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Liu S, Han Y, Kong L, Wang G, Ye Z. Atomic force microscopy in disease-related studies: Exploring tissue and cell mechanics. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:660-684. [PMID: 38063315 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in human medicine, certain diseases remain challenging to promptly diagnose and treat. Hence, the imperative lies in the development of more exhaustive criteria and tools. Tissue and cellular mechanics exhibit distinctive traits in both normal and pathological states, suggesting that "force" represents a promising and distinctive target for disease diagnosis and treatment. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) holds great promise as a prospective clinical medical device due to its capability to concurrently assess surface morphology and mechanical characteristics of biological specimens within a physiological setting. This review presents a comprehensive examination of the operational principles of AFM and diverse mechanical models, focusing on its applications in investigating tissue and cellular mechanics associated with prevalent diseases. The findings from these studies lay a solid groundwork for potential clinical implementations of AFM. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: By examining the surface morphology and assessing tissue and cellular mechanics of biological specimens in a physiological setting, AFM shows promise as a clinical device to diagnose and treat challenging diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yibo Han
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingwen Kong
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Central Hospital of Chongqing University, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Guixue Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- JinFeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiyi Ye
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- JinFeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China
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2
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Brenner LM, Meyer F, Yang H, Köhler AR, Bashtrykov P, Guo M, Jeltsch A, Lungu C, Olayioye MA. Repeat DNA methylation is modulated by adherens junction signaling. Commun Biol 2024; 7:286. [PMID: 38454140 PMCID: PMC10920906 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05990-4] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Through its involvement in gene transcription and heterochromatin formation, DNA methylation regulates how cells interact with their environment. Nevertheless, the extracellular signaling cues that modulate the distribution of this central chromatin modification are largely unclear. DNA methylation is highly abundant at repetitive elements, but its investigation in live cells has been complicated by methodological challenges. Utilizing a CRISPR/dCas9 biosensor that reads DNA methylation of human α-satellite repeats in live cells, we here uncover a signaling pathway linking the chromatin and transcriptional state of repetitive elements to epithelial adherens junction integrity. Specifically, we find that in confluent breast epithelial cell monolayers, α-satellite repeat methylation is reduced by comparison to low density cultures. This is coupled with increased transcriptional activity at repeats. Through comprehensive perturbation experiments, we identify the junctional protein E-cadherin, which links to the actin cytoskeleton, as a central molecular player for signal relay into the nucleus. Furthermore, we find that this pathway is impaired in cancer cells that lack E-cadherin and are not contact-inhibited. This suggests that the molecular connection between cell density and repetitive element methylation could play a role in the maintenance of epithelial tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Brenner
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Florian Meyer
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Haiqian Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA
| | - Anja R Köhler
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Pavel Bashtrykov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Cristiana Lungu
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB), University of Stuttgart, Nobelstraße 15, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Monilola A Olayioye
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB), University of Stuttgart, Nobelstraße 15, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
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3
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Li J, Li X, Song S, Sun Z, Li Y, Yang L, Xie Z, Cai Y, Zhao Y. Mitochondria spatially and temporally modulate VSMC phenotypes via interacting with cytoskeleton in cardiovascular diseases. Redox Biol 2023; 64:102778. [PMID: 37321061 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis (AS) seriously endanger human health, which is closely related to vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypes. VSMC phenotypic transformation is marked by the alteration of phenotypic marker expression and cellular behaviour. Intriguingly, the mitochondrial metabolism and dynamics altered during VSMC phenotypic transformation. Firstly, this review combs VSMC mitochondrial metabolism in three aspects: mitochondrial ROS generation, mutated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and calcium metabolism respectively. Secondly, we summarized the role of mitochondrial dynamics in regulating VSMC phenotypes. We further emphasized the association between mitochondria and cytoskelton via presenting cytoskeletal support during mitochondrial dynamics process, and discussed its impact on their respective dynamics. Finally, considering that both mitochondria and cytoskeleton are mechano-sensitive organelles, we demonstrated their direct and indirect interaction under extracellular mechanical stimuli through several mechano-sensitive signaling pathways. We additionally discussed related researches in other cell types in order to inspire deeper thinking and reasonable speculation of potential regulatory mechanism in VSMC phenotypic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Li
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xinyue Li
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Sijie Song
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhengwen Sun
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuanzhu Li
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Long Yang
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhenhong Xie
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yikui Cai
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yinping Zhao
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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4
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Yang Y, Ge S, Song Z, Zhao A, Zhao L, Hu Z, Cai D, Zhang Z, Peng L, Lu D, Luo P, Zhang W, Sun H, Zou Q, Zeng H. A novel self-assembled epitope peptide nanoemulsion vaccine targeting nasal mucosal epithelial cell for reinvigorating CD8 + T cell immune activity and inhibiting tumor progression. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 183:1891-1902. [PMID: 34052270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.05.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Epitope peptides are not suitable for nasal administration immunity due to their poor immunogenicity and low delivery efficiency. Here, we reported an intranasal self-assembled nanovaccine (I-OVA NE), which was loaded with the peptides IKVAV-OVA257-264 (I-OVA), a laminin peptide (Ile-Lys-Val-ala-Val, IKVAV) and OVA257-264 epitope conjugated peptide. This nanovaccine with I-OVA at a concentration of 4 mg/mL showed the average particle size of 30.37 ± 2.49 nm, zeta potential of -16.67 ± 1.76 mV, and encapsulation rate of 84.07 ± 7.59%. Moreover, the mucin did not alter its stability (size, PdI and zeta potential). And it also had no obvious acute pathological changes neither in the nasal mucosa nor lung tissues after nasal administration. Meanwhile, the antigen uptake of I-OVA NE was promoted, and the nasal residence time was also prolonged in vivo. Besides, the uptake rate of this nanovaccine was obviously higher than that of free I-OVA (P < 0.001) after blocking by the integrin antibody, suggesting that the binding of IKVAV to integrin is involved in the epitope peptide uptake. Importantly, this nanovaccine enhanced peptide-specific CD8+T cells exhibiting OVA257-264-specific CTL activity and Th1 immune response, leading to the induction of the protective immunity in E.G7-OVA tumor-bearing mice. Overall, these data indicate that I-OVA NE can be an applicable strategy of tumor vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shuang Ge
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhen Song
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Anni Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Liqun Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhiming Hu
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Dingyi Cai
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zelong Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Liusheng Peng
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Dongshui Lu
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ping Luo
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Weijun Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Hongwu Sun
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Quanming Zou
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Hao Zeng
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
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Liang W, Shi H, Yang X, Wang J, Yang W, Zhang H, Liu L. Recent advances in AFM-based biological characterization and applications at multiple levels. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:8962-8984. [PMID: 32996549 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01106a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has found a wide range of bio-applications in the past few decades due to its ability to measure biological samples in natural environments at a high spatial resolution. AFM has become a key platform in biomedical, bioengineering and drug research fields, enabling mechanical and morphological characterization of live biological systems. Hence, we provide a comprehensive review on recent advances in the use of AFM for characterizing the biomechanical properties of multi-scale biological samples, ranging from molecule, cell to tissue levels. First, we present the fundamental principles of AFM and two AFM-based models for the characterization of biomechanical properties of biological samples, covering key AFM devices and AFM bioimaging as well as theoretical models for characterizing the elasticity and viscosity of biomaterials. Then, we elaborate on a series of new experimental findings through analysis of biomechanics. Finally, we discuss the future directions and challenges. It is envisioned that the AFM technique will enable many remarkable discoveries, and will have far-reaching impacts on bio-related studies and applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Liang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang, 110168, China.
| | - Haohao Shi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang, 110168, China.
| | - Xieliu Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang, 110168, China.
| | - Junhai Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang, 110168, China.
| | - Wenguang Yang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Hemin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Lianqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China.
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6
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Sun Y, Xu Z, Wang M, Lv S, Wu H, Chi G, Li L, Li Y. Soft Matrix Combined With BMPR Inhibition Regulates Neurogenic Differentiation of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:791. [PMID: 32760710 PMCID: PMC7372119 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells constantly encounter as well as respond to a variety of signals in their microenvironment. Although the role of biochemical factors has always been emphasized, the significance of biophysical signals has not been studied until recently. Additionally, biophysical elements, like extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness, can regulate functions of stem cells. In this study, we demonstrated that soft matrix with 1-10 kPa can induce neural differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs). Importantly, we used a combination of soft matrix and bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR) inhibition to promote neurogenic differentiation of hUC-MSCs. Furthermore, BMPR/SMADs occurs in crosstalk with the integrinβ1 downstream signaling pathway. In addition, BMPR inhibition plays a positive role in maintaining the undifferentiated state of hUC-MSCs on the hydrogel substrate. The results provide further evidence for the molecular mechanisms via which stem cells convert mechanical inputs into fateful decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Stomatology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ziran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meijing Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuang Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Haitao Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guangfan Chi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lisha Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yulin Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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7
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Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) shift from a physiological contractile phenotype to an adverse proliferative or synthetic state, which is a major event leading to aortic disease. VSMCs are exposed to multiple mechanical signals from their microenvironment including vascular extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and stretch which regulate VSMC contraction. How ECM stiffness regulates the function and phenotype of VSMCs is not well understood. In this study, we introduce in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate the impact of ECM stiffnesses on VSMC function. Through unbiased transcriptome sequencing analysis, we detected upregulation of synthetic phenotype-related genes including osteopontin, matrix metalloproteinases, and inflammatory cytokines in VSMCs cultured using soft matrix hydrogels in vitro, suggesting VSMC dedifferentiation toward a synthetic phenotype upon ECM softening. For the in vivo model, the lysyl oxidase inhibitor β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate (BAPN) was administrated to disrupt the cross-linking of collagen to induce ECM softening. Consistently, decreased ECM stiffnesses promoted VSMC phenotypic switching to a synthetic phenotype as evidenced by upregulation of synthetic phenotype-related genes in the aortas of mice following BAPN treatment. Finally, BAPN-treated mice showed severe expansion and developed aortic dissection. Our study reveals the pivotal role of ECM softening in regulating the VSMC phenotype switch and provides a potential target for treating VSMC dysfunction and aortic dissection disease.
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Spronck B, Humphrey JD. Arterial Stiffness: Different Metrics, Different Meanings. J Biomech Eng 2019; 141:091004. [PMID: 30985880 PMCID: PMC6808013 DOI: 10.1115/1.4043486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Findings from basic science and clinical studies agree that arterial stiffness is fundamental to both the mechanobiology and the biomechanics that dictate vascular health and disease. There is, therefore, an appropriately growing literature on arterial stiffness. Perusal of the literature reveals, however, that many different methods and metrics are used to quantify arterial stiffness, and reported values often differ by orders of magnitude and have different meanings. Without clear definitions and an understanding of possible inter-relations therein, it is increasingly difficult to integrate results from the literature to glean true understanding. In this paper, we briefly review methods that are used to infer values of arterial stiffness that span studies on isolated cells, excised intact vessels, and clinical assessments. We highlight similarities and differences and identify a single theoretical approach that can be used across scales and applications and thus could help to unify future results. We conclude by emphasizing the need to move toward a synthesis of many disparate reports, for only in this way will we be able to move from our current fragmented understanding to a true appreciation of how vascular cells maintain, remodel, or repair the arteries that are fundamental to cardiovascular properties and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Spronck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering,
Yale University,
New Haven, CT 06520
| | - J. D. Humphrey
- Fellow ASME
Department of Biomedical Engineering,
Yale University,
New Haven, CT 06520;
Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program,
Yale School of Medicine,
New Haven, CT 06520
e-mail:
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Zhu Y, Qu J, He L, Zhang F, Zhou Z, Yang S, Zhou Y. Calcium in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Elasticity and Adhesion: Novel Insights Into the Mechanism of Action. Front Physiol 2019; 10:852. [PMID: 31440163 PMCID: PMC6693425 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the predominant cell type in the arterial wall. These cells play a critical role in maintaining vascular homeostasis including vasoconstriction and vasodilatation through active contraction and relaxation. Dysregulation of VSMC function alters the response of blood vessels to mechanical stress, contributing to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis and hypertension. The stiffness of VSMCs is a major regulator of vascular function. Previous studies suggest that intracellular Ca2+ controls the stiffness of VSMCs by a mechanism involving myosin contractile apparatus. More recent studies highlight important functions of cytoskeletal α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), α5β1 integrin, and integrin-mediated cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions in Ca2+-dependent regulation of VSMC stiffness and adhesion to the ECM, providing novel insights into the mechanism of calcium action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Jing Qu
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li He
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Feng Zhang
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zijing Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shanzhong Yang
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Yong Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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