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Lee JWN, Holle AW. Engineering approaches for understanding mechanical memory in cancer metastasis. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021503. [PMID: 38605886 PMCID: PMC11008915 DOI: 10.1063/5.0194539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding cancer metastasis is crucial for advancing therapeutic strategies and improving clinical outcomes. Cancer cells face dynamic changes in their mechanical microenvironment that occur on timescales ranging from minutes to years and exhibit a spectrum of cellular transformations in response to these mechanical cues. A crucial facet of this adaptive response is the concept of mechanical memory, in which mechanosensitive cell behavior and function persists even when mechanical cues are altered. This review explores the evolving mechanical landscape during metastasis, emphasizing the significance of mechanical memory and its influence on cell behavior. We then focus on engineering techniques that are being utilized to probe mechanical memory of cancer cells. Finally, we highlight promising translational approaches poised to harness mechanical memory for new therapies, thereby advancing the frontiers of bioengineering applications in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wen Nicole Lee
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411 Singapore, Singapore
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2
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Mosier JA, Fabiano ED, Ludolph CM, White AE, Reinhart-King CA. Confinement primes cells for faster migration by polarizing active mitochondria. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 6:209-220. [PMID: 38125598 PMCID: PMC10729874 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00478c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical cues in the tumor microenvironment interplay with internal cellular processes to control cancer cell migration. Microscale pores present in tumor tissue confer varying degrees of confinement on migrating cells, increasing matrix contact and inducing cytoskeletal rearrangement. Previously, we observed that increased collagen matrix contact significantly increased cell migration speed and cell-induced strains within the matrix. However, the effects of this confinement on future cell migration are not fully understood. Here, we use a collagen microtrack platform to determine the effect of confinement on priming MDA-MB-231 cancer cells for fast migration. We show that migration through a confined track results in increased speed and accumulation of migratory machinery, including actin and active mitochondria, in the front of migrating breast cancer cells. By designing microtracks that allow cells to first navigate a region of high confinement, then a region of low confinement, we assessed whether migration in high confinement changes future migratory behavior. Indeed, cells maintain their speed attained in high confinement even after exiting to a region of low confinement, indicating that cells maintain memory of previous matrix cues to fuel fast migration. Active mitochondria maintain their location at the front of the cell even after cells leave high confinement. Furthermore, knocking out vinculin to disrupt focal adhesions disrupts active mitochondrial localization and disrupts the fast migration seen upon release from confinement. Together, these data suggest that active mitochondrial localization in confinement may facilitate fast migration post-confinement. By better understanding how confinement contributes to future cancer cell migration, we can identify potential therapeutic targets to inhibit breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna A Mosier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Nashville TN USA
| | - Emily D Fabiano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Nashville TN USA
| | - Catherine M Ludolph
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin Austin TX USA
| | - Addison E White
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Nashville TN USA
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3
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Beunk L, Wen N, van Helvert S, Bekker B, Ran L, Kang R, Paulat T, Syga S, Deutsch A, Friedl P, Wolf K. Cell jamming in a collagen-based interface assay is tuned by collagen density and proteolysis. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260207. [PMID: 37987169 PMCID: PMC10753497 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cell invasion into heterogenous interstitial tissues consisting of network-, channel- or rift-like architectures involves both matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated tissue remodeling and cell shape adaptation to tissue geometry. Three-dimensional (3D) models composed of either porous or linearly aligned architectures have added to the understanding of how physical spacing principles affect migration efficacy; however, the relative contribution of each architecture to decision making in the presence of varying MMP availability is not known. Here, we developed an interface assay containing a cleft between two high-density collagen lattices, and we used this assay to probe tumor cell invasion efficacy, invasion mode and MMP dependence in concert. In silico modeling predicted facilitated cell migration into confining clefts independently of MMP activity, whereas migration into dense porous matrix was predicted to require matrix degradation. This prediction was verified experimentally, where inhibition of collagen degradation was found to strongly compromise migration into 3D collagen in a density-dependent manner, but interface-guided migration remained effective, occurring by cell jamming. The 3D interface assay reported here may serve as a suitable model to better understand the impact of in vivo-relevant interstitial tissue topologies on tumor invasion patterning and responses to molecular interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne Beunk
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
| | - Nan Wen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd van Helvert
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
| | - Bram Bekker
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Science, Mathematics and Informatics, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Ran
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Science, Mathematics and Informatics, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ross Kang
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Science, Mathematics and Informatics, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Paulat
- Department of Innovative Computing, Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technical University Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Simon Syga
- Department of Innovative Computing, Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technical University Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Deutsch
- Department of Innovative Computing, Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technical University Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Friedl
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Katarina Wolf
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
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4
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Krebs J, Stealey S, Brown A, Krohn A, Zustiak SP, Case N. Carrageenan-Based Crowding and Confinement Combination Approach to Increase Collagen Deposition for In Vitro Tissue Development. Gels 2023; 9:705. [PMID: 37754385 PMCID: PMC10529090 DOI: 10.3390/gels9090705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue models grown from cell monolayers can be instrumental in a variety of biomedical fields such as drug screening, wound healing, and regenerative engineering. However, while connective tissues contain abundant fibrillar collagen, achieving a sufficient assembly and retention of fibrillar collagen in vitro is challenging. Unlike the dilute cell culture environment, the body's environment is characterized by a high density of soluble macromolecules (crowding) and macromolecular networks (confinement), which contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly in vivo. Consequently, macromolecular crowding (MMC) has been successfully used to enhance the processing of type I procollagen, leading to significant increases in fibrillar collagen assembly and accumulation during in vitro culture of a variety of cell types. In this study, we developed a combination approach using a carrageenan hydrogel, which released soluble macromolecules and served as a confinement barrier. We first evaluated the local carrageenan release and then confirmed the effectiveness of this combination approach on collagen accumulation by the human MG-63 bone cell line. Additionally, computational modeling of oxygen and glucose transport within the culture system showed no negative effects of the hydrogel and its releasates on cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Krebs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA (S.P.Z.)
| | - Samuel Stealey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA (S.P.Z.)
| | - Alyssa Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA (S.P.Z.)
| | - Austin Krohn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA (S.P.Z.)
| | - Silviya Petrova Zustiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA (S.P.Z.)
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Natasha Case
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA (S.P.Z.)
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5
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Wang W, Taufalele PV, Millet M, Homsy K, Smart K, Berestesky ED, Schunk CT, Rowe MM, Bordeleau F, Reinhart-King CA. Matrix stiffness regulates tumor cell intravasation through expression and ESRP1-mediated alternative splicing of MENA. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112338. [PMID: 37027295 PMCID: PMC10551051 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During intravasation, cancer cells cross the endothelial barrier and enter the circulation. Extracellular matrix stiffening has been correlated with tumor metastatic potential; however, little is known about the effects of matrix stiffness on intravasation. Here, we utilize in vitro systems, a mouse model, specimens from patients with breast cancer, and RNA expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) to investigate the molecular mechanism by which matrix stiffening promotes tumor cell intravasation. Our data show that heightened matrix stiffness increases MENA expression, which promotes contractility and intravasation through focal adhesion kinase activity. Further, matrix stiffening decreases epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1 (ESRP1) expression, which triggers alternative splicing of MENA, decreases the expression of MENA11a, and enhances contractility and intravasation. Altogether, our data indicate that matrix stiffness regulates tumor cell intravasation through enhanced expression and ESRP1-mediated alternative splicing of MENA, providing a mechanism by which matrix stiffness regulates tumor cell intravasation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Paul V Taufalele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Martial Millet
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada; CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Kevin Homsy
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada; CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Kyra Smart
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Emily D Berestesky
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Curtis T Schunk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Matthew M Rowe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Francois Bordeleau
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada; CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada; Département de biologie moléculaire, de biochimie médicale et de pathologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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6
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Liu C, Nguyen RY, Pizzurro GA, Zhang X, Gong X, Martinez AR, Mak M. Self-assembly of mesoscale collagen architectures and applications in 3D cell migration. Acta Biomater 2023; 155:167-181. [PMID: 36371004 PMCID: PMC9805527 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
3D in vitro tumor models have recently been investigated as they can recapitulate key features in the tumor microenvironment. Reconstruction of a biomimetic scaffold is critical in these models. However, most current methods focus on modulating local properties, e.g. micro- and nano-scaled topographies, without capturing the global millimeter or intermediate mesoscale features. Here we introduced a method for modulating the collagen I-based extracellular matrix structure by disruption of fibrillogenesis and the gelation process through mechanical agitation. With this method, we generated collagen scaffolds that are thickened and wavy at a larger scale while featuring global softness. Thickened collagen patches were interconnected with loose collagen networks, highly resembling collagen architecture in the tumor stroma. This thickened collagen network promoted tumor cell dissemination. In addition, this novel modified scaffold triggered differences in morphology and migratory behaviors of tumor cells. Altogether, our method for altered collagen architecture paves new ways for studying in detail cell behavior in physiologically relevant biological processes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Tumor progression usually involves chronic tissue damage and repair processes. Hallmarks of tumors are highly overlapped with those of wound healing. To mimic the tumor milieu, collagen-based scaffolds are widely used. These scaffolds focus on modulating microscale topographies and mechanics, lacking global architecture similarity compared with in vivo architecture. Here we introduced one type of thick collagen bundles that mimics ECM architecture in human skin scars. These thickened collagen bundles are long and wavy while featuring global softness. This collagen architecture imposes fewer steric restraints and promotes tumor cell dissemination. Our findings demonstrate a distinct picture of cell behaviors and intercellular interactions, highlighting the importance of collagen architecture and spatial heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | - Ryan Y Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | - Gabriela A Pizzurro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | - Xingjian Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | - Xiangyu Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | | | - Michael Mak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States.
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7
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Rowe MM, Wang W, Taufalele PV, Reinhart-King CA. AGE-breaker ALT711 reverses glycation-mediated cancer cell migration. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:8504-8513. [PMID: 36325938 PMCID: PMC10287025 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00004k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is associated with increased risk of breast cancer and worse prognoses for cancer patients. Hyperglycemia can result in increased glycation, the process wherein crosslinkages are formed between sugars and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins through the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). Although accumulation of AGEs occurs naturally in vivo over time, it is greatly accelerated by the hyperglycemic environment of diabetic patients. AGE accumulation has been linked to stiffening-related diseases such as hypertension, cancer metastasis, and neurodegenerative disorders. In response, several AGE-inhibiting and AGE-breaking drugs have received significant attention for their ability to reduce AGE accumulation. The resulting effects of these drugs on cell behavior is not well understood. In this study, we measured cancer cell migration in glycated collagen with and without the AGE-breaking drug alagebrium chloride (ALT711) to investigate the drug's ability to disrupt ECM crosslinks and reduce tumor cell spreading, contractility, and migration. The mechanical properties and chemical composition of collagen glycated with increasing concentrations of glucose with and without ALT711 treatment were measured. Increasing glucose concentration resulted in increased AGE accumulation and matrix stiffness as well as increased cancer cell contractility, elongation, and migration. Treatment with ALT711 significantly lowered AGE accumulation within the collagen, decreased collagen stiffness, and reduced cell migration. These findings suggest that while hyperglycemia can increase collagen matrix stiffness, resulting in increased breast cancer cell migration, an AGE-breaker can reverse this phenotype and may be a viable treatment option for reducing cancer cell migration due to glycation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Rowe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
| | - Paul V Taufalele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
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8
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Schwager SC, Mosier JA, Padmanabhan RS, White A, Xing Q, Hapach LA, Taufalele PV, Ortiz I, Reinhart-King CA. Link between glucose metabolism and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition drives triple-negative breast cancer migratory heterogeneity. iScience 2022; 25:105190. [PMID: 36274934 PMCID: PMC9579510 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular and environmental cues result in heterogeneous cancer cell populations with different metabolic and migratory behaviors. Although glucose metabolism and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition have previously been linked, we aim to understand how this relationship fuels cancer cell migration. We show that while glycolysis drives single-cell migration in confining microtracks, fast and slow cells display different migratory sensitivities to glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation inhibition. Phenotypic sorting of highly and weakly migratory subpopulations (MDA+, MDA-) reveals that more mesenchymal, highly migratory MDA+ preferentially use glycolysis while more epithelial, weakly migratory MDA- utilize mitochondrial respiration. These phenotypes are plastic and MDA+ can be made less glycolytic, mesenchymal, and migratory and MDA- can be made more glycolytic, mesenchymal, and migratory via modulation of glucose metabolism or EMT. These findings reveal an intrinsic link between EMT and glucose metabolism that controls migration. Identifying mechanisms fueling phenotypic heterogeneity is essential to develop targeted metastatic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha C. Schwager
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
| | - Jenna A. Mosier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
| | - Reethi S. Padmanabhan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
| | - Addison White
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
| | - Qinzhe Xing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
| | - Lauren A. Hapach
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Paul V. Taufalele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
| | - Ismael Ortiz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
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9
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Shang L, Ye F, Li M, Zhao Y. Spatial confinement toward creating artificial living systems. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:4075-4093. [PMID: 35502858 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs01025e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Lifeforms are regulated by many physicochemical factors, and these factors could be controlled to play a role in the construction of artificial living systems. Among these factors, spatial confinement is an important one, which mediates biological behaviors at multiscale levels and participates in the biomanufacturing processes accordingly. This review describes how spatial confinement, as a fundamental biological phenomenon, provides cues for the construction of artificial living systems. Current knowledge about the role of spatial confinement in mediating individual cell behavior, collective cellular behavior, and tissue-level behavior are categorized. Endeavors on the synthesis of biomacromolecules, artificial cells, engineered tissues, and organoids in spatially confined bioreactors are then emphasized. After that, we discuss the cutting-edge applications of spatially confined artificial living systems in biomedical fields. Finally, we conclude by assessing the remaining challenges and future trends in the context of fundamental science, technical improvement, and practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luoran Shang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China. .,Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. .,Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health); Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China.
| | - Ming Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China. .,Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health); Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China.
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10
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Beeghly GF, Amofa KY, Fischbach C, Kumar S. Regulation of Tumor Invasion by the Physical Microenvironment: Lessons from Breast and Brain Cancer. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2022; 24:29-59. [PMID: 35119915 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-110220-115419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The success of anticancer therapies is often limited by heterogeneity within and between tumors. While much attention has been devoted to understanding the intrinsic molecular diversity of tumor cells, the surrounding tissue microenvironment is also highly complex and coevolves with tumor cells to drive clinical outcomes. Here, we propose that diverse types of solid tumors share common physical motifs that change in time and space, serving as universal regulators of malignancy. We use breast cancer and glioblastoma as instructive examples and highlight how invasion in both diseases is driven by the appropriation of structural guidance cues, contact-dependent heterotypic interactions with stromal cells, and elevated interstitial fluid pressure and flow. We discuss how engineering strategies show increasing value for measuring and modeling these physical properties for mechanistic studies. Moreover, engineered systems offer great promise for developing and testing novel therapies that improve patient prognosis by normalizing the physical tumor microenvironment. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, Volume 24 is June 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett F Beeghly
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Kwasi Y Amofa
- University of California, Berkeley-University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California, USA; .,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Claudia Fischbach
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA; .,Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- University of California, Berkeley-University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California, USA; .,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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11
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Schwager SC, Young KM, Hapach LA, Carlson CM, Mosier JA, McArdle TJ, Wang W, Schunk C, Jayathilake AL, Bates ME, Bordeleau F, Antonyak MA, Cerione RA, Reinhart-King CA. Weakly migratory metastatic breast cancer cells activate fibroblasts via microvesicle-Tg2 to facilitate dissemination and metastasis. eLife 2022; 11:74433. [PMID: 36475545 PMCID: PMC9767463 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell migration is highly heterogeneous, and the migratory capability of cancer cells is thought to be an indicator of metastatic potential. It is becoming clear that a cancer cell does not have to be inherently migratory to metastasize, with weakly migratory cancer cells often found to be highly metastatic. However, the mechanism through which weakly migratory cells escape from the primary tumor remains unclear. Here, utilizing phenotypically sorted highly and weakly migratory human breast cancer cells, we demonstrate that weakly migratory metastatic cells disseminate from the primary tumor via communication with stromal cells. While highly migratory cells are capable of single cell migration, weakly migratory cells rely on cell-cell signaling with fibroblasts to escape the primary tumor. Weakly migratory cells release microvesicles rich in tissue transglutaminase 2 (Tg2) which activate murine fibroblasts and lead weakly migratory cancer cell migration in vitro. These microvesicles also induce tumor stiffening and fibroblast activation in vivo and enhance the metastasis of weakly migratory cells. Our results identify microvesicles and Tg2 as potential therapeutic targets for metastasis and reveal a novel aspect of the metastatic cascade in which weakly migratory cells release microvesicles which activate fibroblasts to enhance cancer cell dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha C Schwager
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | - Katherine M Young
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | - Lauren A Hapach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Caroline M Carlson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | - Jenna A Mosier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | | | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | - Curtis Schunk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | | | - Madison E Bates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | - Francois Bordeleau
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology division), UniversitéLaval Cancer Research Center and Faculty of Medicine, Université LavalQuébeccCanada
| | - Marc A Antonyak
- Department of Biomedical Science, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Biomedical Science, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
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12
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Crosas-Molist E, Samain R, Kohlhammer L, Orgaz J, George S, Maiques O, Barcelo J, Sanz-Moreno V. RhoGTPase Signalling in Cancer Progression and Dissemination. Physiol Rev 2021; 102:455-510. [PMID: 34541899 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00045.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho GTPases are a family of small G proteins that regulate a wide array of cellular processes related to their key roles controlling the cytoskeleton. On the other hand, cancer is a multi-step disease caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations, from the initial stages of cancer development when cells in normal tissues undergo transformation, to the acquisition of invasive and metastatic traits, responsible for a large number of cancer related deaths. In this review, we discuss the role of Rho GTPase signalling in cancer in every step of disease progression. Rho GTPases contribute to tumour initiation and progression, by regulating proliferation and apoptosis, but also metabolism, senescence and cell stemness. Rho GTPases play a major role in cell migration, and in the metastatic process. They are also involved in interactions with the tumour microenvironment and regulate inflammation, contributing to cancer progression. After years of intensive research, we highlight the importance of relevant models in the Rho GTPase field, and we reflect on the therapeutic opportunities arising for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Crosas-Molist
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Remi Samain
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leonie Kohlhammer
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Orgaz
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols', CSIC-UAM, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Samantha George
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Maiques
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaume Barcelo
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Gabbireddy SR, Vosatka KW, Chung AJ, Logue JS. Melanoma cells adopt features of both mesenchymal and amoeboid migration within confining channels. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17804. [PMID: 34493759 PMCID: PMC8423822 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97348-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
For metastasis to occur, cancer cells must traverse a range of tissue environments. In part, this is accomplished by cells adjusting their migration mode to one that is best suited to the environment. Melanoma cells have been shown to be particularly plastic, frequently using both mesenchymal and amoeboid (bleb-based) modes of migration. It has been demonstrated that 2D confinement will promote the transition from mesenchymal to bleb-based migration. However, if melanoma cells similarly transition to bleb-based migration in response to 3D confinement, such as within narrow channels, is unknown. Here, using micro-fabricated channels, we demonstrate that metastatic, A375-M2, melanoma cells adopt features of both mesenchymal and bleb-based migration. In narrow (8 µm; height and width) channels coated with fibronectin, ~ 50% of melanoma cells were found to use either mesenchymal or bleb-based migration modes. In contrast, the inhibition of Src family kinases or coating channels with BSA, completely eliminated any features of mesenchymal migration. Detailed comparisons of migration parameters revealed that blebbing cells, particularly in the absence of adhesions, were faster than mesenchymal cells. In contrast to what has been previously shown under conditions of 2D confinement, pharmacologically inhibiting Arp2/3 promoted a fast filopodial-based mode of migration. Accordingly, we report that melanoma cells adopt a unique range of phenotypes under conditions of 3D confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sairisheel R Gabbireddy
- Undergraduate Research Program, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), 110 8th St, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Karl W Vosatka
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Aram J Chung
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), 110 8th Street, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, 02841, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, 02841, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeremy S Logue
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
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14
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Cancer cell metabolic plasticity in migration and metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2021; 38:343-359. [PMID: 34076787 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10102-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer metastasis in which cancer cells manipulate their metabolic profile to meet the dynamic energetic requirements of the tumor microenvironment. Though cancer cell proliferation and migration through the extracellular matrix are key steps of cancer progression, they are not necessarily fueled by the same metabolites and energy production pathways. The two main metabolic pathways cancer cells use to derive energy from glucose, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, are preferentially and plastically utilized by cancer cells depending on both their intrinsic metabolic properties and their surrounding environment. Mechanical factors in the microenvironment, such as collagen density, pore size, and alignment, and biochemical factors, such as oxygen and glucose availability, have been shown to influence both cell migration and glucose metabolism. As cancer cells have been identified as preferentially utilizing glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation based on heterogeneous intrinsic or extrinsic factors, the relationship between cancer cell metabolism and metastatic potential is of recent interest. Here, we review current in vitro and in vivo findings in the context of cancer cell metabolism during migration and metastasis and extrapolate potential clinical applications of this work that could aid in diagnosing and tracking cancer progression in vivo by monitoring metabolism. We also review current progress in the development of a variety of metabolically targeted anti-metastatic drugs, both in clinical trials and approved for distribution, and highlight potential routes for incorporating our recent understanding of metabolic plasticity into therapeutic directions. By further understanding cancer cell energy production pathways and metabolic plasticity, more effective and successful clinical imaging and therapeutics can be developed to diagnose, target, and inhibit metastasis.
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15
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Hisey CL, Hearn JI, Hansford DJ, Blenkiron C, Chamley LW. Micropatterned growth surface topography affects extracellular vesicle production. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2021; 203:111772. [PMID: 33894649 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.111772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are micro and nanoscale packages that circulate in all bodily fluids and play an important role in intercellular communication by shuttling biomolecules to nearby and distant cells. However, producing sufficient amounts of EVs for many types of in vitro studies using standard culture methods can be challenging, and despite the success of some bioreactors in increasing EV-production, it is still largely unknown how individual culture conditions can alter the production and content of EVs. In this study, we demonstrate a simple and inexpensive micropatterning technique that can be used to produce polystyrene microtracks over a 100 mm diameter growth surface area. We then demonstrate that these microtracks can play a significant role in increasing EV production using a triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) and that these changes in EV production correlate with increases in cellular aspect ratio, alignment of the cells' long axes to the microtracks, and single-cell migration rates. These findings have implications in both biomanufacturing of EVs and potentially in enhancing the biomimicry of EVs produced in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin L Hisey
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, FMHS Building 502-201, 85 Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand; Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations, University of Auckland, FMHS Building 502-201, 85 Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - James I Hearn
- Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, FMHS Building 502-301, 85 Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Derek J Hansford
- Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, 293 Bevis Hall, 1080 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Cherie Blenkiron
- Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations, University of Auckland, FMHS Building 502-201, 85 Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand; Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, FMHS Building 502-301, 85 Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand; Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, FMHS, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, FMHS Building 502-201, 85 Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand; Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations, University of Auckland, FMHS Building 502-201, 85 Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
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16
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Mosier JA, Wu Y, Reinhart-King CA. Recent advances in understanding the role of metabolic heterogeneities in cell migration. Fac Rev 2021; 10:8. [PMID: 33659926 PMCID: PMC7894266 DOI: 10.12703/r/10-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Migration is an energy-intensive, multi-step process involving cell adhesion, protrusion, and detachment. Each of these steps require cells to generate and consume energy, regulating their morphological changes and force generation. Given the need for energy to move, cellular metabolism has emerged as a critical regulator of both single cell and collective migration. Recently, metabolic heterogeneity has been highlighted as a potential determinant of collective cell behavior, as individual cells may play distinct roles in collective migration. Several tools and techniques have been developed and adapted to study cellular energetics during migration including live-cell probes to characterize energy utilization and metabolic state and methodologies to sort cells based on their metabolic profile. Here, we review the recent advances in techniques, parsing the metabolic heterogeneities inherent in cell populations and their contributions to cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna A Mosier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yusheng Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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17
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Amos SE, Choi YS. The Cancer Microenvironment: Mechanical Challenges of the Metastatic Cascade. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:625859. [PMID: 33644019 PMCID: PMC7907606 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.625859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The metastatic cascade presents a significant challenge to patient survival in the fight against cancer. As metastatic cells disseminate and colonize a secondary site, stepwise exposure to microenvironment-specific mechanical stimuli influences and protects successful metastasis. Following cancerous transformation and associated cell recruitment, the tumor microenvironment (TME) becomes a mechanically complex niche, owing to changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and architecture. The ECM mechanically reprograms the cancer cell phenotype, priming cells for invasion. 2D and 3D hydrogel-based culture platforms approximate these environmental variables and permit investigations into tumor-dependent shifts in malignancy. Following TME modification, malignant cells must invade the local ECM, driven toward blood, and lymph vessels by sensing biochemical and biophysical gradients. Microfluidic chips recreate cancer-modified ECM tracks, empowering studies into modes of confined motility. Intravasation and extravasation consist of complex cancer-endothelial interactions that modify an otherwise submicron-scale migration. Perfused microfluidic platforms facilitate the physiological culture of endothelial cells and thus enhance the translatability of basic research into metastatic transendothelial migration. These platforms also shed light on the poorly understood circulating tumor cell, which defies adherent cell norms by surviving the shear stress of blood flow and avoiding anoikis. Metastatic cancers possess the plasticity to adapt to new mechanical conditions, permitting their invasiveness, and ensuring their survival against anomalous stimuli. Here, we review the cellular mechanics of metastasis in the context of current in vitro approaches. Advances that further expose the mechanisms underpinning the phenotypic fluidity of metastatic cancers remain central to the development of novel interventions targeting cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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18
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Buttenschön A, Edelstein-Keshet L. Bridging from single to collective cell migration: A review of models and links to experiments. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1008411. [PMID: 33301528 PMCID: PMC7728230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mathematical and computational models can assist in gaining an understanding of cell behavior at many levels of organization. Here, we review models in the literature that focus on eukaryotic cell motility at 3 size scales: intracellular signaling that regulates cell shape and movement, single cell motility, and collective cell behavior from a few cells to tissues. We survey recent literature to summarize distinct computational methods (phase-field, polygonal, Cellular Potts, and spherical cells). We discuss models that bridge between levels of organization, and describe levels of detail, both biochemical and geometric, included in the models. We also highlight links between models and experiments. We find that models that span the 3 levels are still in the minority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Buttenschön
- Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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19
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Tran VD, Kumar S. Transduction of cell and matrix geometric cues by the actin cytoskeleton. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2020; 68:64-71. [PMID: 33075689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Engineered culture substrates have proven invaluable for investigating the role of cell and extracellular matrix geometry in governing cell behavior. While the mechanisms relating geometry to phenotype are complex, it is clear that the actin cytoskeleton plays a key role in integrating geometric inputs and transducing these cues into intracellular signals that drive downstream biology. Here, we review recent progress in elucidating the role of the cell and matrix geometry in regulating actin cytoskeletal architecture and mechanics. We address new developments in traditional two-dimensional culture paradigms and discuss efforts to extend these advances to three-dimensional systems, ranging from nanotextured surfaces to microtopographical systems (e.g. channels) to fully three-dimensional matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien D Tran
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, USA
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, USA.
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20
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Schwager SC, Reinhart-King CA. Mechanobiology of microvesicle release, uptake, and microvesicle-mediated activation. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2020; 86:255-278. [PMID: 33837695 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Microvesicles are small, membrane-bound vesicles that are shed from the plasma membrane of cells into the extracellular space. Microvesicles contain a variety of cargo not typically thought to be released from cells, including receptor tyrosine kinases, cytosolic signaling proteins, and microRNAs, which are transferred from donor cells to recipient cells. The transfer of microvesicle cargo can result in the transformation of recipient cells thereby supporting disease progression, including modified fibroblast metabolism, epithelial cell contractility, vascular remodeling, and immune cell inflammatory signaling. Additionally, microvesicles are believed to play prominent roles in cell-cell communication and disease progression as they are detected at elevated concentrations in diseased tissues. As microvesicle uptake by recipient cells can modulate cell function to promote disease progression, understanding the mechanisms and mechanosensitivity of microvesicle release, internalization, and the resulting signaling is crucial to fully comprehend their functions in disease. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of actomyosin-regulated microvesicle biogenesis, microvesicle uptake via pinocytosis, and the resulting cellular transformation. We discuss the effects of altered cell contractility, mode of cell migration, and extracellular matrix compliance on microvesicle signaling, with direct implications in disease progression and identifying future therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha C Schwager
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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21
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Cellular Mechanisms of Circulating Tumor Cells During Breast Cancer Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145040. [PMID: 32708855 PMCID: PMC7404335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that detach from the primary site and travel in the blood stream. A higher number of CTCs increases the risk of breast cancer metastasis, and it is inversely associated with the survival rates of patients with breast cancer. Although the numbers of CTCs are generally low and the majority of CTCs die in circulation, the survival of a few CTCs can seed the development of a tumor at a secondary location. An increasing number of studies demonstrate that CTCs undergo modification in response to the dynamic biophysical environment in the blood due in part to fluid shear stress. Fluid shear stress generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggers redox-sensitive cell signaling, and alters the function of intracellular organelles. In particular, the mitochondrion is an important target organelle in determining the metastatic phenotype of CTCs. In healthy cells, mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) via oxidative phosphorylation in the electron transport chain, and during oxidative phosphorylation, they produce physiological levels of ROS. Mitochondria also govern death mechanisms such as apoptosis and mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening to, in order eliminate unwanted or damaged cells. However, in cancer cells, mitochondria are dysregulated, causing aberrant energy metabolism, redox homeostasis, and cell death pathways that may favor cancer invasiveness. In this review, we discuss the influence of fluid shear stress on CTCs with an emphasis on breast cancer pathology, then discuss alterations of cellular mechanisms that may increase the metastatic potentials of CTCs.
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22
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Zanotelli MR, Chada NC, Johnson CA, Reinhart-King CA. The Physical Microenvironment of Tumors: Characterization and Clinical Impact. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1142/s1793048020300029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. As tightly controlled extracellular matrix homeostasis is lost during tumor progression, a dysregulated extracellular matrix can significantly alter cellular phenotype and drive malignancy. Altered physical properties of the tumor microenvironment alter cancer cell behavior, limit delivery and efficacy of therapies, and correlate with tumorigenesis and patient prognosis. The physical features of the extracellular matrix during tumor progression have been characterized; however, a wide range of methods have been used between studies and cancer types resulting in a large range of reported values. Here, we discuss the significant mechanical and structural properties of the tumor microenvironment, summarizing their reported values and clinical impact across cancer type and grade. We attempt to integrate the values in the literature to identify sources of reported differences and commonalities to better understand how aberrant extracellular matrix dynamics contribute to cancer progression. An intimate understanding of altered matrix properties during malignant transformation will be crucial in effectively detecting, monitoring, and treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Zanotelli
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14583, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Neil C. Chada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - C. Andrew Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Cynthia A. Reinhart-King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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23
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Moose DL, Krog BL, Kim TH, Zhao L, Williams-Perez S, Burke G, Rhodes L, Vanneste M, Breheny P, Milhem M, Stipp CS, Rowat AC, Henry MD. Cancer Cells Resist Mechanical Destruction in Circulation via RhoA/Actomyosin-Dependent Mechano-Adaptation. Cell Rep 2020; 30:3864-3874.e6. [PMID: 32187555 PMCID: PMC7219793 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.02.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
During metastasis, cancer cells are exposed to potentially destructive hemodynamic forces including fluid shear stress (FSS) while en route to distant sites. However, prior work indicates that cancer cells are more resistant to brief pulses of high-level FSS in vitro relative to non-transformed epithelial cells. Herein, we identify a mechano-adaptive mechanism of FSS resistance in cancer cells. Our findings demonstrate that cancer cells activate RhoA in response to FSS, which protects them from FSS-induced plasma membrane damage. We show that cancer cells freshly isolated from mouse and human tumors are resistant to FSS, that formin and myosin II activity protects circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from destruction, and that short-term inhibition of myosin II delays metastasis in mouse models. Collectively, our data indicate that viable CTCs actively resist destruction by hemodynamic forces and are likely to be more mechanically robust than is commonly thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon L Moose
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Biomedical Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Benjamin L Krog
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Tae-Hyung Kim
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Gretchen Burke
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Lillian Rhodes
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Marion Vanneste
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Patrick Breheny
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Mohammed Milhem
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Christopher S Stipp
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Amy C Rowat
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michael D Henry
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Biomedical Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Departments of Pathology, Urology and Radiation Oncology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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24
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Rianna C, Radmacher M, Kumar S. Direct evidence that tumor cells soften when navigating confined spaces. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:1726-1734. [PMID: 31995446 PMCID: PMC7521845 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e19-10-0588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of cells strongly regulate many physiological and pathological processes. For example, in cancer, invasive and metastatic tumor cells have often been reported to be softer than nontumor cells, raising speculation that cancer cells might adaptively soften to facilitate migration through narrow tissue spaces. Despite growing interest in targeting cell softening to impede invasion and metastasis, it remains to be directly demonstrated that tumor cells soften as they migrate through confined spaces. Here, we address this open question by combining topographically patterned substrates with atomic force microscopy (AFM). Using a polydimethylsiloxane open-roof microdevice featuring tapered, fibronectin-coated channels, we followed the migration of U2OS cells through various stages of confinement while simultaneously performing AFM indentation. As cells progress from unconfined migration to fully confined migration, cells soften and exclude Yes-associated protein from the nucleus. Superresolution imaging reveals that confinement induces remodeling of actomyosin stress fiber architecture. Companion studies with flat one-dimensional microlines indicate that the changes in cytoarchitecture and mechanics are intrinsically driven by topographical confinement rather than changes in cellular aspect ratio. Our studies represent among the most direct evidence to date that tumor cells soften during confined migration and support cell softening as a mechanoadaptive mechanism during invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Rianna
- Institute of Biophysics, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - Manfred Radmacher
- Institute of Biophysics, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720
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