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Choi Y, Jakob R, Ehret AE, von Bohemer L, Cesarovic N, Falk V, Emmert MY, Mazza E, Giampietro C. Stretch-induced damage in endothelial monolayers. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 163:213938. [PMID: 38959650 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial cells are constantly exposed to mechanical stimuli, of which mechanical stretch has shown various beneficial or deleterious effects depending on whether loads are within physiological or pathological levels, respectively. Vascular properties change with age, and on a cell-scale, senescence elicits changes in endothelial cell mechanical properties that together can impair its response to stretch. Here, high-rate uniaxial stretch experiments were performed to quantify and compare the stretch-induced damage of monolayers consisting of young, senescent, and aged endothelial populations. The aged and senescent phenotypes were more fragile to stretch-induced damage. Prominent damage was detected by immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy as intercellular and intracellular void formation. Damage increased proportionally to the applied level of deformation and, for the aged and senescent phenotype, induced significant detachment of cells at lower levels of stretch compared to the young counterpart. Based on the phenotypic difference in cell-substrate adhesion of senescent cells indicating more mature focal adhesions, a discrete network model of endothelial cells being stretched was developed. The model showed that the more affine deformation of senescent cells increased their intracellular energy, thus enhancing the tendency for cellular damage and impending detachment. Next to quantifying for the first-time critical levels of endothelial stretch, the present results indicate that young cells are more resilient to deformation and that the fragility of senescent cells may be associated with their stronger adhesion to the substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Choi
- ETH Zürich, Dep. of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Jakob
- ETH Zürich, Dep. of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander E Ehret
- ETH Zürich, Dep. of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Zürich, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Lisa von Bohemer
- University of Zurich, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Nikola Cesarovic
- ETH Zürich, Dep. of Health Sciences and Technology, Zürich, Switzerland; Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Volkmar Falk
- ETH Zürich, Dep. of Health Sciences and Technology, Zürich, Switzerland; Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maximilian Y Emmert
- University of Zurich, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Schlieren, Switzerland; Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Edoardo Mazza
- ETH Zürich, Dep. of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Zürich, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Costanza Giampietro
- ETH Zürich, Dep. of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Zürich, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
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2
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Elblová P, Lunova M, Dejneka A, Jirsa M, Lunov O. Impact of mechanical cues on key cell functions and cell-nanoparticle interactions. DISCOVER NANO 2024; 19:106. [PMID: 38907808 PMCID: PMC11193707 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-024-04052-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, it has been recognized that mechanical forces play an important regulative role in living organisms and possess a direct impact on crucial cell functions, ranging from cell growth to maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Advancements in mechanobiology have revealed the profound impact of mechanical signals on diverse cellular responses that are cell type specific. Notably, numerous studies have elucidated the pivotal role of different mechanical cues as regulatory factors influencing various cellular processes, including cell spreading, locomotion, differentiation, and proliferation. Given these insights, it is unsurprising that the responses of cells regulated by physical forces are intricately linked to the modulation of nanoparticle uptake kinetics and processing. This complex interplay underscores the significance of understanding the mechanical microenvironment in shaping cellular behaviors and, consequently, influencing how cells interact with and process nanoparticles. Nevertheless, our knowledge on how localized physical forces affect the internalization and processing of nanoparticles by cells remains rather limited. A significant gap exists in the literature concerning a systematic analysis of how mechanical cues might bias the interactions between nanoparticles and cells. Hence, our aim in this review is to provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of the existing knowledge regarding the influence of mechanical cues on the complicated dynamics of cell-nanoparticle interactions. By addressing this gap, we would like to contribute to a detailed understanding of the role that mechanical forces play in shaping the complex interplay between cells and nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Elblová
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 18200, Prague, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 3, 121 16, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Mariia Lunova
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 18200, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Medicine (IKEM), 14021, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandr Dejneka
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 18200, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jirsa
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Medicine (IKEM), 14021, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Oleg Lunov
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 18200, Prague, Czech Republic.
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3
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Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Mechanotransduction Circuits in Human Pathobiology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3816. [PMID: 38612628 PMCID: PMC11011732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073816] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
It is widely acknowledged that mechanical forces exerted throughout the human body are critical for cellular and tissue homeostasis [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios N. Gargalionis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas A. Papavassiliou
- ‘Sotiria’ Hospital, Medical School, First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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4
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Kumari A, Veena SM, Luha R, Tijore A. Mechanobiological Strategies to Augment Cancer Treatment. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:42072-42085. [PMID: 38024751 PMCID: PMC10652740 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells exhibit aberrant extracellular matrix mechanosensing due to the altered expression of mechanosensory cytoskeletal proteins. Such aberrant mechanosensing of the tumor microenvironment (TME) by cancer cells is associated with disease development and progression. In addition, recent studies show that such mechanosensing changes the mechanobiological properties of cells, and in turn cells become susceptible to mechanical perturbations. Due to an increasing understanding of cell biomechanics and cellular machinery, several approaches have emerged to target the mechanobiological properties of cancer cells and cancer-associated cells to inhibit cancer growth and progression. In this Perspective, we summarize the progress in developing mechano-based approaches to target cancer by interfering with the cellular mechanosensing machinery and overall TME.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ajay Tijore
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
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5
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Xin Y, Li K, Huang M, Liang C, Siemann D, Wu L, Tan Y, Tang X. Biophysics in tumor growth and progression: from single mechano-sensitive molecules to mechanomedicine. Oncogene 2023; 42:3457-3490. [PMID: 37864030 PMCID: PMC10656290 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02844-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from physical sciences in oncology increasingly suggests that the interplay between the biophysical tumor microenvironment and genetic regulation has significant impact on tumor progression. Especially, tumor cells and the associated stromal cells not only alter their own cytoskeleton and physical properties but also remodel the microenvironment with anomalous physical properties. Together, these altered mechano-omics of tumor tissues and their constituents fundamentally shift the mechanotransduction paradigms in tumorous and stromal cells and activate oncogenic signaling within the neoplastic niche to facilitate tumor progression. However, current findings on tumor biophysics are limited, scattered, and often contradictory in multiple contexts. Systematic understanding of how biophysical cues influence tumor pathophysiology is still lacking. This review discusses recent different schools of findings in tumor biophysics that have arisen from multi-scale mechanobiology and the cutting-edge technologies. These findings range from the molecular and cellular to the whole tissue level and feature functional crosstalk between mechanotransduction and oncogenic signaling. We highlight the potential of these anomalous physical alterations as new therapeutic targets for cancer mechanomedicine. This framework reconciles opposing opinions in the field, proposes new directions for future cancer research, and conceptualizes novel mechanomedicine landscape to overcome the inherent shortcomings of conventional cancer diagnosis and therapies.
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Grants
- R35 GM150812 NIGMS NIH HHS
- This work was financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project no. 11972316, Y.T.), Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (Project no. JCYJ20200109142001798, SGDX2020110309520303, and JCYJ20220531091002006, Y.T.), General Research Fund of Hong Kong Research Grant Council (PolyU 15214320, Y. T.), Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF18191421, Y.T.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (1-CD75, 1-ZE2M, and 1-ZVY1, Y.T.), the Cancer Pilot Research Award from UF Health Cancer Center (X. T.), the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award number R35GM150812 (X. T.), the National Science Foundation under grant number 2308574 (X. T.), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under award number FA9550-23-1-0393 (X. T.), the University Scholar Program (X. T.), UF Research Opportunity Seed Fund (X. T.), the Gatorade Award (X. T.), and the National Science Foundation REU Site at UF: Engineering for Healthcare (Douglas Spearot and Malisa Sarntinoranont). We are deeply grateful for the insightful discussions with and generous support from all members of Tang (UF)’s and Tan (PolyU)’s laboratories and all staff members of the MAE/BME/ECE/Health Cancer Center at UF and BME at PolyU.
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xin
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Keming Li
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chenyu Liang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dietmar Siemann
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lizi Wu
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Youhua Tan
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- Research Institute of Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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6
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Cheng D, Wang J, Yao M, Cox CD. Joining forces: crosstalk between mechanosensitive PIEZO1 ion channels and integrin-mediated focal adhesions. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:1897-1906. [PMID: 37772664 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Both integrin-mediated focal adhesions (FAs) and mechanosensitive ion channels such as PIEZO1 are critical in mechanotransduction processes that influence cell differentiation, development, and cancer. Ample evidence now exists for regulatory crosstalk between FAs and PIEZO1 channels with the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remaining unclear. However, an emerging picture is developing based on spatial crosstalk between FAs and PIEZO1 revealing a synergistic model involving the cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix (ECM) and calcium-dependent signaling. Already cell type, cell contractility, integrin subtypes and ECM composition have been shown to regulate this crosstalk, implying a highly fine-tuned relationship between these two major mechanosensing systems. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in this area, highlight the physiological implications of this crosstalk and identify gaps in our knowledge that will improve our understanding of cellular mechanosensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delfine Cheng
- The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Junfan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Mingxi Yao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Charles D Cox
- The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
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7
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Tajaldini M, Poorkhani A, Amiriani T, Amiriani A, Javid H, Aref P, Ahmadi F, Sadani S, Khori V. Strategy of targeting the tumor microenvironment via inhibition of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling new era to cancer chemo-immunotherapy resistance. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 957:175991. [PMID: 37619785 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The use of repurposing drugs that may have neoplastic and anticancer effects increases the efficiency and decrease resistance to chemotherapy drugs through a biochemical and mechanical transduction mechanisms through modulation of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling in tumor microenvironment (TME). Interestingly, fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling plays a vital role in mediating cancer metastasis and drug resistance after immune chemotherapy. The most essential hypothesis for induction of chemo-immunotherapy resistance is via activation of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling and preventing the infiltration of T cells after is mainly due to the interference between cytoskeleton, mechanical, biochemical, metabolic, vascular, and remodeling signaling pathways in TME. The structural components of the tumor that can be targeted in the fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling include the depletion of the TME components, targeting the cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor associated macrophages, alleviating the mechanical stress within the ECM, and normalizing the blood vessels. It has also been found that during immune-chemotherapy, TME injury and fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling causes the up-regulation of inhibitory signals and down-regulation of activated signals, which results in immune escape or chemo-resistance of the tumor. In this regard, repurposing or neo-adjuvant drugs with various transduction signaling mechanisms, including anti-fibrotic effects, are used to target the TME and fibroblast/fibrosis signaling pathway such as angiotensin 2, transforming growth factor-beta, physical barriers of the TME, cytokines and metabolic factors which finally led to the reverse of the chemo-resistance. Consistent to many repurposing drugs such as pirfenidone, metformin, losartan, tranilast, dexamethasone and pentoxifylline are used to decrease immune-suppression by abrogation of TME inhibitory signal that stimulates the immune system and increases efficiency and reduces resistance to chemotherapy drugs. To overcome immunosuppression based on fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling, in this review, we focus on inhibitory signal transduction, which is the physical barrier, alleviates mechanical stress and prevents mechano-metabolic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh Tajaldini
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Amirhoushang Poorkhani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Taghi Amiriani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Amiriani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Hossein Javid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciencess, Catastega Institue of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parham Aref
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Farahnazsadat Ahmadi
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Somayeh Sadani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| | - Vahid Khori
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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8
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Meng Y, Huang K, Shi M, Huo Y, Han L, Liu B, Li Y. Research Advances in the Role of the Tropomyosin Family in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13295. [PMID: 37686101 PMCID: PMC10488083 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most difficult diseases for human beings to overcome. Its development is closely related to a variety of factors, and its specific mechanisms have been a hot research topic in the field of scientific research. The tropomyosin family (Tpm) is a group of proteins closely related to the cytoskeleton and actin, and recent studies have shown that they play an important role in various cancers, participating in a variety of biological activities, including cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and have been used as biomarkers for various cancers. The purpose of this review is to explore the research progress of the Tpm family in tumorigenesis development, focusing on the molecular pathways associated with them and their relevant activities involved in tumors. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies on the role of Tpms in tumorigenesis and development and the activities of Tpms involved in tumors. Data from the literature suggest that the Tpm family is involved in tumor cell proliferation and growth, tumor cell invasion and migration, tumor angiogenesis, tumor cell apoptosis, and immune infiltration of the tumor microenvironment, among other correlations. It can be used as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis, follow-up, and therapeutic response of some tumors. The Tpm family is involved in cancer in a close relationship with miRNAs and LncRNAs. Tpms are involved in tumor tissue invasion and migration as a key link. On this basis, TPM is frequently used as a biomarker for various cancers. However, the specific molecular mechanism of its involvement in cancer progression has not been explained clearly, which remains an important direction for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Meng
- Key Laboratory of Dental Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Biological Intelligence Manufacturing, School of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.M.); (K.H.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (L.H.)
| | - Ke Huang
- Key Laboratory of Dental Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Biological Intelligence Manufacturing, School of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.M.); (K.H.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (L.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Mingxuan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Dental Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Biological Intelligence Manufacturing, School of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.M.); (K.H.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (L.H.)
| | - Yifei Huo
- Key Laboratory of Dental Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Biological Intelligence Manufacturing, School of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.M.); (K.H.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (L.H.)
| | - Liang Han
- Key Laboratory of Dental Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Biological Intelligence Manufacturing, School of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.M.); (K.H.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (L.H.)
| | - Bin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Dental Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Biological Intelligence Manufacturing, School of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.M.); (K.H.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (L.H.)
| | - Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Dental Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Biological Intelligence Manufacturing, School of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.M.); (K.H.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (L.H.)
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Huang M, Wang H, Mackey C, Chung MC, Guan J, Zheng G, Roy A, Xie M, Vulpe C, Tang X. YAP at the Crossroads of Biomechanics and Drug Resistance in Human Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12491. [PMID: 37569866 PMCID: PMC10419175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512491] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical forces are of fundamental importance in biology, diseases, and medicine. Mechanobiology is an emerging interdisciplinary field that studies how biological mechanisms are regulated by biomechanical forces and how physical principles can be leveraged to innovate new therapeutic strategies. This article reviews state-of-the-art mechanobiology knowledge about the yes-associated protein (YAP), a key mechanosensitive protein, and its roles in the development of drug resistance in human cancer. Specifically, the article discusses three topics: how YAP is mechanically regulated in living cells; the molecular mechanobiology mechanisms by which YAP, along with other functional pathways, influences drug resistance of cancer cells (particularly lung cancer cells); and finally, how the mechanical regulation of YAP can influence drug resistance and vice versa. By integrating these topics, we present a unified framework that has the potential to bring theoretical insights into the design of novel mechanomedicines and advance next-generation cancer therapies to suppress tumor progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Heyang Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Cole Mackey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Michael C. Chung
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Juan Guan
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Arkaprava Roy
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Mingyi Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Christopher Vulpe
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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10
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Di X, Gao X, Peng L, Ai J, Jin X, Qi S, Li H, Wang K, Luo D. Cellular mechanotransduction in health and diseases: from molecular mechanism to therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:282. [PMID: 37518181 PMCID: PMC10387486 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular mechanotransduction, a critical regulator of numerous biological processes, is the conversion from mechanical signals to biochemical signals regarding cell activities and metabolism. Typical mechanical cues in organisms include hydrostatic pressure, fluid shear stress, tensile force, extracellular matrix stiffness or tissue elasticity, and extracellular fluid viscosity. Mechanotransduction has been expected to trigger multiple biological processes, such as embryonic development, tissue repair and regeneration. However, prolonged excessive mechanical stimulation can result in pathological processes, such as multi-organ fibrosis, tumorigenesis, and cancer immunotherapy resistance. Although the associations between mechanical cues and normal tissue homeostasis or diseases have been identified, the regulatory mechanisms among different mechanical cues are not yet comprehensively illustrated, and no effective therapies are currently available targeting mechanical cue-related signaling. This review systematically summarizes the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of typical mechanical cues in normal conditions and diseases with the updated evidence. The key effectors responding to mechanical stimulations are listed, such as Piezo channels, integrins, Yes-associated protein (YAP) /transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4). We also reviewed the key signaling pathways, therapeutic targets and cutting-edge clinical applications of diseases related to mechanical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingpeng Di
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoshuai Gao
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Liao Peng
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Jianzhong Ai
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Shiqian Qi
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Kunjie Wang
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
| | - Deyi Luo
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
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Liu C, Gao X, Lou J, Li H, Chen Y, Chen M, Zhang Y, Hu Z, Chang X, Luo M, Zhai Y, Li C. Aberrant mechanical loading induces annulus fibrosus cells apoptosis in intervertebral disc degeneration via mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:117. [PMID: 37420255 PMCID: PMC10327399 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03093-9] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is closely associated with the structural damage in the annulus fibrosus (AF). Aberrant mechanical loading is an important inducement of annulus fibrosus cells (AFCs) apoptosis, which contributes to the AF structural damage and aggravates IVDD, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of a mechanosensitive ion channel protein Piezo1 in aberrant mechanical loading-induced AFCs apoptosis and IVDD. METHODS Rats were subjected to lumbar instability surgery to induce the unbalanced dynamic and static forces to establish the lumbar instability model. MRI and histological staining were used to evaluate the IVDD degree. A cyclic mechanical stretch (CMS)-stimulated AFCs apoptosis model was established by a Flexcell system in vitro. Tunel staining, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) detection, and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the apoptosis level. The activation of Piezo1 was detected using western blot and calcium fluorescent probes. Chemical activator Yoda1, chemical inhibitor GSMTx4, and a lentiviral shRNA-Piezo1 system (Lv-Piezo1) were utilized to regulate the function of Piezo1. High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to explore the mechanism of Piezo1-induced AFCs apoptosis. The Calpain activity and the activation of Calpain2/Bax/Caspase3 axis were evaluated by the Calpain activity kit and western blot with the siRNA-mediated Calapin1 or Calpain2 knockdown. Intradiscal administration of Lv-Piezo1 was utilized to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Piezo1 silencing in IVDD rats. RESULTS Lumbar instability surgery promoted the expression of Piezo1 in AFCs and stimulated IVDD in rats 4 weeks after surgery. CMS elicited distinct apoptosis of AFCs, with enhanced Piezo1 activation. Yoda1 further promoted CMS-induced apoptosis of AFCs, while GSMTx4 and Lv-Piezo1 exhibited opposite effects. RNA-seq showed that knocking down Piezo1 inhibited the calcium signaling pathway. CMS enhanced Calpain activity and elevated the expression of BAX and cleaved-Caspase3. Calpain2, but not Calpain1 knockdown, inhibited the expression of BAX and cleaved-Caspase3 and alleviated AFCs apoptosis. Lv-Piezo1 significantly alleviated the progress of IVDD in rats after lumbar instability surgery. CONCLUSIONS Aberrant mechanical loading induces AFCs apoptosis to promote IVDD by activating Piezo1 and downstream Calpain2/BAX/Caspase3 pathway. Piezo1 is expected to be a potential therapeutic target in treating IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhao Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (The Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, 810007, Qinghai, China
| | - Xiaoxin Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (The Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jinhui Lou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (The Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Haiyin Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (The Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yuxuan Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (The Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Center of Traumatic Orthopedics, People's Liberation Army 990 Hospital, Xinyang, 464000, Henan, China
| | - Molong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics/Sports Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (The Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yuyao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (The Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhilei Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (The Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xian Chang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (The Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Menglin Luo
- Clinical Laboratory, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, 810007, Qinghai, China
| | - Yu Zhai
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (The Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Changqing Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (The Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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12
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Constantinou I, Bastounis EE. Cell-stretching devices: advances and challenges in biomedical research and live-cell imaging. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:939-950. [PMID: 36604290 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Basic human functions such as breathing and digestion require mechanical stretching of cells and tissues. However, when it comes to laboratory experiments, the mechanical stretching that cells experience in the body is not often replicated, limiting the biomimetic nature of the studies and the relevance of results. Herein, we establish the importance of mechanical stretching during in vitro investigations by reviewing seminal works performed using cell-stretching platforms, highlighting important outcomes of these works as well as the engineering characteristics of the platforms used. Emphasis is placed on the compatibility of cell-stretching devices (CSDs) with live-cell imaging as well as their limitations and on the research advancements that could arise from live-cell imaging performed during cell stretching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iordania Constantinou
- Institute of Microtechnology (IMT), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Alte Salzdahlumer Str. 203, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Franz-Liszt-Str. 35a, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Effie E Bastounis
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine (IMIT), Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" EXC 2124, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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13
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Cui L, Digiacomo L, Xiao S, Wang J, Amici A, Pozzi D, Caracciolo G, Marchini C. Insights into the effect of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on HER2 signaling pathways. Toxicol In Vitro 2023:105632. [PMID: 37329963 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to both ecosystems and human health, as fragments of microscale size are daily inhaled and ingested. Such tiny specks are defined as microplastics (MPs), and although their presence as environmental contaminants is ubiquitous in the world, their possible effects at biological and physiological levels are still not clear. To explore the potential impacts of MP exposure, we produced and characterized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro-fragments, then administered them to living cells. PET is widely employed in the production of plastic bottles, and thus represents a potential source of environmental MPs. However, its potential effects on public health are hardly investigated, as the current bio-medical research on MPs mainly utilizes different models, such as polystyrene particles. This study employed cell viability assays and Western blot analysis to demonstrate cell-dependent and dose-dependent cytotoxic effects of PET MPs, as well as a significant impact on HER-2-driven signaling pathways. Our findings provide insight into the biological effects of MP exposure, particularly for a widely used but poorly investigated material such as PET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishan Cui
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Luca Digiacomo
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Siyao Xiao
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Junbiao Wang
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Augusto Amici
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Daniela Pozzi
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Caracciolo
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Cristina Marchini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy.
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14
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Kim YJ, Hyun J. Mechanosensitive ion channels in apoptosis and ferroptosis: focusing on the role of Piezo1. BMB Rep 2023; 56:145-152. [PMID: 36724905 PMCID: PMC10068349 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2023-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensitive ion channels sense mechanical stimuli applied directly to the cellular membranes or indirectly through their tethered components, provoking cellular mechanoresponses. Among others, Piezo1 mechanosensitive ion channel is a relatively novel Ca2+-permeable channel that is primarily present in non-sensory tissues. Recent studies have demonstrated that Piezo1 plays an important role in Ca2+-dependent cell death, including apoptosis and ferroptosis, in the presence of mechanical stimuli. It has also been proven that cancer cells are sensitive to mechanical stresses due to higher expression levels of Piezo1 compared to normal cells. In this review, we discuss Piezo1-mediated cell death mechanisms and therapeutic strategies to inhibit or induce cell death by modulating the activity of Piezo1 with pharmacological drugs or mechanical perturbations induced by stretch and ultrasound. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(3): 145-152].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Jae Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Jeongeun Hyun
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
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15
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Panchenko AY, Tchaicheeyan O, Berinskii IE, Lesman A. Does the Extracellular Matrix Support Cell-Cell Communication by Elastic Wave Packets? ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:5155-5170. [PMID: 36346743 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a fibrous network supporting biological cells and provides them a medium for interaction. Cells modify the ECM by applying traction forces, and these forces can propagate to long ranges and establish a mechanism of mechanical communication between neighboring cells. Previous studies have mainly focused on analysis of static force transmission across the ECM. In this study, we explore the plausibility of dynamic mechanical interaction, expressed as vibrations or abrupt fluctuations, giving rise to elastic waves propagating along ECM fibers. We use a numerical mass-spring model to simulate the longitudinal and transversal waves propagating along a single ECM fiber and across a 2D random fiber network. The elastic waves are induced by an active contracting cell (signaler) and received by a passive neighboring cell (receiver). We show that dynamic wave propagation may amplify the signal at the receiver end and support up to an order of magnitude stronger mechanical cues and longer-ranged communication relative to static transmission. Also, we report an optimal impulse duration corresponding to the most effective transmission, as well as extreme fast impulses, in which the waves are encaged around the active cell and do not reach the neighboring cell, possibly due to the Anderson localization effect. Finally, we also demonstrate that extracellular fluid viscosity reduces, but still allows, dynamic propagation along embedded ECM fibers. Our results motivate future biological experiments in mechanobiology to investigate, on the one hand, the mechanosensitivity of cells to dynamic forces traveling and guided by the ECM and, on the other hand, the impact of ECM architecture and remodeling on dynamic force transmission and its spectral filtering, dispersion, and decay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Y Panchenko
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Oren Tchaicheeyan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Igor E Berinskii
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Ayelet Lesman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel.,The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
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16
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Yao M, Tijore A, Cheng D, Li JV, Hariharan A, Martinac B, Tran Van Nhieu G, Cox CD, Sheetz M. Force- and cell state-dependent recruitment of Piezo1 drives focal adhesion dynamics and calcium entry. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo1461. [PMID: 36351022 PMCID: PMC9645726 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo1461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Mechanosensing is an integral part of many physiological processes including stem cell differentiation, fibrosis, and cancer progression. Two major mechanosensing systems-focal adhesions and mechanosensitive ion channels-can convert mechanical features of the microenvironment into biochemical signals. We report here unexpectedly that the mechanosensitive calcium-permeable channel Piezo1, previously perceived to be diffusive on plasma membranes, binds to matrix adhesions in a force-dependent manner, promoting cell spreading, adhesion dynamics, and calcium entry in normal but not in most cancer cells tested except some glioblastoma lines. A linker domain in Piezo1 is needed for binding to adhesions, and overexpression of the domain blocks Piezo1 binding to adhesions, decreasing adhesion size and cell spread area. Thus, we suggest that Piezo1 is a previously unidentified component of focal adhesions in nontransformed cells that catalyzes adhesion maturation and growth through force-dependent calcium signaling, but this function is absent in most cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxi Yao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
- Corresponding author. (M.Y); (C.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Ajay Tijore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
- Center for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Delfine Cheng
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Jinyuan Vero Li
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Anushya Hariharan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
| | - Boris Martinac
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Guy Tran Van Nhieu
- Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Team Ca Signaling and Microbial Infections, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell–CNRS UMR9198–Inserm U1280, 1, Avenue de la Terrasse, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Charles D. Cox
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney NSW 2010, Australia
- Corresponding author. (M.Y); (C.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Michael Sheetz
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558
- Molecular MechanoMedicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Corresponding author. (M.Y); (C.C.); (M.S.)
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17
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Tijore A, Yang B, Sheetz M. Cancer cells can be killed mechanically or with combinations of cytoskeletal inhibitors. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:955595. [PMID: 36299893 PMCID: PMC9589226 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.955595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For over two centuries, clinicians have hypothesized that cancer developed preferentially at the sites of repeated damage, indicating that cancer is basically “continued healing.” Tumor cells can develop over time into other more malignant types in different environments. Interestingly, indefinite growth correlates with the depletion of a modular, early rigidity sensor, whereas restoring these sensors in tumor cells blocks tumor growth on soft surfaces and metastases. Importantly, normal and tumor cells from many different tissues exhibit transformed growth without the early rigidity sensor. When sensors are restored in tumor cells by replenishing depleted mechanosensory proteins that are often cytoskeletal, cells revert to normal rigidity-dependent growth. Surprisingly, transformed growth cells are sensitive to mechanical stretching or ultrasound which will cause apoptosis of transformed growth cells (Mechanoptosis). Mechanoptosis is driven by calcium entry through mechanosensitive Piezo1 channels that activate a calcium-induced calpain response commonly found in tumor cells. Since tumor cells from many different tissues are in a transformed growth state that is, characterized by increased growth, an altered cytoskeleton and mechanoptosis, it is possible to inhibit growth of many different tumors by mechanical activity and potentially by cytoskeletal inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Tijore
- Centre for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- *Correspondence: Ajay Tijore, ; Michael Sheetz,
| | - Bo Yang
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael Sheetz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Ajay Tijore, ; Michael Sheetz,
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18
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Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Mechanobiology of solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166555. [PMID: 36150659 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166555] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical features of cancer cells emerge as a distinct trait during development and progression of solid tumors. Herein, we discuss recent key findings regarding the impact of various types of mechanical stresses on cancer cell properties. Data suggest that different mechanical forces, alterations of matrix rigidity and tumor microenvironment facilitate cancer hallmarks, especially invasion and metastasis. Moreover, a subset of mechanosensory proteins are responsible for mediating mechanically induced oncogenic signaling and response to chemotherapy. Delineating cancer dynamics and decoding of respective signal transduction mechanisms will provide new therapeutic strategies against solid tumors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios N Gargalionis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece.
| | - Kostas A Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece.
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19
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Wu K, Mohsin A, Zaman WQ, Zhang Z, Guan W, Chu M, Zhuang Y, Guo M. Urchin-like magnetic microspheres for cancer therapy through synergistic effect of mechanical force, photothermal and photodynamic effects. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:224. [PMID: 35549715 PMCID: PMC9097396 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01411-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Magnetic materials mediated by mechanical forces to combat cancer cells are currently attracting attention. Firstly, the magnetic force penetrates deeper into tissues than the NIR laser alone to destroy tumours. Secondly, the synergistic effect of nano-magnetic-material characteristics results in a viable option for the targeted killing of cancer cells. Therefore, mechanical force (MF) produced by magnetic nanomaterials under low frequency dynamic magnetic field combined with laser technology is the most effective, safe and efficient tool for killing cancer cells and tumour growth. Results In this study, we synthesized novel urchin-like hollow magnetic microspheres (UHMMs) composed of superparamagnetic Fe3O4. We demonstrated the excellent performance of UHMMs for killing laryngocarcinoma cancer cells through mechanical force and photothermal effects under a vibrating magnetic field and near-infrared laser, respectively. The killing efficiency was further improved after loading the synthesised UHMMs with Chlorin e6 relative to unloaded UHMMs. Additionally, in animal experiments, laryngocarcinoma solid tumour growth was effectively inhibited by UHMMs@Ce6 through magneto-mechanic force, photothermal and photodynamic therapy. Conclusions The biocompatibility and high efficiency of multimodal integrated therapy with the UHMMs prepared in this work provide new insights for developing novel nano therapy and drug loading platforms for tumour treatment. In vivo experiments further demonstrated that UHMMs/Ce6 are excellent tools for strongly inhibiting tumour growth through the above-mentioned characteristic effects. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01411-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, P.O. Box 329#, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China.,Biomedical Multidisciplinary Innovation Research Institute and Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Ali Mohsin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, P.O. Box 329#, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Waqas Qamar Zaman
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Sector H-12, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Zefei Zhang
- Biomedical Multidisciplinary Innovation Research Institute and Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyan Guan
- Materials and Biomaterials Science and Engineering, University of California, Merced, CA, 95343, USA
| | - Maoquan Chu
- Biomedical Multidisciplinary Innovation Research Institute and Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yingping Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, P.O. Box 329#, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Meijin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, P.O. Box 329#, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Leveraging cellular mechano-responsiveness for cancer therapy. Trends Mol Med 2021; 28:155-169. [PMID: 34973934 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cells sense the biophysical properties of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and adopt these signals in their development, progression, and metastatic dissemination. Recent work highlights the mechano-responsiveness of cells in tumors and the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, approaches to mechano-modulating diverse types of cell have emerged aiming to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. These include targeting mechanosensitive machineries in cancer cells to induce apoptosis, intervening matrix stiffening incurred by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in both primary and metastatic tumor sites, and modulating matrix mechanics to improve immune cell therapeutic efficacy. This review is envisaged to help scientists and clinicians in cancer research to advance understanding of the cellular mechano-responsiveness in TME, and to harness these concepts for cancer mechanotherapies.
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Abstract
The contraction-relaxation cycle of the heart is one of the most robust mechanical systems in the body that adapts rapidly to the body's needs by changing mechanical parameters. In many respects, we can consider the cardiac system as a complex machine and can use engineering approaches to describe its function. The classical physiology of the heart also focused on understanding function but the new molecular level tools in light microscopy and nanoengineering now enable a deeper understanding of the physiology. The field of mechanobiology has emerged with a focus on how mechanical activity alters biological systems at the molecular level and how those systems in turn control mechanical parameters. In the case of mechanical activity, there are clearly benefits of exercise for the heart, for cancer patients, and for aging but we do not understand the links at a molecular level. Why does regular exercise benefit the heart? We have some preliminary clues at a molecular level about the benefits of physical activity in the cases of cancer and aging; however, there is less known about how exercise affects cardiovascular performance. Unlike the omics approaches which generally link proteins to processes, a mechanobiological understanding of a process explains how forces and mechanical activity will regulate the process through modifications of protein activities. In other words, mechanical activity is an essential component of most biological systems that is transduced into biochemical changes in protein activity. Further, it follows logically that if a mechanical parameter of the cardiac system is typically controlled, then cellular mechanosensing systems must be able to directly or indirectly measure that parameter. The challenge is to understand how changes in activity of the heart are controlled in the short term and then how the system adapts to the integrated level of activity over the longer term. By way of introduction to molecular mechanobiology, I will present examples of mechanosensing from the molecular to the cellular scale and how they may be integrated at the cell and tissue levels. An important element of Mechanobiology at the system level is the physiological state of the cell: i.e., the cell in a senescent state, a cancer state, or a normal cell state (Sheetz 2019). The background for the mechanobiological approach is discussed in "The Cell as a Machine" (Sheetz and Yu, Cambridge Univ Press, 2018), which considers cell states and the molecular systems underlying the important cellular functions. A major challenge in mechanobiology is the understanding of the transduction of mechanical activity into changes in cell function. Of particular relevance here is the benefit of exercise to cardiac performance. This has been seen in many cases and there are a variety of factors that contribute. Further, exercise will benefit cancer patients and will reverse some of the adverse effects of aging. Exercise will cause increased cardiac activity that will be sensed by many mechanosensory systems from a molecular to a cellular level both in the heart and in the vasculature. At a molecular level in cardiac systems, proteins are able to measure stress and strain and to generate appropriate signals of the magnitude of stress and strain that can regulate the cellular contractility and other parameters. The protein sensors are generally passive systems that give a transient measure of local parameters such as the stress at cell-cell junctions during contraction and the strain of the sarcomeres during relaxation. Large stresses at the junctions can activate signaling systems that can reduce contractility or over time activate remodeling of the junctions to better support larger stresses. The proteins involved and their sensory mechanisms are not known currently; however, the mechanosensitive channel, Piezo1, has been implicated in the transduction process in the vasculature (Beech 2018). In the case of strain sensors, large stretches of titin during relaxation can unfold more titin domains that can send signals to the cell. Two different mechanisms of strain sensing are likely in titin. The titin kinase domain is activated by strain but the substrates of the kinase are not know in vivo (Linke 2018). In the backbone of titin are many Ig domains that unfold at different forces and unfolding could cause the binding of proteins that would then activate enzymatic pathways to alter the contractile cycle to give the proper level of strain (Ait-Mou et al. 2017; Granzier et al. 2014; Granzier et al. 2009). The cell-matrix adhesion protein, talin, has eleven cryptic binding sites for another adhesion protein, vinculin, that are revealed by the unfolding of domains in the talin molecule (Yao et al. 2016). Since some domains unfold at lower forces than others, small strains will preferentially unfold those domains, making the system an excellent sensor of the extent of stretch as expected for titin. Because there is an ordered array of many titin molecules, the sensing of strain can be very sensitive to small changes in sarcomere length. Needless to say, titin is only one part of the regulatory system that controls sarcomere length. As one goes more deeply into the working of the system, it is evident that many additional mechanosensory elements are involved in maintaining a functioning cardiac system.
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Dombroski JA, Hope JM, Sarna NS, King MR. Channeling the Force: Piezo1 Mechanotransduction in Cancer Metastasis. Cells 2021; 10:2815. [PMID: 34831037 PMCID: PMC8616475 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, motivating research into identifying new methods of preventing cancer metastasis. Recently there has been increasing interest in understanding how cancer cells transduce mechanical forces into biochemical signals, as metastasis is a process that consists of a wide range of physical forces. For instance, the circulatory system through which disseminating cancer cells must transit is an environment characterized by variable fluid shear stress due to blood flow. Cancer cells and other cells can transduce physical stimuli into biochemical responses using the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1, which is activated by membrane deformations that occur when cells are exposed to physical forces. When active, Piezo1 opens, allowing for calcium flux into the cell. Calcium, as a ubiquitous second-messenger cation, is associated with many signaling pathways involved in cancer metastasis, such as angiogenesis, cell migration, intravasation, and proliferation. In this review, we discuss the roles of Piezo1 in each stage of cancer metastasis in addition to its roles in immune cell activation and cancer cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michael R. King
- King Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 5824 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; (J.A.D.); (J.M.H.); (N.S.S.)
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Singh A, Tijore A, Margadant F, Simpson C, Chitkara D, Low BC, Sheetz M. Enhanced tumor cell killing by ultrasound after microtubule depolymerization. Bioeng Transl Med 2021; 6:e10233. [PMID: 34589605 PMCID: PMC8459596 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies show that tumor cells are vulnerable to mechanical stresses and undergo calcium-dependent apoptosis (mechanoptosis) with mechanical perturbation by low-frequency ultrasound alone. To determine if tumor cells are particularly sensitive to mechanical stress in certain phases of the cell cycle, inhibitors of the cell-cycle phases are tested for effects on mechanoptosis. Most inhibitors show no significant effect, but inhibitors of mitosis that cause microtubule depolymerization increase the mechanoptosis. Surprisingly, ultrasound treatment also disrupts microtubules independent of inhibitors in tumor cells but not in normal cells. Ultrasound causes calcium entry through mechanosensitive Piezo1 channels that disrupts microtubules via calpain protease activation. Myosin IIA contractility is required for ultrasound-mediated mechanoptosis and microtubule disruption enhances myosin IIA contractility through activation of GEF-H1 and RhoA pathway. Further, ultrasound promotes contractility-dependent Piezo1 expression and localization to the peripheral adhesions where activated Piezo1 allows calcium entry to continue feedback loop. Thus, the synergistic action of ultrasound and nanomolar concentrations of microtubule depolymerizing agents can enhance tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Singh
- Mechanobiology InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Department of PharmacyBirla Institute of Technology and SciencePilaniIndia
| | - Ajay Tijore
- Mechanobiology InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Felix Margadant
- Mechanobiology InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Chloe Simpson
- Mechanobiology InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Deepak Chitkara
- Department of PharmacyBirla Institute of Technology and SciencePilaniIndia
| | - Boon Chuan Low
- Mechanobiology InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Michael Sheetz
- Mechanobiology InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology DepartmentUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
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