1
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Basara G, Celebi LE, Ronan G, Discua Santos V, Zorlutuna P. 3D bioprinted aged human post-infarct myocardium tissue model. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e1945. [PMID: 38655426 PMCID: PMC11035382 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Fibrotic tissue formed after myocardial infarction (MI) can be as detrimental as MI itself. However, current in vitro cardiac fibrosis models fail to recapitulate the complexities of post-MI tissue. Moreover, although MI and subsequent fibrosis is most prominent in the aged population, the field suffers from inadequate aged tissue models. Herein, an aged human post-MI tissue model, representing the native microenvironment weeks after initial infarction, is engineered using three-dimensional bioprinting via creation of individual bioinks to specifically mimic three distinct regions: remote, border, and scar. Methods The aged post-MI tissue model is engineered through combination of gelatin methacryloyl, methacrylated hyaluronic acid, aged type I collagen, and photoinitiator at variable concentrations with different cell types, including aged human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, cardiac fibroblasts, and cardiac myofibroblasts, by introducing a methodology which utilizes three printheads of the bioprinter to model aged myocardium. Then, using cell-specific proteins, the cell types that comprised each region are confirmed using immunofluorescence. Next, the beating characteristics are analyzed. Finally, the engineered aged post-MI tissue model is used as a benchtop platform to assess the therapeutic effects of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles on the scar region. Results As a result, high viability (>74%) was observed in each region of the printed model. Constructs demonstrated functional behavior, exhibiting a beating velocity of 6.7 μm/s and a frequency of 0.3 Hz. Finally, the effectiveness of hiPSC-EV and MSC-EV treatment was assessed. While hiPSC-EV treatment showed no significant changes, MSC-EV treatment notably increased cardiomyocyte beating velocity, frequency, and confluency, suggesting a regenerative potential. Conclusion In conclusion, we envision that our approach of modeling post-MI aged myocardium utilizing three printheads of the bioprinter may be utilized for various applications in aged cardiac microenvironment modeling and testing novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gozde Basara
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Lara Ece Celebi
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
- Bioengineering Graduate ProgramUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - George Ronan
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
- Bioengineering Graduate ProgramUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | | | - Pinar Zorlutuna
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
- Bioengineering Graduate ProgramUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
- Harper Cancer Research InstituteUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
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2
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Hall C, Law JP, Reyat JS, Cumberland MJ, Hang S, Vo NTN, Raniga K, Weston CJ, O'Shea C, Townend JN, Gehmlich K, Ferro CJ, Denning C, Pavlovic D. Chronic activation of human cardiac fibroblasts in vitro attenuates the reversibility of the myofibroblast phenotype. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12137. [PMID: 37495732 PMCID: PMC10372150 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39369-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of cardiac fibroblasts and differentiation to myofibroblasts underlies development of pathological cardiac fibrosis, leading to arrhythmias and heart failure. Myofibroblasts are characterised by increased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) fibre expression, secretion of collagens and changes in proliferation. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and increased mechanical stress can initiate myofibroblast activation. Reversibility of the myofibroblast phenotype has been observed in murine cells but has not been explored in human cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, chronically activated adult primary human ventricular cardiac fibroblasts and human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cFbs (hiPSC-cFbs) were used to investigate the potential for reversal of the myofibroblast phenotype using either subculture on soft substrates or TGF-β receptor inhibition. Culture on softer plates (25 or 2 kPa Young's modulus) did not alter proliferation or reduce expression of α-SMA and collagen 1. Similarly, culture of myofibroblasts in the presence of TGF-β inhibitor did not reverse myofibroblasts back to a quiescent phenotype. Chronically activated hiPSC-cFbs also showed attenuated response to TGF-β receptor inhibition and inability to reverse to quiescent fibroblast phenotype. Our data demonstrate substantial loss of TGF-β signalling plasticity as well as a loss of feedback from the surrounding mechanical environment in chronically activated human myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Hall
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Jonathan P Law
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Jasmeet S Reyat
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Max J Cumberland
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Shaun Hang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Nguyen T N Vo
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Kavita Raniga
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Chris J Weston
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Christopher O'Shea
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Jonathan N Townend
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK
| | - Katja Gehmlich
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Charles J Ferro
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Renal Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK
| | - Chris Denning
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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3
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Dwyer KD, Kant RJ, Soepriatna AH, Roser SM, Daley MC, Sabe SA, Xu CM, Choi BR, Sellke FW, Coulombe KLK. One Billion hiPSC-Cardiomyocytes: Upscaling Engineered Cardiac Tissues to Create High Cell Density Therapies for Clinical Translation in Heart Regeneration. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:587. [PMID: 37237658 PMCID: PMC10215511 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10050587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the overwhelming use of cellularized therapeutics in cardiac regenerative engineering, approaches to biomanufacture engineered cardiac tissues (ECTs) at clinical scale remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the impact of critical biomanufacturing decisions-namely cell dose, hydrogel composition, and size-on ECT formation and function-through the lens of clinical translation. ECTs were fabricated by mixing human induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and human cardiac fibroblasts into a collagen hydrogel to engineer meso-(3 × 9 mm), macro- (8 × 12 mm), and mega-ECTs (65 × 75 mm). Meso-ECTs exhibited a hiPSC-CM dose-dependent response in structure and mechanics, with high-density ECTs displaying reduced elastic modulus, collagen organization, prestrain development, and active stress generation. Scaling up, cell-dense macro-ECTs were able to follow point stimulation pacing without arrhythmogenesis. Finally, we successfully fabricated a mega-ECT at clinical scale containing 1 billion hiPSC-CMs for implantation in a swine model of chronic myocardial ischemia to demonstrate the technical feasibility of biomanufacturing, surgical implantation, and engraftment. Through this iterative process, we define the impact of manufacturing variables on ECT formation and function as well as identify challenges that must still be overcome to successfully accelerate ECT clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiera D. Dwyer
- School of Engineering, Brown University Center for Biomedical Engineering, Providence, RI 02912, USA; (K.D.D.)
| | - Rajeev J. Kant
- School of Engineering, Brown University Center for Biomedical Engineering, Providence, RI 02912, USA; (K.D.D.)
| | - Arvin H. Soepriatna
- School of Engineering, Brown University Center for Biomedical Engineering, Providence, RI 02912, USA; (K.D.D.)
| | - Stephanie M. Roser
- School of Engineering, Brown University Center for Biomedical Engineering, Providence, RI 02912, USA; (K.D.D.)
| | - Mark C. Daley
- School of Engineering, Brown University Center for Biomedical Engineering, Providence, RI 02912, USA; (K.D.D.)
| | - Sharif A. Sabe
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Institute, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Cynthia M. Xu
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Institute, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Bum-Rak Choi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Institute, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Frank W. Sellke
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Institute, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Kareen L. K. Coulombe
- School of Engineering, Brown University Center for Biomedical Engineering, Providence, RI 02912, USA; (K.D.D.)
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Institute, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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4
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Pang X, He X, Qiu Z, Zhang H, Xie R, Liu Z, Gu Y, Zhao N, Xiang Q, Cui Y. Targeting integrin pathways: mechanisms and advances in therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:1. [PMID: 36588107 PMCID: PMC9805914 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 130.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins are considered the main cell-adhesion transmembrane receptors that play multifaceted roles as extracellular matrix (ECM)-cytoskeletal linkers and transducers in biochemical and mechanical signals between cells and their environment in a wide range of states in health and diseases. Integrin functions are dependable on a delicate balance between active and inactive status via multiple mechanisms, including protein-protein interactions, conformational changes, and trafficking. Due to their exposure on the cell surface and sensitivity to the molecular blockade, integrins have been investigated as pharmacological targets for nearly 40 years, but given the complexity of integrins and sometimes opposite characteristics, targeting integrin therapeutics has been a challenge. To date, only seven drugs targeting integrins have been successfully marketed, including abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban, natalizumab, vedolizumab, lifitegrast, and carotegrast. Currently, there are approximately 90 kinds of integrin-based therapeutic drugs or imaging agents in clinical studies, including small molecules, antibodies, synthetic mimic peptides, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, imaging agents, etc. A serious lesson from past integrin drug discovery and research efforts is that successes rely on both a deep understanding of integrin-regulatory mechanisms and unmet clinical needs. Herein, we provide a systematic and complete review of all integrin family members and integrin-mediated downstream signal transduction to highlight ongoing efforts to develop new therapies/diagnoses from bench to clinic. In addition, we further discuss the trend of drug development, how to improve the success rate of clinical trials targeting integrin therapies, and the key points for clinical research, basic research, and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocong Pang
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Xu He
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwei Qiu
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Hanxu Zhang
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Ran Xie
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyan Liu
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Yanlun Gu
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Qian Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034, Beijing, China. .,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Yimin Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034, Beijing, China. .,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China.
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5
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Garlatti V, Lovisa S, Danese S, Vetrano S. The Multiple Faces of Integrin-ECM Interactions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10439. [PMID: 34638778 PMCID: PMC8508809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) comprises a series of chronic and relapsing intestinal diseases, with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis being the most common. The abundant and uncontrolled deposition of extracellular matrix, namely fibrosis, is one of the major hallmarks of IBD and is responsible for the progressive narrowing and closure of the intestine, defined as stenosis. Although fibrosis is usually considered the product of chronic inflammation, the substantial failure of anti-inflammatory therapies to target and reduce fibrosis in IBD suggests that fibrosis might be sustained in an inflammation-independent manner. Pharmacological therapies targeting integrins have recently shown great promise in the treatment of IBD. The efficacy of these therapies mainly relies on their capacity to target the integrin-mediated recruitment and functionality of the immune cells at the damage site. However, by nature, integrins also act as mechanosensitive molecules involved in the intracellular transduction of signals and modifications originating from the extracellular matrix. Therefore, understanding integrin signaling in the context of IBD may offer important insights into mechanisms of matrix remodeling, which are uncoupled from inflammation and could underlie the onset and persistency of intestinal fibrosis. In this review, we present the currently available knowledge on the role of integrins in the etiopathogenesis of IBD, highlighting their role in the context of immune-dependent and independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Garlatti
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (S.L.); (S.D.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale ‘A. Avogadro’, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Sara Lovisa
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (S.L.); (S.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvio Danese
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (S.L.); (S.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Vetrano
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (S.L.); (S.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
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6
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Piera L, Szymański J, Juszczak M, Drobnik J. Histamine is involved in the regulation of collagen content in cultured heart myofibroblasts via H 2, H 3 and H 4 histamine receptors. Biomed Rep 2021; 15:71. [PMID: 34276989 PMCID: PMC8278034 DOI: 10.3892/br.2021.1447] [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: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Histamine is involved in the regulation of collagen metabolism during healing following a myocardial infarction; however, its effects on the intact heart tissue is unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine whether histamine may influence collagen content in cells isolated from intact heart, and to identify the histamine receptor involved in the regulation of collagen deposition. Cells were isolated from intact rat hearts and subjected to identification by flow cytometry. The effects of histamine and its receptor agonists and antagonists were investigated. The heart cells were found to be actin, desmin and vimentin positive. Histamine (used at a concentrations of 1x10-10-1x10-5 M) increased collagen content within the culture and increased the expression of α1 chain of the procollagen type III gene. The H2, H3 and H4 receptor inhibitors ranitidine, ciproxifan and JNJ 7777120 blocked the effect of histamine on collagen content. All tested histamine receptor agonists, viz. 2-pyridylethylamine dihydrochloride (H1 receptor agonist), amthamine dihydrobromide (H2 receptor agonist), imetit (H3 receptor agonist) and 4-methylhistamine hydrochloride (H4 receptor agonist), elevated collagen content within the heart myofibroblast cultures. The cells isolated from the intact heart were identified as myofibroblasts. Thus, the results of the present study showed that histamine augmented collagen content in the heart myofibroblast culture by activation of three histamine receptors (H2, H3 and H4). The effect of the amine was also dependent on the activation of collagen type III gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucyna Piera
- Laboratory of Connective Tissue Metabolism, Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Łódź, 90-752 Łódź, Poland
| | - Jacek Szymański
- Central Scientific Laboratory, Medical University of Łódź, 92-215 Łódź, Poland
| | - Marlena Juszczak
- Department of Pathophysiology and Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Medical University of Łódź, 90-752 Łódź, Poland
| | - Jacek Drobnik
- Laboratory of Connective Tissue Metabolism, Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Łódź, 90-752 Łódź, Poland
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7
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Khalil NN, McCain ML. Engineering the Cellular Microenvironment of Post-infarct Myocardium on a Chip. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:709871. [PMID: 34336962 PMCID: PMC8316619 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.709871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarctions are one of the most common forms of cardiac injury and death worldwide. Infarctions cause immediate necrosis in a localized region of the myocardium, which is followed by a repair process with inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation phases. This repair process culminates in the formation of scar tissue, which often leads to heart failure in the months or years after the initial injury. In each reparative phase, the infarct microenvironment is characterized by distinct biochemical, physical, and mechanical features, such as inflammatory cytokine production, localized hypoxia, and tissue stiffening, which likely each contribute to physiological and pathological tissue remodeling by mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Traditionally, simplified two-dimensional cell culture systems or animal models have been implemented to elucidate basic pathophysiological mechanisms or predict drug responses following myocardial infarction. However, these conventional approaches offer limited spatiotemporal control over relevant features of the post-infarct cellular microenvironment. To address these gaps, Organ on a Chip models of post-infarct myocardium have recently emerged as new paradigms for dissecting the highly complex, heterogeneous, and dynamic post-infarct microenvironment. In this review, we describe recent Organ on a Chip models of post-infarct myocardium, including their limitations and future opportunities in disease modeling and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie N Khalil
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Megan L McCain
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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8
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Dwyer KD, Coulombe KL. Cardiac mechanostructure: Using mechanics and anisotropy as inspiration for developing epicardial therapies in treating myocardial infarction. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:2198-2220. [PMID: 33553810 PMCID: PMC7822956 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanical environment and anisotropic structure of the heart modulate cardiac function at the cellular, tissue and organ levels. During myocardial infarction (MI) and subsequent healing, however, this landscape changes significantly. In order to engineer cardiac biomaterials with the appropriate properties to enhance function after MI, the changes in the myocardium induced by MI must be clearly identified. In this review, we focus on the mechanical and structural properties of the healthy and infarcted myocardium in order to gain insight about the environment in which biomaterial-based cardiac therapies are expected to perform and the functional deficiencies caused by MI that the therapy must address. From this understanding, we discuss epicardial therapies for MI inspired by the mechanics and anisotropy of the heart focusing on passive devices, which feature a biomaterials approach, and active devices, which feature robotic and cellular components. Through this review, a detailed analysis is provided in order to inspire further development and translation of epicardial therapies for MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiera D. Dwyer
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kareen L.K. Coulombe
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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9
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Eichinger JF, Grill MJ, Kermani ID, Aydin RC, Wall WA, Humphrey JD, Cyron CJ. A computational framework for modeling cell-matrix interactions in soft biological tissues. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2021; 20:1851-1870. [PMID: 34173132 PMCID: PMC8450219 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-021-01480-2] [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: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Living soft tissues appear to promote the development and maintenance of a preferred mechanical state within a defined tolerance around a so-called set point. This phenomenon is often referred to as mechanical homeostasis. In contradiction to the prominent role of mechanical homeostasis in various (patho)physiological processes, its underlying micromechanical mechanisms acting on the level of individual cells and fibers remain poorly understood, especially how these mechanisms on the microscale lead to what we macroscopically call mechanical homeostasis. Here, we present a novel computational framework based on the finite element method that is constructed bottom up, that is, it models key mechanobiological mechanisms such as actin cytoskeleton contraction and molecular clutch behavior of individual cells interacting with a reconstructed three-dimensional extracellular fiber matrix. The framework reproduces many experimental observations regarding mechanical homeostasis on short time scales (hours), in which the deposition and degradation of extracellular matrix can largely be neglected. This model can serve as a systematic tool for future in silico studies of the origin of the numerous still unexplained experimental observations about mechanical homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas F Eichinger
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany.,Institute for Continuum and Materials Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, 21073, Germany
| | - Maximilian J Grill
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Iman Davoodi Kermani
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Roland C Aydin
- Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, 21502, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Wall
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Christian J Cyron
- Institute for Continuum and Materials Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, 21073, Germany. .,Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, 21502, Germany.
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10
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Basara G, Ozcebe SG, Ellis BW, Zorlutuna P. Tunable Human Myocardium Derived Decellularized Extracellular Matrix for 3D Bioprinting and Cardiac Tissue Engineering. Gels 2021; 7:70. [PMID: 34208210 PMCID: PMC8293197 DOI: 10.3390/gels7020070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of 3D tissue constructs with multiple cell types and matching mechanical properties remains a challenge in cardiac tissue engineering. Recently, 3D bioprinting has become a powerful tool to achieve these goals. Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) is a common scaffold material due to providing a native biochemical environment. Unfortunately, dECM's low mechanical stability prevents usage for bioprinting applications alone. In this study, we developed bioinks composed of decellularized human heart ECM (dhECM) with either gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) or GelMA-methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) hydrogels dual crosslinked with UV light and microbial transglutaminase (mTGase). We characterized the bioinks' mechanical, rheological, swelling, printability, and biocompatibility properties. Composite GelMA-MeHA-dhECM (GME) hydrogels demonstrated improved mechanical properties by an order of magnitude compared to the GelMA-dhECM (GE) hydrogels. All hydrogels were extrudable and compatible with human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (iCMs) and human cardiac fibroblasts (hCFs). Tissue-like beating of the printed constructs with striated sarcomeric alpha-actinin and connexin 43 expression was observed. The order of magnitude difference between the elastic modulus of these hydrogel composites offers applications in in vitro modeling of the myocardial infarct boundary. Here, as a proof of concept, we created an infarct boundary region with control over the mechanical properties along with the cellular and macromolecular content through printing iCMs with GE bioink and hCFs with GME bioink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gozde Basara
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
| | - S. Gulberk Ozcebe
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (S.G.O.); (B.W.E.)
| | - Bradley W. Ellis
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (S.G.O.); (B.W.E.)
| | - Pinar Zorlutuna
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (S.G.O.); (B.W.E.)
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11
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Parreira MT, Lavrenyuk K, Sanches JM, Dahl KN. A single stiffened nucleus alters cell dynamics and coherence in a monolayer. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2021; 78:277-283. [PMID: 33837677 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Force transmission throughout a monolayer is the result of complex interactions between cells. Monolayer adaptation to force imbalances such as singular stiffened cells provides insight into the initiation of disease and fibrosis. Here, NRK-52E cells transfected with ∆50LA, which significantly stiffens the nucleus. These stiffened cells were sparsely placed in a monolayer of normal NRK-52E cells. Through morphometric analysis and temporal tracking, the impact of the singular stiffened cells shows a pivotal role in mechanoresponse of the monolayer. A method for a detailed analysis of the spatial aspect and temporal progression of the nuclear boundary was developed and used to achieve a full description of the phenotype and dynamics of the monolayers under study. Our findings reveal that cells are highly sensitive to the presence of mechanically impaired neighbors, leading to generalized loss of coordination in collective cell migration, but without seemingly affecting the potential for nuclear lamina fluctuations of neighboring cells. Reduced translocation in neighboring cells appears to be compensated by an increase in nuclear rotation and dynamic variation of shape, suggesting a "frustration" of cells and maintenance of motor activity. Interestingly, some characteristics of the behavior of these cells appear to be dependent on the distance to a ∆50LA cell, pointing to compensatory behavior in response to force transmission imbalances in a monolayer. These insights may suggest the long-range impacts of single cell defects related to tissue dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Parreira
- Institute for Systems and Robotics - Lisboa and Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Kirill Lavrenyuk
- Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - João M Sanches
- Institute for Systems and Robotics - Lisboa and Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Kris Noel Dahl
- Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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12
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Emig R, Knodt W, Krussig MJ, Zgierski-Johnston CM, Gorka O, Groß O, Kohl P, Ravens U, Peyronnet R. Piezo1 Channels Contribute to the Regulation of Human Atrial Fibroblast Mechanical Properties and Matrix Stiffness Sensing. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030663. [PMID: 33809739 PMCID: PMC8002259 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanical environment of cardiac cells changes continuously and undergoes major alterations during diseases. Most cardiac diseases, including atrial fibrillation, are accompanied by fibrosis which can impair both electrical and mechanical function of the heart. A key characteristic of fibrotic tissue is excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, leading to increased tissue stiffness. Cells are known to respond to changes in their mechanical environment, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this ability are incompletely understood. We used cell culture systems and hydrogels with tunable stiffness, combined with advanced biophysical and imaging techniques, to elucidate the roles of the stretch-activated channel Piezo1 in human atrial fibroblast mechano-sensing. Changing the expression level of Piezo1 revealed that this mechano-sensor contributes to the organization of the cytoskeleton, affecting mechanical properties of human embryonic kidney cells and human atrial fibroblasts. Our results suggest that this response is independent of Piezo1-mediated ion conduction at the plasma membrane, and mediated in part by components of the integrin pathway. Further, we show that Piezo1 is instrumental for fibroblast adaptation to changes in matrix stiffness, and that Piezo1-induced cell stiffening is transmitted in a paracrine manner to other cells by a signaling mechanism requiring interleukin-6. Piezo1 may be a new candidate for targeted interference with cardiac fibroblast function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Emig
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (R.E.); (W.K.); (M.J.K.); (C.M.Z.-J.); (P.K.); (U.R.)
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Knodt
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (R.E.); (W.K.); (M.J.K.); (C.M.Z.-J.); (P.K.); (U.R.)
| | - Mario J. Krussig
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (R.E.); (W.K.); (M.J.K.); (C.M.Z.-J.); (P.K.); (U.R.)
| | - Callum M. Zgierski-Johnston
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (R.E.); (W.K.); (M.J.K.); (C.M.Z.-J.); (P.K.); (U.R.)
| | - Oliver Gorka
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (O.G.); (O.G.)
| | - Olaf Groß
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (O.G.); (O.G.)
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (R.E.); (W.K.); (M.J.K.); (C.M.Z.-J.); (P.K.); (U.R.)
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Ravens
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (R.E.); (W.K.); (M.J.K.); (C.M.Z.-J.); (P.K.); (U.R.)
| | - Rémi Peyronnet
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (R.E.); (W.K.); (M.J.K.); (C.M.Z.-J.); (P.K.); (U.R.)
- Correspondence:
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13
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Hall C, Gehmlich K, Denning C, Pavlovic D. Complex Relationship Between Cardiac Fibroblasts and Cardiomyocytes in Health and Disease. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e019338. [PMID: 33586463 PMCID: PMC8174279 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.019338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts are the primary cell type responsible for deposition of extracellular matrix in the heart, providing support to the contracting myocardium and contributing to a myriad of physiological signaling processes. Despite the importance of fibrosis in processes of wound healing, excessive fibroblast proliferation and activation can lead to pathological remodeling, driving heart failure and the onset of arrhythmias. Our understanding of the mechanisms driving the cardiac fibroblast activation and proliferation is expanding, and evidence for their direct and indirect effects on cardiac myocyte function is accumulating. In this review, we focus on the importance of the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and the cross talk of cardiac fibroblasts with cardiac myocytes. We also consider the current use of models used to explore these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Hall
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom
| | - Katja Gehmlich
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Radcliffe Department of Medicine and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence Oxford University of Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Chris Denning
- Biodiscovery Institute University of Nottingham United Kingdom
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom
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14
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Marrese M, Paardekam EJ, Iannuzzi D. Indentation probe with optical fibre array-based optical coherence tomography for material deformation. J Microsc 2020; 282:205-214. [PMID: 33314150 PMCID: PMC8248032 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We present a new optomechanical probe for mechanical testing of soft matter. The probe consists of a micromachined cantilever equipped with an indenting sphere, and an array of 16 single‐mode optical fibres, which are connected to an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system that allows subsurface analysis of the sample during the indentation stroke. To test our device and its capability, we performed indentation on a PDMS‐based phantom. Our findings demonstrate that Common Path (CP)‐OCT via lensed optical fibres can be successfully combined with a microindentation sensor to visualise the phantom's deformation profile at different indentation depths and locations in real time. Lay Description This work presents a new approach to simultaneously perform micro‐indentation experiments and OCT imaging. An optical fiber array‐based sensor is used to develop a new hybrid tool where micro‐indentation is combined with optical coherence tomography. The sensor is therefore capable of compressing a sample with a small force and simultaneously collecting OCT depth profiles underneath and around the indentation point. This method offers the opportunity to characterize the mechanical properties of soft materials and simultaneously visualize their deformation profile. The ability to integrate OCT imaging with indentation technology is promising for the non‐invasive and precise characterization of different soft materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Marrese
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLab, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E J Paardekam
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLab, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Davide Iannuzzi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLab, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Effects of fibrillin mutations on the behavior of heart muscle cells in Marfan syndrome. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16756. [PMID: 33028885 PMCID: PMC7542175 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73802-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a systemic disorder of connective tissue caused by pathogenic variants in the fibrillin-1 (FBN1) gene. Myocardial dysfunction has been demonstrated in MFS patients and mouse models, but little is known about the intrinsic effect on the cardiomyocytes (CMs). In this study, both induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a MFS-patient and the line with the corrected FBN1 mutation were differentiated to CMs. Several functional analyses are performed on this model to study MFS related cardiomyopathy. Atomic force microscopy revealed that MFS CMs are stiffer compared to corrected CMs. The contraction amplitude of MFS CMs is decreased compared to corrected CMs. Under normal culture conditions, MFS CMs show a lower beat-to-beat variability compared to corrected CMs using multi electrode array. Isoproterenol-induced stress or cyclic strain demonstrates lack of support from the matrix in MFS CMs. This study reports the first cardiac cell culture model for MFS, revealing abnormalities in the behavior of MFS CMs that are related to matrix defects. Based on these results, we postulate that impaired support from the extracellular environment plays a key role in the improper functioning of CMs in MFS.
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In vitro aged, hiPSC-origin engineered heart tissue models with age-dependent functional deterioration to study myocardial infarction. Acta Biomater 2019; 94:372-391. [PMID: 31146032 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.05.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Deaths attributed to ischemic heart disease increased by 41.7% from 1990 to 2013. This is primarily due to an increase in the aged population, however, research on cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been overlooking aging, a well-documented contributor to CVD. The use of young animals is heavily preferred due to lower costs and ready availability, despite the prominent differences between young and aged heart structure and function. Here we present the first human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocyte (iCM)-based, in vitro aged myocardial tissue model as an alternative research platform. Within 4 months, iCMs go through accelerated senescence and show cellular characteristics of aging. Furthermore, the model tissues fabricated using aged iCMs, with stiffness resembling that of aged human heart, show functional and pharmacological deterioration specific to aged myocardium. Our novel tissue model with age-appropriate physiology and pathology presents a promising new platform for investigating CVD or other age-related diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In vitro and in vivo models of cardiovascular disease are aimed to provide crucial insight on the pathology and treatment of these diseases. However, the contribution of age-dependent cardiovascular changes is greatly underestimated through the use of young animals and premature cardiomyocytes. Here, we developed in vitro aged cardiac tissue models that mimic the aged heart tissue microenvironment and cellular phenotype and present the first evidence that age-appropriate in vitro disease models can be developed to gain more physiologically-relevant insight on development, progression, and amelioration of cardiovascular diseases.
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