1
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Kumar R, Chakrabarti R, Thaokar RM. Compound giant unilamellar vesicles as a bio-mimetic model for electrohydrodynamics of a nucleate cell. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:6995-7011. [PMID: 39171512 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00633j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The understanding obtained by studies on the electrohydrodynamics (EHD) of single giant unilamellar vesicles (sGUVs) has contributed significantly towards a better comprehension of the response of biological cells to electric fields. This has subsequently helped in developing technologies such as cell dielectrophoresis and cell electroporation. For nucleate eukaryotic cells though, a vesicle-in-vesicle compound giant unilamellar vesicle (cGUV) is a more appropriate bio-mimic than a sGUV. In this work, we present an improvised method for the formation of cGUVs, wherein the electrical conductivities of the inner, annular and outer regions of the cGUVs can be modified. A comprehensive experimental study is presented on the EHD of these cGUVs under weak AC fields over a wide range of frequencies, and an encouraging agreement is observed between the experiments and earlier published theoretical studies on concentric cGUVs. The spherical, prolate or oblate spheroidal deformations of a cGUV under AC electric fields depend upon the membrane electromechanical properties as well as the magnitude and direction of the electric traction at the membrane produced by the Maxwell stress that varies with the relative timescales associated with the frequency of the applied AC electric field and that of the membrane charging time and the Maxwell-Wagner relaxation time. This work establishes cGUVs as appropriate bio-mimics for conducting EHD studies relevant to eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh Kumar
- Centre for Research in Nanotechnology & Science, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rajarshi Chakrabarti
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rochish M Thaokar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, Maharashtra, India.
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2
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Abarca-Ortega A, González-Bermúdez B, Plaza GR. Enhancing micropipette aspiration with artificial-intelligence analysis. Biophys J 2024; 123:2860-2868. [PMID: 38600698 PMCID: PMC11393679 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.04.006] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The micropipette-aspiration technique is commonly used in the field of mechanobiology, offering a variety of measurement types. To extract biophysical parameters from the experiments, numerical analysis is required. Although previous works have developed techniques for the partial automation of these analyses, these approaches are relatively time consuming for the researchers. In this article, we describe the development and application of an artificial-intelligence tool for the completely automatic analysis of micropipette-aspiration experiments. The use of this tool is compared with previous methods and the impressive reduction in the time required for these analyses is discussed. The new tool opens new possibilities for the micropipette-aspiration technique by enabling dealing with large numbers of experiments and real-time measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Abarca-Ortega
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Santiago de Chile, Chile; Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, ETSI de Caminos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alracón, Spain.
| | - Blanca González-Bermúdez
- Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, ETSI de Caminos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alracón, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo R Plaza
- Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, ETSI de Caminos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alracón, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain.
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3
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Mathews HF, Çeper T, Speen T, Bastard C, Bulut S, Pieper MI, Schacher FH, De Laporte L, Pich A. Engineering poly(dehydroalanine)-based gels via droplet-based microfluidics: from bulk to microspheres. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:6231-6246. [PMID: 39051502 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00676c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Biomedical applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and functional surface coating rely on switchable adsorption and desorption of specialized guest molecules. Poly(dehydroalanine), a polyzwitterion containing pH-dependent positive and negative charges, shows promise for such reversible loading, especially when integrated into a gel network. Herein, we present the fabrication of poly(dehydroalanine)-derived gels of different size scales and evaluate them with respect to their practical use in biomedicine. Already existing protocols for bulk gelation were remodeled to derive suitable reaction conditions for droplet-based microfluidic synthesis. Depending on the layout of the microfluidic chip, microgels with a size of approximately 30 μm or 200 μm were obtained, whose crosslinking density can be increased by implementing a multi-arm crosslinker. We analyzed the effects of the crosslinker species on composition, permeability, and softness and show that the microgels exhibit advantageous properties inherent to zwitterionic polymer systems, including high hydrophilicity as well as pH- and ionic strength-sensitivity. We demonstrate pH-regulated uptake and release of fluorescent model dyes before testing the adsorption of a small antimicrobial peptide, LL-37. Quantification of the peptide accommodated within the microgels reveals the impact of size and crosslinking density of the microgels. Biocompatibility of the microgels was validated by cell tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah F Mathews
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringer Weg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Tolga Çeper
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Humboldtstr. 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Philosophenweg 7a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Tobias Speen
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringer Weg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Céline Bastard
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringer Weg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Selin Bulut
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringer Weg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Maria I Pieper
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringer Weg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Felix H Schacher
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Humboldtstr. 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Philosophenweg 7a, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Grüne Aue, 07754 Jena, Germany
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringer Weg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME), Department of Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CMBS), Forckenbeckstr. 55, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Andrij Pich
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringer Weg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Aachen Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Brightland Chemelot Campus, Maastricht University, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands
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4
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Ghoytasi I, Bavi O, Kaazempur Mofrad MR, Naghdabadi R. An in-silico study on the mechanical behavior of colorectal cancer cell lines in the micropipette aspiration process. Comput Biol Med 2024; 178:108744. [PMID: 38889631 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Cancer alters the structural integrity and morphology of cells. Consequently, the cell function is overshadowed. In this study, the micropipette aspiration process is computationally modeled to predict the mechanical behavior of the colorectal cancer cells. The intended cancer cells are modeled as an incompressible Neo-Hookean visco-hyperelastic material. Also, the micropipette is assumed to be rigid with no deformation. The proposed model is validated with an in-vitro study. To capture the equilibrium and time-dependent behaviors of cells, ramp, and creep tests are respectively performed using the finite element method. Through the simulations, the effects of the micropipette geometry and the aspiration pressure on the colorectal cancer cell lines are investigated. Our findings indicate that, as the inner radius of the micropipette increases, despite the increase in deformation rate and aspirated length, the time to reach the equilibrium state increases. Nevertheless, it is obvious that increasing the tip curvature radius has a small effect on the change of the aspirated length. But, due to the decrease in the stress concentration, it drastically reduces the equilibrium time and increases the deformation rate significantly. Interestingly, our results demonstrate that increasing the aspiration pressure somehow causes the cell stiffening, thereby reducing the upward trend of deformation rate, equilibrium time, and aspirated length. Our findings provide valuable insights for researchers in cell therapy and cancer treatment and can aid in developing more precise microfluidic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Ghoytasi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 89694-14588, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Bavi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shiraz University of Technology, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Kaazempur Mofrad
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Reza Naghdabadi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 89694-14588, Tehran, Iran; Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sharif University of Technology, 89694-14588, Tehran, Iran.
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5
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Eliahoo P, Setayesh H, Hoffman T, Wu Y, Li S, Treweek JB. Viscoelasticity in 3D Cell Culture and Regenerative Medicine: Measurement Techniques and Biological Relevance. ACS MATERIALS AU 2024; 4:354-384. [PMID: 39006396 PMCID: PMC11240420 DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialsau.3c00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The field of mechanobiology is gaining prominence due to recent findings that show cells sense and respond to the mechanical properties of their environment through a process called mechanotransduction. The mechanical properties of cells, cell organelles, and the extracellular matrix are understood to be viscoelastic. Various technologies have been researched and developed for measuring the viscoelasticity of biological materials, which may provide insight into both the cellular mechanisms and the biological functions of mechanotransduction. Here, we explain the concept of viscoelasticity and introduce the major techniques that have been used to measure the viscoelasticity of various soft materials in different length- and timescale frames. The topology of the material undergoing testing, the geometry of the probe, the magnitude of the exerted stress, and the resulting deformation should be carefully considered to choose a proper technique for each application. Lastly, we discuss several applications of viscoelasticity in 3D cell culture and tissue models for regenerative medicine, including organoids, organ-on-a-chip systems, engineered tissue constructs, and tunable viscoelastic hydrogels for 3D bioprinting and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Eliahoo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
| | - Hesam Setayesh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
| | - Tyler Hoffman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Song Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Jennifer B Treweek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
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6
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Li SS, Xue CD, Li YJ, Chen XM, Zhao Y, Qin KR. Microfluidic characterization of single-cell biophysical properties and the applications in cancer diagnosis. Electrophoresis 2024; 45:1212-1232. [PMID: 37909658 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell biophysical properties play a crucial role in regulating cellular physiological states and functions, demonstrating significant potential in the fields of life sciences and clinical diagnostics. Therefore, over the last few decades, researchers have developed various detection tools to explore the relationship between the biophysical changes of biological cells and human diseases. With the rapid advancement of modern microfabrication technology, microfluidic devices have quickly emerged as a promising platform for single-cell analysis offering advantages including high-throughput, exceptional precision, and ease of manipulation. Consequently, this paper provides an overview of the recent advances in microfluidic analysis and detection systems for single-cell biophysical properties and their applications in the field of cancer. The working principles and latest research progress of single-cell biophysical property detection are first analyzed, highlighting the significance of electrical and mechanical properties. The development of data acquisition and processing methods for real-time, high-throughput, and practical applications are then discussed. Furthermore, the differences in biophysical properties between tumor and normal cells are outlined, illustrating the potential for utilizing single-cell biophysical properties for tumor cell identification, classification, and drug response assessment. Lastly, we summarize the limitations of existing microfluidic analysis and detection systems in single-cell biophysical properties, while also pointing out the prospects and future directions of their applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Chun-Dong Xue
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Jiang Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ming Chen
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Stomach Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Kai-Rong Qin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
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7
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Singam A, Bhattacharya C, Park S. Aging-related changes in the mechanical properties of single cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32974. [PMID: 38994100 PMCID: PMC11238009 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanical properties, along with biochemical and molecular properties, play crucial roles in governing cellular function and homeostasis. Cellular mechanics are influenced by various factors, including physiological and pathological states, making them potential biomarkers for diseases and aging. While several methods such as AFM, particle-tracking microrheology, optical tweezers/stretching, magnetic tweezers/twisting cytometry, microfluidics, and micropipette aspiration have been widely utilized to measure the mechanical properties of single cells, our understanding of how aging affects these properties remains limited. To fill this knowledge gap, we provide a brief overview of the commonly used methods to measure single-cell mechanical properties. We then delve into the effects of aging on the mechanical properties of different cell types. Finally, we discuss the importance of studying cellular viscous and viscoelastic properties as well as aging induced by different stressors to gain a deeper understanding of the aging process and aging-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarnath Singam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
| | - Chandrabali Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
| | - Seungman Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
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8
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Smith IM, Ursitti JA, Majeti P, Givpoor N, Stemberger MB, Hengen A, Banerjee S, Stains J, Martin SS, Ward C, Stroka KM. High throughput cell mechanotyping of cell response to cytoskeletal modulations using a microfluidic cell deformation system. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.17.599307. [PMID: 38948841 PMCID: PMC11212920 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.17.599307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Cellular mechanical properties influence cellular functions across pathological and physiological systems. The observation of these mechanical properties is limited in part by methods with a low throughput of acquisition or with low accessibility. To overcome these limitations, we have designed, developed, validated, and optimized a microfluidic cellular deformation system (MCDS) capable of mechanotyping suspended cells on a population level at a high throughput rate of ∼300 cells pers second. The MCDS provides researchers with a viable method for efficiently quantifying cellular mechanical properties towards defining prognostic implications of mechanical changes in pathology or screening drugs to modulate cytoskeletal integrity.
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9
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Chapman M, Rajagopal V, Stewart A, Collins DJ. Critical review of single-cell mechanotyping approaches for biomedical applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3036-3063. [PMID: 38804123 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00978e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Accurate mechanical measurements of cells has the potential to improve diagnostics, therapeutics and advance understanding of disease mechanisms, where high-resolution mechanical information can be measured by deforming individual cells. Here we evaluate recently developed techniques for measuring cell-scale stiffness properties; while many such techniques have been developed, much of the work examining single-cell stiffness is impacted by difficulties in standardization and comparability, giving rise to large variations in reported mechanical moduli. We highlight the role of underlying mechanical theories driving this variability, and note opportunities to develop novel mechanotyping devices and theoretical models that facilitate convenient and accurate mechanical characterisation. Moreover, many high-throughput approaches are confounded by factors including cell size, surface friction, natural population heterogeneity and convolution of elastic and viscous contributions to cell deformability. We nevertheless identify key approaches based on deformability cytometry as a promising direction for further development, where both high-throughput and accurate single-cell resolutions can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Chapman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Vijay Rajagopal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Alastair Stewart
- ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David J Collins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Graeme Clarke Institute University of Melbourne Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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10
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Landiech S, Elias M, Lapèze P, Ajiyel H, Plancke M, González-Bermúdez B, Laborde A, Mesnilgrente F, Bourrier D, Berti D, Montis C, Mazenq L, Baldo J, Roux C, Delarue M, Joseph P. Parallel on-chip micropipettes enabling quantitative multiplexed characterization of vesicle mechanics and cell aggregates rheology. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:026122. [PMID: 38894959 PMCID: PMC11184969 DOI: 10.1063/5.0193333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Micropipette aspiration (MPA) is one of the gold standards for quantifying biological samples' mechanical properties, which are crucial from the cell membrane scale to the multicellular tissue. However, relying on the manipulation of individual home-made glass pipettes, MPA suffers from low throughput and no automation. Here, we introduce the sliding insert micropipette aspiration method, which permits parallelization and automation, thanks to the insertion of tubular pipettes, obtained by photolithography, within microfluidic channels. We show its application both at the lipid bilayer level, by probing vesicles to measure membrane bending and stretching moduli, and at the tissue level by quantifying the viscoelasticity of 3D cell aggregates. This approach opens the way to high-throughput, quantitative mechanical testing of many types of biological samples, from vesicles and individual cells to cell aggregates and explants, under dynamic physico-chemical stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianne Elias
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Lapèze
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Hajar Ajiyel
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Marine Plancke
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Blanca González-Bermúdez
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain and Department of Materials Science, ETSI de Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrian Laborde
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | | | - David Bourrier
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Debora Berti
- CSGI and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Costanza Montis
- CSGI and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Laurent Mazenq
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Jérémy Baldo
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Clément Roux
- SoftMat, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Morgan Delarue
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Joseph
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
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11
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Conboy JP, Istúriz Petitjean I, van der Net A, Koenderink GH. How cytoskeletal crosstalk makes cells move: Bridging cell-free and cell studies. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 5:021307. [PMID: 38840976 PMCID: PMC11151447 DOI: 10.1063/5.0198119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Cell migration is a fundamental process for life and is highly dependent on the dynamical and mechanical properties of the cytoskeleton. Intensive physical and biochemical crosstalk among actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments ensures their coordination to facilitate and enable migration. In this review, we discuss the different mechanical aspects that govern cell migration and provide, for each mechanical aspect, a novel perspective by juxtaposing two complementary approaches to the biophysical study of cytoskeletal crosstalk: live-cell studies (often referred to as top-down studies) and cell-free studies (often referred to as bottom-up studies). We summarize the main findings from both experimental approaches, and we provide our perspective on bridging the two perspectives to address the open questions of how cytoskeletal crosstalk governs cell migration and makes cells move.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P. Conboy
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Irene Istúriz Petitjean
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Anouk van der Net
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Gijsje H. Koenderink
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
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12
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Handler C, Testi C, Scarcelli G. Advantages of integrating Brillouin microscopy in multimodal mechanical mapping of cells and tissues. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102341. [PMID: 38471195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102341] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Recent research has highlighted the growing significance of the mechanical properties of cells and tissues in the proper execution of physiological functions within an organism; alterations to these properties can potentially result in various diseases. These mechanical properties can be assessed using various techniques that vary in spatial and temporal resolutions as well as applications. Due to the wide range of mechanical behaviors exhibited by cells and tissues, a singular mapping technique may be insufficient in capturing their complexity and nuance. Consequently, by utilizing a combination of methods-multimodal mechanical mapping-researchers can achieve a more comprehensive characterization of mechanical properties, encompassing factors such as stiffness, modulus, viscoelasticity, and forces. Furthermore, different mapping techniques can provide complementary information and enable the exploration of spatial and temporal variations to enhance our understanding of cellular dynamics and tissue mechanics. By capitalizing on the unique strengths of each method while mitigating their respective limitations, a more precise and holistic understanding of cellular and tissue mechanics can be obtained. Here, we spotlight Brillouin microscopy (BM) as a noncontact, noninvasive, and label-free mechanical mapping modality to be coutilized alongside established mechanical probing methods. This review summarizes some of the most widely adopted individual mechanical mapping techniques and highlights several recent multimodal approaches demonstrating their utility. We envision that future studies aim to adopt multimodal techniques to drive advancements in the broader realm of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Handler
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Claudia Testi
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Center for Life Nano- and Neuro- Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Giuliano Scarcelli
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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13
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Xiong Y, Li S, Zhang Y, Chen Q, Xing M, Zhang Y, Wang Q. MechanoBase: a comprehensive database for the mechanics of tissues and cells. Database (Oxford) 2024; 2024:baae040. [PMID: 38805752 PMCID: PMC11131424 DOI: 10.1093/database/baae040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical aspects of tissues and cells critically influence a myriad of biological processes and can substantially alter the course of diverse diseases. The emergence of diverse methodologies adapted from physical science now permits the precise quantification of the cellular forces and the mechanical properties of tissues and cells. Despite the rising interest in tissue and cellular mechanics across fields like biology, bioengineering and medicine, there remains a noticeable absence of a comprehensive and readily accessible repository of this pertinent information. To fill this gap, we present MechanoBase, a comprehensive tissue and cellular mechanics database, curating 57 480 records from 5634 PubMed articles. The records archived in MechanoBase encompass a range of mechanical properties and forces, such as modulus and tractions, which have been measured utilizing various technical approaches. These measurements span hundreds of biosamples across more than 400 species studied under diverse conditions. Aiming for broad applicability, we design MechanoBase with user-friendly search, browsing and data download features, making it a versatile tool for exploring biomechanical attributes in various biological contexts. Moreover, we add complementary resources, including the principles of popular techniques, the concepts of mechanobiology terms and the cellular and tissue-level expression of related genes, offering scientists unprecedented access to a wealth of knowledge in this field of research. Database URL: https://zhanglab-web.tongji.edu.cn/mechanobase/ and https://compbio-zhanglab.org/mechanobase/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Xiong
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shiyu Li
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qianqian Chen
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Mengtan Xing
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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14
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Ibrahim KA, Naidu AS, Miljkovic H, Radenovic A, Yang W. Label-Free Techniques for Probing Biomolecular Condensates. ACS NANO 2024; 18:10738-10757. [PMID: 38609349 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c01534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates play important roles in a wide array of fundamental biological processes, such as cellular compartmentalization, cellular regulation, and other biochemical reactions. Since their discovery and first observations, an extensive and expansive library of tools has been developed to investigate various aspects and properties, encompassing structural and compositional information, material properties, and their evolution throughout the life cycle from formation to eventual dissolution. This Review presents an overview of the expanded set of tools and methods that researchers use to probe the properties of biomolecular condensates across diverse scales of length, concentration, stiffness, and time. In particular, we review recent years' exciting development of label-free techniques and methodologies. We broadly organize the set of tools into 3 categories: (1) imaging-based techniques, such as transmitted-light microscopy (TLM) and Brillouin microscopy (BM), (2) force spectroscopy techniques, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the optical tweezer (OT), and (3) microfluidic platforms and emerging technologies. We point out the tools' key opportunities, challenges, and future perspectives and analyze their correlative potential as well as compatibility with other techniques. Additionally, we review emerging techniques, namely, differential dynamic microscopy (DDM) and interferometric scattering microscopy (iSCAT), that have huge potential for future applications in studying biomolecular condensates. Finally, we highlight how some of these techniques can be translated for diagnostics and therapy purposes. We hope this Review serves as a useful guide for new researchers in this field and aids in advancing the development of new biophysical tools to study biomolecular condensates.
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15
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Li M. Harnessing atomic force microscopy-based single-cell analysis to advance physical oncology. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:631-659. [PMID: 38053519 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell analysis is an emerging and promising frontier in the field of life sciences, which is expected to facilitate the exploration of fundamental laws of physiological and pathological processes. Single-cell analysis allows experimental access to cell-to-cell heterogeneity to reveal the distinctive behaviors of individual cells, offering novel opportunities to dissect the complexity of severe human diseases such as cancers. Among the single-cell analysis tools, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful and versatile one which is able to nondestructively image the fine topographies and quantitatively measure multiple mechanical properties of single living cancer cells in their native states under aqueous conditions with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. Over the past few decades, AFM has been widely utilized to detect the structural and mechanical behaviors of individual cancer cells during the process of tumor formation, invasion, and metastasis, yielding numerous unique insights into tumor pathogenesis from the biomechanical perspective and contributing much to the field of cancer mechanobiology. Here, the achievements of AFM-based analysis of single cancer cells to advance physical oncology are comprehensively summarized, and challenges and future perspectives are also discussed. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Achievements of AFM in characterizing the structural and mechanical behaviors of single cancer cells are summarized, and future directions are discussed. AFM is not only capable of visualizing cellular fine structures, but can also measure multiple cellular mechanical properties as well as cell-generated mechanical forces. There is still plenty of room for harnessing AFM-based single-cell analysis to advance physical oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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16
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Tajvidi Safa B, Huang C, Kabla A, Yang R. Active viscoelastic models for cell and tissue mechanics. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231074. [PMID: 38660600 PMCID: PMC11040246 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Living cells are out of equilibrium active materials. Cell-generated forces are transmitted across the cytoskeleton network and to the extracellular environment. These active force interactions shape cellular mechanical behaviour, trigger mechano-sensing, regulate cell adaptation to the microenvironment and can affect disease outcomes. In recent years, the mechanobiology community has witnessed the emergence of many experimental and theoretical approaches to study cells as mechanically active materials. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in incorporating active characteristics of cellular behaviour at different length scales into classic viscoelastic models by either adding an active tension-generating element or adjusting the resting length of an elastic element in the model. Summarizing the two groups of approaches, we will review the formulation and application of these models to understand cellular adaptation mechanisms in response to various types of mechanical stimuli, such as the effect of extracellular matrix properties and external loadings or deformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Tajvidi Safa
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE68588, USA
| | - Changjin Huang
- School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore639798, Singapore
| | - Alexandre Kabla
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Ruiguo Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE68588, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI48824, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI48824, USA
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17
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Massey A, Stewart J, Smith C, Parvini C, McCormick M, Do K, Cartagena-Rivera AX. Mechanical properties of human tumour tissues and their implications for cancer development. NATURE REVIEWS. PHYSICS 2024; 6:269-282. [PMID: 38706694 PMCID: PMC11066734 DOI: 10.1038/s42254-024-00707-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of cells and tissues help determine their architecture, composition and function. Alterations to these properties are associated with many diseases, including cancer. Tensional, compressive, adhesive, elastic and viscous properties of individual cells and multicellular tissues are mostly regulated by reorganization of the actomyosin and microtubule cytoskeletons and extracellular glycocalyx, which in turn drive many pathophysiological processes, including cancer progression. This Review provides an in-depth collection of quantitative data on diverse mechanical properties of living human cancer cells and tissues. Additionally, the implications of mechanical property changes for cancer development are discussed. An increased knowledge of the mechanical properties of the tumour microenvironment, as collected using biomechanical approaches capable of multi-timescale and multiparametric analyses, will provide a better understanding of the complex mechanical determinants of cancer organization and progression. This information can lead to a further understanding of resistance mechanisms to chemotherapies and immunotherapies and the metastatic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Massey
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jamie Stewart
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Jamie Stewart, Chynna Smith
| | - Chynna Smith
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Jamie Stewart, Chynna Smith
| | - Cameron Parvini
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Moira McCormick
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kun Do
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexander X. Cartagena-Rivera
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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18
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Mittelheisser V, Gensbittel V, Bonati L, Li W, Tang L, Goetz JG. Evidence and therapeutic implications of biomechanically regulated immunosurveillance in cancer and other diseases. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:281-297. [PMID: 38286876 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01535-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Disease progression is usually accompanied by changes in the biochemical composition of cells and tissues and their biophysical properties. For instance, hallmarks of cancer include the stiffening of tissues caused by extracellular matrix remodelling and the softening of individual cancer cells. In this context, accumulating evidence has shown that immune cells sense and respond to mechanical signals from the environment. However, the mechanisms regulating these mechanical aspects of immune surveillance remain partially understood. The growing appreciation for the 'mechano-immunology' field has urged researchers to investigate how immune cells sense and respond to mechanical cues in various disease settings, paving the way for the development of novel engineering strategies that aim at mechanically modulating and potentiating immune cells for enhanced immunotherapies. Recent pioneer developments in this direction have laid the foundations for leveraging 'mechanical immunoengineering' strategies to treat various diseases. This Review first outlines the mechanical changes occurring during pathological progression in several diseases, including cancer, fibrosis and infection. We next highlight the mechanosensitive nature of immune cells and how mechanical forces govern the immune responses in different diseases. Finally, we discuss how targeting the biomechanical features of the disease milieu and immune cells is a promising strategy for manipulating therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Mittelheisser
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valentin Gensbittel
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucia Bonati
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Weilin Li
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Li Tang
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Jacky G Goetz
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France.
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.
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19
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Mishra J, Chakraborty S, Niharika, Roy A, Manna S, Baral T, Nandi P, Patra SK. Mechanotransduction and epigenetic modulations of chromatin: Role of mechanical signals in gene regulation. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30531. [PMID: 38345428 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30531] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical forces may be generated within a cell due to tissue stiffness, cytoskeletal reorganization, and the changes (even subtle) in the cell's physical surroundings. These changes of forces impose a mechanical tension within the intracellular protein network (both cytosolic and nuclear). Mechanical tension could be released by a series of protein-protein interactions often facilitated by membrane lipids, lectins and sugar molecules and thus generate a type of signal to drive cellular processes, including cell differentiation, polarity, growth, adhesion, movement, and survival. Recent experimental data have accentuated the molecular mechanism of this mechanical signal transduction pathway, dubbed mechanotransduction. Mechanosensitive proteins in the cell's plasma membrane discern the physical forces and channel the information to the cell interior. Cells respond to the message by altering their cytoskeletal arrangement and directly transmitting the signal to the nucleus through the connection of the cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton before the information despatched to the nucleus by biochemical signaling pathways. Nuclear transmission of the force leads to the activation of chromatin modifiers and modulation of the epigenetic landscape, inducing chromatin reorganization and gene expression regulation; by the time chemical messengers (transcription factors) arrive into the nucleus. While significant research has been done on the role of mechanotransduction in tumor development and cancer progression/metastasis, the mechanistic basis of force-activated carcinogenesis is still enigmatic. Here, in this review, we have discussed the various cues and molecular connections to better comprehend the cellular mechanotransduction pathway, and we also explored the detailed role of some of the multiple players (proteins and macromolecular complexes) involved in mechanotransduction. Thus, we have described an avenue: how mechanical stress directs the epigenetic modifiers to modulate the epigenome of the cells and how aberrant stress leads to the cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagdish Mishra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Subhajit Chakraborty
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Niharika
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Ankan Roy
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Soumen Manna
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Tirthankar Baral
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Piyasa Nandi
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Samir K Patra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
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20
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Rodríguez-López R, Wang Z, Oda H, Erdi M, Kofinas P, Fytas G, Scarcelli G. Network Viscoelasticity from Brillouin Spectroscopy. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:955-963. [PMID: 38156622 PMCID: PMC10865340 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Even though the physical nature of shear and longitudinal moduli are different, empirical correlations between them have been reported in several biological systems. This correlation is of fundamental interest and immense practical value in biomedicine due to the importance of the shear modulus and the possibility to map the longitudinal modulus at high-resolution with all-optical spectroscopy. We investigate the origin of such a correlation in hydrogels. We hypothesize that both moduli are influenced in the same direction by underlying physicochemical properties, which leads to the observed material-dependent correlation. Matching theoretical models with experimental data, we quantify the scenarios in which the correlation holds. For polymerized hydrogels, a correlation was found across different hydrogels through a common dependence on the effective polymer volume fraction. For hydrogels swollen to equilibrium, the correlation is valid only within a given hydrogel system, as the moduli are found to have different scalings on the swelling ratio. The observed correlation allows one to extract one modulus from another in relevant scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymundo Rodríguez-López
- Fischell
Department of Bioengineering, University
of Maryland, College
Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Zuyuan Wang
- School
of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China
| | - Haruka Oda
- School
of Information Science and Technology, The
University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656,Japan
| | - Metecan Erdi
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College
Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Peter Kofinas
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College
Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - George Fytas
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Institute
of Electronic Structure and Laser, FO.R.T.H, N. Plastira 10, Heraklion, 70013, Greece
| | - Giuliano Scarcelli
- Fischell
Department of Bioengineering, University
of Maryland, College
Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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21
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Ouderkirk S, Sedley A, Ong M, Shifflet MR, Harkrider QC, Wright NT, Miller CJ. A Perspective on Developing Modeling and Image Analysis Tools to Investigate Mechanosensing Proteins. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:1532-1542. [PMID: 37558388 PMCID: PMC10755202 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The shift of funding organizations to prioritize interdisciplinary work points to the need for workflow models that better accommodate interdisciplinary studies. Most scientists are trained in a specific field and are often unaware of the kind of insights that other disciplines could contribute to solving various problems. In this paper, we present a perspective on how we developed an experimental pipeline between a microscopy and image analysis/bioengineering lab. Specifically, we connected microscopy observations about a putative mechanosensing protein, obscurin, to image analysis techniques that quantify cell changes. While the individual methods used are well established (fluorescence microscopy; ImageJ WEKA and mTrack2 programs; MATLAB), there are no existing best practices for how to integrate these techniques into a cohesive, interdisciplinary narrative. Here, we describe a broadly applicable workflow of how microscopists can more easily quantify cell properties (e.g., perimeter, velocity) from microscopy videos of eukaryotic (MDCK) adherent cells. Additionally, we give examples of how these foundational measurements can create more complex, customizable cell mechanics tools and models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Ouderkirk
- Department of Chemistry, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | - Alex Sedley
- Department of Engineering, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | - Mason Ong
- Department of Engineering, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | - Mary Ruth Shifflet
- Department of Chemistry, Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA 22812, USA
| | - Quinn C Harkrider
- Department of Chemistry, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | - Nathan T Wright
- Department of Chemistry, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | - Callie J Miller
- Department of Engineering, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
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22
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Feng Y, Li M. Micropipette-assisted atomic force microscopy for single-cell 3D manipulations and nanomechanical measurements. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:13346-13358. [PMID: 37526589 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02404k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical cues play a crucial role in regulating physiological and pathological processes, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) has become an important and standard tool for measuring the mechanical properties of single cells. In particular, providing a capability to manipulate cells in a three-dimensional (3D) space benefits enhancing the applications of AFM measurements in cell biology. Here, we present the complementary integration of AFM and micropipette micromanipulation, which allows precise 3D manipulations and nanomechanical measurements of single living cells. A micropipette micromanipulation system under the guidance of optical microscopy was established to isolate single living cells, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillar substrates were used to physically immobilize the isolated living cells for downstream AFM detection. The viscoelastic properties (Young's modulus, relaxation time, viscosity) of cells were quantitatively measured by AFM-based indentation assay. The effectiveness of micropipette-assisted AFM in single-cell analysis was confirmed on both living animal suspended cells and living animal adherent cells, showing dramatic changes in cell mechanics in different states and revealing the dynamics of single cells grown on micropillar arrays. The study demonstrates the great potential of a micropipette to aid AFM in single-cell manipulations for better accessing the mechanical cues involved in cellular processes, which will allow additional studies of single-cell mechanics and will benefit the field of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China.
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China.
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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23
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Wang W, Hayes PR, Ren X, Taylor RE. Synthetic Cell Armor Made of DNA Origami. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:7076-7085. [PMID: 37463308 PMCID: PMC10416349 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c01878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The bioengineering applications of cells, such as cell printing and multicellular assembly, are directly limited by cell damage and death due to a harsh environment. Improved cellular robustness thus motivates investigations into cell encapsulation, which provides essential protection. Here we target the cell-surface glycocalyx and cross-link two layers of DNA nanorods on the cellular plasma membrane to form a modular and programmable nanoshell. We show that the DNA origami nanoshell modulates the biophysical properties of cell membranes by enhancing the membrane stiffness and lowering the lipid fluidity. The nanoshell also serves as armor to protect cells and improve their viability against mechanical stress from osmotic imbalance, centrifugal forces, and fluid shear stress. Moreover, it enables mediated cell-cell interactions for effective and robust multicellular assembly. Our results demonstrate the potential of the nanoshell, not only as a cellular protection strategy but also as a platform for cell and cell membrane manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weitao Wang
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon
University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Peter R. Hayes
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon
University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Xi Ren
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon
University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon
University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Rebecca E. Taylor
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon
University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon
University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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24
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Yang S, Rufo J, Zhong R, Rich J, Wang Z, Lee LP, Huang TJ. Acoustic tweezers for high-throughput single-cell analysis. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:2441-2458. [PMID: 37468650 PMCID: PMC11052649 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00844-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic tweezers provide an effective means for manipulating single cells and particles in a high-throughput, precise, selective and contact-free manner. The adoption of acoustic tweezers in next-generation cellular assays may advance our understanding of biological systems. Here we present a comprehensive set of instructions that guide users through device fabrication, instrumentation setup and data acquisition to study single cells with an experimental throughput that surpasses traditional methods, such as atomic force microscopy and micropipette aspiration, by several orders of magnitude. With acoustic tweezers, users can conduct versatile experiments that require the trapping, patterning, pairing and separation of single cells in a myriad of applications ranging across the biological and biomedical sciences. This procedure is widely generalizable and adaptable for investigations in materials and physical sciences, such as the spinning motion of colloids or the development of acoustic-based quantum simulations. Overall, the device fabrication requires ~12 h, the experimental setup of the acoustic tweezers requires 1-2 h and the cell manipulation experiment requires ~30 min to complete. Our protocol is suitable for use by interdisciplinary researchers in biology, medicine, engineering and physics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Yang
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joseph Rufo
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ruoyu Zhong
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joseph Rich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Luke P Lee
- Renal Division and Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea.
| | - Tony Jun Huang
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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25
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Pettenuzzo S, Arduino A, Belluzzi E, Pozzuoli A, Fontanella CG, Ruggieri P, Salomoni V, Majorana C, Berardo A. Biomechanics of Chondrocytes and Chondrons in Healthy Conditions and Osteoarthritis: A Review of the Mechanical Characterisations at the Microscale. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1942. [PMID: 37509581 PMCID: PMC10377681 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical studies are expanding across a variety of fields, from biomedicine to biomedical engineering. From the molecular to the system level, mechanical stimuli are crucial regulators of the development of organs and tissues, their growth and related processes such as remodelling, regeneration or disease. When dealing with cell mechanics, various experimental techniques have been developed to analyse the passive response of cells; however, cell variability and the extraction process, complex experimental procedures and different models and assumptions may affect the resulting mechanical properties. For these purposes, this review was aimed at collecting the available literature focused on experimental chondrocyte and chondron biomechanics with direct connection to their biochemical functions and activities, in order to point out important information regarding the planning of an experimental test or a comparison with the available results. In particular, this review highlighted (i) the most common experimental techniques used, (ii) the results and models adopted by different authors, (iii) a critical perspective on features that could affect the results and finally (iv) the quantification of structural and mechanical changes due to a degenerative pathology such as osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Pettenuzzo
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arduino
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Elisa Belluzzi
- Musculoskeletal Pathology and Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova (DiSCOG), Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova (DiSCOG), 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Assunta Pozzuoli
- Musculoskeletal Pathology and Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova (DiSCOG), Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova (DiSCOG), 35128 Padova, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Ruggieri
- Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova (DiSCOG), 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Salomoni
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Department of Management and Engineering (DTG), Stradella S. Nicola 3, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Carmelo Majorana
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alice Berardo
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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26
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Zhang R, Duan X, Zhang S, Guo W, Sun C, Han Z. Tunable microfluidic chip for single-cell deformation study. NANOTECHNOLOGY AND PRECISION ENGINEERING 2023. [DOI: 10.1063/10.0017649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic phenotyping methods have been of vital importance for cellular characterization, especially for evaluating single cells. In order to study the deformability of a single cell, we devised and tested a tunable microfluidic chip-based method. A pneumatic polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane was designed and fabricated abutting a single-cell trapping structure, so the cell could be squeezed controllably in a lateral direction. Cell contour changes under increasing pressure were recorded, enabling the deformation degree of different types of single cell to be analyzed and compared using computer vision. This provides a new perspective for studying mechanical properties of cells at the single cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyun Zhang
- College of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xuexin Duan
- College of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Shuaihua Zhang
- College of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wenlan Guo
- College of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chen Sun
- College of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ziyu Han
- College of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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27
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Yu K, Jiang Y, Chen Y, Hu X, Chang J, Hartland GV, Wang GP. Compressible viscoelasticity of cell membranes determined by gigahertz-frequency acoustic vibrations. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2023; 31:100494. [PMID: 37131996 PMCID: PMC10149280 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2023.100494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Membrane viscosity is an important property of cell biology, which determines cellular function, development and disease progression. Various experimental and computational methods have been developed to investigate the mechanics of cells. However, there have been no experimental measurements of the membrane viscosity at high-frequencies in live cells. High frequency measurements are important because they can probe viscoelastic effects. Here, we investigate the membrane viscosity at gigahertz-frequencies through the damping of the acoustic vibrations of gold nanoplates. The experiments are modeled using a continuum mechanics theory which reveals that the membranes display viscoelasticity, with an estimated relaxation time of ca. 5.7 + 2.4 / - 2.7 ps. We further demonstrate that membrane viscoelasticity can be used to differentiate a cancerous cell line (the human glioblastoma cells LN-18) from a normal cell line (the mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells bEnd.3). The viscosity of cancerous cells LN-18 is lower than that of healthy cells bEnd.3 by a factor of three. The results indicate promising applications of characterizing membrane viscoelasticity at gigahertz-frequency in cell diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Radio Frequency Heterogeneous Integration, College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yiqi Jiang
- Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yungao Chen
- Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xiaoyan Hu
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Junlei Chang
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Gregory V. Hartland
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Guo Ping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Radio Frequency Heterogeneous Integration, College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Corresponding author.
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28
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Ketebo AA, Din SU, Lee G, Park S. Mechanobiological Analysis of Nanoparticle Toxicity. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13101682. [PMID: 37242097 DOI: 10.3390/nano13101682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) are commonly used in healthcare and nanotherapy, but their toxicity at high concentrations is well-known. Recent research has shown that NPs can also cause toxicity at low concentrations, disrupting various cellular functions and leading to altered mechanobiological behavior. While researchers have used different methods to investigate the effects of NPs on cells, including gene expression and cell adhesion assays, the use of mechanobiological tools in this context has been underutilized. This review emphasizes the importance of further exploring the mechanobiological effects of NPs, which could reveal valuable insights into the mechanisms behind NP toxicity. To investigate these effects, different methods, including the use of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pillars to study cell motility, traction force production, and rigidity sensing contractions, have been employed. Understanding how NPs affect cell cytoskeletal functions through mechanobiology could have significant implications, such as developing innovative drug delivery systems and tissue engineering techniques, and could improve the safety of NPs for biomedical applications. In summary, this review highlights the significance of incorporating mechanobiology into the study of NP toxicity and demonstrates the potential of this interdisciplinary field to advance our knowledge and practical use of NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdurazak Aman Ketebo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Shahab Ud Din
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwang Lee
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungsu Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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29
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Ren J, Fan L. A reliable elasticity sensing method for analysis of cell entosis using microfluidic cytometer. Biomed Eng Lett 2023; 13:175-183. [PMID: 37124106 PMCID: PMC10130291 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-023-00264-0] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell entosis is a novel cell death process starting from cell-in-cell invasion. In general, cancer cells own higher incidence rate of cell entosis comparing to non-cancerous cells. Studies arguing whether cell entosis is a tumor suppressing process or a tumor accelerating process can deepen our understanding of tumor development. Cell elasticity is recognized as one of tumor malignant biomarkers. There have been some researchers studying cell elasticity in cell entosis. However, existing cell elasticity sensing technique (i.e. micropipette aspiration) can hardly be reliable neither high-throughput. In this work, we introduce an elasticity sensing method for quantifying both cell elasticity in cell-in-cell structures and single floating cells using a microfluidic cytometer. We not only argue our cell elasticity sensing method is reliable for already occurred entosis but also apply such method on predicting the "outer" cells in entosis of different cell types. The elasticity sensing method proposed in this manuscript is able to provide an effective and reliable way to further study deeper mechanism in cell entosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13534-023-00264-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifeng Ren
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Lei Fan
- Centre for Robotics and Automation, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518057 China
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Melo-Fonseca F, Carvalho O, Gasik M, Miranda G, Silva FS. Mechanical stimulation devices for mechanobiology studies: a market, literature, and patents review. Biodes Manuf 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s42242-023-00232-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
AbstractSignificant advancements in various research and technological fields have contributed to remarkable findings on the physiological dynamics of the human body. To more closely mimic the complex physiological environment, research has moved from two-dimensional (2D) culture systems to more sophisticated three-dimensional (3D) dynamic cultures. Unlike bioreactors or microfluidic-based culture models, cells are typically seeded on polymeric substrates or incorporated into 3D constructs which are mechanically stimulated to investigate cell response to mechanical stresses, such as tensile or compressive. This review focuses on the working principles of mechanical stimulation devices currently available on the market or custom-built by research groups or protected by patents and highlights the main features still open to improvement. These are the features which could be focused on to perform, in the future, more reliable and accurate mechanobiology studies.
Graphic abstract
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31
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Azarkh D, Cao Y, Floehr J, Schnakenberg U. Viscoelastic Properties of Zona Pellucida of Oocytes Characterized by Transient Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13040442. [PMID: 37185516 PMCID: PMC10136587 DOI: 10.3390/bios13040442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The success rate in vitro fertilization is significantly linked to the quality of the oocytes. The oocyte's membrane is encapsulated by a shell of gelatinous extracellular matrix, called zona pellucida, which undergoes dynamic changes throughout the reproduction cycle. During the window of highest fertility, the zona pellucida exhibits a softening phase, while it remains rigid during oocyte maturation and again after fertilization. These variations in mechanical properties facilitate or inhibit sperm penetration. Since successful fertilization considerably depends on the state of the zona pellucida, monitoring of the hardening process of the zona pellucida is vital. In this study, we scrutinized two distinct genetic mouse models, namely, fetuin-B wild-type and fetuin-B/ovastacin double deficient with normal and super-soft zona pellucida, respectively. We evaluated the hardening with the help of a microfluidic aspiration-assisted electrical impedance spectroscopy system. An oocyte was trapped by a microhole connected to a microfluidic channel by applying suction pressure. Transient electrical impedance spectra were taken by microelectrodes surrounding the microhole. The time-depending recovery of zona pellucida deflections to equilibrium was used to calculate the Young's modulus and, for the first time, absolute viscosity values. The values were obtained by fitting the curves with an equivalent mechanical circuit consisting of a network of dashpots and springs. The observer-independent electrical readout in combination with a fitting algorithm for the calculation of the viscoelastic properties demonstrates a step toward a more user-friendly and easy-to-use tool for the characterizing and better understanding of the rheological properties of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyil Azarkh
- Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Sommerfeldstraße 24, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Yuan Cao
- Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Sommerfeldstraße 24, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Floehr
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Biointerface Laboratory, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Uwe Schnakenberg
- Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Sommerfeldstraße 24, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Lee M, Hugonnet H, Lee MJ, Cho Y, Park Y. Optical trapping with holographically structured light for single-cell studies. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:011302. [PMID: 38505814 PMCID: PMC10903426 DOI: 10.1063/5.0111104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
A groundbreaking work in 1970 by Arthur Ashkin paved the way for developing various optical trapping techniques. Optical tweezers have become an established method for the manipulation of biological objects, due to their noninvasiveness and precise controllability. Recent innovations are accelerating and now enable single-cell manipulation through holographic light structuring. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in optical tweezer techniques for studies at the individual cell level. Our review focuses on holographic optical tweezers that utilize active spatial light modulators to noninvasively manipulate live cells. The versatility of the technology has led to valuable integrations with microscopy, microfluidics, and biotechnological techniques for various single-cell studies. We aim to recapitulate the basic principles of holographic optical tweezers, highlight trends in their biophysical applications, and discuss challenges and future prospects.
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Rosenbohm J, Minnick G, Safa BT, Esfahani AM, Jin X, Zhai H, Lavrik NV, Yang R. A multi-material platform for imaging of single cell-cell junctions under tensile load fabricated with two-photon polymerization. Biomed Microdevices 2022; 24:33. [PMID: 36207557 PMCID: PMC11104271 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-022-00633-z] [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] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported a single-cell adhesion micro tensile tester (SCAμTT) fabricated from IP-S photoresin with two-photon polymerization (TPP) for investigating the mechanics of a single cell-cell junction under defined tensile loading. A major limitation of the platform is the autofluorescence of IP-S, the photoresin for TPP fabrication, which significantly increases background signal and makes fluorescent imaging of stretched cells difficult. In this study, we report the design and fabrication of a new SCAμTT platform that mitigates autofluorescence and demonstrate its capability in imaging a single cell pair as its mutual junction is stretched. By employing a two-material design using IP-S and IP-Visio, a photoresin with reduced autofluorescence, we show a significant reduction in autofluorescence of the platform. Further, by integrating apertures onto the substrate with a gold coating, the influence of autofluorescence on imaging is almost completely mitigated. With this new platform, we demonstrate the ability to image a pair of epithelial cells as they are stretched up to 250% strain, allowing us to observe junction rupture and F-actin retraction while simultaneously recording the accumulation of over 800 kPa of stress in the junction. The platform and methodology presented here can potentially enable detailed investigation of the mechanics of and mechanotransduction in cell-cell junctions and improve the design of other TPP platforms in mechanobiology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Rosenbohm
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Grayson Minnick
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Bahareh Tajvidi Safa
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Amir Monemian Esfahani
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Xiaowei Jin
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Haiwei Zhai
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Nickolay V Lavrik
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831-6054, USA.
| | - Ruiguo Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA.
- Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA.
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González-Bermúdez B, Abarca-Ortega A, González-Sánchez M, De la Fuente M, Plaza GR. Possibilities of using T-cell biophysical biomarkers of ageing. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e35. [PMID: 36111609 PMCID: PMC9884748 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2022.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Ageing is interrelated with the development of immunosenescence. This article focuses on one of the cell sets of the adaptive immune system, T cells, and provides a review of the known changes in T cells associated with ageing. Such fundamental changes affect both cell molecular content and internal ordering. However, acquiring a complete description of the changes at these levels would require extensive measurements of parameters and, furthermore, important fine details of the internal ordering that may be difficult to detect. Therefore, an alternative approach for the characterisation of cells consists of the performance of physical measurements of the whole cell, such as deformability measurements or migration measurements: the physical parameters, complementing the commonly used chemical biomarkers, may contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of T-cell states during ageing. Mechanical measurements, among other biophysical measurements, have the advantage of their relative simplicity: one single parameter agglutinates the complex effects of the variety of changes that gradually appear in cells during ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca González-Bermúdez
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, E-28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
- Department of Materials Science, E.T.S.I. de Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aldo Abarca-Ortega
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, E-28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
- Department of Materials Science, E.T.S.I. de Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mónica González-Sánchez
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica De la Fuente
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo R. Plaza
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, E-28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
- Department of Materials Science, E.T.S.I. de Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
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35
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Mowla A, Li J, Hepburn MS, Maher S, Chin L, Yeoh GC, Choi YS, Kennedy BF. Subcellular mechano-microscopy: high resolution three-dimensional elasticity mapping using optical coherence microscopy. OPTICS LETTERS 2022; 47:3303-3306. [PMID: 35776611 DOI: 10.1364/ol.451681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The importance of cellular-scale mechanical properties is well-established, yet it is challenging to map subcellular elasticity in three dimensions. We present subcellular mechano-microscopy, an optical coherence microscopy (OCM)-based variant of three-dimensional (3-D) compression optical coherence elastography (OCE) that provides an elasticity system resolution of 5 × 5 × 5 µm: a 7-fold improvement in system resolution over previous OCE studies of cells. The improved resolution is achieved through a ∼5-fold improvement in optical resolution, refinement of the strain estimation algorithm, and demonstration that mechanical deformation of subcellular features provides feature resolution far greater than that demonstrated previously on larger features with diameter >250 µm. We use mechano-microscopy to image adipose-derived stem cells encapsulated in gelatin methacryloyl. We compare our results with compression OCE and demonstrate that mechano-microscopy can provide contrast from subcellular features not visible using OCE.
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36
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Rudolf MA, Andreeva A, Kim CE, DeNovio ACJ, Koshar AN, Baker W, Cartagena-Rivera AX, Corwin JT. Stiffening of Circumferential F-Actin Bands Correlates With Regenerative Failure and May Act as a Biomechanical Brake in the Mammalian Inner Ear. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:859882. [PMID: 35602553 PMCID: PMC9114303 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.859882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of inner ear hair cells causes permanent hearing and balance deficits in humans and other mammals, but non-mammals recover after supporting cells (SCs) divide and replace hair cells. The proliferative capacity of mammalian SCs declines as exceptionally thick circumferential F-actin bands develop at their adherens junctions. We hypothesized that the reinforced junctions were limiting regenerative responses of mammalian SCs by impeding changes in cell shape and epithelial tension. Using micropipette aspiration and atomic force microscopy, we measured mechanical properties of utricles from mice and chickens. Our data show that the epithelial surface of the mouse utricle stiffens significantly during postnatal maturation. This stiffening correlates with and is dependent on the postnatal accumulation of F-actin and the cross-linker Alpha-Actinin-4 at SC-SC junctions. In chicken utricles, where SCs lack junctional reinforcement, the epithelial surface remains compliant. There, SCs undergo oriented cell divisions and their apical surfaces progressively elongate throughout development, consistent with anisotropic intraepithelial tension. In chicken utricles, inhibition of actomyosin contractility led to drastic SC shape change and epithelial buckling, but neither occurred in mouse utricles. These findings suggest that species differences in the capacity for hair cell regeneration may be attributable in part to the differences in the stiffness and contractility of the actin cytoskeletal elements that reinforce adherens junctions and participate in regulation of the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Rudolf
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Anna Andreeva
- School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Christina E. Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Anthony C.-J. DeNovio
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Antoan N. Koshar
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Wendy Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Alexander X. Cartagena-Rivera
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jeffrey T. Corwin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Vakhrusheva A, Murashko A, Trifonova E, Efremov Y, Timashev P, Sokolova O. Role of Actin-binding Proteins in the Regulation of Cellular Mechanics. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151241. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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Wang H, Obeidy P, Wang Z, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Su QP, Cox CD, Ju LA. Fluorescence-coupled micropipette aspiration assay to examine calcium mobilization caused by red blood cell mechanosensing. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2022; 51:135-146. [PMID: 35286429 PMCID: PMC8964638 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-022-01595-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical stimuli such as tension, compression, and shear stress play critical roles in the physiological functions of red blood cells (RBCs) and their homeostasis, ATP release, and rheological properties. Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) mobilization reflects RBC mechanosensing as they transverse the complex vasculature. Emerging studies have demonstrated the presence of mechanosensitive Ca2+ permeable ion channels and their function has been implicated in the regulation of RBC volume and deformability. However, how these mechanoreceptors trigger Ca2+ influx and subsequent cellular responses are still unclear. Here, we introduce a fluorescence-coupled micropipette aspiration assay to examine RBC mechanosensing at the single-cell level. To achieve a wide range of cell aspirations, we implemented and compared two negative pressure adjusting apparatuses: a homemade water manometer (- 2.94 to 0 mmH2O) and a pneumatic high-speed pressure clamp (- 25 to 0 mmHg). To visualize Ca2+ influx, RBCs were pre-loaded with an intensiometric probe Cal-520 AM, then imaged under a confocal microscope with concurrent bright-field and fluorescent imaging at acquisition rates of 10 frames per second. Remarkably, we observed the related changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels immediately after aspirating individual RBCs in a pressure-dependent manner. The RBC aspirated by the water manometer only displayed 1.1-fold increase in fluorescence intensity, whereas the RBC aspirated by the pneumatic clamp showed up to threefold increase. These results demonstrated the water manometer as a gentle tool for cell manipulation with minimal pre-activation, while the high-speed pneumatic clamp as a much stronger pressure actuator to examine cell mechanosensing directly. Together, this multimodal platform enables us to precisely control aspiration and membrane tension, and subsequently correlate this with intracellular calcium concentration dynamics in a robust and reproducible manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoqing Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Peyman Obeidy
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia
| | - Zihao Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia.,School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia
| | - Yunduo Zhao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia.,Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Yao Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia.,Cellular and Genetic Medicine Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Qian Peter Su
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia.,School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Charles D Cox
- Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Lining Arnold Ju
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia. .,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia. .,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia.
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Rothermel TM, Cook BL, Alford PW. Cellular Microbiaxial Stretching Assay for Measurement and Characterization of the Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of Micropatterned Cells. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e370. [PMID: 35195953 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Characterizing the mechanical properties of single cells is important for developing descriptive models of tissue mechanics and improving the understanding of mechanically driven cell processes. Standard methods for measuring single-cell mechanical properties typically provide isotropic mechanical descriptions. However, many cells exhibit specialized geometries in vivo, with anisotropic cytoskeletal architectures reflective of their function, and are exposed to dynamic multiaxial loads, raising the need for more complete descriptions of their anisotropic mechanical properties under complex deformations. Here, we describe the cellular microbiaxial stretching (CμBS) assay in which controlled deformations are applied to micropatterned cells while simultaneously measuring cell stress. CμBS utilizes a set of linear actuators to apply tensile or compressive, short- or long-term deformations to cells micropatterned on a fluorescent bead-doped polyacrylamide gel. Using traction force microscopy principles and the known geometry of the cell and the mechanical properties of the underlying gel, we calculate the stress within the cell to formulate stress-strain curves that can be further used to create mechanical descriptions of the cells, such as strain energy density functions. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Assembly of CμBS stretching constructs Basic Protocol 2: Polymerization of micropatterned, bead-doped polyacrylamide gel on an elastomer membrane Support Protocol: Cell culture and seeding onto CμBS constructs Basic Protocol 3: Implementing CμBS stretching protocols and traction force microscopy Basic Protocol 4: Data analysis and cell stress measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor M Rothermel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Bernard L Cook
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Patrick W Alford
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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40
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Wang H, Zhou F, Guo Y, Ju LA. Micropipette-based biomechanical nanotools on living cells. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2022; 51:119-133. [PMID: 35171346 PMCID: PMC8964576 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-021-01587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mechanobiology is an emerging field at the interface of biology and mechanics, investigating the roles of mechanical forces within biomolecules, organelles, cells, and tissues. As a highlight, the recent advances of micropipette-based aspiration assays and dynamic force spectroscopies such as biomembrane force probe (BFP) provide unprecedented mechanobiological insights with excellent live-cell compatibility. In their classic applications, these assays measure force-dependent ligand-receptor-binding kinetics, protein conformational changes, and cellular mechanical properties such as cortical tension and stiffness. In recent years, when combined with advanced microscopies in high spatial and temporal resolutions, these biomechanical nanotools enable characterization of receptor-mediated cell mechanosensing and subsequent organelle behaviors at single-cellular and molecular level. In this review, we summarize the latest developments of these assays for live-cell mechanobiology studies. We also provide perspectives on their future upgrades with multimodal integration and high-throughput capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoqing Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Fang Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuze Guo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Lining Arnold Ju
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia. .,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia. .,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia.
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41
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Sun W, Gao X, Lei H, Wang W, Cao Y. Biophysical Approaches for Applying and Measuring Biological Forces. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105254. [PMID: 34923777 PMCID: PMC8844594 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, increasing evidence has indicated that mechanical loads can regulate the morphogenesis, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of living cells. Investigations of how cells sense mechanical stimuli or the mechanotransduction mechanism is an active field of biomaterials and biophysics. Gaining a further understanding of mechanical regulation and depicting the mechanotransduction network inside cells require advanced experimental techniques and new theories. In this review, the fundamental principles of various experimental approaches that have been developed to characterize various types and magnitudes of forces experienced at the cellular and subcellular levels are summarized. The broad applications of these techniques are introduced with an emphasis on the difficulties in implementing these techniques in special biological systems. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed, which can guide readers to choose the most suitable technique for their questions. A perspective on future directions in this field is also provided. It is anticipated that technical advancement can be a driving force for the development of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxu Sun
- School of SciencesNantong UniversityNantong226019P. R. China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
| | - Hai Lei
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation CenterNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
| | - Yi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and TechnologyDepartment of Polymer Science & EngineeringCollege of Chemistry & Chemical EngineeringNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation CenterNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
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42
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Beshay PE, Cortes-Medina MG, Menyhert MM, Song JW. The biophysics of cancer: emerging insights from micro- and nanoscale tools. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022; 2:2100056. [PMID: 35156093 PMCID: PMC8827905 DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex and dynamic disease that is aberrant both biologically and physically. There is growing appreciation that physical abnormalities with both cancer cells and their microenvironment that span multiple length scales are important drivers for cancer growth and metastasis. The scope of this review is to highlight the key advancements in micro- and nano-scale tools for delineating the cause and consequences of the aberrant physical properties of tumors. We focus our review on three important physical aspects of cancer: 1) solid mechanical properties, 2) fluid mechanical properties, and 3) mechanical alterations to cancer cells. Beyond posing physical barriers to the delivery of cancer therapeutics, these properties are also known to influence numerous biological processes, including cancer cell invasion and migration leading to metastasis, and response and resistance to therapy. We comment on how micro- and nanoscale tools have transformed our fundamental understanding of the physical dynamics of cancer progression and their potential for bridging towards future applications at the interface of oncology and physical sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E Beshay
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | | | - Miles M Menyhert
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Jonathan W Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
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43
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Arduino A, Pettenuzzo S, Berardo A, Salomoni VA, Majorana C, Carniel EL. A Continuum-Tensegrity Computational Model for Chondrocyte Biomechanics in AFM Indentation and Micropipette Aspiration. Ann Biomed Eng 2022; 50:1911-1922. [PMID: 35879583 PMCID: PMC9794536 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-022-03011-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical stimuli are fundamental in the development of organs and tissues, their growth, regeneration or disease. They influence the biochemical signals produced by the cells, and, consequently, the development and spreading of a disease. Moreover, tumour cells are usually characterized by a decrease in the cell mechanical properties that may be directly linked to their metastatic potential. Thus, recently, the experimental and computational study of cell biomechanics is facing a growing interest. Various experimental approaches have been implemented to describe the passive response of cells; however, cell variability and complex experimental procedures may affect the obtained mechanical properties. For this reason, in-silico computational models have been developed through the years, to overcome such limitations, while proposing valuable tools to understand cell mechanical behaviour. This being the case, we propose a combined continuous-tensegrity finite element (FE) model to analyse the mechanical response of a cell and its subcomponents, observing how every part contributes to the overall mechanical behaviour. We modelled both Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) indentation and micropipette aspiration techniques, as common mechanical tests for cells and elucidated also the role of cell cytoplasm and cytoskeleton in the global cell mechanical response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Arduino
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Sofia Pettenuzzo
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Alice Berardo
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | | | - Carmelo Majorana
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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44
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Besedina NA, Skverchinskaya EA, Ivanov AS, Kotlyar KP, Morozov IA, Filatov NA, Mindukshev IV, Bukatin AS. Microfluidic Characterization of Red Blood Cells Microcirculation under Oxidative Stress. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123552. [PMID: 34944060 PMCID: PMC8700079 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Microcirculation is one of the basic functional processes where the main gas exchange between red blood cells (RBCs) and surrounding tissues occurs. It is greatly influenced by the shape and deformability of RBCs, which can be affected by oxidative stress induced by different drugs and diseases leading to anemia. Here we investigated how in vitro microfluidic characterization of RBCs transit velocity in microcapillaries can indicate cells damage and its correlation with clinical hematological analysis. For this purpose, we compared an SU-8 mold with an Si-etched mold for fabrication of PDMS microfluidic devices and quantitatively figured out that oxidative stress induced by tert-Butyl hydroperoxide splits all RBCs into two subpopulations of normal and slow cells according to their transit velocity. Obtained results agree with the hematological analysis showing that such changes in RBCs velocities are due to violations of shape, volume, and increased heterogeneity of the cells. These data show that characterization of RBCs transport in microfluidic devices can directly reveal violations of microcirculation caused by oxidative stress. Therefore, it can be used for characterization of the ability of RBCs to move in microcapillaries, estimating possible side effects of cancer chemotherapy, and predicting the risk of anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda A. Besedina
- Laboratory of Renewable Energy Sources, Alferov Saint Petersburg National Research Academic University of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 194021 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (N.A.B.); (K.P.K.); (I.A.M.); (N.A.F.)
| | - Elisaveta A. Skverchinskaya
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (E.A.S.); (I.V.M.)
| | - Alexander S. Ivanov
- Institute of Physics and Mechanics, Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Konstantin P. Kotlyar
- Laboratory of Renewable Energy Sources, Alferov Saint Petersburg National Research Academic University of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 194021 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (N.A.B.); (K.P.K.); (I.A.M.); (N.A.F.)
- Institute for Analytical Instrumentation of the RAS, 190103 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ivan A. Morozov
- Laboratory of Renewable Energy Sources, Alferov Saint Petersburg National Research Academic University of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 194021 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (N.A.B.); (K.P.K.); (I.A.M.); (N.A.F.)
| | - Nikita A. Filatov
- Laboratory of Renewable Energy Sources, Alferov Saint Petersburg National Research Academic University of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 194021 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (N.A.B.); (K.P.K.); (I.A.M.); (N.A.F.)
| | - Igor V. Mindukshev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (E.A.S.); (I.V.M.)
| | - Anton S. Bukatin
- Laboratory of Renewable Energy Sources, Alferov Saint Petersburg National Research Academic University of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 194021 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (N.A.B.); (K.P.K.); (I.A.M.); (N.A.F.)
- Institute for Analytical Instrumentation of the RAS, 190103 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence:
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45
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Hobson CM, Falvo MR, Superfine R. A survey of physical methods for studying nuclear mechanics and mechanobiology. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:041508. [PMID: 34849443 PMCID: PMC8604565 DOI: 10.1063/5.0068126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
It is increasingly appreciated that the cell nucleus is not only a home for DNA but also a complex material that resists physical deformations and dynamically responds to external mechanical cues. The molecules that confer mechanical properties to nuclei certainly contribute to laminopathies and possibly contribute to cellular mechanotransduction and physical processes in cancer such as metastasis. Studying nuclear mechanics and the downstream biochemical consequences or their modulation requires a suite of complex assays for applying, measuring, and visualizing mechanical forces across diverse length, time, and force scales. Here, we review the current methods in nuclear mechanics and mechanobiology, placing specific emphasis on each of their unique advantages and limitations. Furthermore, we explore important considerations in selecting a new methodology as are demonstrated by recent examples from the literature. We conclude by providing an outlook on the development of new methods and the judicious use of the current techniques for continued exploration into the role of nuclear mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael R. Falvo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Richard Superfine
- Department of Applied Physical Science, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
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46
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Mierke CT. The Pertinent Role of Cell and Matrix Mechanics in Cell Adhesion and Migration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:720494. [PMID: 34722504 PMCID: PMC8548417 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.720494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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47
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Emig R, Zgierski-Johnston CM, Timmermann V, Taberner AJ, Nash MP, Kohl P, Peyronnet R. Passive myocardial mechanical properties: meaning, measurement, models. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:587-610. [PMID: 34765043 PMCID: PMC8555034 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00838-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Passive mechanical tissue properties are major determinants of myocardial contraction and relaxation and, thus, shape cardiac function. Tightly regulated, dynamically adapting throughout life, and affecting a host of cellular functions, passive tissue mechanics also contribute to cardiac dysfunction. Development of treatments and early identification of diseases requires better spatio-temporal characterisation of tissue mechanical properties and their underlying mechanisms. With this understanding, key regulators may be identified, providing pathways with potential to control and limit pathological development. Methodologies and models used to assess and mimic tissue mechanical properties are diverse, and available data are in part mutually contradictory. In this review, we define important concepts useful for characterising passive mechanical tissue properties, and compare a variety of in vitro and in vivo techniques that allow one to assess tissue mechanics. We give definitions of key terms, and summarise insight into determinants of myocardial stiffness in situ. We then provide an overview of common experimental models utilised to assess the role of environmental stiffness and composition, and its effects on cardiac cell and tissue function. Finally, promising future directions are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Emig
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Callum M. Zgierski-Johnston
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Viviane Timmermann
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrew J. Taberner
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Engineering Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Martyn P. Nash
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Engineering Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rémi Peyronnet
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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48
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Paradiso F, Serpelloni S, Francis LW, Taraballi F. Mechanical Studies of the Third Dimension in Cancer: From 2D to 3D Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10098. [PMID: 34576261 PMCID: PMC8472581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
From the development of self-aggregating, scaffold-free multicellular spheroids to the inclusion of scaffold systems, 3D models have progressively increased in complexity to better mimic native tissues. The inclusion of a third dimension in cancer models allows researchers to zoom out from a significant but limited cancer cell research approach to a wider investigation of the tumor microenvironment. This model can include multiple cell types and many elements from the extracellular matrix (ECM), which provides mechanical support for the tissue, mediates cell-microenvironment interactions, and plays a key role in cancer cell invasion. Both biochemical and biophysical signals from the extracellular space strongly influence cell fate, the epigenetic landscape, and gene expression. Specifically, a detailed mechanistic understanding of tumor cell-ECM interactions, especially during cancer invasion, is lacking. In this review, we focus on the latest achievements in the study of ECM biomechanics and mechanosensing in cancer on 3D scaffold-based and scaffold-free models, focusing on each platform's level of complexity, up-to-date mechanical tests performed, limitations, and potential for further improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paradiso
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (F.P.); (S.S.)
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6445 Main St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK;
| | - Stefano Serpelloni
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (F.P.); (S.S.)
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6445 Main St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lewis W. Francis
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK;
| | - Francesca Taraballi
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (F.P.); (S.S.)
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6445 Main St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
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49
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Karal MAS, Ahamed MK, Ahmed M, Mahbub ZB. Recent developments in the kinetics of ruptures of giant vesicles under constant tension. RSC Adv 2021; 11:29598-29619. [PMID: 35479542 PMCID: PMC9040846 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra04647k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
External tension in membranes plays a vital role in numerous physiological and physicochemical phenomena. In this review, recent developments in the constant electric- and mechanical-tension-induced rupture of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are considered. We summarize the results relating to the kinetics of GUV rupture as a function of membrane surface charge, ions in the bathing solution, lipid composition, cholesterol content in the membrane, and osmotic pressure. The mechanical stability and line tension of the membrane under these conditions are discussed. The membrane tension due to osmotic pressure and the critical tension of rupture for various membrane compositions are also discussed. The results and their analysis provide a biophysical description of the kinetics of rupture, along with insight into biological processes. Future directions and possible developments in this research area are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Abu Sayem Karal
- Department of Physics, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka-1000 Bangladesh +880-2-58613046 +880-2-9665613
| | - Md Kabir Ahamed
- Department of Physics, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka-1000 Bangladesh +880-2-58613046 +880-2-9665613
| | - Marzuk Ahmed
- Department of Physics, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka-1000 Bangladesh +880-2-58613046 +880-2-9665613
| | - Zaid Bin Mahbub
- Department of Mathematics and Physics, North South University Dhaka-1229 Bangladesh
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Chen Z, Yip TF, Zhu Y, Ho JWK, Chen H. The method to quantify cell elasticity based on the precise measurement of pressure inducing cell deformation in microfluidic channels. MethodsX 2021; 8:101247. [PMID: 34434770 PMCID: PMC8374187 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2021.101247] [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] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell elasticity has attracted extensive research interests since it not only provides new insights into cell biology but also is an emerging mechanical marker for the diagnosis of some diseases. This paper reports the method for the precise measurement of mechanical properties of single cells deformed to a large extent using a novel microfluidic system integrated with a pressure feedback system and small particle separation unit. The particle separation system was employed to avoid the blockage of the cell deformation channel to enhance the measurement throughput. This system is of remarkable application potential in the precise evaluation of cell mechanical properties. In brief, this paper reports:The manufacturing of the chip using standard soft lithography; The methods to deform single cells in a microchannel and measure the relevant pressure drop using a pressure sensor connecting to the microfluidic chip; Calculation of the mechanical properties including stiffness and fluidity of each cell based on a power-law rheology model describing the viscoelastic behaviors of cells; Automatic and real-time measurement of the mechanical properties using video processing software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlin Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tsz Fung Yip
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Hong Kong, China.,Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, New Territory, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yonggang Zhu
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Joshua W K Ho
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Hong Kong, China.,Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, New Territory, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huaying Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China
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