1
|
Pucha SA, Hasson M, Solomon H, McColgan GE, Robinson JL, Vega SL, Patel JM. Revealing Early Spatial Patterns of Cellular Responsivity in Fiber-Reinforced Microenvironments. Tissue Eng Part A 2024. [PMID: 38517095 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2024.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Fiber-reinforcement approaches have been used to replace aligned tissues with engineered constructs after injury or surgical resection, strengthening soft biomaterial scaffolds and replicating anisotropic, load-bearing properties. However, most studies focus on the macroscale aspects of these scaffolds, rarely considering the cell-biomaterial interactions that govern remodeling and extracellular matrix organization toward aligned neo-tissues. As initial cell-biomaterial responses within fiber-reinforced microenvironments likely influence the long-term efficacy of repair and regeneration strategies, here we elucidate the roles of spatial orientation, substrate stiffness, and matrix remodeling on early cell-fiber interactions. Bovine mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were cultured in soft fibrin gels reinforced with a stiff 100 µm polyglycolide-co-caprolactone fiber. Gel stiffness and remodeling capacity were modulated by fibrinogen concentration and aprotinin treatment, respectively. MSCs were imaged at 3 days and evaluated for morphology, mechanoresponsiveness (nuclear Yes-associated protein [YAP] localization), and spatial features including distance and angle deviation from fiber. Within these constructs, morphological conformity decreased as a function of distance from fiber. However, these correlations were weak (R2 = 0.01043 for conformity and R2 = 0.05542 for nuclear YAP localization), illustrating cellular heterogeneity within fiber-enforced microenvironments. To better assess cell-fiber interactions, we applied machine-learning strategies to our heterogeneous dataset of cell-shape and mechanoresponsive parameters. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to project 23 input parameters (not including distance) onto 5 principal components (PCs), followed by agglomerative hierarchical clustering to classify cells into 3 groups. These clusters exhibited distinct levels of morpho-mechanoresponse (combination of morphological conformity and YAP signaling) and were classified as high response (HR), medium response (MR), and low response (LR) clusters. Cluster distribution varied spatially, with most cells (61%) closest to the fiber (0-75 µm) belonging to the HR cluster, and most cells (55%) furthest from the fiber (225-300 µm) belonging to the LR cluster. Modulation of gel stiffness and fibrin remodeling showed differential effects for HR cells, with stiffness influencing the level of mechanoresponse and remodeling capacity influencing the location of responding cells. Together, these novel findings demonstrate early trends in cellular patterning of the fiber-reinforced microenvironment, showing how spatial orientation, substrate biophysical properties, and matrix remodeling may guide the amplitude and localization of cellular mechanoresponses. These trends may guide approaches to optimize the design of microscale scaffold architecture and substrate properties for enhancing organized tissue assembly at the macroscale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saitheja A Pucha
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Maddie Hasson
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Hanna Solomon
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Gail E McColgan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Jennifer L Robinson
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sebastián L Vega
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jay M Patel
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cheng P, Zhao X, Han M, Zhuang Y, Ning F, Hu Y, Lu W, Miao S, Zhao C, Jia L, Hao X, Sun M, Wang J, Chen F, Yang L, Jie Q. Periodic static compression of micro-strain pattern regulates endochondral bone formation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1356135. [PMID: 38600948 PMCID: PMC11004279 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1356135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Developmental engineering based on endochondral ossification has been proposed as a potential strategy for repairing of critical bone defects. Bone development is driven by growth plate-mediated endochondral ossification. Under physiological conditions, growth plate chondrocytes undergo compressive forces characterized by micro-mechanics, but the regulatory effect of micro-mechanical loading on endochondral bone formation has not been investigated. Methods: In this study, a periodic static compression (PSC) model characterized by micro-strain (with 0.5% strain) was designed to clarify the effects of biochemical/mechanical cues on endochondral bone formation. Hydrogel scaffolds loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were incubated in proliferation medium or chondrogenic medium, and PSC was performed continuously for 14 or 28 days. Subsequently, the scaffold pretreated for 28 days was implanted into rat femoral muscle pouches and femoral condylar defect sites. The chondrogenesis and bone defect repair were evaluated 4 or 10 weeks post-operation. Results: The results showed that PSC stimulation for 14 days significantly increased the number of COL II positive cells in proliferation medium. However, the chondrogenic efficiency of BMSCs was significantly improved in chondrogenic medium, with or without PSC application. The induced chondrocytes (ichondrocytes) spontaneously underwent hypertrophy and maturation, but long-term mechanical stimulation (loading for 28 days) significantly inhibited hypertrophy and mineralization in ichondrocytes. In the heterotopic ossification model, no chondrocytes were found and no significant difference in terms of mineral deposition in each group; However, 4 weeks after implantation into the femoral defect site, all scaffolds that were subjected to biochemical/mechanical cues, either solely or synergistically, showed typical chondrocytes and endochondral bone formation. In addition, simultaneous biochemical induction/mechanical loading significantly accelerated the bone regeneration. Discussion: Our findings suggest that microstrain mechanics, biochemical cues, and in vivo microenvironment synergistically regulate the differentiation fate of BMSCs. Meanwhile, this study shows the potential of micro-strain mechanics in the treatment of critical bone defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengzhen Cheng
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Hospital, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Skeletal Developmental Deformity and Injury Repair, Xi’an, China
| | - Xueyi Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Meige Han
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Hospital, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yaping Zhuang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fenru Ning
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yaqian Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Weiguang Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Sheng Miao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Chengxiang Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Liyuan Jia
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xue Hao
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Hospital, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Skeletal Developmental Deformity and Injury Repair, Xi’an, China
| | - Meng Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Junxiang Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Hospital, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fulin Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Skeletal Developmental Deformity and Injury Repair, Xi’an, China
- Research Center for Skeletal Developmental Deformity and Injury Repair, School of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qiang Jie
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Hospital, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Skeletal Developmental Deformity and Injury Repair, Xi’an, China
- Research Center for Skeletal Developmental Deformity and Injury Repair, School of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jia Y, Le H, Wang X, Zhang J, Liu Y, Ding J, Zheng C, Chang F. Double-edged role of mechanical stimuli and underlying mechanisms in cartilage tissue engineering. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1271762. [PMID: 38053849 PMCID: PMC10694366 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1271762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical stimuli regulate the chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and the homeostasis of chondrocytes, thus affecting implant success in cartilage tissue engineering. The mechanical microenvironment plays fundamental roles in the maturation and maintenance of natural articular cartilage, and the progression of osteoarthritis Hence, cartilage tissue engineering attempts to mimic this environment in vivo to obtain implants that enable a superior regeneration process. However, the specific type of mechanical loading, its optimal regime, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still under investigation. First, this review delineates the composition and structure of articular cartilage, indicating that the morphology of chondrocytes and components of the extracellular matrix differ from each other to resist forces in three top-to-bottom overlapping zones. Moreover, results from research experiments and clinical trials focusing on the effect of compression, fluid shear stress, hydrostatic pressure, and osmotic pressure are presented and critically evaluated. As a key direction, the latest advances in mechanisms involved in the transduction of external mechanical signals into biological signals are discussed. These mechanical signals are sensed by receptors in the cell membrane, such as primary cilia, integrins, and ion channels, which next activate downstream pathways. Finally, biomaterials with various modifications to mimic the mechanical properties of natural cartilage and the self-designed bioreactors for experiment in vitro are outlined. An improved understanding of biomechanically driven cartilage tissue engineering and the underlying mechanisms is expected to lead to efficient articular cartilage repair for cartilage degeneration and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Jia
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
- The Second Bethune Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Hanxiang Le
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
- The Fourth Treatment Area of Trauma Hip Joint Surgery Department, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianggang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Liu
- The Second Bethune Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Jiacheng Ding
- The Second Bethune Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Changjun Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Fei Chang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vaca-González JJ, Culma JJS, Nova LMH, Garzón-Alvarado DA. Anatomy, molecular structures, and hyaluronic acid - Gelatin injectable hydrogels as a therapeutic alternative for hyaline cartilage recovery: A review. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2023. [PMID: 37178328 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Cartilage damage caused by trauma or osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that can increase the social and economic burden in society. Due to its avascular characteristics, the poor migration ability of chondrocytes, and a low number of progenitor cells, the self-healing ability of cartilage defects has been significantly limited. Hydrogels have been developed into one of the most suitable biomaterials for the regeneration of cartilage because of its characteristics such as high-water absorption, biodegradation, porosity, and biocompatibility similar to natural extracellular matrix. Therefore, the present review article presents a conceptual framework that summarizes the anatomical, molecular structure and biochemical properties of hyaline cartilage located in long bones: articular cartilage and growth plate. Moreover, the importance of preparation and application of hyaluronic acid - gelatin hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering are included. Hydrogels possess benefits of stimulating the production of Agc1, Col2α1-IIa, and SOX9, molecules important for the synthesis and composition of the extracellular matrix of cartilage. Accordingly, they are believed to be promising biomaterials of therapeutic alternatives to treat cartilage damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Jairo Vaca-González
- Escuela de Pregrado, Dirección Académica, Vicerrectoría de Sede, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede de La Paz, Cesar, Colombia
- Biomimetics Laboratory, Biotechnology Institute, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan José Saiz Culma
- Biomimetics Laboratory, Biotechnology Institute, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Diego Alexander Garzón-Alvarado
- Biomimetics Laboratory, Biotechnology Institute, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Numerical Methods and Modeling Research Group (GNUM), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Taheri S, Ghazali HS, Ghazali ZS, Bhattacharyya A, Noh I. Progress in biomechanical stimuli on the cell-encapsulated hydrogels for cartilage tissue regeneration. Biomater Res 2023; 27:22. [PMID: 36935512 PMCID: PMC10026525 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00358-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, many people suffer from knee injuries and articular cartilage damage every year, which causes pain and reduces productivity, life quality, and daily routines. Medication is currently primarily used to relieve symptoms and not to ameliorate cartilage degeneration. As the natural healing capacity of cartilage damage is limited due to a lack of vascularization, common surgical methods are used to repair cartilage tissue, but they cannot prevent massive damage followed by injury. MAIN BODY Functional tissue engineering has recently attracted attention for the repair of cartilage damage using a combination of cells, scaffolds (constructs), biochemical factors, and biomechanical stimuli. As cyclic biomechanical loading is the key factor in maintaining the chondrocyte phenotype, many studies have evaluated the effect of biomechanical stimulation on chondrogenesis. The characteristics of hydrogels, such as their mechanical properties, water content, and cell encapsulation, make them ideal for tissue-engineered scaffolds. Induced cell signaling (biochemical and biomechanical factors) and encapsulation of cells in hydrogels as a construct are discussed for biomechanical stimulation-based tissue regeneration, and several notable studies on the effect of biomechanical stimulation on encapsulated cells within hydrogels are discussed for cartilage regeneration. CONCLUSION Induction of biochemical and biomechanical signaling on the encapsulated cells in hydrogels are important factors for biomechanical stimulation-based cartilage regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Taheri
- Convergence Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanieh Sadat Ghazali
- Department of Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, 1684613114, Iran
| | - Zahra Sadat Ghazali
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, 158754413, Iran
| | - Amitava Bhattacharyya
- Convergence Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 01811, Republic of Korea
- Functional, Innovative, and Smart Textiles, PSG Institute of Advanced Studies, Coimbatore, 641004, India
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Insup Noh
- Convergence Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 01811, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 01811, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Loverdou N, Cuvelier M, Nilsson Hall G, Christiaens A, Decoene I, Bernaerts K, Smeets B, Ramon H, Luyten FP, Geris L, Papantoniou I. Stirred culture of cartilaginous microtissues promotes chondrogenic hypertrophy through exposure to intermittent shear stress. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 8:e10468. [DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Niki Loverdou
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
- Skeletal Biology & Engineering Research Centre, Department of Development & Regeneration KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
- Biomechanics Research Unit GIGA‐R In Silico Medicine, Université de Liege, Avenue de l'Hôpital 11—BAT 34 Liège 1 Belgium
- Biomechanics Section, KU Leuven Celestijnenlaan Leuven Belgium
| | - Maxim Cuvelier
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
- Biosystems Department MeBioS, KU Leuven Kasteelpark Arenberg Leuven Belgium
| | - Gabriella Nilsson Hall
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
- Skeletal Biology & Engineering Research Centre, Department of Development & Regeneration KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
| | - An‐Sofie Christiaens
- Department of Chemical Engineering KU Leuven Celestijnenlaan Leuven Belgium
- Leuven Chem&Tech Celestijnenlaan Leuven Belgium
| | - Isaak Decoene
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
- Skeletal Biology & Engineering Research Centre, Department of Development & Regeneration KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
| | - Kristel Bernaerts
- Department of Chemical Engineering KU Leuven Celestijnenlaan Leuven Belgium
- Leuven Chem&Tech Celestijnenlaan Leuven Belgium
| | - Bart Smeets
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
- Skeletal Biology & Engineering Research Centre, Department of Development & Regeneration KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
- Biosystems Department MeBioS, KU Leuven Kasteelpark Arenberg Leuven Belgium
| | - Herman Ramon
- Biosystems Department MeBioS, KU Leuven Kasteelpark Arenberg Leuven Belgium
| | - Frank P. Luyten
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
- Skeletal Biology & Engineering Research Centre, Department of Development & Regeneration KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
| | - Liesbet Geris
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
- Skeletal Biology & Engineering Research Centre, Department of Development & Regeneration KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
- Biomechanics Research Unit GIGA‐R In Silico Medicine, Université de Liege, Avenue de l'Hôpital 11—BAT 34 Liège 1 Belgium
- Biomechanics Section, KU Leuven Celestijnenlaan Leuven Belgium
| | - Ioannis Papantoniou
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
- Skeletal Biology & Engineering Research Centre, Department of Development & Regeneration KU Leuven Leuven Herestraat Belgium
- Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology‐Hellas (FORTH) Stadiou St, Platani Patras Greece
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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]
|
8
|
Volz M, Wyse-Sookoo KR, Travascio F, Huang CY, Best TM. MECHANOBIOLOGICAL APPROACHES FOR STIMULATING CHONDROGENESIS OF STEM CELLS. Stem Cells Dev 2022; 31:460-487. [PMID: 35615879 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2022.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondrogenesis is the process of differentiation of stem cells into mature chondrocytes. Such a process consists of chemical, functional, and structural changes which are initiated and mediated by the host environment of the cells. To date, the mechanobiology of chondrogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Hence, experimental activity is focused on recreating specific environmental conditions for stimulating chondrogenesis, and to look for a mechanistic interpretation of the mechanobiological response of cells in the cartilaginous tissues. There are a large number of studies on the topic that vary considerably in their experimental protocols used for providing environmental cues to cells for differentiation, making generalizable conclusions difficult to ascertain. The main objective of this contribution is to review the mechanobiological stimulation of stem cell chondrogenesis and methodological approaches utilized to date to promote chondrogenesis of stem cells in-vitro. In-vivo models will also be explored, but this area is currently limited. An overview of the experimental approaches used by different research groups may help the development of unified testing methods that could be used to overcome existing knowledge gaps, leading to an accelerated translation of experimental findings to clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mallory Volz
- University of Miami, 5452, Biomedical Engineering, Coral Gables, Florida, United States;
| | | | - Francesco Travascio
- University of Miami, 5452, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, 1251 Memorial Drive, MEB 217B, Coral Gables, Florida, United States, 33146;
| | - Chun-Yuh Huang
- University of Miami, 5452, Biomedical Engineering, Coral Gables, Florida, United States;
| | - Thomas M Best
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 12235, School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lückgen J, Raqué E, Reiner T, Diederichs S, Richter W. NFκB inhibition to lift the mechano-competence of mesenchymal stromal cell-derived neocartilage toward articular chondrocyte levels. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:168. [PMID: 35477424 PMCID: PMC9044876 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02843-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fully functional regeneration of skeletal defects by multipotent progenitor cells requires that differentiating cells gain the specific mechano-competence needed in the target tissue. Using cartilage neogenesis as an example, we asked whether proper phenotypic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) into chondrocytes in vitro will install the adequate biological mechano-competence of native articular chondrocytes (AC). Methods The mechano-competence of human MSC- and AC-derived neocartilage was compared during differentiation for up to 35 days. The neocartilage layer was subjected to physiologic dynamic loading in a custom-designed bioreactor and assayed for mechano-sensitive gene and pathway activation, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis by radiolabel incorporation, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Input from different pathways was tested by application of agonists or antagonists. Results MSC and AC formed neocartilage of similar proteoglycan content with a hardness close to native tissue. Mechano-stimulation on day 21 and 35 induced a similar upregulation of mechano-response genes, ERK phosphorylation, NO production and PGE2 release in both groups, indicating an overall similar transduction of external mechanical signals. However, while AC maintained or enhanced proteoglycan synthesis after loading dependent on tissue maturity, ECM synthesis was always significantly disturbed by loading in MSC-derived neocartilage. This was accompanied by significantly higher COX2 and BMP2 background expression, > 100-fold higher PGE2 production and a weaker SOX9 stimulation in response to loading in MSC-derived neocartilage. Anabolic BMP-pathway activity was not rate limiting for ECM synthesis after loading in both groups. However, NFκB activation mimicked the negative loading effects and enhanced PGE2 production while inhibition of catabolic NFκB signaling rescued the load-induced negative effects on ECM synthesis in MSC-derived neocartilage. Conclusions MSC-derived chondrocytes showed a higher vulnerability to be disturbed by loading despite proper differentiation and did not acquire an AC-like mechano-competence to cope with the mechanical stress of a physiologic loading protocol. Managing catabolic NFκB influences was one important adaptation to install a mechano-resistance closer to AC-derived neocartilage. This new knowledge asks for a more functional adaptation of MSC chondrogenesis, novel pharmacologic co-treatment strategies for MSC-based clinical cartilage repair strategies and may aid a more rational design of physical rehabilitation therapy after AC- versus MSC-based surgical cartilage intervention. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02843-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janine Lückgen
- Research Centre for Experimental Orthopaedics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Raqué
- Research Centre for Experimental Orthopaedics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Reiner
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Solvig Diederichs
- Research Centre for Experimental Orthopaedics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wiltrud Richter
- Research Centre for Experimental Orthopaedics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang N, Zhang X, Rothrauff BB, Fritch MR, Chang A, He Y, Yeung M, Liu S, Lipa KE, Lei G, Alexander PG, Lin H. Novel role of estrogen receptor-α on regulating chondrocyte phenotype and response to mechanical loading. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2022; 30:302-314. [PMID: 34767957 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In knee cartilage from patients with osteoarthritis (OA), both preserved cartilage and damaged cartilage are observed. In this study, we aim to compare preserved with damaged cartilage to identify the molecule(s) that may be responsible for the mechanical loading-induced differences within cartilage degradation. METHODS Preserved and damaged cartilage were harvested from the same OA knee joint. RNA Sequencing was performed to examine the transcriptomic differences between preserved and damaged cartilage cells. Estrogen receptor-α (ERα) was identified, and its function of was tested through gene knockin and knockout. The role of ERα in mediating chondrocyte response to mechanical loading was examined via compression of chondrocyte-laded hydrogel in a strain-controlled manner. Findings from the studies on human samples were verified in animal models. RESULTS Level of estrogen receptor α (ERα) was significantly reduced in damaged cartilage compared to preserved cartilage, which were observed in both human and mice samples. Knockdown of ESR1, the gene encoding ERα, resulted in an upregulation of senescence- and OA-relevant markers in chondrocytes. Conversely, knockin of ESR1 partially reversed the osteoarthritic and senescent phenotype of OA chondrocytes. Using a three-dimensional (3D) culture model, we demonstrated that mechanical overload significantly suppressed ERα level in chondrocytes with concomitant upregulation of osteoarthritic phenotype. When ESR1 expression was suppressed, mechanical loading enhanced hypertrophic and osteogenic transition. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates a new estrogen-independent role of ERα in mediating chondrocyte phenotype and its response to mechanical loading, and suggests that enhancing ERα level may represent a new method to treat osteoarthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Xiangya Third Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - X Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Xiangya Third Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - B B Rothrauff
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
| | - M R Fritch
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
| | - A Chang
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
| | - Y He
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Xiangya Third Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - M Yeung
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, 15219, USA.
| | - S Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
| | - K E Lipa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, 15219, USA.
| | - G Lei
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - P G Alexander
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
| | - H Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, 15219, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen Y, Sun Y, Xu Y, Lin WW, Luo Z, Han Z, Liu S, Qi B, Sun C, Go K, Kang XR, Chen J. Single-Cell Integration Analysis of Heterotopic Ossification and Fibrocartilage Developmental Lineage: Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Effector Xbp1 Transcriptionally Regulates the Notch Signaling Pathway to Mediate Fibrocartilage Differentiation. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:7663366. [PMID: 34737845 PMCID: PMC8563124 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7663366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Regeneration of fibrochondrocytes is essential for the healing of the tendon-bone interface (TBI), which is similar to the formation of neurogenic heterotopic ossification (HO). Through single-cell integrative analysis, this study explored the homogeneity of HO cells and fibrochondrocytes. METHODS This study integrated six datasets, namely, GSE94683, GSE144306, GSE168153, GSE138515, GSE102929, and GSE110993. The differentiation trajectory and key transcription factors (TFs) for HO occurrence were systematically analyzed by integrating single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, and assay of transposase accessible chromatin seq. The differential expression and enrichment pathways of TFs in heterotopically ossified tissues were identified. RESULTS HO that mimicked pathological cells was classified into HO1 and HO2 cell subsets. Results of the pseudo-temporal sequence analysis suggested that HO2 is a differentiated precursor cell of HO1. The analysis of integrated scRNA data revealed that ectopically ossified cells have similar transcriptional characteristics to cells in the fibrocartilaginous zone of tendons. The modified SCENIC method was used to identify specific transcriptional regulators associated with ectopic ossification. Xbp1 was defined as a common key transcriptional regulator of ectopically ossified tissues and the fibrocartilaginous zone of tendons. Subsequently, the CellPhoneDB database was completed for the cellular ligand-receptor analysis. With further pathway screening, this study is the first to propose that Xbp1 may upregulate the Notch signaling pathway through Jag1 transcription. Twenty-four microRNAs were screened and were found to be potentially associated with upregulation of XBP1 expression after acute ischemic stroke. CONCLUSION A systematic analysis of the differentiation landscape and cellular homogeneity facilitated a molecular understanding of the phenotypic similarities between cells in the fibrocartilaginous region of tendon and HO cells. Furthermore, by identifying Xbp1 as a hub regulator and by conducting a ligand-receptor analysis, we propose a potential Xbp1/Jag1/Notch signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yisheng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaying Sun
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuzhen Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, Shandong Province 271000, China
| | - Wei-Wei Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiwen Luo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihua Han
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Shaohua Liu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Beijie Qi
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyu Sun
- Internal Medicine, AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, 2900 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 60657 Illinois, USA
| | - Ken Go
- Department of Clinical Training Centre, St. Marianna Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - x.-R. Kang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Jiwu Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| |
Collapse
|