1
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Lichtenberg J, Leonard CE, Sterling HR, Santos Agreda V, Hwang PY. Using Microfluidics to Align Matrix Architecture and Generate Chemokine Gradients Promotes Directional Branching in a Model of Epithelial Morphogenesis. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:4865-4877. [PMID: 39007451 PMCID: PMC11322918 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00245] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The mechanical cue of fiber alignment plays a key role in the development of various tissues in the body. The ability to study the effect of these stimuli in vitro has been limited previously. Here, we present a microfluidic device capable of intrinsically generating aligned fibers using the microchannel geometry. The device also features tunable interstitial fluid flow and the ability to form a morphogen gradient. These aspects allow for the modeling of complex tissues and to differentiate cell response to different stimuli. To demonstrate the abilities of our device, we incorporated luminal epithelial cysts into our device and induced growth factor stimulation. We found the mechanical cue of fiber alignment to play a dominant role in cell elongation and the ability to form protrusions was dependent on cadherin-3. Together, this work serves as a springboard for future potential with these devices to answer questions in developmental biology and complex diseases such as cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessanne
Y. Lichtenberg
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23220, United States
| | - Corinne E. Leonard
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23220, United States
| | - Hazel R. Sterling
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23220, United States
| | - Valentina Santos Agreda
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23220, United States
| | - Priscilla Y. Hwang
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23220, United States
- Massey
Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth
University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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2
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Weiß MS, Trapani G, Long H, Trappmann B. Matrix Resistance Toward Proteolytic Cleavage Controls Contractility-Dependent Migration Modes During Angiogenic Sprouting. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305947. [PMID: 38477409 PMCID: PMC11109655 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305947] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Tissue homeostasis and disease states rely on the formation of new blood vessels through angiogenic sprouting, which is tightly regulated by the properties of the surrounding extracellular matrix. While physical cues, such as matrix stiffness or degradability, have evolved as major regulators of cell function in tissue microenvironments, it remains unknown whether and how physical cues regulate endothelial cell migration during angiogenesis. To investigate this, a biomimetic model of angiogenic sprouting inside a tunable synthetic hydrogel is created. It is shown that endothelial cells sense the resistance of the surrounding matrix toward proteolytic cleavage and respond by adjusting their migration phenotype. The resistance cells encounter is impacted by the number of covalent matrix crosslinks, crosslink degradability, and the proteolytic activity of cells. When matrix resistance is high, cells switch from a collective to an actomyosin contractility-dependent single cellular migration mode. This switch in collectivity is accompanied by a major reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, where stress fibers are no longer visible, and F-actin aggregates in large punctate clusters. Matrix resistance is identified as a previously unknown regulator of angiogenic sprouting and, thus, provides a mechanism by which the physical properties of the matrix impact cell migration modes through cytoskeletal remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin S. Weiß
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 2048149MünsterGermany
| | - Giuseppe Trapani
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 2048149MünsterGermany
| | - Hongyan Long
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 2048149MünsterGermany
| | - Britta Trappmann
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 2048149MünsterGermany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTU Dortmund UniversityOtto‐Hahn‐Straße 644227DortmundGermany
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3
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Wang R, He X, Chen Z, Su S, Bai J, Liu H, Zhou F. A nanoparticle reinforced microporous methacrylated silk fibroin hydrogel to promote bone regeneration. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:2121-2135. [PMID: 38456326 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01901b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Natural polymer-based hydrogels have been widely applied in bone tissue engineering due to their excellent biocompatibility and outstanding ability of drug encapsulation. However, they have relatively weak mechanical properties and lack bioactivity. Hence, we developed a bioactive nanoparticle composite hydrogel by incorporating LAPONITE®, which is an osteo-inductive inorganic nanoparticle. The incorporation of the nanoparticle significantly enhanced its mechanical properties. In vitro evaluation indicated that the nanocomposite hydrogel could exhibit good biocompatibility. Besides, the nanocomposite hydrogel was proved to have excellent osteogenic ability with up-regulated expression of osteogenic markers such as type I collagen (COL-I), runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx-2) and osteocalcin (OCN). Furthermore, the in vivo study confirmed that the composite nanocomposite hydrogel could significantly promote new bone formation, providing a prospective strategy for bone tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruideng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xi He
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University) of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhengyang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shilong Su
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jinwu Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haifeng Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University) of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Beijing, China
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4
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Mehl J, Farahani SK, Brauer E, Klaus‐Bergmann A, Thiele T, Ellinghaus A, Bartels‐Klein E, Koch K, Schmidt‐Bleek K, Petersen A, Gerhardt H, Vogel V, Duda GN. External Mechanical Stability Regulates Hematoma Vascularization in Bone Healing Rather than Endothelial YAP/TAZ Mechanotransduction. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307050. [PMID: 38273642 PMCID: PMC10987120 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307050] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Bone fracture healing is regulated by mechanobiological cues. Both, extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and microvascular assembly determine the dynamics of the regenerative processes. Mechanical instability as by inter-fragmentary shear or compression is known to influence early ECM formation and wound healing. However, it remains unclear how these external cues shape subsequent ECM and microvascular network assembly. As transcriptional coactivators, the mechanotransducers yes-associated protein 1 (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) translate physical cues into downstream signaling events, yet their role in sprouting angiogenesis into the hematoma after injury is unknown. Using bone healing as model system for scar-free regeneration, the role of endothelial YAP/TAZ in combination with tuning the extrinsic mechanical stability via fracture fixation is investigated. Extrinsically imposed shear across the gap delayed hematoma remodeling and shaped the morphology of early collagen fiber orientations and microvascular networks, suggesting that enhanced shear increased the nutrient exchange in the hematoma. In contrast, endothelial YAP/TAZ deletion has little impact on the overall vascularization of the fracture gap, yet slightly increases the collagen fiber deposition under semi-rigid fixation. Together, these data provide novel insights into the respective roles of endothelial YAP/TAZ and extrinsic mechanical cues in orchestrating the process of bone regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Mehl
- Julius Wolff InstituteBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative TherapiesBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
- Laboratory of Applied MechanobiologyDepartment of Health Sciences and TechnologyETH ZurichZurich8092Switzerland
| | - Saeed Khomeijani Farahani
- Julius Wolff InstituteBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative TherapiesBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
| | - Erik Brauer
- Julius Wolff InstituteBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative TherapiesBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
| | - Alexandra Klaus‐Bergmann
- Integrative Vascular Biology LaboratoryMax‐Delbrück‐Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association13125BerlinGermany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)Partnersite Berlin10785BerlinGermany
| | - Tobias Thiele
- Julius Wolff InstituteBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative TherapiesBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
| | - Agnes Ellinghaus
- Julius Wolff InstituteBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative TherapiesBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
| | - Eireen Bartels‐Klein
- Integrative Vascular Biology LaboratoryMax‐Delbrück‐Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association13125BerlinGermany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)Partnersite Berlin10785BerlinGermany
| | - Katharina Koch
- Integrative Vascular Biology LaboratoryMax‐Delbrück‐Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association13125BerlinGermany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)Partnersite Berlin10785BerlinGermany
| | - Katharina Schmidt‐Bleek
- Julius Wolff InstituteBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative TherapiesBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
| | - Ansgar Petersen
- Julius Wolff InstituteBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative TherapiesBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
| | - Holger Gerhardt
- Integrative Vascular Biology LaboratoryMax‐Delbrück‐Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association13125BerlinGermany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)Partnersite Berlin10785BerlinGermany
| | - Viola Vogel
- Laboratory of Applied MechanobiologyDepartment of Health Sciences and TechnologyETH ZurichZurich8092Switzerland
| | - Georg N. Duda
- Julius Wolff InstituteBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative TherapiesBerlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin13353BerlinGermany
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5
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Nguyen J, Gilbert PM. Decoding the forces that shape muscle stem cell function. Curr Top Dev Biol 2024; 158:279-306. [PMID: 38670710 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2024.02.009] [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] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is a force-producing organ composed of muscle tissues, connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves, all working in synergy to enable movement and provide support to the body. While robust biomechanical descriptions of skeletal muscle force production at the body or tissue level exist, little is known about force application on microstructures within the muscles, such as cells. Among various cell types, skeletal muscle stem cells reside in the muscle tissue environment and play a crucial role in driving the self-repair process when muscle damage occurs. Early evidence indicates that the fate and function of skeletal muscle stem cells are controlled by both biophysical and biochemical factors in their microenvironments, but much remains to accomplish in quantitatively describing the biophysical muscle stem cell microenvironment. This book chapter aims to review current knowledge on the influence of biophysical stresses and landscape properties on muscle stem cells in heath, aging, and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Nguyen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Penney M Gilbert
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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6
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Choi C, Yun E, Cha C. Emerging Technology of Nanofiber-Composite Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300222. [PMID: 37530431 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300222] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels and nanofibers have been firmly established as go-to materials for various biomedical applications. They have been mostly utilized separately, rarely together, because of their distinctive attributes and shortcomings. However, the potential benefits of integrating nanofibers with hydrogels to synergistically combine their functionalities while attenuating their drawbacks are increasingly recognized. Compared to other nanocomposite materials, incorporating nanofibers into hydrogel has the distinct advantage of emulating the hierarchical structure of natural extracellular environment needed for cell and tissue culture. The most important technological aspect of developing "nanofiber-composite hydrogel" is generating nanofibers made of various polymers that are cross-linked and short enough to maintain stable dispersion in hydrated environment. In this review, recent research efforts to develop nanofiber-composite hydrogels are presented, with added emphasis on nanofiber processing techniques. Several notable examples of implementing nanofiber-composite hydrogels for biomedical applications are also introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cholong Choi
- Center for Programmable Matter, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunhye Yun
- Center for Programmable Matter, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaenyung Cha
- Center for Programmable Matter, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
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7
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Thongrom B, Tang P, Arora S, Haag R. Polyglycerol-Based Hydrogel as Versatile Support Matrix for 3D Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Formation. Gels 2023; 9:938. [PMID: 38131924 PMCID: PMC10742718 DOI: 10.3390/gels9120938] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel-based artificial scaffolds are essential for advancing cell culture models from 2D to 3D, enabling a more realistic representation of physiological conditions. These hydrogels can be customized through crosslinking to mimic the extracellular matrix. While the impact of extracellular matrix scaffolds on cell behavior is widely acknowledged, mechanosensing has become a crucial factor in regulating various cellular functions. cancer cells' malignant properties depend on mechanical cues from their microenvironment, including factors like stiffness, shear stress, and pressure. Developing hydrogels capable of modulating stiffness holds great promise for better understanding cell behavior under distinct mechanical stress stimuli. In this study, we aim to 3D culture various cancer cell lines, including MCF-7, HT-29, HeLa, A549, BT-474, and SK-BR-3. We utilize a non-degradable hydrogel formed from alpha acrylate-functionalized dendritic polyglycerol (dPG) and thiol-functionalized 4-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) via the thiol-Michael click reaction. Due to its high multivalent hydroxy groups and bioinert ether backbone, dPG polymer was an excellent alternative as a crosslinking hub and is highly compatible with living microorganisms. The rheological viscoelasticity of the hydrogels is tailored to achieve a mechanical stiffness of approximately 1 kPa, suitable for cell growth. Cancer cells are in situ encapsulated within these 3D network hydrogels and cultured with cell media. The grown tumor spheroids were characterized by fluorescence and confocal microscopies. The average grown size of all tumoroid types was ca. 150 µm after 25 days of incubation. Besides, the stability of a swollen gel remains constant after 2 months at physiological conditions, highlighting the nondegradable potential. The successful formation of multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) for all cancer cell types demonstrates the versatility of our hydrogel platform in 3D cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Smriti Arora
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany (P.T.)
| | - Rainer Haag
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany (P.T.)
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8
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Ciulla MG, Massironi A, Sugni M, Ensign MA, Marzorati S, Forouharshad M. Recent Advances in the Development of Biomimetic Materials. Gels 2023; 9:833. [PMID: 37888406 PMCID: PMC10606425 DOI: 10.3390/gels9100833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we focused on recent efforts in the design and development of materials with biomimetic properties. Innovative methods promise to emulate cell microenvironments and tissue functions, but many aspects regarding cellular communication, motility, and responsiveness remain to be explained. We photographed the state-of-the-art advancements in biomimetics, and discussed the complexity of a "bottom-up" artificial construction of living systems, with particular highlights on hydrogels, collagen-based composites, surface modifications, and three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting applications. Fast-paced 3D printing and artificial intelligence, nevertheless, collide with reality: How difficult can it be to build reproducible biomimetic materials at a real scale in line with the complexity of living systems? Nowadays, science is in urgent need of bioengineering technologies for the practical use of bioinspired and biomimetics for medicine and clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G. Ciulla
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via C. Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Massironi
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Matthew A. Ensign
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Stefania Marzorati
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mahdi Forouharshad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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9
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Trapani G, Weiß MS, Trappmann B. Tunable Synthetic Hydrogels to Study Angiogenic Sprouting. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e859. [PMID: 37555756 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.859] [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] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenic sprouting, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, is tightly regulated by the properties of the surrounding tissue microenvironment. Although the extracellular matrix has been shown to be a major regulator of this process, it is not clear how individual biochemical and mechanical properties influence endothelial cell sprouting. This information gap is largely due to the lack of suitable in vitro models that recapitulate angiogenic sprouting in a 3D environment with independent control over matrix properties. Here, we present protocols for the preparation of endothelial cell spheroid-laden synthetic, dextran-based hydrogels, which serve as a highly tunable 3D scaffold. The adjustment of the hydrogels' adhesiveness, stiffness, and degradability is demonstrated in detail. Finally, we describe assays to elucidate how individual matrix properties regulate angiogenic sprouting, including their analysis by immunofluorescence staining and imaging. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of methacrylated dextran (DexMA) Basic Protocol 2: Generation of endothelial cell spheroids in microwells Basic Protocol 3: Endothelial cell sprouting in hydrogels of tunable stiffness Basic Protocol 4: Endothelial cell sprouting in hydrogels of tunable adhesiveness Basic Protocol 5: Endothelial cell sprouting in hydrogels of tunable degradability Basic Protocol 6: Imaging of endothelial cell spheroid-laden hydrogels Support Protocol 1: Preparation of pro-angiogenic cocktail for endothelial cell sprouting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Trapani
- Bioactive Materials Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Sebastian Weiß
- Bioactive Materials Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Britta Trappmann
- Bioactive Materials Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
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10
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Cameron AP, Gao S, Liu Y, Zhao CX. Impact of hydrogel biophysical properties on tumor spheroid growth and drug response. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 149:213421. [PMID: 37060634 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role in regulating cell-matrix interactions during tumor progression. These interactions are due in large part to the biophysical properties responding to cancer cell interactions. Within in vitro models, the ECM is mimicked by hydrogels, which possess adjustable biophysical properties that are integral to tumor development. This work presents a systematic and comparative study on the impact of the biophysical properties of two widely used natural hydrogels, Matrigel and collagen gel, on tumor growth and drug response. The biophysical properties of Matrigel and collagen including complex modulus, loss tangent, diffusive permeability, and pore size, were characterised. Then the spheroid growth rates in these two hydrogels were monitored for spheroids with two different sizes (140 μm and 500 μm in diameters). An increased migratory growth was observed in the lower concentration of both the gels. The effect of spheroid incorporation within the hydrogel had a minimal impact on the hydrogel's complex modulus. Finally, 3D tumor models using different concentrations of hydrogels were applied for drug treatment using paclitaxel. Spheroids cultured in hydrogels with different concentrations showed different drug response, demonstrating the significant effect of the choice of hydrogels and their concentrations on the drug response results despite using the same spheroids. This study provides useful insights into the effect of hydrogel biophysical properties on spheroid growth and drug response and highlights the importance of hydrogel selection and in vitro model design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna P Cameron
- Australian institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Song Gao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Yun Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Chun-Xia Zhao
- Australian institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
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11
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Hebisch M, Klostermeier S, Wolf K, Boccaccini AR, Wolf SE, Tanzi RE, Kim DY. The Impact of the Cellular Environment and Aging on Modeling Alzheimer's Disease in 3D Cell Culture Models. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205037. [PMID: 36642841 PMCID: PMC10015857 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Creating a cellular model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that accurately recapitulates disease pathology has been a longstanding challenge. Recent studies showed that human AD neural cells, integrated into three-dimensional (3D) hydrogel matrix, display key features of AD neuropathology. Like in the human brain, the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role in determining the rate of neuropathogenesis in hydrogel-based 3D cellular models. Aging, the greatest risk factor for AD, significantly alters brain ECM properties. Therefore, it is important to understand how age-associated changes in ECM affect accumulation of pathogenic molecules, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration in AD patients and in vitro models. In this review, mechanistic hypotheses is presented to address the impact of the ECM properties and their changes with aging on AD and AD-related dementias. Altered ECM characteristics in aged brains, including matrix stiffness, pore size, and composition, will contribute to disease pathogenesis by modulating the accumulation, propagation, and spreading of pathogenic molecules of AD. Emerging hydrogel-based disease models with differing ECM properties provide an exciting opportunity to study the impact of brain ECM aging on AD pathogenesis, providing novel mechanistic insights. Understanding the role of ECM aging in AD pathogenesis should also improve modeling AD in 3D hydrogel systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Hebisch
- Genetics and Aging Research UnitMcCance Center for Brain health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative DiseaseMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolCharlestownMA02129USA
| | - Stefanie Klostermeier
- Institute of Medical PhysicsFriedrich‐Alexander Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg91052ErlangenGermany
- Max‐Planck‐Zentrum für Physik und Medizin91054ErlangenGermany
| | - Katharina Wolf
- Department of Medicine 1Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg91054ErlangenGermany
| | - Aldo R. Boccaccini
- Institute of BiomaterialsDepartment of Materials Science and EngineeringFriedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg91058ErlangenGermany
| | - Stephan E. Wolf
- Institute of Glass and CeramicsDepartment of Materials Science and EngineeringFriedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg91058ErlangenGermany
| | - Rudolph E. Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research UnitMcCance Center for Brain health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative DiseaseMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolCharlestownMA02129USA
| | - Doo Yeon Kim
- Genetics and Aging Research UnitMcCance Center for Brain health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative DiseaseMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolCharlestownMA02129USA
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12
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Peng L, Matellan C, Bosch-Fortea M, Gonzalez-Molina J, Frigerio M, Salentinig S, Del Rio Hernandez A, Gautrot JE. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Sense the Toughness of Nanomaterials and Interfaces. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203297. [PMID: 36717365 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells are known to sense and respond to the mechanical properties of biomaterials. In turn, cells exert forces on their environment that can lead to striking changes in shape, size and contraction of associated tissues, and may result in mechanical disruption and functional failure. However, no study has so far correlated stem cell phenotype and biomaterials toughness. Indeed, disentangling toughness-mediated cell response from other mechanosensing processes has remained elusive as it is particularly challenging to uncouple Youngs' or shear moduli from toughness, within a range relevant to cell-generated forces. In this report, it is shown how the design of the macromolecular architecture of polymer nanosheets regulates interfacial toughness, independently of interfacial shear storage modulus, and how this controls the expansion of mesenchymal stem cells at liquid interfaces. The viscoelasticity and toughness of poly(l-lysine) nanosheets assembled at liquid-liquid interfaces is characterised via interfacial shear rheology. The local (microscale) mechanics of nanosheets are characterised via magnetic tweezer-assisted interfacial microrheology and the thickness of these assemblies is determined from in situ ellipsometry. Finally, the response of mesenchymal stem cells to adhesion and culture at corresponding interfaces is investigated via immunostaining and confocal microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Peng
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS, London, UK.,Cellular and Molecular Biomechanical Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Carlos Matellan
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Minerva Bosch-Fortea
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS, London, UK.,Cellular and Molecular Biomechanical Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jordi Gonzalez-Molina
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS, London, UK.,Cellular and Molecular Biomechanical Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Matteo Frigerio
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Salentinig
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Armando Del Rio Hernandez
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Julien E Gautrot
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS, London, UK.,Cellular and Molecular Biomechanical Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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13
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Putra VDL, Kilian KA, Knothe Tate ML. Biomechanical, biophysical and biochemical modulators of cytoskeletal remodelling and emergent stem cell lineage commitment. Commun Biol 2023; 6:75. [PMID: 36658332 PMCID: PMC9852586 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04320-w] [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: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Across complex, multi-time and -length scale biological systems, redundancy confers robustness and resilience, enabling adaptation and increasing survival under dynamic environmental conditions; this review addresses ubiquitous effects of cytoskeletal remodelling, triggered by biomechanical, biophysical and biochemical cues, on stem cell mechanoadaptation and emergent lineage commitment. The cytoskeleton provides an adaptive structural scaffold to the cell, regulating the emergence of stem cell structure-function relationships during tissue neogenesis, both in prenatal development as well as postnatal healing. Identification and mapping of the mechanical cues conducive to cytoskeletal remodelling and cell adaptation may help to establish environmental contexts that can be used prospectively as translational design specifications to target tissue neogenesis for regenerative medicine. In this review, we summarize findings on cytoskeletal remodelling in the context of tissue neogenesis during early development and postnatal healing, and its relevance in guiding lineage commitment for targeted tissue regeneration. We highlight how cytoskeleton-targeting chemical agents modulate stem cell differentiation and govern responses to mechanical cues in stem cells' emerging form and function. We further review methods for spatiotemporal visualization and measurement of cytoskeletal remodelling, as well as its effects on the mechanical properties of cells, as a function of adaptation. Research in these areas may facilitate translation of stem cells' own healing potential and improve the design of materials, therapies, and devices for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vina D L Putra
- School of Chemistry and School of Materials Science & Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristopher A Kilian
- School of Chemistry and School of Materials Science & Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Melissa L Knothe Tate
- Blue Mountains World Interdisciplinary Innovation Institute (bmwi³), Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia.
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14
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Pieroth S, Heras‐Bautista CO, Hamad S, Brockmeier K, Hescheler J, Pfannkuche K, Schmidt AM. Poly(acrylamide) Spheroids with Tunable Elasticity for Scalable Cell Culture Applications. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.202200246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Pieroth
- Chemistry Department Institute for Physical Chemistry University of Cologne 50939 Cologne Germany
| | - Carlos O. Heras‐Bautista
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology Institute for Neurophysiology University of Cologne Medical Faculty and University Hospital 50931 Cologne Germany
| | - Sarkawt Hamad
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology Institute for Neurophysiology University of Cologne Medical Faculty and University Hospital 50931 Cologne Germany
- Biology Department Faculty of Science Soran University Soran Kurdistan Region JGXP+9QW Iraq
- Marga‐and‐Walter‐Boll Laboratory for Cardiac Tissue Engineering University of Cologne 50931 Cologne Germany
| | - Konrad Brockmeier
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology University Hospital of Cologne 50937 Cologne Germany
| | - Jürgen Hescheler
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology Institute for Neurophysiology University of Cologne Medical Faculty and University Hospital 50931 Cologne Germany
| | - Kurt Pfannkuche
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology Institute for Neurophysiology University of Cologne Medical Faculty and University Hospital 50931 Cologne Germany
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology University Hospital of Cologne 50937 Cologne Germany
- Marga‐and‐Walter‐Boll Laboratory for Cardiac Tissue Engineering University of Cologne 50931 Cologne Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) University of Cologne 50931 Cologne Germany
| | - Annette M. Schmidt
- Chemistry Department Institute for Physical Chemistry University of Cologne 50939 Cologne Germany
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15
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Schmitz C, Pepelanova I, Ude C, Lavrentieva A. Studies on oxygen availability and the creation of natural and artificial oxygen gradients in gelatin-methacryloyl hydrogel 3D cell culture. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 16:977-986. [PMID: 35962761 DOI: 10.1002/term.3344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cultivation platforms allow the creation of cell models, which more closely resemble in vivo-like cell behavior. Therefore, 3D cell culture platforms have started to replace conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultivation techniques in many fields. Besides the advantages of 3D culture, there are also some challenges: cultivation in 3D often results in an inhomogeneous microenvironment and therefore unique cultivation conditions for each cell inside the construct. As a result, the analysis and precise control over the singular cell state is limited in 3D. In this work, we address these challenges by exploring ways to monitor oxygen concentrations in gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) 3D hydrogel culture at the cellular level using hypoxia reporter cells and deep within the construct using a non-invasive optical oxygen sensing spot. We could show that the appearance of oxygen limitations is more prominent in softer GelMA-hydrogels, which enable better cell spreading. Beyond demonstrating novel or space-resolved techniques of visualizing oxygen availability in hydrogel constructs, we also describe a method to create a stable and controlled oxygen gradient throughout the construct using a 3D printed flow-through chamber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Schmitz
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Iliyana Pepelanova
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Ude
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Antonina Lavrentieva
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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16
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Xu W, Zhu J, Hu J, Xiao L. Engineering the biomechanical microenvironment of chondrocytes towards articular cartilage tissue engineering. Life Sci 2022; 309:121043. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Recent Advances in Macroporous Hydrogels for Cell Behavior and Tissue Engineering. Gels 2022; 8:gels8100606. [PMID: 36286107 PMCID: PMC9601978 DOI: 10.3390/gels8100606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels have been extensively used as scaffolds in tissue engineering for cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation because of their high-water content and biocompatibility similarity to the extracellular matrix. However, submicron or nanosized pore networks within hydrogels severely limit cell survival and tissue regeneration. In recent years, the application of macroporous hydrogels in tissue engineering has received considerable attention. The macroporous structure not only facilitates nutrient transportation and metabolite discharge but also provides more space for cell behavior and tissue formation. Several strategies for creating and functionalizing macroporous hydrogels have been reported. This review began with an overview of the advantages and challenges of macroporous hydrogels in the regulation of cellular behavior. In addition, advanced methods for the preparation of macroporous hydrogels to modulate cellular behavior were discussed. Finally, future research in related fields was discussed.
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18
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Whitehead KM, Hendricks HKL, Cakir SN, de Castro Brás LE. ECM roles and biomechanics in cardiac tissue decellularization. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H585-H596. [PMID: 35960635 PMCID: PMC9467473 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00372.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Natural biomaterials hold enormous potential for tissue regeneration. The rapid advance of several tissue-engineered biomaterials, such as natural and synthetic polymer-based scaffolds, has led to widespread application of these materials in the clinic and in research. However, biomaterials can have limited repair capacity; obstacles result from immunogenicity, difficulties in mimicking native microenvironments, and maintaining the mechanical and biochemical (i.e., biomechanical) properties of native organs/tissues. The emergence of decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived biomaterials provides an attractive solution to overcome these hurdles since decellularized ECM provides a nonimmune environment with native three-dimensional structures and bioactive components. More importantly, decellularized ECM can be generated from the tissue of interest, such as the heart, and keep its native macro- and microstructure and tissue-specific composition. These decellularized cardiac matrices/scaffolds can then be reseeded using cardiac cells, and the resulting recellularized construct is considered an ideal choice for regenerating functional organs/tissues. Nonetheless, the decellularization process must be optimized and depends on tissue type, age, and functional goal. Although most decellularization protocols significantly reduce immunogenicity and deliver a matrix that maintains the tissue macrostructure, suboptimal decellularization can change ECM composition and microstructure, which affects the biomechanical properties of the tissue and consequently changes cell-matrix interactions and organ function. Herein, we review methods of decellularization, with particular emphasis on cardiac tissue, and how they can affect the biomechanics of the tissue, which in turn determines success of reseeding and in vivo viability. Moreover, we review recent developments in decellularized ECM-derived cardiac biomaterials and discuss future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin M Whitehead
- Department of Physiology, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Hanifah K L Hendricks
- Department of Physiology, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Sirin N Cakir
- Department of Physiology, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Lisandra E de Castro Brás
- Department of Physiology, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
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19
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Guo T, He C, Venado A, Zhou Y. Extracellular Matrix Stiffness in Lung Health and Disease. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3523-3558. [PMID: 35766837 PMCID: PMC10088466 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and imparts a wide variety of environmental cues to cells. In the past decade, a growing body of work revealed that the mechanical properties of the ECM, commonly known as matrix stiffness, regulate the fundamental cellular processes of the lung. There is growing appreciation that mechanical interplays between cells and associated ECM are essential to maintain lung homeostasis. Dysregulation of ECM-derived mechanical signaling via altered mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways is associated with many common lung diseases. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of lung fibrosis. The stiffened ECM is not merely a sequelae of lung fibrosis but can actively drive the progression of fibrotic lung disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view on the role of matrix stiffness in lung health and disease. We begin by summarizing the effects of matrix stiffness on the function and behavior of various lung cell types and on regulation of biomolecule activity and key physiological processes, including host immune response and cellular metabolism. We discuss the potential mechanisms by which cells probe matrix stiffness and convert mechanical signals to regulate gene expression. We highlight the factors that govern matrix stiffness and outline the role of matrix stiffness in lung development and the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. We envision targeting of deleterious matrix mechanical cues for treatment of fibrotic lung disease. Advances in technologies for matrix stiffness measurements and design of stiffness-tunable matrix substrates are also explored. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3523-3558, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao He
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Aida Venado
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yong Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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20
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Tian H, Shi H, Yu J, Ge S, Ruan J. Biophysics Role and Biomimetic Culture Systems of ECM Stiffness in Cancer EMT. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2022; 6:2100094. [PMID: 35712024 PMCID: PMC9189138 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Oncological diseases have become the second leading cause of death from noncommunicable diseases worldwide and a major threat to human health. With the continuous progress in cancer research, the mechanical cues from the tumor microenvironment environment (TME) have been found to play an irreplaceable role in the progression of many cancers. As the main extracellular mechanical signal carrier, extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness may influence cancer progression through biomechanical transduction to modify downstream gene expression, promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and regulate the stemness of cancer cells. EMT is an important mechanism that induces cancer cell metastasis and is closely influenced by ECM stiffness, either independently or in conjunction with other molecules. In this review, the unique role of ECM stiffness in EMT in different kinds of cancers is first summarized. By continually examining the significance of ECM stiffness in cancer progression, a biomimetic culture system based on 3D manufacturing and novel material technologies is developed to mimic ECM stiffness. The authors then look back on the novel development of the ECM stiffness biomimetic culture systems and finally provide new insights into ECM stiffness in cancer progression which can broaden the fields' horizons with a view toward developing new cancer diagnosis methods and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tian
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Hanhan Shi
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jing Ruan
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
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21
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Cameron AP, Zeng B, Liu Y, Wang H, Soheilmoghaddam F, Cooper-White J, Zhao CX. Biophysical properties of hydrogels for mimicking tumor extracellular matrix. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 136:212782. [PMID: 35929332 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.212782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an essential component of the tumor microenvironment. It plays a critical role in regulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. However, there is lack of systematic and comparative studies on different widely-used ECM mimicking hydrogels and their properties, making the selection of suitable hydrogels for mimicking different in vivo conditions quite random. This study systematically evaluates the biophysical attributes of three widely used natural hydrogels (Matrigel, collagen gel and agarose gel) including complex modulus, loss tangent, diffusive permeability and pore size. A new and facile method was developed combining Critical Point Drying, Scanning Electron Microscopy imaging and a MATLAB image processing program (CSM method) for the characterization of hydrogel microstructures. This CSM method allows accurate measurement of the hydrogel pore size down to nanometer resolution. Furthermore, a microfluidic device was implemented to measure the hydrogel permeability (Pd) as a function of particle size and gel concentration. Among the three gels, collagen gel has the lowest complex modulus, medium pore size, and the highest loss tangent. Agarose gel exhibits the highest complex modulus, the lowest loss tangent and the smallest pore size. Collagen gel and Matrigel produced complex moduli close to that estimated for cancer ECM. The Pd of these hydrogels decreases significantly with the increase of particle size. By assessing different hydrogels' biophysical characteristics, this study provides valuable insights for tailoring their properties for various three-dimensional cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna P Cameron
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Bijun Zeng
- Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Yun Liu
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Haofei Wang
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Farhad Soheilmoghaddam
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Justin Cooper-White
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Chun-Xia Zhao
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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22
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Long H, Vos BE, Betz T, Baker BM, Trappmann B. Nonswelling and Hydrolytically Stable Hydrogels Uncover Cellular Mechanosensing in 3D. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105325. [PMID: 35187856 PMCID: PMC9036035 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
While matrix stiffness regulates cell behavior on 2D substrates, recent studies using synthetic hydrogels have suggested that in 3D environments, cell behavior is primarily impacted by matrix degradability, independent of stiffness. However, these studies did not consider the potential impact of other confounding matrix parameters that typically covary with changes in stiffness, particularly, hydrogel swelling and hydrolytic stability, which may explain the previously observed distinctions in cell response in 2D versus 3D settings. To investigate how cells sense matrix stiffness in 3D environments, a nonswelling, hydrolytically stable, linearly elastic synthetic hydrogel model is developed in which matrix stiffness and degradability can be tuned independently. It is found that matrix degradability regulates cell spreading kinetics, while matrix stiffness dictates the final spread area once cells achieve equilibrium spreading. Importantly, the differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells toward adipocytes or osteoblasts is regulated by the spread state of progenitor cells upon initiating differentiation. These studies uncover matrix stiffness as a major regulator of cell function not just in 2D, but also in 3D environments, and identify matrix degradability as a critical microenvironmental feature in 3D that in conjunction with matrix stiffness dictates cell spreading, cytoskeletal state, and stem cell differentiation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Long
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 20Münster48149Germany
| | - Bart E. Vos
- Third Institute of Physics – BiophysicsGeorg August University GöttingenGöttingen37077Germany
| | - Timo Betz
- Third Institute of Physics – BiophysicsGeorg August University GöttingenGöttingen37077Germany
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Engineered Microenvironments and Mechanobiology LabDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Britta Trappmann
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 20Münster48149Germany
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23
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Abdollahzadeh F, Khoshdel-Rad N, Moghadasali R. Kidney development and function: ECM cannot be ignored. Differentiation 2022; 124:28-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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24
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Liu K, Wiendels M, Yuan H, Ruan C, Kouwer PH. Cell-matrix reciprocity in 3D culture models with nonlinear elasticity. Bioact Mater 2022; 9:316-331. [PMID: 34820573 PMCID: PMC8586441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) matrix models using hydrogels are powerful tools to understand and predict cell behavior. The interactions between the cell and its matrix, however is highly complex: the matrix has a profound effect on basic cell functions but simultaneously, cells are able to actively manipulate the matrix properties. This (mechano)reciprocity between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is central in regulating tissue functions and it is fundamentally important to broadly consider the biomechanical properties of the in vivo ECM when designing in vitro matrix models. This manuscript discusses two commonly used biopolymer networks, i.e. collagen and fibrin gels, and one synthetic polymer network, polyisocyanide gel (PIC), which all possess the characteristic nonlinear mechanics in the biological stress regime. We start from the structure of the materials, then address the uses, advantages, and limitations of each material, to provide a guideline for tissue engineers and biophysicists in utilizing current materials and also designing new materials for 3D cell culture purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaizheng Liu
- Research Center for Human Tissue and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Maury Wiendels
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hongbo Yuan
- Institute of Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, PR China
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Chemistry Department, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Changshun Ruan
- Research Center for Human Tissue and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Paul H.J. Kouwer
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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25
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Bowers DT, Brown JL. Nanofiber curvature with Rho GTPase activity increases mouse embryonic fibroblast random migration velocity. Integr Biol (Camb) 2022; 13:295-308. [PMID: 35022716 PMCID: PMC8759537 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyab022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction arises from information encoded in the shape of materials such as curvature. It induces activation of small GTPase signaling affecting cell phenotypes including differentiation. We carried out a set of preliminary experiments to test the hypothesis that curvature (1/radius) would also affect cell motility due to signal pathway crosstalk. High molecular weight poly (methyl methacrylate) straight nanofibers were electrospun with curvature ranging from 41 to 1 μm-1 and collected on a passivated glass substrate. The fiber curvature increased mouse mesenchymal stem cell aspect ratio (P < 0.02) and decreased cell area (P < 0.01). Despite little effect on some motility patterns such as polarity and persistence, we found selected fiber curvatures can increase normalized random fibroblastic mouse embryonic cell (MEF) migration velocity close to 2.5 times compared with a flat surface (P < 0.001). A maximum in the velocity curve occurred near 2.5 μm-1 and may vary with the time since initiation of attachment to the surface (range of 0-20 h). In the middle range of fiber curvatures, the relative relationship to curvature was similar regardless of treatment with Rho-kinase inhibitor (Y27632) or cdc42 inhibitor (ML141), although it was decreased on most curvatures (P < 0.05). However, below a critical curvature threshold MEFs may not be able to distinguish shallow curvature from a flat surface, while still being affected by contact guidance. The preliminary data in this manuscript suggested the large low curvature fibers were interpreted in a manner similar to a non-curved surface. Thus, curvature is a biomaterial construct design parameter that should be considered when specific biological responses are desired. Statement of integration, innovation, and insight Replacement of damaged or diseased tissues that cannot otherwise regenerate is transforming modern medicine. However, the extent to which we can rationally design materials to affect cellular outcomes remains low. Knowing the effect of material stiffness and diameter on stem cell differentiation, we investigated cell migration and signaling on fibrous scaffolds. By investigating diameters across orders of magnitude (50-2000 nm), we identified a velocity maximum of ~800 nm. Furthermore, the results suggest large fibers may not be interpreted by single cells as a curved surface. This work presents insight into the design of constructs for engineering tissues.
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26
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Cao H, Duan L, Zhang Y, Cao J, Zhang K. Current hydrogel advances in physicochemical and biological response-driven biomedical application diversity. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:426. [PMID: 34916490 PMCID: PMC8674418 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00830-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel is a type of versatile platform with various biomedical applications after rational structure and functional design that leverages on material engineering to modulate its physicochemical properties (e.g., stiffness, pore size, viscoelasticity, microarchitecture, degradability, ligand presentation, stimulus-responsive properties, etc.) and influence cell signaling cascades and fate. In the past few decades, a plethora of pioneering studies have been implemented to explore the cell-hydrogel matrix interactions and figure out the underlying mechanisms, paving the way to the lab-to-clinic translation of hydrogel-based therapies. In this review, we first introduced the physicochemical properties of hydrogels and their fabrication approaches concisely. Subsequently, the comprehensive description and deep discussion were elucidated, wherein the influences of different hydrogels properties on cell behaviors and cellular signaling events were highlighted. These behaviors or events included integrin clustering, focal adhesion (FA) complex accumulation and activation, cytoskeleton rearrangement, protein cyto-nuclei shuttling and activation (e.g., Yes-associated protein (YAP), catenin, etc.), cellular compartment reorganization, gene expression, and further cell biology modulation (e.g., spreading, migration, proliferation, lineage commitment, etc.). Based on them, current in vitro and in vivo hydrogel applications that mainly covered diseases models, various cell delivery protocols for tissue regeneration and disease therapy, smart drug carrier, bioimaging, biosensor, and conductive wearable/implantable biodevices, etc. were further summarized and discussed. More significantly, the clinical translation potential and trials of hydrogels were presented, accompanied with which the remaining challenges and future perspectives in this field were emphasized. Collectively, the comprehensive and deep insights in this review will shed light on the design principles of new biomedical hydrogels to understand and modulate cellular processes, which are available for providing significant indications for future hydrogel design and serving for a broad range of biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Cao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 610064, Chengdu, P. R. China
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Lixia Duan
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Cao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 610064, Chengdu, P. R. China.
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Mierke CT. Viscoelasticity Acts as a Marker for Tumor Extracellular Matrix Characteristics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:785138. [PMID: 34950661 PMCID: PMC8691700 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.785138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological materials such as extracellular matrix scaffolds, cancer cells, and tissues are often assumed to respond elastically for simplicity; the viscoelastic response is quite commonly ignored. Extracellular matrix mechanics including the viscoelasticity has turned out to be a key feature of cellular behavior and the entire shape and function of healthy and diseased tissues, such as cancer. The interference of cells with their local microenvironment and the interaction among different cell types relies both on the mechanical phenotype of each involved element. However, there is still not yet clearly understood how viscoelasticity alters the functional phenotype of the tumor extracellular matrix environment. Especially the biophysical technologies are still under ongoing improvement and further development. In addition, the effect of matrix mechanics in the progression of cancer is the subject of discussion. Hence, the topic of this review is especially attractive to collect the existing endeavors to characterize the viscoelastic features of tumor extracellular matrices and to briefly highlight the present frontiers in cancer progression and escape of cancers from therapy. Finally, this review article illustrates the importance of the tumor extracellular matrix mechano-phenotype, including the phenomenon viscoelasticity in identifying, characterizing, and treating specific cancer types.
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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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28
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Uslu FE, Davidson CD, Mailand E, Bouklas N, Baker BM, Sakar MS. Engineered Extracellular Matrices with Integrated Wireless Microactuators to Study Mechanobiology. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2102641. [PMID: 34363246 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202102641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mechanobiology explores how forces regulate cell behaviors and what molecular machinery are responsible for the sensing, transduction, and modulation of mechanical cues. To this end, probing of cells cultured on planar substrates has served as a primary experimental setting for many decades. However, native extracellular matrices (ECMs) consist of fibrous protein assemblies where the physical properties spanning from the individual fiber to the network architecture can influence the transmission of forces to and from the cells. Here, a robotic manipulation platform that allows wireless, localized, and programmable deformation of an engineered fibrous ECM is introduced. A finite-element-based digital twin of the fiber network calibrated against measured local and global parameters enables the calculation of deformations and stresses generated by different magnetic actuation schemes across a range of network properties. Physiologically relevant mechanical forces are applied to cells cultured on the fiber network, statically or dynamically, revealing insights into the effects of matrix-borne forces and deformations as well as force-mediated matrix remodeling on cell migration and intracellular signaling. These capabilities are not matched by any existing approach, and this versatile platform has the potential to uncover fundamental mechanisms of mechanobiology in settings with greater relevance to living tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazil E Uslu
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | | | - Erik Mailand
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Nikolaos Bouklas
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mahmut Selman Sakar
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
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29
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Hidalgo-Alvarez V, Dhowre HS, Kingston OA, Sheridan CM, Levis HJ. Biofabrication of Artificial Stem Cell Niches in the Anterior Ocular Segment. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:135. [PMID: 34677208 PMCID: PMC8533470 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8100135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior segment of the eye is a complex set of structures that collectively act to maintain the integrity of the globe and direct light towards the posteriorly located retina. The eye is exposed to numerous physical and environmental insults such as infection, UV radiation, physical or chemical injuries. Loss of transparency to the cornea or lens (cataract) and dysfunctional regulation of intra ocular pressure (glaucoma) are leading causes of worldwide blindness. Whilst traditional therapeutic approaches can improve vision, their effect often fails to control the multiple pathological events that lead to long-term vision loss. Regenerative medicine approaches in the eye have already had success with ocular stem cell therapy and ex vivo production of cornea and conjunctival tissue for transplant recovering patients' vision. However, advancements are required to increase the efficacy of these as well as develop other ocular cell therapies. One of the most important challenges that determines the success of regenerative approaches is the preservation of the stem cell properties during expansion culture in vitro. To achieve this, the environment must provide the physical, chemical and biological factors that ensure the maintenance of their undifferentiated state, as well as their proliferative capacity. This is likely to be accomplished by replicating the natural stem cell niche in vitro. Due to the complex nature of the cell microenvironment, the creation of such artificial niches requires the use of bioengineering techniques which can replicate the physico-chemical properties and the dynamic cell-extracellular matrix interactions that maintain the stem cell phenotype. This review discusses the progress made in the replication of stem cell niches from the anterior ocular segment by using bioengineering approaches and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Hidalgo-Alvarez
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Hala S. Dhowre
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Olivia A. Kingston
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Carl M. Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Hannah J. Levis
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
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30
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Cacopardo L, Guazzelli N, Ahluwalia A. Characterising and engineering biomimetic materials for viscoelastic mechanotransduction studies. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2021; 28:912-925. [PMID: 34555953 PMCID: PMC9419958 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical behavior of soft tissue extracellular matrix is time dependent. Moreover, it evolves over time due to physiological processes as well as aging and disease. Measuring and quantifying the time-dependent mechanical behavior of soft tissues and materials pose a challenge, not only because of their labile and hydrated nature but also because of the lack of a common definition of terms and understanding of models for characterizing viscoelasticity. Here, we review the most important measurement techniques and models used to determine the viscoelastic properties of soft hydrated materials—or hydrogels—underlining the difference between viscoelastic behavior and the properties and descriptors used to quantify viscoelasticity. We then discuss the principal factors, which determine tissue viscoelasticity in vivo and summarize what we currently know about cell response to time-dependent materials, outlining fundamental factors that have to be considered when interpreting results. Particular attention is given to the relationship between the different time scales involved (mechanical, cellular and observation time scales), as well as scaling principles, all of which must be considered when designing viscoelastic materials and performing experiments for biomechanics or mechanobiology applications. From this overview, key considerations and directions for furthering insights and applications in the emergent field of cell viscoelastic mechanotransduction are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole Guazzelli
- University of Pisa, 9310, Research Center 'E.Piaggio', Pisa, Italy.,University of Pisa, 9310, Information Engineering Department, Pisa, Italy;
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- University of Pisa, 9310, Pisa, Italy.,University of Pisa, 9310, Information Engineering Department, Pisa, Toscana, Italy.,Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), Pisa, Italy;
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31
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Zhou H, Xue Y, Dong L, Wang C. Biomaterial-based physical regulation of macrophage behaviour. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:3608-3621. [PMID: 33908577 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb00107h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages play a critical role in regulating immune reactions induced by implanted biomaterials. They are highly plastic and in response to diverse stimuli in the microenvironment can exhibit a spectrum of phenotypes and functions. In addition to biochemical signals, the physical properties of biomaterials are becoming increasingly appreciated for their significant impact on macrophage behaviour, and the underlying mechanisms deserve more in-depth investigations. This review first summarises the effects of key physical cues - including stiffness, topography, physical confinement and applied force - on macrophage behaviour. Then, it reviews the current knowledge of cellular sensing and transduction of physical cues into intracellular signals. Finally, it discusses the major challenges in understanding mechanical regulation that could provide insights for biomaterial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
| | - Yizebang Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China. and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School & School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Chunming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
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32
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Colombo M, Alkali IM, Prochowska S, Luvoni GC. Fighting Like Cats and Dogs: Challenges in Domestic Carnivore Oocyte Development and Promises of Innovative Culture Systems. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2135. [PMID: 34359262 PMCID: PMC8300176 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro embryo production in cats and dogs still presents some challenges, and it needs to be optimized to transfer efficient protocols to related wild, endangered species. While the chemical composition of culture media has been the focus of several studies, the importance of culture substrates for oocyte and embryo culture has often been neglected. Traditional in vitro systems, i.e., two-dimensional cultures, do not resemble the physiological environments where cells develop, and they may cause morphological and functional alterations to oocytes and embryos. More modern three-dimensional and microfluidic culture system better mimic the structure and the stimuli found in in vivo conditions, and they could better support the development of oocytes and embryos in vitro, as well as the maintenance of more physiological behaviors. This review describes the different culture systems tested for domestic carnivore reproductive cells along the years, and it summarizes their effects on cultured cells with the purpose of analyzing innovative options to improve in vitro embryo production outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Colombo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare “Carlo Cantoni”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (I.M.A.); (G.C.L.)
| | - Isa Mohammed Alkali
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare “Carlo Cantoni”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (I.M.A.); (G.C.L.)
| | - Sylwia Prochowska
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Grunwaldzki Square 49, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Gaia Cecilia Luvoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare “Carlo Cantoni”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (I.M.A.); (G.C.L.)
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33
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Narasimhan BN, Horrocks MS, Malmström J. Hydrogels with Tunable Physical Cues and Their Emerging Roles in Studies of Cellular Mechanotransduction. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Badri Narayanan Narasimhan
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington 6140 New Zealand
| | - Matthew S. Horrocks
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington 6140 New Zealand
| | - Jenny Malmström
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington 6140 New Zealand
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34
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Anderson CA, Kovar DR, Gardel ML, Winkelman JD. LIM domain proteins in cell mechanobiology. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2021; 78:303-311. [PMID: 34028199 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton is important for maintaining mechanical homeostasis in adherent cells, largely through its regulation of adhesion and cortical tension. The LIM (Lin-11, Isl1, MEC-3) domain-containing proteins are involved in a myriad of cellular mechanosensitive pathways. Recent work has discovered that LIM domains bind to mechanically stressed actin filaments, suggesting a novel and widely conserved mechanism of mechanosensing. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of LIM protein mechanosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin A Anderson
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David R Kovar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Margaret L Gardel
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jonathan D Winkelman
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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35
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Polyelectrolyte multilayer composite coating on 316 L stainless steel for controlled release of dual growth factors accelerating restoration of bone defects. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 126:112187. [PMID: 34082986 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A composite coating of polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) consisting of collagen, a chitosan barrier, and poly-γ-glutamic acid was fabricated using a spin coating technique to investigate and overcome the limited osseointegration capacity of 316 L stainless steel (316 L SS). To further enhance the biocompatibility, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) were loaded separately as dual growth factors, allowing for progressive drug release following the natural process of bone regeneration. The first burst release of FGF-2 triggered the proliferation of surrounding cells, and the subsequent release of BMP-2 stimulated their differentiation. The microstructure, surface potential, hardness, reduced Young's modulus, and wettability were assessed using scanning electron microscopy, nanoindentation, and water contact angle. The formation of apatite layers after immersion in simulated body fluid confirmed the bioactivity of this PEM. PEMs loaded with BMP-2 and FGF-2 showed a long sustained release of growth factors for up to 48 days. The biological properties were studied in vitro with rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) and in vivo using a rat critical-sized calvarial defect model. PEMs loaded with growth factors further stimulated the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs and the histology results indicated that new bone tissues could directly grow onto the PEMs. These findings suggest that PEM composite coating possesses significant potential for surface modification and long-term drug release of metallic implants to assist with bone restoration.
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36
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Li M, Xi N, Liu L. Peak force tapping atomic force microscopy for advancing cell and molecular biology. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:8358-8375. [PMID: 33913463 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr01303c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The advent of atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides an exciting tool to detect molecular and cellular behaviors under aqueous conditions. AFM is able to not only visualize the surface topography of the specimens, but also can quantify the mechanical properties of the specimens by force spectroscopy assay. Nevertheless, integrating AFM topographic imaging with force spectroscopy assay has long been limited due to the low spatiotemporal resolution. In recent years, the appearance of a new AFM imaging mode called peak force tapping (PFT) has shattered this limit. PFT allows AFM to simultaneously acquire the topography and mechanical properties of biological samples with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. The practical applications of PFT in the field of life sciences in the past decade have demonstrated the excellent capabilities of PFT in characterizing the fine structures and mechanics of living biological systems in their native states, offering novel possibilities to reveal the underlying mechanisms guiding physiological/pathological activities. In this paper, the recent progress in cell and molecular biology that has been made with the utilization of PFT is summarized, and future perspectives for further progression and biomedical applications of PFT are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China and Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Ning Xi
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Lianqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China and Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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37
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Giannopoulos A, Svensson RB, Yeung CYC, Kjaer M, Magnusson SP. Effects of genipin crosslinking on mechanical cell-matrix interaction in 3D engineered tendon constructs. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2021; 119:104508. [PMID: 33857874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104508] [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: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that cells can generate endogenous forces onto the extracellular matrix, but to what extent the mechanical properties of the matrix influences these endogenous cellular forces remains unclear. We therefore sought to quantify the influence of matrix rigidity on cell-matrix interactions by inducing cross-links using increasing concentrations of genipin (0.01-1 mM) or by blocking cross-link formation using beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) in engineered human tendon tissue constructs. The cell-matrix mechanics of the tendon constructs were evaluated as cell-generated tissue re-tensioning and stress-relaxation responses using a novel custom-made force monitor, which can apply and detect tensional forces in real-time in addition to mechanical failure testing. Genipin treatment had no influence on the biochemical profile (hydroxyproline, glycosaminoglycan and DNA content) of the constructs and cell viability was comparable between genipin-treated and control constructs, except at the highest genipin concentration. Endogenous re-tension after unloading was significantly decreased with increasing genipin concentrations compared to controls. Mechanical failure testing of tendon constructs showed increased (56%) peak stress at the highest genipin concentration but decreased (72%) with BAPN treatment when compared to controls. Tendon construct stiffness increased with high genipin concentrations (0.1 and 1 mM) and decreased by 70% in BAPN-treated constructs, relative to the controls. These data demonstrate that human tendon fibroblasts regulate their force exertion inversely proportional to increased cross-link capacity but did so independently of matrix stiffness. Overall, these findings support the notion of an interaction between cell force generation and cross-linking, and thus a role for this interplay in mechanical homeostasis of the tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Giannopoulos
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - R B Svensson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Y C Yeung
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Kjaer
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S P Magnusson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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38
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Yang J, Zhang Y, Qin M, Cheng W, Wang W, Cao Y. Understanding and Regulating Cell-Matrix Interactions Using Hydrogels of Designable Mechanical Properties. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:149-168. [PMID: 33785089 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Similar to natural tissues, hydrogels contain abundant water, so they are considered as promising biomaterials for studying the influence of the mechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECM) on various cell functions. In recent years, the growing research on cellular mechanical response has revealed that many cell functions, including cell spreading, migration, tumorigenesis and differentiation, are related to the mechanical properties of ECM. Therefore, how cells sense and respond to the extracellular mechanical environment has gained considerable attention. In these studies, hydrogels are widely used as the in vitro model system. Hydrogels of tunable stiffness, viscoelasticity, degradability, plasticity, and dynamical properties have been engineered to reveal how cells respond to specific mechanical features. In this review, we summarize recent process in this research direction and specifically focus on the influence of the mechanical properties of the ECM on cell functions, how cells sense and respond to the extracellular mechanical environment, and approaches to adjusting the stiffness of hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiapeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Meng Qin
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Oral Implantology Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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Exploiting biomaterial approaches to manufacture an artificial trabecular meshwork: A progress report. BIOMATERIALS AND BIOSYSTEMS 2021; 1:100011. [PMID: 36825164 PMCID: PMC9934513 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbiosy.2021.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy in which permanent loss of peripheral vision results from neurodegeneration in the optic nerve head. The trabecular meshwork is responsible for regulating intraocular pressure, which to date, is the only modifiable risk factor associated with the development of glaucoma. Lowering intraocular pressure reduces glaucoma progression and current surgical approaches for glaucoma attempt to reduce outflow resistance through the trabecular meshwork. Many surgical approaches use minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) to control glaucoma. In this progress report, biomaterials currently employed to treat glaucoma, such as MIGS, and the issues associated with them are described. The report also discusses innovative biofabrication approaches that aim to revolutionise glaucoma treatment through tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). At present, there are very few applications targeted towards TM engineering in vivo, with a great proportion of these biomaterial structures being developed for in vitro model use. This is a consequence of the many anatomical and physiological attributes that must be considered when designing a TERM device for microscopic tissues, such as the trabecular meshwork. Ongoing advancements in TERM research from multi-disciplinary teams should lead to the development of a state-of-the-art device to restore trabecular meshwork function and provide a bio-engineering solution to improve patient outcomes.
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Gelmi A, Schutt CE. Stimuli-Responsive Biomaterials: Scaffolds for Stem Cell Control. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001125. [PMID: 32996270 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell fate is closely intertwined with microenvironmental and endogenous cues within the body. Recapitulating this dynamic environment ex vivo can be achieved through engineered biomaterials which can respond to exogenous stimulation (including light, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and magnetic fields) to deliver temporal and spatial cues to stem cells. These stimuli-responsive biomaterials can be integrated into scaffolds to investigate stem cell response in vitro and in vivo, and offer many pathways of cellular manipulation: biochemical cues, scaffold property changes, drug release, mechanical stress, and electrical signaling. The aim of this review is to assess and discuss the current state of exogenous stimuli-responsive biomaterials, and their application in multipotent stem cell control. Future perspectives in utilizing these biomaterials for personalized tissue engineering and directing organoid models are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Gelmi
- School of Science College of Science, Engineering and Health RMIT University Melbourne VIC 3001 Australia
| | - Carolyn E. Schutt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Knight Cancer Institute Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center (CEDAR) Oregon Health and Science University Portland OR 97201 USA
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The focal mechanical properties of normal and diseased porcine aortic valve tissue measured by a novel microindentation device. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 115:104245. [PMID: 33310684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.104245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cells sense and respond to the heterogeneous mechanical properties of their tissue microenvironment, with implications for the development of many diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and aortic valve disease. Characterization of tissue mechanical heterogeneity on cellular length scales of tens of micrometers is thus important for understanding disease mechanobiology. In this study, we developed a low-cost bench-top microindentation system to readily map focal microscale soft tissue mechanical properties. The device was validated by comparison with atomic force microscopy nanoindentation of polyacrylamide gels. To demonstrate its utility, the device was used to measure the focal microscale elastic moduli of normal and diseased porcine aortic valve leaflet tissue. Consistent with previous studies, the fibrosa layer of intact leaflets was found to be 1.91-fold stiffer than the ventricularis layer, with both layers exhibiting significant heterogeneity in focal elastic moduli. For the first time, the microscale compressive moduli of focal proteoglycan-rich lesions in the fibrosa of early diseased porcine aortic valve leaflets were measured and found to be 2.44-fold softer than those of normal tissue. These data provide new insights into the tissue micromechanical environment in valvular disease and demonstrate the utility of the microindentation device for facile measurement of the focal mechanical properties of soft tissues.
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Guixé-Muntet S, Ortega-Ribera M, Wang C, Selicean S, Andreu I, Kechagia JZ, Fondevila C, Roca-Cusachs P, Dufour JF, Bosch J, Berzigotti A, Gracia-Sancho J. Nuclear deformation mediates liver cell mechanosensing in cirrhosis. JHEP Rep 2020; 2:100145. [PMID: 32939447 PMCID: PMC7479345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2020.100145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver stiffness is increased in advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) and accurately predicts prognosis in this population. Recent data suggest that extracellular matrix stiffness per se may modulate the phenotype of liver cells. We aimed at investigating the effect of matrix stiffness on the phenotype of liver cells of rats with cirrhosis, assessing its influence on their response to antifibrotic strategies and evaluating associated molecular mechanisms. METHODS Hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells were isolated from healthy rats or rats with cirrhosis (carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide), and cultured on polyacrylamide gels with different physiologically relevant stiffness for 72 h. RESULTS All cell types of rats with cirrhosis cultured at low stiffness showed a significant phenotype amelioration vs. rigid matrix (assessed by quantitative morphology, mRNA expression, protein synthesis, and electron microscopy imaging). Additionally, stiffness modified the antifibrotic effects of liraglutide in stellate cells of rats with cirrhosis. Finally, evaluation of nuclear morphology revealed that high stiffness induced nuclei deformation in all cell types, an observation confirmed in cells from human livers. Disconnecting the nucleus from the cytoskeleton by cytoskeleton disruption or a defective form of nesprin 1 significantly recovered spherical nuclear shape and quiescent phenotype of cells. CONCLUSIONS The environment's stiffness per se modulates the phenotype of healthy rats and liver cells of rats with cirrhosis by altering the nuclear morphology through cytoskeleton-derived mechanical forces. The reversibility of this mechanism suggests that targeting the stiffness-mediated intracellular mechanical tensions may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for ACLD. LAY SUMMARY During cirrhosis, the liver becomes scarred, stiff, and unable to perform its normal functions efficiently. In this study, we demonstrated that cells from diseased (stiff) livers recovered their functionality when placed in a soft environment (as that of a healthy liver). Furthermore, treatments aimed at tricking liver cells into believing they are in a healthy, soft liver improved their function and could potentially contribute to treat cirrhosis.
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Key Words
- ACLD, advanced chronic liver disease
- Cd, cytoskeleton disruptor
- Chronic liver disease
- DN-KASH, dominant negative nesprin peptide containing a KASH domain
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- HNF4α, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α
- HSC
- HSC, hepatic stellate cell
- Hepatocyte
- KASH, Klarsicht/abnormal nuclear anchorage-1/Syne homology
- LSEC
- LSEC, liver sinusoidal endothelial cell
- Lamb1, laminin b1
- Stiffness
- TAA, thioacetamide
- eNOS, endothelial nitric oxide synthase
- α-SMA, α-smooth muscle actin
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Guixé-Muntet
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martí Ortega-Ribera
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Selicean
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ion Andreu
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Technology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jenny Z. Kechagia
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Technology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Pere Roca-Cusachs
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Technology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jean-François Dufour
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Hepatology, University Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jaime Bosch
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
- Hepatology, University Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Hepatology, University Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
- Hepatology, University Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
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Falcone N, Shao T, Andoy NMO, Rashid R, Sullan RMA, Sun X, Kraatz HB. Multi-component peptide hydrogels - a systematic study incorporating biomolecules for the exploration of diverse, tuneable biomaterials. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:5601-5614. [PMID: 32832942 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01104e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Peptide-based supramolecular gels can be designed to be functional "smart" materials that have applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and supramolecular chemistry. Although many multi-component gel systems have been designed and reported, many of these applications still rely solely on single-component gel systems which limits the functionalities of the materials. Multi-component self-assembly leads to the formation of highly ordered and complex architectures while offering the possibility to generate hydrogels with interesting properties including functional complexity and diverse morphologies. Being able to incorporate various classes of biomolecules can allow for tailoring the materials' functionalities to specific application needs. Here, a novel peptide amphiphile, myristyl-Phe-Phe (C14-FF), was synthesized and explored for hydrogel formation. The hydrogel possesses a nanofiber matrix morphology, composed of β-sheet aggregates, a record-low gelation concentration for this class of compounds, and a unique solvent-dependent helical switch. The C14-FF hydrogel was then explored with various classes of biomolecules (carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins, building blocks of HA) to generate a multi-component library of gels that have potential to represent the complex natural extracellular matrix. Selected multi-component gels exhibit an excellent compatibility with mesenchymal stem cells showing high cell viability percentages, which holds great promise for applications in regenerative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natashya Falcone
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada.
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44
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Spontaneously and reversibly forming phospholipid polymer hydrogels as a matrix for cell engineering. Biomaterials 2020; 230:119628. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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45
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Mizuguchi Y, Mashimo Y, Mie M, Kobatake E. Temperature-Responsive Multifunctional Protein Hydrogels with Elastin-like Polypeptides for 3-D Angiogenesis. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:1126-1135. [PMID: 32003967 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Supramolecular protein hydrogels with tunable properties represent promising candidates for advanced designer extracellular matrices (ECMs). To control cellular functions, ECMs should be able to spatiotemporally regulate synergistic signaling between transmembrane receptors and growth factor (GF) receptors. In this study, we developed genetically engineered temperature-responsive multifunctional protein hydrogels. The designed hydrogel was fabricated by combining the following four peptide blocks: thermosensitive elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs), a polyaspartic acid (polyD) chain to control aggregation and delivery of GFs, a de novo-designed helix peptide that forms antiparallel homotetrameric coiled-coils, and a biofunctional peptide. The resultant coiled-coil unit bound ELPs (CUBEs) exhibit a controllable sol-gel transition with tunable mechanical properties. CUBEs were functionalized with bone sialoprotein-derived RGD (bRGD), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were three-dimensionally cultured in bRGD-modified CUBE (bRGD-CUBE) hydrogels. Proangiogenic activity of HUVECs was promoted by bRGD. Moreover, heparin-binding angiogenic GFs were immobilized to bRGD-CUBEs via electrostatic interactions. HUVECs cultured in GF-tethered bRGD-CUBE hydrogels formed three-dimensional (3-D) tubulelike structures. The designed CUBE hydrogels may demonstrate utility as advanced smart biomaterials for biomedical applications. Further, the protein hydrogel design strategy may provide a novel platform for constructing designer 3-D microenvironments for specific cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Mizuguchi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Mashimo
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502, Japan
| | - Masayasu Mie
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502, Japan
| | - Eiry Kobatake
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502, Japan
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46
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Wei D, Liu A, Sun J, Chen S, Wu C, Zhu H, Chen Y, Luo H, Fan H. Mechanics-Controlled Dynamic Cell Niches Guided Osteogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells via Preserved Cellular Mechanical Memory. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:260-274. [PMID: 31800206 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b18425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells sense and respond to their local dynamic mechanical niches, which further regulate the cellular behaviors. While in naturally, instead of instantly responding to real-time mechanical changes of their surrounding niches, stem cells often present a delayed cellular response over a time scale, namely cellular mechanical memory, which may finally influence their lineage choice. Here, we aim to build a dynamic mechanical niche model with alginate-based hydrogel, therein the dynamic mechanical switching can be easily realized via the introduce or removal of Ca2+. The results show that stiffening hydrogel (from soft to stiff) suppresses osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) early on, though it finally promoted osteogenic differentiation over a long time period. Instead, softening hydrogel (from stiff to soft) still retains the strong osteogenic differentiation in the early days, though it finally showed a lower level of osteogenic differentiation compared with stiff hydrogel. Further, microRNA miR-21 has been found as a long-term mechanical memory sensor of the osteogenic program in hMSCs, as its level remains to match early mechanics of substrate over a period of time. Regulation of miR-21 level is efficient to erase the past mechanical memory and resensitize hMSCs to subsequent substrate mechanics. Our findings highlight cellular mechanical memory effect as a key factor of cell and cellular microenvironment interactions, which has been largely neglected before, and as a crucial design element of biomaterials for cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yongjun Chen
- Chengdu Konjin Biotech Co., Ltd. , Chengdu 611100 , Sichuan , P. R. China
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Wala J, Das S. Mapping of biomechanical properties of cell lines on altered matrix stiffness using atomic force microscopy. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2020; 19:1523-1536. [DOI: 10.1007/s10237-019-01285-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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48
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He H, Sofman M, Wang AJS, Ahrens CC, Wang W, Griffith LG, Hammond PT. Engineering Helical Modular Polypeptide-Based Hydrogels as Synthetic Extracellular Matrices for Cell Culture. Biomacromolecules 2019; 21:566-580. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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49
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Pandamooz S, Jafari A, Salehi MS, Jurek B, Ahmadiani A, Safari A, Hassanajili S, Borhani-Haghighi A, Dianatpour M, Niknejad H, Azarpira N, Dargahi L. Substrate stiffness affects the morphology and gene expression of epidermal neural crest stem cells in a short term culture. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 117:305-317. [PMID: 31654402 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
According to the intrinsic plasticity of stem cells, controlling their fate is a critical issue in cell-based therapies. Recently, a growing body of evidence has suggested that substrate stiffness can affect the fate decisions of various stem cells. Epidermal neural crest stem cells as one of the main neural crest cell derivatives hold great promise for cell therapies due to presenting a high level of plasticity. This study was conducted to define the influence of substrate stiffness on the lineage commitment of these cells. Here, four different polyacrylamide hydrogels with elastic modulus in the range of 0.7-30 kPa were synthesized and coated with collagen and stem cells were seeded on them for 24 hr. The obtained data showed that cells can attach faster to hydrogels compared with culture plate and cells on <1 kPa stiffness show more neuronal-like morphology as they presented several branches and extended longer neurites over time. Moreover, the transcription of actin downregulated on all hydrogels, while the expression of Nestin, Tubulin, and PDGFR-α increased on all of them and SOX-10 and doublecortin gene expression were higher only on <1 kPa. Also, it was revealed that soft hydrogels can enhance the expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3, and vascular endothelial growth factor in these stem cells. On the basis of the results, these cells can respond to the substrate stiffness in the short term culture and soft hydrogels can alter their morphology and gene expression. These findings suggested that employing proper substrate stiffness might result in cells with more natural profiles similar to the nervous system and superior usefulness in therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Pandamooz
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arman Jafari
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad S Salehi
- Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Benjamin Jurek
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Abolhassan Ahmadiani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anahid Safari
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shadi Hassanajili
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Dianatpour
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Niknejad
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Leila Dargahi
- NeuroBiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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50
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Naduthottathil MR, Avolio E, Carrabba M, Davis S, Caputo M, Madeddu P, Su B. The Effect of Matrix Stiffness of Biomimetic Gelatin Nanofibrous Scaffolds on Human Cardiac Pericyte Behavior. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 2:4385-4396. [PMID: 35021398 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common and deadly congenital anomaly, accounting for up to 7.5% of all infant deaths. Survival in children born with CHD has improved dramatically over the past several decades (this positive trend being counterbalanced by the fact that more patients develop heart failure). Seminal data indicate an alteration of the extracellular matrix occurs with time in these hearts due to diffuse and abundant interstitial fibrosis. This results in an escalation in the stiffness of the local myocardial microenvironment. However, the influence of matrix stiffness in regulating the function of resident human stromal cells has not been reported. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of scaffold stiffness on the antigenic and functional profile of cardiac pericytes (CPs) isolated from patients with CHD. To this end, we have first manufactured gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds with varying degrees of stiffness using an in situ cross-linking electrospinning technique in a pure water solvent system. We assessed Young's modulus and performed a comprehensive physicochemical characterization of the scaffolds employing scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We next evaluated the changes induced by a different scaffold stiffness on CP morphology, antigenic profile, viability, proliferation, angiocrine activity, and induced differentiation. Results indicate that soft matrixes with a fiber diameter of ∼400 nm increase CP proliferation, secretion of angiopoietin 2, and F-actin stress fiber formation, without affecting the antigenic profile, viability, or differentiation. These data indicate for the first time that human CPs can be functionally influenced by slight changes in matrix stiffness. The study elucidates the importance of mechanical/morphological cues in modulating the behavior of stromal cells isolated from patients with CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mincy Raj Naduthottathil
- Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials (BCFN), University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Avolio
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Carrabba
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Davis
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Massimo Caputo
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Madeddu
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom
| | - Bo Su
- Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LY, United Kingdom
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