1
|
Li D, Janmey PA, Wells RG. Local fat content determines global and local stiffness in livers with simple steatosis. FASEB Bioadv 2023; 5:251-261. [PMID: 37287868 PMCID: PMC10242205 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2022-00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Fat accumulation during liver steatosis precedes inflammation and fibrosis in fatty liver diseases, and is associated with disease progression. Despite a large body of evidence that liver mechanics play a major role in liver disease progression, the effect of fat accumulation by itself on liver mechanics remains unclear. Thus, we conducted ex vivo studies of liver mechanics in rodent models of simple steatosis to isolate and examine the mechanical effects of intrahepatic fat accumulation, and found that fat accumulation softens the liver. Using a novel adaptation of microindentation to permit association of local mechanics with microarchitectural features, we found evidence that the softening of fatty liver results from local softening of fatty regions rather than uniform softening of the liver. These results suggest that fat accumulation itself exerts a softening effect on liver tissue. This, along with the localized heterogeneity of softening within the liver, has implications in what mechanical mechanisms are involved in the progression of liver steatosis to more severe pathologies and disease. Finally, the ability to examine and associate local mechanics with microarchitectural features is potentially applicable to the study of the role of heterogeneous mechanical microenvironments in both other liver pathologies and other organ systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering MechanoBiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Paul A. Janmey
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering MechanoBiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Institute for Medicine and EngineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Rebecca G. Wells
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering MechanoBiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tassinari R, Olivi E, Cavallini C, Taglioli V, Zannini C, Marcuzzi M, Fedchenko O, Ventura C. Mechanobiology: A landscape for reinterpreting stem cell heterogeneity and regenerative potential in diseased tissues. iScience 2022; 26:105875. [PMID: 36647385 PMCID: PMC9839966 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces play a fundamental role in cellular dynamics from the molecular level to the establishment of complex heterogeneity in somatic and stem cells. Here, we highlight the role of cytoskeletal mechanics and extracellular matrix in generating mechanical forces merging into oscillatory synchronized patterns. We discuss how cellular mechanosensing/-transduction can be modulated by mechanical forces to control tissue metabolism and set the basis for nonpharmacologic tissue rescue. Control of bone anabolic activity and repair, as well as obesity prevention, through a fine-tuning of the stem cell morphodynamics are highlighted. We also discuss the use of mechanical forces in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and heart failure through the fine modulation of stem cell metabolic activity and regenerative potential. We finally focus on the new landscape of delivering specific mechanical stimuli to reprogram tissue-resident stem cells and enhance our self-healing potential, without the need for stem cell or tissue transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Olivi
- ELDOR LAB, via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Martina Marcuzzi
- NIBB, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Oleksandra Fedchenko
- NIBB, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Ventura
- ELDOR LAB, via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy,NIBB, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy,Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abuhattum S, Kotzbeck P, Schlüßler R, Harger A, Ariza de Schellenberger A, Kim K, Escolano JC, Müller T, Braun J, Wabitsch M, Tschöp M, Sack I, Brankatschk M, Guck J, Stemmer K, Taubenberger AV. Adipose cells and tissues soften with lipid accumulation while in diabetes adipose tissue stiffens. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10325. [PMID: 35725987 PMCID: PMC9209483 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13324-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue expansion involves both differentiation of new precursors and size increase of mature adipocytes. While the two processes are well balanced in healthy tissues, obesity and diabetes type II are associated with abnormally enlarged adipocytes and excess lipid accumulation. Previous studies suggested a link between cell stiffness, volume and stem cell differentiation, although in the context of preadipocytes, there have been contradictory results regarding stiffness changes with differentiation. Thus, we set out to quantitatively monitor adipocyte shape and size changes with differentiation and lipid accumulation. We quantified by optical diffraction tomography that differentiating preadipocytes increased their volumes drastically. Atomic force microscopy (AFM)-indentation and -microrheology revealed that during the early phase of differentiation, human preadipocytes became more compliant and more fluid-like, concomitant with ROCK-mediated F-actin remodelling. Adipocytes that had accumulated large lipid droplets were more compliant, and further promoting lipid accumulation led to an even more compliant phenotype. In line with that, high fat diet-induced obesity was associated with more compliant adipose tissue compared to lean animals, both for drosophila fat bodies and murine gonadal adipose tissue. In contrast, adipose tissue of diabetic mice became significantly stiffer as shown not only by AFM but also magnetic resonance elastography. Altogether, we dissect relative contributions of the cytoskeleton and lipid droplets to cell and tissue mechanical changes across different functional states, such as differentiation, nutritional state and disease. Our work therefore sets the basis for future explorations on how tissue mechanical changes influence the behaviour of mechanosensitive tissue-resident cells in metabolic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shada Abuhattum
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum Für Physik Und Medizin, Staudtstr. 2, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Petra Kotzbeck
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum Für Gesundheit Und Umwelt GmbH, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Division of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Raimund Schlüßler
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexandra Harger
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum Für Gesundheit Und Umwelt GmbH, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Angela Ariza de Schellenberger
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kyoohyun Kim
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum Für Physik Und Medizin, Staudtstr. 2, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Joan-Carles Escolano
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum Für Physik Und Medizin, Staudtstr. 2, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Torsten Müller
- JPK Instruments/Bruker, Colditzstr. 34-36, 12099, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Braun
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Wabitsch
- Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Eythstr. 24, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Matthias Tschöp
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum Für Gesundheit Und Umwelt GmbH, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ingolf Sack
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marko Brankatschk
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jochen Guck
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum Für Physik Und Medizin, Staudtstr. 2, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Stemmer
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum Für Gesundheit Und Umwelt GmbH, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Universitätsstrasse 2, 86159, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Anna V Taubenberger
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Discovery of surface biomarkers for cell mechanophenotype via an intracellular protein-based enrichment strategy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:320. [PMID: 35622146 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04351-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cellular mechanophenotype is often a defining characteristic of conditions like cancer malignancy/metastasis, cardiovascular disease, lung and liver fibrosis, and stem cell differentiation. However, acquiring living cells based on mechanophenotype is challenging for conventional cell sorters due to a lack of biomarkers. In this study, we demonstrate a workflow for surface protein discovery associated with cellular mechanophenotype. We sorted heterogeneous adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) into groups with low vs. high lamin A/C, an intracellular protein linked to whole-cell mechanophenotype. Proteomic data of enriched groups identified surface protein candidates as potential biochemical proxies for ASC mechanophenotype. Select surface biomarkers were used for live-cell enrichment, with subsequent single-cell mechanical testing and lineage-specific differentiation. Ultimately, we identified CD44 to have a strong inverse correlation with whole-cell elastic modulus, with CD44lo cells exhibiting moduli three times greater than that of CD44hi cells. Functionally, these stiff and soft ASCs showed enhanced osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential, respectively. The described workflow can be replicated for any phenotype with a known correlated intracellular protein, allowing for the acquisition of live cells for further characterization, diagnostics, or therapeutics.
Collapse
|
5
|
Choi G, Tang Z, Guan W. Microfluidic high-throughput single-cell mechanotyping: Devices and
applications. NANOTECHNOLOGY AND PRECISION ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.1063/10.0006042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gihoon Choi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802,
USA
| | - Zifan Tang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802,
USA
| | - Weihua Guan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802,
USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802,
USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Meng H, Chowdhury TT, Gavara N. The Mechanical Interplay Between Differentiating Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Gelatin-Based Substrates Measured by Atomic Force Microscopy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:697525. [PMID: 34235158 PMCID: PMC8255986 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.697525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional methods to assess hMSCs differentiation typically require long-term culture until cells show marked expression of histological markers such as lipid accumulation inside the cytoplasm or mineral deposition onto the surrounding matrix. In parallel, stem cell differentiation has been shown to involve the reorganization of the cell’s cytoskeleton shortly after differentiation induced by soluble factors. Given the cytoskeleton’s role in determining the mechanical properties of adherent cells, the mechanical characterization of stem cells could thus be a potential tool to assess cellular commitment at much earlier time points. In this study, we measured the mechanical properties of hMSCs cultured on soft gelatin-based hydrogels at multiple time points after differentiation induction toward adipogenic or osteogenic lineages. Our results show that the mechanical properties of cells (stiffness and viscosity) and the organization of the actin cytoskeleton are highly correlated with lineage commitment. Most importantly, we also found that the mechanical properties and the topography of the gelatin substrate in the vicinity of the cells are also altered as differentiation progresses toward the osteogenic lineage, but not on the adipogenic case. Together, these results confirm the biophysical changes associated with stem cell differentiation and suggest a mechanical interplay between the differentiating stem cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxu Meng
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tina T Chowdhury
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Núria Gavara
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Medical School, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Venkatachalapathy S, Jokhun DS, Shivashankar GV. Multivariate analysis reveals activation-primed fibroblast geometric states in engineered 3D tumor microenvironments. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:803-812. [PMID: 32023167 PMCID: PMC7185960 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e19-08-0420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are a heterogeneous group of cells comprising subpopulations that have been found to be activated in the stromal microenvironment that regulates tumor initiation and growth. The underlying mechanisms of such selective activation of fibroblasts are not understood. We propose that the intrinsic geometric heterogeneity of fibroblasts modulates the nuclear mechanotransduction of signals from the microenvironment, resulting in their selective activation. To test this, we developed an engineered 3D fibroblast tumor coculture system and used high resolution images to quantify multiple cell geometry sensitive nuclear morphological and chromatin organizational features. These features were then mapped to activation levels as measured by the nuclear abundance of transcription cofactor, megakaryoblastic leukemia, and protein levels of its target, αSMA. Importantly, our results indicate the presence of activation-“primed” cell geometries that present higher activation levels, which are further enhanced in the presence of stimuli from cancer cells. Further, we show that by enriching the population of activation-primed cell geometric states by either increasing matrix rigidity or micropatterning primed cell shapes, fibroblast activation levels can be increased. Collectively, our results reveal important cellular geometric states that select for fibroblast activation within the heterogenous tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saradha Venkatachalapathy
- Mechanobiology Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Doorgesh Sharma Jokhun
- Mechanobiology Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - G V Shivashankar
- Mechanobiology Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore.,FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology, Milan 20139, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Meyer KC, Labriola NR, Darling EM, Kaehr B. Shape-Preserved Transformation of Biological Cells into Synthetic Hydrogel Microparticles. ADVANCED BIOSYSTEMS 2019; 3:e1800285. [PMID: 32627427 PMCID: PMC7747388 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201800285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of materials that can mimic the mechanical, and ultimately functional, properties of biological cells can broadly impact the development of biomimetic materials, as well as engineered tissues and therapeutics. Yet, it is challenging to synthesize, for example, microparticles that share both the anisotropic shapes and the elastic properties of living cells. Here, a cell-directed route to replicate cellular structures into synthetic hydrogels such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) is described. First, the internal and external surfaces of chemically fixed cells are replicated in a conformal layer of silica using a sol-gel process. The template is subsequently removed to render shape-preserved, mesoporous silica replicas. Infiltration and cross-linking of PEG precursors and dissolution of the silica result in a soft hydrogel replica of the cellular template as demonstrated using erythrocytes, HeLa, and neuronal cultured cells. The elastic modulus can be tuned over an order of magnitude (≈10-100 kPa) though with a high degree of variability. Furthermore, synthesis without removing the biotemplate results in stimuli-responsive particles that swell/deswell in response to environmental cues. Overall, this work provides a foundation to develop soft particles with nearly limitless architectural complexity derived from dynamic biological templates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin C Meyer
- Advanced Materials Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, 87108, USA
| | - Nicholas R Labriola
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Eric M Darling
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Bryan Kaehr
- Advanced Materials Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, 87108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Parsons AM, Ciombor DM, Liu PY, Darling EM. Regenerative Potential and Inflammation-Induced Secretion Profile of Human Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Cells Are Influenced by Donor Variability and Prior Breast Cancer Diagnosis. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2018; 14:546-557. [PMID: 29663271 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-018-9813-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Adipose tissue contains a heterogeneous population of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells that work synergistically with resident cell types to enhance tissue healing. Ease of access and processing paired with therapeutic promise make SVF cells an attractive option for autologous applications in regenerative medicine. However, inherent variability in SVF cell therapeutic potential from one patient to another hinders prognosis determination for any one person. This study investigated the regenerative properties and inflammation responses of thirteen, medically diverse human donors. Using non-expanded primary lipoaspirate samples, SVF cells were assessed for robustness of several parameters integral to tissue regeneration, including yield, viability, self-renewal capacity, proliferation, differentiation potential, and immunomodulatory cytokine secretion. Each parameter was selected either for its role in regenerative potential, defined here as the ability to heal tissues through stem cell repopulation and subsequent multipotent differentiation, or for its potential role in wound healing through trophic immunomodulatory activity. These data were then analyzed for consistent and predictable patterns between and across measurements, while also investigating the influence of the donors' relevant medical histories, particularly if the donor was in remission following breast cancer treatment. Analyses identified positive correlations among the expression of three cytokines: interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1. The expression of these cytokines also positively related to self-renewal capacity. These results are potentially relevant for establishing expectations in both preclinical experiments and targeted clinical treatment strategies that use stem cells from patients with diverse medical histories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne M Parsons
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, 175 Meeting Street, Box G-B397, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Deborah M Ciombor
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Paul Y Liu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Eric M Darling
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, 175 Meeting Street, Box G-B397, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
González-Cruz RD, Dahl KN, Darling EM. The Emerging Role of Lamin C as an Important LMNA Isoform in Mechanophenotype. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:151. [PMID: 30450357 PMCID: PMC6224339 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lamin A and lamin C isoforms of the gene LMNA are major structural and mechanotransductive components of the nuclear lamina. Previous reports have proposed lamin A as the isoform with the most dominant contributions to cellular mechanophenotype. Recently, expression of lamin C has also been shown to strongly correlate to cellular elastic and viscoelastic properties. Nevertheless, LMNA isoforms exist as part of a network that collectively provides structural integrity to the nucleus and their expression is ultimately regulated in a cell-specific manner. Thus, they have importance in mechanotransduction and structural integrity of the nucleus as well as potential candidates for biomarkers of whole-cell mechanophenotype. Therefore, a fuller discussion of lamin isoforms as mechanophenotypic biomarkers should compare both individual and ratiometric isoform contributions toward whole-cell mechanophenotype across different cell types. In this perspective, we discuss the distinctions between the mechanophenotypic correlations of individual and ratiometric lamins A:B1, C:B1, (A + C):B1, and C:A across cells from different lineages, demonstrating that the collective contribution of ratiometric lamin (A + C):B1 isoforms exhibited the strongest correlation to whole-cell stiffness. Additionally, we highlight the potential roles of lamin isoform ratios as indicators of mechanophenotypic change in differentiation and disease to demonstrate that the contributions of individual and collective lamin isoforms can occur as both static and dynamic biomarkers of mechanophenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kris N Dahl
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Eric M Darling
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Towards Three-Dimensional Dynamic Regulation and In Situ Characterization of Single Stem Cell Phenotype Using Microfluidics. Mol Biotechnol 2018; 60:843-861. [DOI: 10.1007/s12033-018-0113-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
12
|
Labriola NR, Sadick JS, Morgan JR, Mathiowitz E, Darling EM. Cell Mimicking Microparticles Influence the Organization, Growth, and Mechanophenotype of Stem Cell Spheroids. Ann Biomed Eng 2018; 46:1146-1159. [PMID: 29671154 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-018-2028-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Substrate stiffness is known to alter cell behavior and drive stem cell differentiation, though most research in this area has been restricted to traditional, two-dimensional culture systems rather than more physiologically relevant, three-dimensional (3D) platforms. In this study, we utilized polymer-based, cell mimicking microparticles (CMMPs) to deliver distinct, stable mechanical cues to human adipose derived stem cells in 3D spheroid culture to examine changes in adipogenic differentiation response and mechanophenotype. After 21 days of adipogenic induction, spheroids containing CMMPs (composite spheroids) stiffened in accordance with CMMP elasticity such that spheroids containing the stiffest, ~ 10 kPa, CMMPs were over 27% stiffer than those incorporating the most compliant, ~ 0.25 kPa CMMPs. Adipogenically induced, cell-only spheroids were over 180% larger and 50% more compliant than matched controls. Interestingly, composite spheroids cultured without chemical induction factors dissociated when presented with CMMPs stiffer than ~ 1 kPa, while adipogenic induction factors mitigated this behavior. Gene expression for PPARG and FABP4 were upregulated more than 45-fold in adipogenically induced samples compared to controls but were unaffected by CMMP elasticity, attributed to insufficient cell-CMMP contacts throughout the composite spheroid. In summary, mechanically tuned CMMPs influenced whole-spheroid mechanophenotype and stability but minimally affected differentiation response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Labriola
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, 175 Meeting Street, Box G-B397, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Jessica S Sadick
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Morgan
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, 175 Meeting Street, Box G-B397, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Edith Mathiowitz
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, 175 Meeting Street, Box G-B397, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Eric M Darling
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, 175 Meeting Street, Box G-B397, Providence, RI, 02912, USA. .,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. .,School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. .,Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Harroun SG, Prévost-Tremblay C, Lauzon D, Desrosiers A, Wang X, Pedro L, Vallée-Bélisle A. Programmable DNA switches and their applications. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:4607-4641. [PMID: 29465723 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr07348h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
DNA switches are ideally suited for numerous nanotechnological applications, and increasing efforts are being directed toward their engineering. In this review, we discuss how to engineer these switches starting from the selection of a specific DNA-based recognition element, to its adaptation and optimisation into a switch, with applications ranging from sensing to drug delivery, smart materials, molecular transporters, logic gates and others. We provide many examples showcasing their high programmability and recent advances towards their real life applications. We conclude with a short perspective on this exciting emerging field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott G Harroun
- Laboratory of Biosensors & Nanomachines, Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bongiorno T, Gura J, Talwar P, Chambers D, Young KM, Arafat D, Wang G, Jackson-Holmes EL, Qiu P, McDevitt TC, Sulchek T. Biophysical subsets of embryonic stem cells display distinct phenotypic and morphological signatures. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29518080 PMCID: PMC5843178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly proliferative and pluripotent characteristics of embryonic stem cells engender great promise for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, but the rapid identification and isolation of target cell phenotypes remains challenging. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to characterize cell mechanics as a function of differentiation and to employ differences in cell stiffness to select population subsets with distinct mechanical, morphological, and biological properties. Biomechanical analysis with atomic force microscopy revealed that embryonic stem cells stiffened within one day of differentiation induced by leukemia inhibitory factor removal, with a lagging but pronounced change from spherical to spindle-shaped cell morphology. A microfluidic device was then employed to sort a differentially labeled mixture of pluripotent and differentiating cells based on stiffness, resulting in pluripotent cell enrichment in the soft device outlet. Furthermore, sorting an unlabeled population of partially differentiated cells produced a subset of “soft” cells that was enriched for the pluripotent phenotype, as assessed by post-sort characterization of cell mechanics, morphology, and gene expression. The results of this study indicate that intrinsic cell mechanical properties might serve as a basis for efficient, high-throughput, and label-free isolation of pluripotent stem cells, which will facilitate a greater biological understanding of pluripotency and advance the potential of pluripotent stem cell differentiated progeny as cell sources for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Bongiorno
- The G. W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Jeremy Gura
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Priyanka Talwar
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Dwight Chambers
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Katherine M. Young
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Dalia Arafat
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Gonghao Wang
- The G. W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Emily L. Jackson-Holmes
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Peng Qiu
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Todd C. McDevitt
- Gladstone Institute for Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Todd Sulchek
- The G. W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
González-Cruz RD, Sadick JS, Fonseca VC, Darling EM. Nuclear Lamin Protein C Is Linked to Lineage-Specific, Whole-Cell Mechanical Properties. Cell Mol Bioeng 2018; 11:131-142. [PMID: 29755599 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-018-0518-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lamin proteins confer nuclear integrity and relay external mechanical cues that drive changes in gene expression. However, the influence these lamins have on whole-cell mechanical properties is unknown. We hypothesized that protein expression of lamins A, B1, and C would depend on the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton and correlate with cellular elasticity and viscoelasticity. METHODS To test these hypotheses, we examined the protein expression of lamins A, B1, and C across five different cell lines with varied mechanical properties. Additionally, we treated representative "soft/stiff" cell types with cytochalasin D and LMNA siRNA to determine the effect of a more compliant whole-cell phenotype on lamin A, B1 and C protein expression. RESULTS A positive, linear correlation existed between lamin C protein expression and average cell moduli/apparent viscosity. Though moderate correlations existed between lamin A/B1 protein expression and whole-cell mechanical properties, they were statistically insignificant. Inhibition of actin polymerization, via cytochalasin D treatment, resulted in reduced cell elasticity, viscoelasticity, and lamin A and C protein expression in "stiff" MG-63 cells. In "soft" HEK-293T cells, this treatment reduced cell elasticity and viscoelasticity but did not affect lamin B1 or C protein expression. Additionally, LMNA siRNA treatment of MG-63 cells decreased whole-cell elasticity and viscoelasticity. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that lamin C protein expression is strongly associated with whole-cell mechanical properties and could potentially serve as a biomarker for mechanophenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael D González-Cruz
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI USA.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Jessica S Sadick
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Vera C Fonseca
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Eric M Darling
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI USA.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University, Providence, RI USA.,School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dempsey ME, Marble HD, Shen TL, Fawzi NL, Darling EM. Synthesis and Characterization of a Magnetically Active 19F Molecular Beacon. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:335-342. [PMID: 29272914 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.7b00671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression is used extensively to describe cellular characteristics and behaviors; however, most methods of assessing gene expression are unsuitable for living samples, requiring destructive processes such as fixation or lysis. Recently, molecular beacons have become a viable tool for live-cell imaging of mRNA molecules in situ. Historically, beacon-mediated imaging has been limited to fluorescence-based approaches. We propose the design and synthesis of a novel molecular beacon for magnetic resonance detection of any desired target nucleotide sequence. The biologically compatible synthesis incorporates commonly used bioconjugation reactions in aqueous conditions and is accessible for laboratories without extensive synthesis capabilities. The resulting beacon uses fluorine (19F) as a reporter, which is broadened, or turned "off", via paramagnetic relaxation enhancement from a stabilized nitroxide radical spin label when the beacon is not bound to its nucleic acid target. Therefore, the 19F NMR signal of the beacon is quenched in its hairpin conformation when the spin label and the 19F substituent are held in proximity, but the signal is recovered upon beacon hybridization to its specific complementary nucleotide sequence by physical separation of the radical from the 19F reporter. This study establishes a path for magnetic resonance-based assessment of specific mRNA expression, providing new possibilities for applying molecular beacon technology in living systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Dempsey
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, ‡Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, §Department of Chemistry, ∥School of Engineering, and ⊥Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Hetal D Marble
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, ‡Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, §Department of Chemistry, ∥School of Engineering, and ⊥Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Tun-Li Shen
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, ‡Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, §Department of Chemistry, ∥School of Engineering, and ⊥Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Nicolas L Fawzi
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, ‡Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, §Department of Chemistry, ∥School of Engineering, and ⊥Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Eric M Darling
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, ‡Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, §Department of Chemistry, ∥School of Engineering, and ⊥Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Neuroprotective Potential of Gentongping in Rat Model of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy Targeting PPAR- γ Pathway. J Immunol Res 2017; 2017:9152960. [PMID: 29230425 PMCID: PMC5694586 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9152960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is the most general form of spinal degenerative disease and is characterized by pain and numbness of the neck and arm. Gentongping (GTP) granule, as a classical Chinese patent medicine, has been widely used in curing CSR, whereas the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the pharmacological mechanisms of GTP on CSR. The rat model of CSR was induced by spinal cord injury (SCI). Our results showed that GTP could significantly alleviate spontaneous pain as well as ameliorate gait. The HE staining and Western blot results showed that GTP could increase the quantity of motoneuron and enhance the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) in the spinal cord tissues. Meanwhile, immunofluorescence staining analysis indicated that GTP could reduce the expression of TNF-α in the spinal cord tissues. Furthermore, the protein level of Bax was decreased whereas the protein levels of Bcl-2 and NF200 were increased after the GTP treatment. These findings demonstrated that GTP might modulate the PPAR-γ pathway by inhibiting the inflammatory response and apoptosis as well as by protecting the cytoskeletal integrity of the spinal cord, ultimately play a neuroprotective role in CSR.
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent that kills cancer cells by binding dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) as a competitive inhibitor. Due to its non-selectivity, MTX also impairs normal (non-cancerous) cell function and causes long-term damage to healthy tissue. These consequences have been investigated extensively in bone-derived cells due to their sensitivity to the drug. While DHFR likely plays a role in normal cell response to MTX, research in this area is limited. Moreover, how MTX sensitivity differs among cell types responsible for maintaining connective tissues is unknown. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of DHFR and subsequent nucleotide synthesis in normal cell response to MTX. We also sought to compare adverse effects of MTX among normal cell types to identify sensitive populations and resistant cell sources for regenerative procedures targeting patients undergoing chemotherapy. DHFR overexpression or exogenous amino acid + nucleoside delivery rescued normal cells from adverse MTX effects. Conversely, DHFR knockdown impaired MTX-treated adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) osteogenesis. Proliferation of ASCs and bone marrow stem cells was more resistant to MTX than that of terminally differentiated osteoblasts. However, stem cells became susceptible to the drug after beginning differentiation. These results suggest that the ability of stem cells to survive and to maintain their surrounding tissues likely depends on whether they are in a "stem" state when exposed to MTX. Therapeutic strategies that delay the differentiation of stem cells until clearance of the drug may produce more favorable outcomes in the long-term health of treated tissues.
Collapse
|
19
|
Shah MK, Garcia-Pak IH, Darling EM. Influence of Inherent Mechanophenotype on Competitive Cellular Adherence. Ann Biomed Eng 2017; 45:2036-2047. [PMID: 28447179 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-017-1841-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the role of mechanophenotype in competitive adherence of cells to other cells versus underlying substrates can inform such processes as tissue development, cancer progression, and wound healing. This study investigated how mechanophenotype, defined by whole-cell, elastic/viscoelastic properties for the perinuclear region, and cellular assembly are intertwined through the mechanosensing process. Atomic force microscopy was used to characterize the temporal elastic/viscoelastic properties of individual and assembled fibroblasts grown on substrates with elastic moduli above, below, or similar to whole-cell mechanophenotypes measured for three, genetically modified cell lines. All cells were at their most compliant immediately after plating but transitioned to distinct, stiffer mechanophenotypes by Day 1 after acclimation. This mechanical state, and cellular assembly/morphology, did not change significantly over the following three days of testing, regardless of substrate compliance or cellular organization (multi-cell nodules/plaques or single cells). Interestingly, cells formed 3D nodules when attached to substrates with elastic moduli less than their own but spread readily on substrates with moduli equal to or greater than their own, suggesting a preference to adhere to the stiffest surface sensed (substrate or cell). This suggests that inherent mechanophenotype plays a role as a competing surface during microenvironment mechanosensing and subsequent cell-cell-substrate organization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manisha K Shah
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, 175 Meeting Street, Box G-B397, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Iris H Garcia-Pak
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, 175 Meeting Street, Box G-B397, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Eric M Darling
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, 175 Meeting Street, Box G-B397, Providence, RI, USA. .,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. .,Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. .,School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Labriola NR, Mathiowitz E, Darling EM. Fabricating polyacrylamide microbeads by inverse emulsification to mimic the size and elasticity of living cells. Biomater Sci 2016; 5:41-45. [PMID: 27935612 PMCID: PMC5201106 DOI: 10.1039/c6bm00692b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Inverse emulsification was used to fabricate polyacrylamide (PAAm) microbeads with size and elastic properties similar to typical, mammalian cells. These biomimicking microbeads could be fluorescently stained and functionalized with a collagen type-I coating, post-polymerization, for tracking bead locations and promoting cell recognition/binding, respectively. By occupying a previously unfilled range of sizes and mechanical properties, these microbeads may find unique use in both biomedical and materials applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Labriola
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Edith Mathiowitz
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Eric M Darling
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA and School of Engineering and Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Traditionally, cell analysis has focused on using molecular biomarkers for basic research, cell preparation, and clinical diagnostics; however, new microtechnologies are enabling evaluation of the mechanical properties of cells at throughputs that make them amenable to widespread use. We review the current understanding of how the mechanical characteristics of cells relate to underlying molecular and architectural changes, describe how these changes evolve with cell-state and disease processes, and propose promising biomedical applications that will be facilitated by the increased throughput of mechanical testing: from diagnosing cancer and monitoring immune states to preparing cells for regenerative medicine. We provide background about techniques that laid the groundwork for the quantitative understanding of cell mechanics and discuss current efforts to develop robust techniques for rapid analysis that aim to implement mechanophenotyping as a routine tool in biomedicine. Looking forward, we describe additional milestones that will facilitate broad adoption, as well as new directions not only in mechanically assessing cells but also in perturbing them to passively engineer cell state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Darling
- Center for Biomedical Engineering.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology.,Department of Orthopaedics, and.,School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912;
| | - Dino Di Carlo
- Department of Bioengineering.,California NanoSystems Institute, and.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095;
| |
Collapse
|