotropic, functional tissue that could be electrically paced. Contraction decreased at higher pacing rates, and optical mapping revealed electrical conduction that was anisotropic with a ratio of approximately 2.0, rate-dependent shortening of the action potential and slowing of conduction, and slowing of conduction by the sodium channel blocker lidocaine. Reentrant arrhythmias could also be pace-induced and terminated. EHS constitute an attractive in vitro cardiac tissue in which cardiac cells are cultured on thin slices of decellularized cardiac ECM that provide important biochemical, structural, and mechanical cues absent in traditional cell cultures.

Modulation of Huh7.5 spheroid formation and functionality using modified PEG-based hydrogels of different stiffness

Physical cues, such as cell microenvironment stiffness, are known to be important factors in modulating cellular behaviors such as differentiation, viability, and proliferation. Apart from being able to trigger these effects, mechanical stiffness tuning is a very convenient approach that could be implemented readily into smart scaffold designs. In this study, fibrinogen-modified poly(ethylene glycol)-diacrylate (PEG-DA) based hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties were synthesized and applied to control the spheroid formation and liver-like function of encapsulated Huh7.5 cells in an engineered, three-dimensional liver tissue model. By controlling hydrogel stiffness (0.1–6 kPa) as a cue for mechanotransduction representing different stiffness of a normal liver and a diseased cirrhotic liver, spheroids ranging from 50 to 200 μm were formed over a three week time-span. Hydrogels with better compliance (i.e. lower stiffness) promoted formation of larger spheroids. The highest rates of cell proliferation, albumin secretion, and CYP450 expression were all observed for spheroids in less stiff hydrogels like a normal liver in a healthy state. We also identified that the hydrogel modification by incorporation of PEGylated-fibrinogen within the hydrogel matrix enhanced cell survival and functionality possibly owing to more binding of autocrine fibronectin. Taken together, our findings establish guidelines to control the formation of Huh7.5 cell spheroids in modified PEGDA based hydrogels. These spheroids may serve as models for applications such as screening of pharmacological drug candidates.

Inelastic behaviour of collagen networks in cell-matrix interactions and mechanosensation

The mechanical properties of extracellular matrix proteins strongly influence cell-induced tension in the matrix, which in turn influences cell function. Despite progress on the impact of elastic behaviour of matrix proteins on cell-matrix interactions, little is known about the influence of inelastic behaviour, especially at the large and slow deformations that characterize cell-induced matrix remodelling. We found that collagen matrices exhibit deformation rate-dependent behaviour, which leads to a transition from pronounced elastic behaviour at fast deformations to substantially inelastic behaviour at slow deformations (1 μm min(-1), similar to cell-mediated deformation). With slow deformations, the inelastic behaviour of floating gels was sensitive to collagen concentration, whereas attached gels exhibited similar inelastic behaviour independent of collagen concentration. The presence of an underlying rigid support had a similar effect on cell-matrix interactions: cell-induced deformation and remodelling were similar on 1 or 3 mg ml(-1) attached collagen gels while deformations were two- to fourfold smaller in floating gels of high compared with low collagen concentration. In cross-linked collagen matrices, which did not exhibit inelastic behaviour, cells did not respond to the presence of the underlying rigid foundation. These data indicate that at the slow rates of collagen compaction generated by fibroblasts, the inelastic responses of collagen gels, which are influenced by collagen concentration and the presence of an underlying rigid foundation, are important determinants of cell-matrix interactions and mechanosensation.

Long-range force transmission in fibrous matrices enabled by tension-driven alignment of fibers

Cells can sense and respond to mechanical signals over relatively long distances across fibrous extracellular matrices. Recently proposed models suggest that long-range force transmission can be attributed to the nonlinear elasticity or fibrous nature of collagen matrices, yet the mechanism whereby fibers align remains unknown. Moreover, cell shape and anisotropy of cellular contraction are not considered in existing models, although recent experiments have shown that they play crucial roles. Here, we explore all of the key factors that influence long-range force transmission in cell-populated collagen matrices: alignment of collagen fibers, responses to applied force, strain stiffening properties of the aligned fibers, aspect ratios of the cells, and the polarization of cellular contraction. A constitutive law accounting for mechanically driven collagen fiber reorientation is proposed. We systematically investigate the range of collagen-fiber alignment using both finite-element simulations and analytical calculations. Our results show that tension-driven collagen-fiber alignment plays a crucial role in force transmission. Small critical stretch for fiber alignment, large fiber stiffness and fiber strain-hardening behavior enable long-range interaction. Furthermore, the range of collagen-fiber alignment for elliptical cells with polarized contraction is much larger than that for spherical cells with diagonal contraction. A phase diagram showing the range of force transmission as a function of cell shape and polarization and matrix properties is presented. Our results are in good agreement with recent experiments, and highlight the factors that influence long-range force transmission, in particular tension-driven alignment of fibers. Our work has important relevance to biological processes including development, cancer metastasis, and wound healing, suggesting conditions whereby cells communicate over long distances.

The fundamental role of mechanical properties in the progression of cancer disease and inflammation

The role of mechanical properties in cancer disease and inflammation is still underinvestigated and even ignored in many oncological and immunological reviews. In particular, eight classical hallmarks of cancer have been proposed, but they still ignore the mechanics behind the processes that facilitate cancer progression. To define the malignant transformation of neoplasms and finally reveal the functional pathway that enables cancer cells to promote cancer progression, these classical hallmarks of cancer require the inclusion of specific mechanical properties of cancer cells and their microenvironment such as the extracellular matrix as well as embedded cells such as fibroblasts, macrophages or endothelial cells. Thus, this review will present current cancer research from a biophysical point of view and will therefore focus on novel physical aspects and biophysical methods to investigate the aggressiveness of cancer cells and the process of inflammation. As cancer or immune cells are embedded in a certain microenvironment such as the extracellular matrix, the mechanical properties of this microenvironment cannot be neglected, and alterations of the microenvironment may have an impact on the mechanical properties of the cancer or immune cells. Here, it is highlighted how biophysical approaches, both experimental and theoretical, have an impact on the classical hallmarks of cancer and inflammation. It is even pointed out how these biophysical approaches contribute to the understanding of the regulation of cancer disease and inflammatory responses after tissue injury through physical microenvironmental property sensing mechanisms. The recognized physical signals are transduced into biochemical signaling events that guide cellular responses, such as malignant tumor progression, after the transition of cancer cells from an epithelial to a mesenchymal phenotype or an inflammatory response due to tissue injury. Moreover, cell adaptation to mechanical alterations, in particular the understanding of mechano-coupling and mechano-regulating functions in cell invasion, appears as an important step in cancer progression and inflammatory response to injuries. This may lead to novel insights into cancer disease and inflammatory diseases and will overcome classical views on cancer and inflammation. In addition, this review will discuss how the physics of cancer and inflammation can help to reveal whether cancer cells will invade connective tissue and metastasize or how leukocytes extravasate and migrate through the tissue. In this review, the physical concepts of cancer progression, including the tissue basement membrane a cancer cell is crossing, its invasion and transendothelial migration as well as the basic physical concepts of inflammatory processes and the cellular responses to the mechanical stress of the microenvironment such as external forces and matrix stiffness, are presented and discussed. In conclusion, this review will finally show how physical measurements can improve classical approaches that investigate cancer and inflammatory diseases, and how these physical insights can be integrated into classical tumor biological approaches.

Cellular mechanoadaptation to substrate mechanical properties: contributions of substrate stiffness and thickness to cell stiffness measurements using AFM

Mechanosensing by adherent cells is usually studied by quantifying cell responses on hydrogels that are covalently linked to a rigid substrate. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) represents a convenient way of characterizing the mechanoadaptation response of adherent cells on hydrogels of varying stiffness and thickness. Since AFM measurements reflect the effective cell stiffness, therefore, in addition to measuring real cytoskeletal alterations across different conditions, these measurements might also be influenced by the geometry and physical properties of the substrate itself. To better understand how the physical attributes of the gel influence AFM stiffness measurements of cells, we have used finite element analysis to simulate the indentation of cells of various spreads resting on hydrogels of varying stiffness and thickness. Consistent with experimental results, our simulation results indicate that for well spread cells, stiffness values are significantly over-estimated when experiments are performed on cells cultured on soft and thin gels. Using parametric studies, we have developed scaling relationships between the effective stiffness probed by AFM and the bulk cell stiffness, taking cell and tip geometry, hydrogel properties, nuclear stiffness and cell contractility into account. Finally, using simulated mechanoadaptation responses, we have demonstrated that a cell stiffening response may arise purely due to the substrate properties. Collectively, our results demonstrate the need to take hydrogel properties into account while estimating cell stiffness using AFM indentation.

Nonlinear strain stiffening is not sufficient to explain how far cells can feel on fibrous protein gels

Recent observations suggest that cells on fibrous extracellular matrix materials sense mechanical signals over much larger distances than they do on linearly elastic synthetic materials. In this work, we systematically investigate the distance fibroblasts can sense a rigid boundary through fibrous gels by quantifying the spread areas of human lung fibroblasts and 3T3 fibroblasts cultured on sloped collagen and fibrin gels. The cell areas gradually decrease as gel thickness increases from 0 to 150 μm, with characteristic sensing distances of >65 μm below fibrin and collagen gels, and spreading affected on gels as thick as 150 μm. These results demonstrate that fibroblasts sense deeper into collagen and fibrin gels than they do into polyacrylamide gels, with the latter exhibiting characteristic sensing distances of <5 μm. We apply finite-element analysis to explore the role of strain stiffening, a characteristic mechanical property of collagen and fibrin that is not observed in polyacrylamide, in facilitating mechanosensing over long distances. Our analysis shows that the effective stiffness of both linear and nonlinear materials sharply increases once the thickness is reduced below 5 μm, with only a slight enhancement in sensitivity to depth for the nonlinear material at very low thickness and high applied traction. Multiscale simulations with a simplified geometry predict changes in fiber alignment deep into the gel and a large increase in effective stiffness with a decrease in substrate thickness that is not predicted by nonlinear elasticity. These results suggest that the observed cell-spreading response to gel thickness is not explained by the nonlinear strain-stiffening behavior of the material alone and is likely due to the fibrous nature of the proteins.

The role of material structure and mechanical properties in cell-matrix interactions

Cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) are of fundamental importance in many normal and pathological biological processes, including development, cancer, and tissue homeostasis, healing and regeneration. Over the past few years, the mechanisms by which cells respond to the mechanical characteristics of the ECM have come under increased scrutiny from many research groups. Such research often involves placing cells on materials with tuneable stiffnesses, including synthetic polymers and natural proteins, or culturing cells on bendable micropost arrays. These techniques are often aimed at defining empirically the stiffnesses that cells experience in their interactions with the ECM, and measuring phenotypically how cells and tissues respond. In this review, we will summarise the evolution of materials for investigating cell and tissue mechanobiology. We then will discuss how material properties such as elastic modulus may be interpreted, particularly with regard to analytic measurements as an approximation of how cells themselves sense elastic modulus. Finally we will discuss how factors such as interfacial chemistry, ligand spacing, substrate thickness, elasticity and viscoelasticity affect mechanosensing in cells.

Impact of elastic and inelastic substrate behaviors on mechanosensation

In this review we summarize current data on the mechanics of synthetic and naturally occurring biopolymers that are routinely employed in examination of contractility and cellular mechanosensation. We discuss the effect of physical boundaries on the mechanical behaviors of cell substrates and cellular mechanosensation. The application of contractile forces to underlying substrates enables anchorage-dependent cells to probe the physical properties of their microenvironment. Compliant substrates deform as a result of contractile forces generated by adherent cells and, in turn, the mechanical response of substrates influences numerous cellular processes. Unlike synthetic polymers that exhibit linear elastic responses to forces applied by adherent cells, naturally-occurring biopolymers exhibit non-linear, viscoelastic behavior. In turn, the viscoelastic behavior of fibrillar biopolymers may contribute to irreversible network compaction after application of cell-derived forces. Comprehensive characterization of the unusual mechanical properties of extracellular matrix proteins like collagen has provided novel insights into cell contractility and mechanosensation. We suggest that in the future, fabrication and application of novel substrates with fibrillar structures and non-linear viscoelastic behavior will be needed for a better understanding of the role of mechanosensation in many physiological and pathological processes.

Lateral boundary mechanosensing by adherent cells in a collagen gel system

Cell adhesion responses to in-depth physical properties such as substrate roughness and topography are well described but little is known about the influence of lateral physical cues such as tissue boundaries on the function of adherent cells. Accordingly, we developed a model system to examine remote cell sensing of lateral boundaries. The model employs floating thin collagen gels supported by rigid grids of varying widths. The dynamics, lengths, and numbers of cell extensions were regulated by grid opening size, which in turn determined the distance of cells from rigid physical boundaries. In smaller grids (200 μm and 500 μm wide), cell-induced deformation fields extended to, and were resisted by, the grid boundaries. However, in larger grids (1700 μm wide), the deformation field did not extend to the grid boundaries, which strongly affected the mean length and number of cell extensions (∼60% reduction). The generation of cell extensions in collagen gels required expression of the β1 integrin, focal adhesion kinase and actomyosin activity. We conclude that the presence of physical boundaries interrupts the process of cell-mediated collagen compaction and fiber alignment in the collagen matrix and enhances the formation of cell extensions. This new cell culture platform provides a geometry that more closely approximates the native basement membrane and will help to elucidate the roles of cell extensions and lateral mechanosensing on extracellular matrix remodeling by invasion and degradation.

Fibers in the extracellular matrix enable long-range stress transmission between cells

Cells can sense, signal, and organize via mechanical forces. The ability of cells to mechanically sense and respond to the presence of other cells over relatively long distances (e.g., ∼100 μm, or ∼10 cell-diameters) across extracellular matrix (ECM) has been attributed to the strain-hardening behavior of the ECM. In this study, we explore an alternative hypothesis: the fibrous nature of the ECM makes long-range stress transmission possible and provides an important mechanism for long-range cell-cell mechanical signaling. To test this hypothesis, confocal reflectance microscopy was used to develop image-based finite-element models of stress transmission within fibroblast-seeded collagen gels. Models that account for the gel's fibrous nature were compared with homogenous linear-elastic and strain-hardening models to investigate the mechanisms of stress propagation. Experimentally, cells were observed to compact the collagen gel and align collagen fibers between neighboring cells within 24 h. Finite-element analysis revealed that stresses generated by a centripetally contracting cell boundary are concentrated in the relatively stiff ECM fibers and are propagated farther in a fibrous matrix as compared to homogeneous linear elastic or strain-hardening materials. These results support the hypothesis that ECM fibers, especially aligned ones, play an important role in long-range stress transmission.

A self-assembling peptide matrix used to control stiffness and binding site density supports the formation of microvascular networks in three dimensions

A three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture system that allows control of both substrate stiffness and integrin binding density was created and characterized. This system consisted of two self-assembling peptide (SAP) sequences that were mixed in different ratios to achieve the desired gel stiffness and adhesiveness. The specific peptides used were KFE ((acetyl)-FKFEFKFE-CONH2), which has previously been reported not to support cell adhesion or MVN formation, and KFE-RGD ((acetyl)-GRGDSP-GG-FKFEFKFE-CONH2), which is a similar sequence that incorporates the RGD integrin binding site. Storage modulus for these gels ranged from ∼60 to 6000Pa, depending on their composition and concentration. Atomic force microscopy revealed ECM-like fiber microarchitecture of gels consisting of both pure KFE and pure KFE-RGD as well as mixtures of the two peptides. This system was used to study the contributions of both matrix stiffness and adhesiveness on microvascular network (MVN) formation of endothelial cells and the morphology of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). When endothelial cells were encapsulated within 3-D gel matrices without binding sites, little cell elongation and no network formation occurred, regardless of the stiffness. In contrast, matrices containing the RGD binding site facilitated robust MVN formation, and the extent of this MVN formation was inversely proportional to matrix stiffness. Compared with a matrix of the same stiffness with no binding sites, a matrix containing RGD-functionalized peptides resulted in a ∼2.5-fold increase in the average length of network structure, which was used as a quantitative measure of MVN formation. Matrices with hMSC facilitated an increased number and length of cellular projections at higher stiffness when RGD was present, but induced a round morphology at every stiffness when RGD was absent. Taken together, these results demonstrate the ability to control both substrate stiffness and binding site density within 3-D cell-populated gels and reveal an important role for both stiffness and adhesion on cellular behavior that is cell-type specific.

The influence and interactions of substrate thickness, organization and dimensionality on cell morphology and migration

Cells reside in a complex microenvironment in situ, with a number of chemical and physical parameters interacting to modulate cell phenotype and activities. To understand cell behavior in three dimensions recent studies have utilized natural or synthetic hydrogel or fibrous materials. Taking cues from the nucleation and growth characteristics of collagen fibrils in shear flow, we generate cell-laden three-dimensional collagen hydrogels with aligned collagen fibrils using a simple microfluidic device driven by hydrostatic flow. Furthermore, by regulating the collagen hydrogel thickness, the effective surface stiffness can be modulated to change the mechanical environment of the cell. Dimensionality, topography, and substrate thickness/stiffness change cell morphology and migration. Interactions amongst these parameters further influence cell behavior. For instance, while cells responded similarly to the change in substrate thickness/stiffness on two-dimensional random gels, dimensionality and fiber alignment both interacted with substrate thickness/stiffness to change cell morphology and motility. This economical, simple to use, and fully biocompatible platform highlights the importance of well-controlled physical parameters in the cellular microenvironment.

A bio-inspired platform to modulate myogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells through focal adhesion regulation

The use of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in cardiac-tissue engineering has gained widespread attention and many reports have shown that matrix compliance, micro/nano-patterns could be some of the important biophysical cues that drive hMSCs differentiation. Regardless of the type of biophysical induction cues, cells mainly explore their environment via focal adhesion (FA) and FA plays an important role in many cellular behaviours. Therefore, it is hypothesized that FA modulation through materials manipulation could be an important cue for modulation that would result in the stem cell lineage commitment. In this work, the FA of hMSCs is modulated by a novel microcontact printing method using polyvinyl alcohol as a trans-print media which can successfully print proteins on soft polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The FA is successfully modified into dense FA and elongated FA by micropatterning square and rectangular patterns on 12.6 kPa PDMS respectively. Additionally, the combined effects of stiffness of PDMS substrates (hard (308 kPa), intermediate (12.6 kPa)) and FA patterning on hMSCs differentiation are studied. The results indicate that dense FA does not induce myogenesis while elongated FA can promote cytoskeleton alignment and further myogenesis on PDMS with intermediate stiffness of 12.6 kPa. However, on stiff substrate (308 kPa), with or without patterns, the cytoskeleton alignment and myogenesis are not obvious. This demonstrates for the first time that it is possible to induce the differentiation of hMSCs by regulating the FA using a materials platform even in the absence of any biochemical factors. It also shows that there is a synergistic effect between FA regulation and matrix stiffness that results in a more specific and higher up-regulated myogenesis. This platform presents a new chemical/biological-free method to engineer the myogenic differentiation of hMSCs.

Cyclic tensile loading regulates human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neuron-like phenotype

Mechanical loading has been utilized as an effective tool to direct mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) commitment into cell lineages of mesodermal origin. However, the use of this tool to induce transdifferentiation of MSCs into the neural lineage has never been attempted. In this study, we examined the potential of uniaxial cyclic tensile loading in promoting neuronal differentiation of human MSCs (hMSCs) on modified biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). The stem cell morphology, tissue-specific gene and protein expression, microfilament structure and, subsequently, Rho GTPase activity were analysed after cyclically stretching the cells at a range of amplitudes (0.5%, 2% or 3.5%) and frequencies (0.5, 1 or 1.5 Hz) for 8 h. hMSCs responded to these stimuli and displayed distinctly different microfilament organization. However, only those stretched at 0.5% strain amplitude and 0.5 Hz frequency showed promoted outgrowth of filopodia with significant upregulation of neurogenic genes expression. Positive staining of the neurogenic protein markers Nestin and Tuj1 suggested that the hMSCs had been committed to early neuronal progenitors. In addition, Rac1 but not RhoA was activated at this particular loading parameter. Furthermore, inhibition of Rac1 activity with NSC23766 disrupted the effect of cyclic loading. The results suggest that cyclic tensile loading at low amplitude and frequency is capable of triggering neuron-like differentiation through the regulation of Rho GTPases activity, even in the absence of neurogenic induction medium.