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Wang Q, Yan H, Zhang J, Tian B, Li W, Xiao J. Agarose-collagen composite microsphere implants: A biocompatible and robust approach for skin tissue regeneration. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:134510. [PMID: 39111473 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Photoaged skin, a consequence of UV radiation-induced collagen degradation, presents a significant challenge for skin rejuvenation. Synthetic polymer microspheres, while offering collagen regeneration potential, carry risks like granulomas. To overcome this, we developed a novel agarose-collagen composite microsphere implant for skin tissue regeneration. Fabricated using an emulsification-crosslinking method, these microspheres exhibited excellent uniformity and sphericity (with a diameter of ~38.5 μm), as well as attractive injectability. In vitro studies demonstrated their superior biocompatibility, promoting cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration. Further assessments revealed favorable biosafety and blood compatibility. In vivo experiments in photoaged mice showed that implantation of these microspheres effectively reduced wrinkles, increased skin density, and improved elasticity by stimulating fibroblast encapsulation and collagen regeneration. These findings highlight the potential of agarose-collagen microspheres in dermatological and tissue engineering applications, offering a safer alternative for skin rejuvenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Gansu Engineering Research Center of Medical Collagen, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
| | - Huiyu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Gansu Engineering Research Center of Medical Collagen, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
| | - Jingting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Gansu Engineering Research Center of Medical Collagen, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
| | - Bei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Gansu Engineering Research Center of Medical Collagen, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
| | - Wenhua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Gansu Engineering Research Center of Medical Collagen, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
| | - Jianxi Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Gansu Engineering Research Center of Medical Collagen, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China.
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2
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Wohlgemuth RP, Sriram S, Henricson KE, Dinh DT, Brashear SE, Smith LR. Strain-dependent dynamic re-alignment of collagen fibers in skeletal muscle extracellular matrix. Acta Biomater 2024:S1742-7061(24)00479-3. [PMID: 39209134 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Collagen fiber architecture within the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) is significant to passive muscle mechanics. While it is thought that collagen fibers re-orient themselves in response to changes in muscle length, this has not been dynamically visualized and quantified within a muscle. The goal of this study was to measure changes in collagen alignment across a range of muscle lengths and compare the corresponding alignment to muscle mechanics. We hypothesized that collagen fibers dynamically increase alignment in response to muscle stretching, and this change in alignment is related to passive muscle stiffness. Further, we hypothesized that digesting collagen fibers with collagenase would reduce the re-alignment response to muscle stretching. Using DBA/2J and D2.mdx mice, we isolated extensor digitorum longus (EDL), soleus, and diaphragm muscles for collagenase or sham treatment and decellularization to isolate intact or collagenase-digested decellularized muscles (DCMs). These DCMs were mechanically tested and imaged using second harmonic generation microscopy to measure collagen alignment across a range of strains. We found that collagen alignment increased in a strain-dependent fashion, but collagenase did not significantly affect the strain-dependent change in alignment. We also saw that the collagen fibers in the diaphragm epimysium (surface ECM) and perimysium (deep ECM) started at different angles, but still re-oriented in the same direction in response to stretching. These robust changes in collagen alignment were weakly related to passive DCM stiffness. Overall, we demonstrated that the architecture of muscle ECM is dynamic in response to strain and is related to passive muscle mechanics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Our study presents a unique visualization and quantification of strain-induced changes in muscle collagen fiber alignment as they relate to passive mechanics. Using dynamic imaging of collagen in skeletal muscle we demonstrate that as skeletal muscle is stretched, collagen fibers re-orient themselves along the axis of stretch and increase their alignment. The degree of alignment and the increase in alignment are each weakly related to passive muscle stiffness. Collagenase treatments further demonstrate that the basis for muscle Extracellular matrix stiffness is dependent on factors beyond collagen crosslinking and alignment. Together the study contributes to the knowledge of the structure-function relationships of muscle extracellular matrix to tissue stiffness relevant to conditions of fibrosis and aberrant stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross P Wohlgemuth
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California Davis, United States
| | - Sathvik Sriram
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California Davis, United States
| | - Kyle E Henricson
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California Davis, United States
| | - Daryl T Dinh
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California Davis, United States
| | - Sarah E Brashear
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California Davis, United States
| | - Lucas R Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California Davis, United States; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California Davis, United States.
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Debnath B, Narasimhan BN, Fraley SI, Rangamani P. Modeling collagen fibril degradation as a function of matrix microarchitecture. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.10.607470. [PMID: 39185199 PMCID: PMC11343160 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.10.607470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Collagenolytic degradation is a process fundamental to tissue remodeling. The microarchitecture of collagen fibril networks changes during development, aging, and disease. Such changes to microarchitecture are often accompanied by changes in matrix degradability. In vitro , collagen matrices of the same concentration but different microarchitectures also vary in degradation rate. How do different microarchitectures affect matrix degradation? To answer this question, we developed a computational model of collagen degradation. We first developed a lattice model that describes collagen degradation at the scale of a single fibril. We then extended this model to investigate the role of microarchitecture using Brownian dynamics simulation of enzymes in a multi-fibril three dimensional matrix to predict its degradability. Our simulations predict that the distribution of enzymes around the fibrils is non-uniform and depends on the microarchitecture of the matrix. This non-uniformity in enzyme distribution can lead to different extents of degradability for matrices of different microarchitectures. Our model predictions were tested using in vitro experiments with synthesized collagen gels of different microarchitectures. Experiments showed that indeed degradation of collagen depends on the matrix architecture and fibril thickness. In summary, our study shows that the microarchitecture of the collagen matrix is an important determinant of its degradability.
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Younesi FS, Miller AE, Barker TH, Rossi FMV, Hinz B. Fibroblast and myofibroblast activation in normal tissue repair and fibrosis. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:617-638. [PMID: 38589640 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The term 'fibroblast' often serves as a catch-all for a diverse array of mesenchymal cells, including perivascular cells, stromal progenitor cells and bona fide fibroblasts. Although phenotypically similar, these subpopulations are functionally distinct, maintaining tissue integrity and serving as local progenitor reservoirs. In response to tissue injury, these cells undergo a dynamic fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, marked by extracellular matrix secretion and contraction of actomyosin-based stress fibres. Importantly, whereas transient activation into myofibroblasts aids in tissue repair, persistent activation triggers pathological fibrosis. In this Review, we discuss the roles of mechanical cues, such as tissue stiffness and strain, alongside cell signalling pathways and extracellular matrix ligands in modulating myofibroblast activation and survival. We also highlight the role of epigenetic modifications and myofibroblast memory in physiological and pathological processes. Finally, we discuss potential strategies for therapeutically interfering with these factors and the associated signal transduction pathways to improve the outcome of dysregulated healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Sadat Younesi
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew E Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Thomas H Barker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Fabio M V Rossi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Wohlgemuth RP, Kulkarni VA, Villalba M, Davids JR, Smith LR. Collagen architecture and biomechanics of gracilis and adductor longus muscles from children with cerebral palsy. J Physiol 2024; 602:3489-3504. [PMID: 39008710 DOI: 10.1113/jp285988] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) describes some upper motoneuron disorders due to non-progressive disturbances occurring in the developing brain that cause progressive changes to muscle. While longer sarcomeres increase muscle stiffness in patients with CP compared to typically developing (TD) patients, changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture can increase stiffness. Our goal was to investigate how changes in muscle and ECM architecture impact muscle stiffness, gait and joint function in CP. Gracilis and adductor longus biopsies were collected from children with CP undergoing tendon lengthening surgery for hamstring and hip adduction contractures, respectively. Gracilis biopsies were collected from TD patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery with hamstring autograft. Muscle mechanical testing, two-photon imaging and hydroxyproline assay were performed on biopsies. Corresponding data were compared to radiographic hip displacement in CP adductors (CPA), gait kinematics in CP hamstrings (CPH), and joint range of motion in CPA and CPH. We found at matched sarcomere lengths muscle stiffness and collagen architecture were similar between TD and CP hamstrings. However, CPH stiffness (R2 = 0.1973), collagen content (R2 = 0.5099) and cross-linking (R2 = 0.3233) were correlated to decreased knee range of motion. Additionally, we observed collagen fibres within the muscle ECM increase alignment during muscular stretching. These data demonstrate that while ECM architecture is similar between TD and CP hamstrings, collagen fibres biomechanics are sensitive to muscle strain and may be altered at longer in vivo sarcomere lengths in CP muscle. Future studies could evaluate the impact of ECM architecture on TD and CP muscle stiffness across in vivo operating ranges. KEY POINTS: At matched sarcomere lengths, gracilis muscle mechanics and collagen architecture are similar in TD patients and patients with CP. In both TD and CP muscles, collagen fibres dynamically increase their alignment during muscle stretching. Aspects of muscle mechanics and collagen architecture are predictive of in vivo knee joint motion and radiographic hip displacement in patients with CP. Longer sarcomere lengths in CP muscle in vivo may alter collagen architecture and biomechanics to drive deficits in joint mobility and gait function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross P Wohlgemuth
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Vedant A Kulkarni
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shriners Children's Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Marie Villalba
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shriners Children's Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jon R Davids
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shriners Children's Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Lucas R Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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6
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Smit TH. On growth and scoliosis. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024; 33:2439-2450. [PMID: 38705903 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-024-08276-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the physiology of spinal growth in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS Narrative review of the literature with a focus on mechanisms of growth. RESULTS In his landmark publication On Growth and Form, D'Arcy Thompson wrote that the anatomy of an organism reflects the forces it is subjected to. This means that mechanical forces underlie the shape of tissues, organs and organisms, whether healthy or diseased. AIS is called idiopathic because the underlying cause of the deformation is unknown, although many factors are associated. Eventually, however, any deformity is due to mechanical forces. It has long been shown that the typical curvature and rotation of the scoliotic spine could result from vertebrae and intervertebral discs growing faster than the ligaments attached to them. This raises the question why in AIS the ligaments do not keep up with the speed of spinal growth. The spine of an AIS patient deviates from healthy spines in various ways. Growth is later but faster, resulting in higher vertebrae and intervertebral discs. Vertebral bone density is lower, which suggests less spinal compression. This also preserves the notochordal cells and the swelling pressure in the nucleus pulposus. Less spinal compression is due to limited muscular activity, and low muscle mass indeed underlies the lower body mass index (BMI) in AIS patients. Thus, AIS spines grow faster because there is less spinal compression that counteracts the force of growth (Hueter-Volkmann Law). Ligaments consist of collagen fibres that grow by tension, fibrillar sliding and the remodelling of cross-links. Growth and remodelling are enhanced by dynamic loading and by hormones like estrogen. However, they are opposed by static loading. CONCLUSION Increased spinal elongation and reduced ligamental growth result in differential strain and a vicious circle of scoliotic deformation. Recognising the physical and biological cues that contribute to differential growth allows earlier diagnosis of AIS and prevention in children at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoor H Smit
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Meibergdreef 9, Room K2-140, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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7
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Wang Y, Cortes E, Huang R, Wan J, Zhao J, Hinz B, Damoiseaux R, Pushkarsky I. FLECS technology for high-throughput screening of hypercontractile cellular phenotypes in fibrosis: A function-first approach to anti-fibrotic drug discovery. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024; 29:100138. [PMID: 38158044 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The pivotal role of myofibroblast contractility in the pathophysiology of fibrosis is widely recognized, yet HTS approaches are not available to quantify this critically important function in drug discovery. We developed, validated, and scaled-up a HTS platform that quantifies contractile function of primary human lung myofibroblasts upon treatment with pro-fibrotic TGF-β1. With the fully automated assay we screened a library of 40,000 novel small molecules in under 80 h of total assay run-time. We identified 42 hit compounds that inhibited the TGF-β1-induced contractile phenotype of myofibroblasts, and enriched for 19 that specifically target myofibroblasts but not phenotypically related smooth muscle cells. Selected hits were validated in an ex vivo lung tissue models for their inhibitory effects on fibrotic gene upregulation by TGF-β1. Our results demonstrate that integrating a functional contraction test into the drug screening process is key to identify compounds with targeted and diverse activity as potential anti-fibrotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Forcyte Biotechnologies, Inc, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
| | - Enrico Cortes
- Forcyte Biotechnologies, Inc, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Ricky Huang
- Forcyte Biotechnologies, Inc, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Jeremy Wan
- Forcyte Biotechnologies, Inc, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Junyi Zhao
- Forcyte Biotechnologies, Inc, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E2, Canada
| | - Robert Damoiseaux
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Ivan Pushkarsky
- Forcyte Biotechnologies, Inc, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
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8
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Satkunskiene D, Skarbalius A, Kniubaite A, Mickevicius M, Snieckus A, Rutkauskas S, Kamandulis S. Hamstring stiffness and injury risk factors during the handball season in female players. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2024; 49:190-198. [PMID: 37820386 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring the muscle mechanical properties and functions of female athletes throughout their training season is relevant to understand the relationships between these factors and to predict noncontact injuries, which are prevalent among female athletes. The first aim of this study was to determine whether female handball players' passive stiffness of the hamstring muscles is associated with hamstring extensibility, strength of knee flexors and extensors, and lower limb stiffness. Additionally, the study monitored fluctuations in these factors over 25 weeks. The study utilized an isokinetic dynamometer to record hamstring passive stiffness, extensibility, and hamstring and quadriceps strength of 18 young handball players. Lower limb stiffness was determined from a countermovement vertical jump conducted on a force plate. The countermovement jump involved the calculation of the peak force during the eccentric phase and the mean force during the concentric phase. The results showed a positive correlation between hamstring passive stiffness and lower limb stiffness (r = 0.660, p < 0.01), knee flexion and extension strength (r = 0.592, p < 0.01 and r = 0.497, p < 0.05, respectively), and eccentric peak force (r = 0.587, p < 0.01) during jumping. The strength of knee extensors increased significantly after 6 weeks, and hamstring stiffness after 12 weeks of training. In conclusion, the increased hamstring stiffness following training did not match other factors associated with injury risk. Therefore, preventing multifactorial injury risk requires a comprehensive approach, and monitoring one factor alone is insufficient to predict noncontact injuries in female handball players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danguole Satkunskiene
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Antanas Skarbalius
- Department of Coaching ScienceLithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Audinga Kniubaite
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Mantas Mickevicius
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Audrius Snieckus
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Saulius Rutkauskas
- Department of Radiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Sigitas Kamandulis
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
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9
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Barrett JM, Callaghan JP. Strain inhibition of bacterial collagenase is consistent with a collagen fibril uncrimping mechanism in rat tail tendons. J Biomech 2024; 162:111892. [PMID: 38061208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical strain inhibits bacterial collagenase from cleaving collagen. Additionally, the toe region of a soft tissue's force-elongation curve arises from sequentially engaging collagen fibrils as the tissue lengthens. Together, these phenomena suggest that mechanical strain may gradually inhibit collagenase activity through a soft tissue's toe region. Therefore, this investigation sought to test this hypothesis. 92 rat tail tendon fascicles from 3 female sentinel animals underwent preliminary stiffness tests, and their force-elongation curves were fit to a collagen distribution model. This distribution-based model calculated the force magnitude corresponding to p% of collagen fibril engagement. Specimens were separated into one of five levels of p, and that level of force was maintained for two hours while being exposed to 0.054 U/mL of bacterial collagenase from C. histolyticum. The specimens were strained to failure following the creep test, and the relative reduction in stiffness was quantified to estimate the fraction of digested fibrils. Every 10% additional collagen engagement corresponded to a 6.3% (97% highest density interval: 4.3 - 8.4%) retention of stiffness, which indicated collagenase inhibition. The results of this investigation were consistent with a strain-inhibition hypothesis along with the established uncrimping mechanism in the toe region. These results support an interaction between mechanical strain and collagenolysis, which may be valuable for disease prevention or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff M Barrett
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Canada.
| | - Jack P Callaghan
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Canada.
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10
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Zhang S, Grifno G, Passaro R, Regan K, Zheng S, Hadzipasic M, Banerji R, O'Connor L, Chu V, Kim SY, Yang J, Shi L, Karrobi K, Roblyer D, Grinstaff MW, Nia HT. Intravital measurements of solid stresses in tumours reveal length-scale and microenvironmentally dependent force transmission. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1473-1492. [PMID: 37640900 PMCID: PMC10836235 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
In cancer, solid stresses impede the delivery of therapeutics to tumours and the trafficking and tumour infiltration of immune cells. Understanding such consequences and the origin of solid stresses requires their probing in vivo at the cellular scale. Here we report a method for performing volumetric and longitudinal measurements of solid stresses in vivo, and findings from its applicability to tumours. We used multimodal intravital microscopy of fluorescently labelled polyacrylamide beads injected in breast tumours in mice as well as mathematical modelling to compare solid stresses at the single-cell and tissue scales, in primary and metastatic tumours, in vitro and in mice, and in live mice and post-mortem tissue. We found that solid-stress transmission is scale dependent, with tumour cells experiencing lower stresses than their embedding tissue, and that tumour cells in lung metastases experience substantially higher solid stresses than those in the primary tumours. The dependence of solid stresses on length scale and the microenvironment may inform the development of therapeutics that sensitize cancer cells to such mechanical forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gabrielle Grifno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Passaro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn Regan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Siyi Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Muhamed Hadzipasic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rohin Banerji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Logan O'Connor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vinson Chu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sung Yeon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiarui Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Linzheng Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kavon Karrobi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Darren Roblyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hadi T Nia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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11
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Wohlgemuth RP, Brashear SE, Smith LR. Alignment, cross linking, and beyond: a collagen architect's guide to the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C1017-C1030. [PMID: 37661921 PMCID: PMC10635663 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00287.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) forms a complex network of collagens, proteoglycans, and other proteins that produce a favorable environment for muscle regeneration, protect the sarcolemma from contraction-induced damage, and provide a pathway for the lateral transmission of contractile force. In each of these functions, the structure and organization of the muscle ECM play an important role. Many aspects of collagen architecture, including collagen alignment, cross linking, and packing density affect the regenerative capacity, passive mechanical properties, and contractile force transmission pathways of skeletal muscle. The balance between fortifying the muscle ECM and maintaining ECM turnover and compliance is highly dependent on the integrated organization, or architecture, of the muscle matrix, especially related to collagen. While muscle ECM remodeling patterns in response to exercise and disease are similar, in that collagen synthesis can increase in both cases, one outcome leads to a stronger muscle and the other leads to fibrosis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the architectural features of each layer of muscle ECM: epimysium, perimysium, and endomysium. Further, we detail the importance of muscle ECM architecture to biomechanical function in the context of exercise or fibrosis, including disease, injury, and aging. We describe how collagen architecture is linked to active and passive muscle biomechanics and which architectural features are acutely dynamic and adapt over time. Future studies should investigate the significance of collagen architecture in muscle stiffness, ECM turnover, and lateral force transmission in the context of health and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross P Wohlgemuth
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California, United States
| | - Sarah E Brashear
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California, United States
| | - Lucas R Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Davis, California, United States
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12
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Saini K, Cho S, Tewari M, Jalil AR, Wang M, Kasznel AJ, Yamamoto K, Chenoweth DM, Discher DE. Pan-tissue scaling of stiffness versus fibrillar collagen reflects contractility-driven strain that inhibits fibril degradation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.27.559759. [PMID: 37808742 PMCID: PMC10557712 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.27.559759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Polymer network properties such as stiffness often exhibit characteristic power laws in polymer density and other parameters. However, it remains unclear whether diverse animal tissues, composed of many distinct polymers, exhibit such scaling. Here, we examined many diverse tissues from adult mouse and embryonic chick to determine if stiffness ( E tissue ) follows a power law in relation to the most abundant animal protein, Collagen-I, even with molecular perturbations. We quantified fibrillar collagen in intact tissue by second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging and from tissue extracts by mass spectrometry (MS), and collagenase-mediated decreases were also tracked. Pan-tissue power laws for tissue stiffness versus Collagen-I levels measured by SHG or MS exhibit sub-linear scaling that aligns with results from cellularized gels of Collagen-I but not acellular gels. Inhibition of cellular myosin-II based contraction fits the scaling, and combination with inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) show collagenase activity is strain - not stress- suppressed in tissues, consistent with past studies of gels and fibrils. Beating embryonic hearts and tendons, which differ in both collagen levels and stiffness by >1000-fold, similarly suppressed collagenases at physiological strains of ∼5%, with fiber-orientation regulating degradation. Scaling of E tissue based on 'use-it-or-lose-it' kinetics provides insight into scaling of organ size, microgravity effects, and regeneration processes while suggesting contractility-driven therapeutics.
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13
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Singh S, Winkelstein BA. Characterization of the L4/L5 rat facet capsular ligament macromechanical and microstructural responses to tensile failure loading. J Biomech 2023; 157:111742. [PMID: 37523884 PMCID: PMC10475220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111742] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Low back pain is a prevalent condition that affects the global population. The lumbar facet capsular ligament is a source of pain since the collagenous tissue of the ligament is innervated with sensory neurons that deform with the capsule's stretch. Regional differences in the microstructural and macrostructural anatomy of the spinal facets affect its capsule's mechanical behavior. Although there are many studies of the cervical facet in human and rodent models, the lumbar capsular ligament's multiscale behavior is less well-defined. This study characterizes the macroscale and fiber-scale changes of the rat lumbar facet capsule during tensile failure loading. An integrated polarized light imaging setup captured local fiber alignment during 0.08 mm/s distraction of 7 lumbar facets. Force, displacement, strain, and circular variance were measured at several points along the failure curve: the first instance when the local collagen fiber network realigns differentially (anomalous realignment), yield, the first peak in force corresponding to the capsule's first failure, and peak force, defined as ultimate rupture. Those outcomes were compared across events. While each of force, displacement, and average maximum principal strain increased with applied tension, so did the circular variance of the collagen, suggesting that the fibers were becoming more disorganized. From the fiber alignment maps collected at each mechanical event, the number of anomalous realignment events were counted and found to increase dramatically with loading. The increased collagen disorganization and increasing regions of such disorganization in the facet capsule during loading can provide insights about how loading to the ligament afferent nerves may be activated and thereby produce pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Singh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Beth A Winkelstein
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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14
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Anousakis-Vlachochristou N, Athanasiadou D, Carneiro KM, Toutouzas K. Focusing on the Native Matrix Proteins in Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2023; 8:1028-1039. [PMID: 37719438 PMCID: PMC10504402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) is a widespread valvular heart disease affecting people in aging societies, primarily characterized by fibrosis, inflammation, and progressive calcification, leading to valve orifice stenosis. Understanding the factors associated with CAVS onset and progression is crucial to develop effective future pharmaceutical therapies. In CAVS, native extracellular matrix proteins modifications, play a significant role in calcification in vitro and in vivo. This work aimed to review the evidence on the alterations of structural native extracellular matrix proteins involved in calcification development during CAVS and highlight its link to deregulated biomechanical function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karina M.M. Carneiro
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Konstantinos Toutouzas
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, First Department of Cardiology, Athens, Greece
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15
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Pot SA, Lin Z, Shiu J, Benn MC, Vogel V. Growth factors and mechano-regulated reciprocal crosstalk with extracellular matrix tune the keratocyte-fibroblast/myofibroblast transition. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11350. [PMID: 37443325 PMCID: PMC10345140 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37776-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Improper healing of the cornea after injury, infections or surgery can lead to corneal scar formation, which is associated with the transition of resident corneal keratocytes into activated fibroblasts and myofibroblasts (K-F/M). Myofibroblasts can create an extracellular matrix (ECM) niche in which fibrosis is promoted and perpetuated, resulting in progressive tissue opacification and vision loss. As a reversion back to quiescent keratocytes is essential to restore corneal transparency after injury, we characterized how growth factors with demonstrated profibrotic effects (PDGF, FGF, FBS, TGFβ1) induce the K-F/M transition, and whether their withdrawal can revert it. Indeed, the upregulated expression of αSMA and the associated changes in cytoskeletal architecture correlated with increases in cell contractility, fibronectin (Fn) and collagen matrix density and Fn fiber strain, as revealed by 2D cell culture, nanopillar cellular force mapping and a FRET-labeled Fn tension probe. Substrate mechanosensing drove a more complete K-F/M transition reversal following growth factor withdrawal on nanopillar arrays than on planar glass substrates. Using decellularized ECM scaffolds, we demonstrated that the K-F/M transition was inhibited in keratocytes reseeded onto myofibroblast-assembled, and/or collagen-1-rich ECM. This supports the presence of a myofibroblast-derived ECM niche that contains cues favoring tissue homeostasis rather than fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon A Pot
- Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Ophthalmology Section, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Zhe Lin
- Ruisi (Fujian) Biomedical Engineering Research Center Co Ltd, 26-1 Wulongjiang Road, Fuzhou, 350100, People's Republic of China
| | - Jauye Shiu
- Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 91, Xueshi Rd, North District, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Mario C Benn
- Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Viola Vogel
- Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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16
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Wohlgemuth RP, Feitzinger RM, Henricson KE, Dinh DT, Brashear SE, Smith LR. The extracellular matrix of dystrophic mouse diaphragm accounts for the majority of its passive stiffness and is resistant to collagenase digestion. Matrix Biol Plus 2023; 18:100131. [PMID: 36970609 PMCID: PMC10036937 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2023.100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The healthy skeletal muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) has several functions including providing structural integrity to myofibers, enabling lateral force transmission, and contributing to overall passive mechanical properties. In diseases such as Duchenne Muscular dystrophy, there is accumulation of ECM materials, primarily collagen, which results in fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that fibrotic muscle is often stiffer than healthy muscle, in part due to the increased number and altered architecture of collagen fibers within the ECM. This would imply that the fibrotic matrix is stiffer than the healthy matrix. However, while previous studies have attempted to quantify the extracellular contribution to passive stiffness in muscle, the outcomes are dependent on the type of method used. Thus, the goals of this study were to compare the stiffness of healthy and fibrotic muscle ECM and to demonstrate the efficacy of two methods for quantifying extracellular-based stiffness in muscle, namely decellularization and collagenase digestion. These methods have been demonstrated to remove the muscle fibers or ablate collagen fiber integrity, respectively, while maintaining the contents of the extracellular matrix. Using these methods in conjunction with mechanical testing on wildtype and D2.mdx mice, we found that a majority of passive stiffness in the diaphragm is dependent on the ECM, and the D2.mdx diaphragm ECM is resistant to digestion by bacterial collagenase. We propose that this resistance is due to the increased collagen cross-links and collagen packing density in the ECM of the D2.mdx diaphragm. Taken altogether, while we did not find increased stiffness of the fibrotic ECM, we did observe that the D2.mdx diaphragm conveyed resistance against collagenase digestion. These findings demonstrate how different methods for measuring ECM-based stiffness each have their own limitations and can produce different results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross P. Wohlgemuth
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, USA
| | - Ryan M. Feitzinger
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, USA
| | - Kyle E. Henricson
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, USA
| | - Daryl T. Dinh
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, USA
| | - Sarah E. Brashear
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, USA
| | - Lucas R. Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California Davis, USA
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17
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Mechanochemistry of collagen. Acta Biomater 2023; 163:50-62. [PMID: 36669548 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.01.025] [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: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The collagen molecular family is the result of nearly one billion years of evolution. It is a unique family of proteins, the majority of which provide general mechanical support to biological tissues. Fibril forming collagens are the most abundant collagens in vertebrate animals and are generally found in positions that resist tensile loading. In animals, cells produce fibril-forming collagen molecules that self-assemble into larger structures known as collagen fibrils. Collagen fibrils are the fundamental, continuous, load-bearing elements in connective tissues, but are often further aggregated into larger load-bearing structures, fascicles in tendon, lamellae in cornea and in intervertebral disk. We know that failure to form fibrillar collagen is embryonic lethal, and excessive collagen formation/growth (fibrosis) or uncontrolled enzymatic remodeling (type II collagen: osteoarthritis) is pathological. Collagen is thus critical to vertebrate viability and instrumental in maintaining efficient mechanical structures. However, despite decades of research, our understanding of collagen matrix formation is not complete, and we know still less about the detailed mechanisms that drive collagen remodeling, growth, and pathology. In this perspective, we examine the known role of mechanical force on the formation and development of collagenous structure. We then discuss a mechanochemical mechanism that has the potential to unify our understanding of collagenous tissue assembly dynamics, which preferentially deposits and grows collagen fibrils directly in the path of mechanical force, where the energetics should be dissuasive and where collagen fibrils are most required. We term this mechanism: Mechanochemical force-structure causality. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Our mechanochemical-force structure causality postulate suggests that collagen molecules are components of mechanochemically-sensitive and dynamically-responsive fibrils. Collagen molecules assemble preferentially in the path of applied strain, can be grown in place by mechanical extension, and are retained in the path of force through strain-stabilization. The mechanisms that drive this behavior operate at the level of the molecules themselves and are encoded into the structure of the biomaterial. The concept might change our understanding of structure formation, enhance our ability to treat injuries, and accelerate the development of therapeutics to prevent pathologies such as fibrosis. We suggest that collagen is a mechanochemically responsive dynamic element designed to provide a substantial "material assist" in the construction of adaptive carriers of mechanical signals.
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18
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Schuster R, Younesi F, Ezzo M, Hinz B. The Role of Myofibroblasts in Physiological and Pathological Tissue Repair. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2023; 15:cshperspect.a041231. [PMID: 36123034 PMCID: PMC9808581 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are the construction workers of wound healing and repair damaged tissues by producing and organizing collagen/extracellular matrix (ECM) into scar tissue. Scar tissue effectively and quickly restores the mechanical integrity of lost tissue architecture but comes at the price of lost tissue functionality. Fibrotic diseases caused by excessive or persistent myofibroblast activity can lead to organ failure. This review defines myofibroblast terminology, phenotypic characteristics, and functions. We will focus on the central role of the cell, ECM, and tissue mechanics in regulating tissue repair by controlling myofibroblast action. Additionally, we will discuss how therapies based on mechanical intervention potentially ameliorate wound healing outcomes. Although myofibroblast physiology and pathology affect all organs, we will emphasize cutaneous wound healing and hypertrophic scarring as paradigms for normal tissue repair versus fibrosis. A central message of this review is that myofibroblasts can be activated from multiple cell sources, varying with local environment and type of injury, to either restore tissue integrity and organ function or create an inappropriate mechanical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Schuster
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Younesi
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Maya Ezzo
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
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19
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Vaez M, Asgari M, Hirvonen L, Bakir G, Khattignavong E, Ezzo M, Aguayo S, Schuh CM, Gough K, Bozec L. Modulation of the biophysical and biochemical properties of collagen by glycation for tissue engineering applications. Acta Biomater 2023; 155:182-198. [PMID: 36435437 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The structural and functional properties of collagen are modulated by the presence of intramolecular and intermolecular crosslinks. Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) can produce intermolecular crosslinks by bonding the free amino groups of neighbouring proteins. In this research, the following hypothesis is explored: The accumulation of AGEs in collagen decreases its proteolytic degradation rates while increasing its stiffness. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) detect biochemical changes in collagen scaffolds during the glycation process. The accumulation of AGEs increases exponentially in the collagen scaffolds as a function of Methylglyoxal (MGO) concentration by performing autofluorescence measurement and competitive ELISA. Glycated scaffolds absorb water at a much higher rate confirming the direct affinity between AGEs and interstitial water within collagen fibrils. In addition, the topology of collagen fibrils as observed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a lot more defined following glycation. The elastic modulus of collagen fibrils decreases as a function of glycation, whereas the elastic modulus of collagen scaffolds increases. Finally, the enzymatic degradation of collagen by bacterial collagenase shows a sigmoidal pattern with a much slower degradation rate in the glycated scaffolds. This study identifies unique variations in the properties of collagen following the accumulation of AGEs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In humans, Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) are naturally produced as a result of aging process. There is an evident lack of knowledge in the basic science literature explaining the biomechanical impact of AGE-mediated crosslinks on the functional and structural properties of collagen at both the nanoscale (single fibrils) and mesoscale (bundles of fibrils). This research, demonstrates how it is possible to harness this natural phenomenon in vitro to enhance the properties of engineered collagen fibrils and scaffolds. This study identifies unique variations in the properties of collagen at nanoscale and mesoscale following accumulation of AGEs. In their approach, they investigate the unique properties conferred to collagen, namely enhanced water sorption, differential elastic modulus, and finally sigmoidal proteolytic degradation behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Vaez
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Meisam Asgari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Liisa Hirvonen
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation & Analysis, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Gorkem Bakir
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Maya Ezzo
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sebastian Aguayo
- Dentistry School, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christina M Schuh
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Kathleen Gough
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Laurent Bozec
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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20
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Spatio-Temporal Changes of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Stiffness in the Development of the Leech Hirudo verbana. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415953. [PMID: 36555595 PMCID: PMC9787456 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415953] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The invertebrate leech Hirudo verbana represents a powerful experimental animal model for improving the knowledge about the functional interaction between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells within the tissue microenvironment (TME), and the key role played by ECM stiffness during development and growth. Indeed, the medicinal leech is characterized by a simple anatomical organization reproducing many aspects of the basic biological processes of vertebrates and in which a rapid spatiotemporal development is well established and easily assessed. Our results show that ECM structural organization, as well as the amount of fibrillar and non-fibrillar collagen are deeply different from hatching leeches to adult ones. In addition, the changes in ECM remodelling occurring during the different leech developmental stages, leads to a gradient of stiffness regulating both the path of migratory cells and their fates. The ability of cells to perceive and respond to changes in ECM composition and mechanics strictly depend on nuclear or cytoplasmic expression of Yes-Associated Protein 1 (YAP1), a key mediator converting mechanical signals into transcriptional outputs, expression, and activation.
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21
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Wang EJY, Chen IH, Kuo BYT, Yu CC, Lai MT, Lin JT, Lin LYT, Chen CM, Hwang T, Sheu JJC. Alterations of Cytoskeleton Networks in Cell Fate Determination and Cancer Development. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121862. [PMID: 36551290 PMCID: PMC9775460 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytoskeleton proteins have been long recognized as structural proteins that provide the necessary mechanical architecture for cell development and tissue homeostasis. With the completion of the cancer genome project, scientists were surprised to learn that huge numbers of mutated genes are annotated as cytoskeletal or associated proteins. Although most of these mutations are considered as passenger mutations during cancer development and evolution, some genes show high mutation rates that can even determine clinical outcomes. In addition, (phospho)proteomics study confirms that many cytoskeleton-associated proteins, e.g., β-catenin, PIK3CA, and MB21D2, are important signaling mediators, further suggesting their biofunctional roles in cancer development. With emerging evidence to indicate the involvement of mechanotransduction in stemness formation and cell differentiation, mutations in these key cytoskeleton components may change the physical/mechanical properties of the cells and determine the cell fate during cancer development. In particular, tumor microenvironment remodeling triggered by such alterations has been known to play important roles in autophagy, metabolism, cancer dormancy, and immune evasion. In this review paper, we will highlight the current understanding of how aberrant cytoskeleton networks affect cancer behaviors and cellular functions through mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Ja-Yang Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
| | - I-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813405, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Health Care, Tajen University, Pingtung County 907391, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Brian Yu-Ting Kuo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Cheng Yu
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813405, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Health Care, Tajen University, Pingtung County 907391, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114202, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tsung Lai
- Department of Pathology, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taichung 403301, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Tai Lin
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813405, Taiwan
| | - Leo Yen-Ting Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Mei Chen
- Human Genetic Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
| | - Tritium Hwang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
| | - Jim Jinn-Chyuan Sheu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
- Institute of Precision Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7-5252000 (ext. 7102)
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22
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Merino-Casallo F, Gomez-Benito MJ, Hervas-Raluy S, Garcia-Aznar JM. Unravelling cell migration: defining movement from the cell surface. Cell Adh Migr 2022; 16:25-64. [PMID: 35499121 PMCID: PMC9067518 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2022.2055520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell motility is essential for life and development. Unfortunately, cell migration is also linked to several pathological processes, such as cancer metastasis. Cells' ability to migrate relies on many actors. Cells change their migratory strategy based on their phenotype and the properties of the surrounding microenvironment. Cell migration is, therefore, an extremely complex phenomenon. Researchers have investigated cell motility for more than a century. Recent discoveries have uncovered some of the mysteries associated with the mechanisms involved in cell migration, such as intracellular signaling and cell mechanics. These findings involve different players, including transmembrane receptors, adhesive complexes, cytoskeletal components , the nucleus, and the extracellular matrix. This review aims to give a global overview of our current understanding of cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Merino-Casallo
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Gomez-Benito
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Silvia Hervas-Raluy
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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23
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Jain N, Lord JM, Vogel V. Mechanoimmunology: Are inflammatory epigenetic states of macrophages tuned by biophysical factors? APL Bioeng 2022; 6:031502. [PMID: 36051106 PMCID: PMC9427154 DOI: 10.1063/5.0087699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many inflammatory diseases that are responsible for a majority of deaths are still uncurable, in part as the underpinning pathomechanisms and how to combat them is still poorly understood. Tissue-resident macrophages play pivotal roles in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, but if they gradually convert to proinflammatory phenotypes, or if blood-born proinflammatory macrophages persist long-term after activation, they contribute to chronic inflammation and fibrosis. While biochemical factors and how they regulate the inflammatory transcriptional response of macrophages have been at the forefront of research to identify targets for therapeutic interventions, evidence is increasing that physical factors also tune the macrophage phenotype. Recently, several mechanisms have emerged as to how physical factors impact the mechanobiology of macrophages, from the nuclear translocation of transcription factors to epigenetic modifications, perhaps even DNA methylation. Insight into the mechanobiology of macrophages and associated epigenetic modifications will deliver novel therapeutic options going forward, particularly in the context of increased inflammation with advancing age and age-related diseases. We review here how biophysical factors can co-regulate pro-inflammatory gene expression and epigenetic modifications and identify knowledge gaps that require urgent attention if this therapeutic potential is to be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Jain
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
| | | | - Viola Vogel
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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24
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Dooling LJ, Saini K, Anlaş AA, Discher DE. Tissue mechanics coevolves with fibrillar matrisomes in healthy and fibrotic tissues. Matrix Biol 2022; 111:153-188. [PMID: 35764212 PMCID: PMC9990088 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrillar proteins are principal components of extracellular matrix (ECM) that confer mechanical properties to tissues. Fibrosis can result from wound repair in nearly every tissue in adults, and it associates with increased ECM density and crosslinking as well as increased tissue stiffness. Such fibrotic tissues are a major biomedical challenge, and an emerging view posits that the altered mechanical environment supports both synthetic and contractile myofibroblasts in a state of persistent activation. Here, we review the matrisome in several fibrotic diseases, as well as normal tissues, with a focus on physicochemical properties. Stiffness generally increases with the abundance of fibrillar collagens, the major constituent of ECM, with similar mathematical trends for fibrosis as well as adult tissues from soft brain to stiff bone and heart development. Changes in expression of other core matrisome and matrisome-associated proteins or proteoglycans contribute to tissue stiffening in fibrosis by organizing collagen, crosslinking ECM, and facilitating adhesion of myofibroblasts. Understanding how ECM composition and mechanics coevolve during fibrosis can lead to better models and help with antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence J Dooling
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Karanvir Saini
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alişya A Anlaş
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dennis E Discher
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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25
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Coeyman SJ, Richardson WJ, Bradshaw AD. Mechanics & Matrix: Positive Feedback Loops between Fibroblasts and ECM Drive Interstitial Cardiac Fibrosis. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2022.100560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Abstract
SignificanceFibrin plays a vital role in biology as the fibrous network that stabilizes blood clots and also through interaction with numerous blood components. While much is known about fibrin mechanics, comparatively little is known about how fibrin's mechanics influence its biochemistry. We show that structural changes in fibrin under mechanical tension reduces binding of tissue plasminogen activator, an enzyme that initiates lysis. Furthermore, these structural transitions also led to decreased platelet activation through suppressed binding between platelet integrins and fibrin. Our work shows that fibrin possesses an intrinsic mechano-chemical feedback loop that regulates its bioactivity via molecular structural rearrangements.
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27
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Haller SJ, Dudley AT. Extracellular mechanotransduction. J Gen Physiol 2022; 154:213008. [PMID: 35171207 PMCID: PMC8855477 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202113026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We highlight the force-sensing function of extracellular matrix and present a complementary mechanotransduction paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Haller
- Mary and Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Andrew T Dudley
- Mary and Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
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28
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Muntz I, Fenu M, van Osch GJVM, Koenderink G. The role of cell-matrix interactions in connective tissue mechanics. Phys Biol 2021; 19. [PMID: 34902848 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac42b8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Living tissue is able to withstand large stresses in everyday life, yet it also actively adapts to dynamic loads. This remarkable mechanical behaviour emerges from the interplay between living cells and their non-living extracellular environment. Here we review recent insights into the biophysical mechanisms involved in the reciprocal interplay between cells and the extracellular matrix and how this interplay determines tissue mechanics, with a focus on connective tissues. We first describe the roles of the main macromolecular components of the extracellular matrix in regards to tissue mechanics. We then proceed to highlight the main routes via which cells sense and respond to their biochemical and mechanical extracellular environment. Next we introduce the three main routes via which cells can modify their extracellular environment: exertion of contractile forces, secretion and deposition of matrix components, and matrix degradation. Finally we discuss how recent insights in the mechanobiology of cell-matrix interactions are furthering our understanding of the pathophysiology of connective tissue diseases and cancer, and facilitating the design of novel strategies for tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain Muntz
- Bionanoscience, TU Delft, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, Delft, Zuid-Holland, 2629 HC, NETHERLANDS
| | - Michele Fenu
- Otorhinolaryngology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, 3000 CA, NETHERLANDS
| | - Gerjo J V M van Osch
- Orthopaedics; Otorhinolaryngology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, 3000 CA, NETHERLANDS
| | - Gijsje Koenderink
- Bionanoscience, TU Delft, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, Delft, Zuid-Holland, 2629 HZ, NETHERLANDS
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29
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Stauber T, Wolleb M, Duss A, Jaeger PK, Heggli I, Hussien AA, Blache U, Snedeker JG. Extrinsic Macrophages Protect While Tendon Progenitors Degrade: Insights from a Tissue Engineered Model of Tendon Compartmental Crosstalk. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100741. [PMID: 34494401 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tendons are among the most mechanically stressed tissues of the body, with a functional core of type-I collagen fibers maintained by embedded stromal fibroblasts known as tenocytes. The intrinsic load-bearing core compartment of tendon is surrounded, nourished, and repaired by the extrinsic peritendon, a synovial-like tissue compartment with access to tendon stem/progenitor cells as well as blood monocytes. In vitro tendon model systems generally lack this important feature of tissue compartmentalization, while in vivo models are cumbersome when isolating multicellular mechanisms. To bridge this gap, an improved in vitro model of explanted tendon core stromal tissue (mouse tail tendon fascicles) surrounded by cell-laden collagen hydrogels that mimic extrinsic tissue compartments is suggested. Using this model, CD146+ tendon stem/progenitor cell and CD45+ F4/80+ bone-marrow derived macrophage activity within a tendon injury-like niche are recapitulated. It is found that extrinsic stromal progenitors recruit to the damaged core, contribute to an overall increase in catabolic ECM gene expression, and accelerate the decrease in mechanical properties. Conversely, it is found that extrinsic bone-marrow derived macrophages in these conditions adopt a proresolution phenotype that mitigates rapid tissue breakdown by outwardly migrated tenocytes and F4/80+ "tenophages" from the intrinsic tissue core.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tino Stauber
- Department of Orthopedics Balgrist University Hospital University of Zurich Lengghalde 5 Zurich 8008 Switzerland
- Institute for Biomechanics ETH Zurich Zurich 8093 Switzerland
| | - Maja Wolleb
- Department of Orthopedics Balgrist University Hospital University of Zurich Lengghalde 5 Zurich 8008 Switzerland
- Institute for Biomechanics ETH Zurich Zurich 8093 Switzerland
| | - Anja Duss
- Department of Orthopedics Balgrist University Hospital University of Zurich Lengghalde 5 Zurich 8008 Switzerland
- Institute for Biomechanics ETH Zurich Zurich 8093 Switzerland
| | - Patrick K. Jaeger
- Department of Orthopedics Balgrist University Hospital University of Zurich Lengghalde 5 Zurich 8008 Switzerland
- Institute for Biomechanics ETH Zurich Zurich 8093 Switzerland
| | - Irina Heggli
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology Department of Rheumatology University Hospital, University of Zurich Lengghalde 5 Zurich 8008 Switzerland
| | - Amro A. Hussien
- Department of Orthopedics Balgrist University Hospital University of Zurich Lengghalde 5 Zurich 8008 Switzerland
- Institute for Biomechanics ETH Zurich Zurich 8093 Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Blache
- Department of Orthopedics Balgrist University Hospital University of Zurich Lengghalde 5 Zurich 8008 Switzerland
- Institute for Biomechanics ETH Zurich Zurich 8093 Switzerland
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | - Jess G. Snedeker
- Department of Orthopedics Balgrist University Hospital University of Zurich Lengghalde 5 Zurich 8008 Switzerland
- Institute for Biomechanics ETH Zurich Zurich 8093 Switzerland
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30
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Sun B. The mechanics of fibrillar collagen extracellular matrix. CELL REPORTS. PHYSICAL SCIENCE 2021; 2:100515. [PMID: 34485951 PMCID: PMC8415638 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2021.100515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
As a major component of the human body, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex biopolymer network. The ECM not only hosts a plethora of biochemical interactions but also defines the physical microenvironment of cells. The physical properties of the ECM, such as its geometry and mechanics, are critical to physiological processes and diseases such as morphogenesis, wound healing, and cancer. This review provides a brief introduction to the recent progress in understanding the mechanics of ECM for researchers who are interested in learning about this relatively new subject of biophysics. This review covers the mechanics of a single ECM fiber (nanometer scale), the micromechanics of ECM (micrometer scale), and bulk rheology (greater than millimeter scale). Representative experimental measurements and basic theoretical models are introduced side by side. After discussing the physics of ECM mechanics, the review concludes by commenting on the role of ECM mechanics in healthy and tumorigenic tissues and the open questions that call for future studies at the interface of fundamental physics, engineering, and medical sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Correspondence:
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31
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Abstract
Cells of the vascular wall are exquisitely sensitive to changes in their mechanical environment. In healthy vessels, mechanical forces regulate signaling and gene expression to direct the remodeling needed for the vessel wall to maintain optimal function. Major diseases of arteries involve maladaptive remodeling with compromised or lost homeostatic mechanisms. Whereas homeostasis invokes negative feedback loops at multiple scales to mediate mechanobiological stability, disease progression often occurs via positive feedback that generates mechanobiological instabilities. In this review, we focus on the cell biology, wall mechanics, and regulatory pathways associated with arterial health and how changes in these processes lead to disease. We discuss how positive feedback loops arise via biomechanical and biochemical means. We conclude that inflammation plays a central role in overriding homeostatic pathways and suggest future directions for addressing therapeutic needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA;
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA;
- Department of Cell Biology, Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiology), and Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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32
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Smith LR, Pichika R, Meza RC, Gillies AR, Baliki MN, Chambers HG, Lieber RL. Contribution of extracellular matrix components to the stiffness of skeletal muscle contractures in patients with cerebral palsy. Connect Tissue Res 2021; 62:287-298. [PMID: 31779492 PMCID: PMC7253322 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2019.1694011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Joint contractures in children with cerebral palsy contain muscle tissue that is mechanically stiffer with higher collagen content than typically developing children. Interestingly, the correlation between collagen content and stiffness is weak. To date, no data are available on collagen types or other extracellular matrix proteins in these muscles, nor any information regarding their function. Thus, our purpose was to measure specific extracellular protein composition in cerebral palsy and typically developing human muscles along with structural aspects of extracellular matrix architecture to determine the extent to which these explain mechanical properties. Materials and Methods: Biopsies were collected from children with cerebral palsy undergoing muscle lengthening procedures and typically developing children undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Tissue was prepared for the determination of collagen types I, III, IV, and VI, proteoglycan, biglycan, decorin, hyaluronic acid/uronic acid and collagen crosslinking. Results: All collagen types increased in cerebral palsy along with pyridinoline crosslinks, total proteoglycan, and uronic acid. In all cases, type I or total collagen and total proteoglycan were positive predictors, while biglycan was a negative predictor of stiffness. Together these parameters accounted for a greater degree of variance within groups than across groups, demonstrating an altered relationship between extracellular matrix and stiffness with cerebral palsy. Further, stereological analysis revealed a significant increase in collagen fibrils organized in cables and an increased volume fraction of fibroblasts in CP muscle. Conclusions: These data demonstrate a novel adaptation of muscle extracellular matrix in children with cerebral palsy that includes alterations in extracellular matrix protein composition and structure related to mechanical function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R. Smith
- Departments of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Rajeswari Pichika
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Rachel C. Meza
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Diego,La Jolla, CA, 92093-0863, USA,Department of Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Allison R. Gillies
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Diego,La Jolla, CA, 92093-0863, USA
| | - Marwan N. Baliki
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Henry G. Chambers
- Department of Orthopaedics, Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Richard L. Lieber
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Diego,La Jolla, CA, 92093-0863, USA,Hines V.A. Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
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33
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Targeting Lysyl Oxidase Family Meditated Matrix Cross-Linking as an Anti-Stromal Therapy in Solid Tumours. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030491. [PMID: 33513979 PMCID: PMC7865543 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary To improve efficacy of solid cancer treatment, efforts have shifted towards targeting both the cancer cells and the surrounding tumour tissue they grow in. The lysyl oxidase (LOX) family of enzymes underpin the fibrotic remodeling of the tumour microenvironment to promote both cancer growth, spread throughout the body and modulate response to therapies. This review examines how the lysyl oxidase family is involved in tumour development, how they can be targeted, and their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in solid tumours. Abstract The lysyl oxidase (LOX) family of enzymes are a major driver in the biogenesis of desmoplastic matrix at the primary tumour and secondary metastatic sites. With the increasing interest in and development of anti-stromal therapies aimed at improving clinical outcomes of cancer patients, the Lox family has emerged as a potentially powerful clinical target. This review examines how lysyl oxidase family dysregulation in solid cancers contributes to disease progression and poor patient outcomes, as well as an evaluation of the preclinical landscape of LOX family targeting therapeutics. We also discuss the suitability of the LOX family as a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker in solid tumours.
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34
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Abstract
The role of the physical microenvironment in tumor development, progression, metastasis, and treatment is gaining appreciation. The emerging multidisciplinary field of the physical sciences of cancer is now embraced by engineers, physicists, cell biologists, developmental biologists, tumor biologists, and oncologists attempting to understand how physical parameters and processes affect cancer progression and treatment. Discoveries in this field are starting to be translated into new therapeutic strategies for cancer. In this Review, we propose four physical traits of tumors that contribute to tumor progression and treatment resistance: (i) elevated solid stresses (compression and tension), (ii) elevated interstitial fluid pressure, (iii) altered material properties (for example, increased tissue stiffness, which historically has been used to detect cancer by palpation), and (iv) altered physical microarchitecture. After defining these physical traits, we discuss their causes, consequences, and how they complement the biological hallmarks of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi T Nia
- Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Lance L Munn
- Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. .,Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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35
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On collagen fiber morphoelasticity and homeostatic remodeling tone. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 113:104154. [PMID: 33158790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.104154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A variety of biochemical and physical processes participate in the creation and maintenance of collagen in biological tissue. Under mechanical stimuli these collagen fibers undergo continuous processes of morphoelastic change. The model presented here is motivated by experimental reports of stretch-stabilization of the collagen fibers to enzymatic degradation. The fiber structure is modeled in terms of a fiber density evolution that is regulated by means of a fixed creation rate and a mechano-sensitive dissolution rate. The theory accounts for the possibly different natural configurations of the fiber unit constituents and the ground substance matrix. It also generalizes previous theoretical descriptions so as to account for finite survival times of the individual fiber units. Special consideration is given to steady state fiber-remodeling processes in which fiber creation and dissolution are in balance. Fiber assembly processes that involve prestretching the fiber constituents yield a homeostatic stress response with a characteristic fiber tone. Fiber density returns to homeostasis after mechanical disruption when sufficient time has passed.
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36
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Sun M, Luo EY, Adams SM, Adams T, Ye Y, Shetye SS, Soslowsky LJ, Birk DE. Collagen XI regulates the acquisition of collagen fibril structure, organization and functional properties in tendon. Matrix Biol 2020; 94:77-94. [PMID: 32950601 PMCID: PMC7722227 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Collagen XI is a fibril-forming collagen that regulates collagen fibrillogenesis. Collagen XI is normally associated with collagen II-containing tissues such as cartilage, but it also is expressed broadly during development in collagen I-containing tissues, including tendons. The goals of this study are to define the roles of collagen XI in regulation of tendon fibrillar structure and the relationship to function. A conditional Col11a1-null mouse model was created to permit the spatial and temporal manipulation of Col11a1 expression. We hypothesize that collagen XI functions to regulate fibril assembly, organization and, therefore, tendon function. Previous work using cho mice with ablated Col11a1 alleles supported roles for collagen XI in tendon fibril assembly. Homozygous cho/cho mice have a perinatal lethal phenotype that limited the studies. To circumvent this, a conditional Col11a1flox/flox mouse model was created where exon 3 was flanked with loxP sites. Breeding with Scleraxis-Cre (Scx-Cre) mice yielded a tendon-specific Col11a1-null mouse line, Col11a1Δten/Δten. Col11a1flox/flox mice had no phenotype compared to wild type C57BL/6 mice and other control mice, e.g., Col11a1flox/flox and Scx-Cre. Col11a1flox/flox mice expressed Col11a1 mRNA at levels comparable to wild type and Scx-Cre mice. In contrast, in Col11a1Δten/Δten mice, Col11a1 mRNA expression decreased to baseline in flexor digitorum longus tendons (FDL). Collagen XI protein expression was absent in Col11a1Δten/Δten FDLs, and at ~50% in Col11a1+/Δten compared to controls. Phenotypically, Col11a1Δten/Δten mice had significantly decreased body weights (p < 0.001), grip strengths (p < 0.001), and with age developed gait impairment becoming hypomobile. In the absence of Col11a1, the tendon collagen fibrillar matrix was abnormal when analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. Reducing Col11a1 and, therefore collagen XI content, resulted in abnormal fibril structure, loss of normal fibril diameter control with a significant shift to small diameters and disrupted parallel alignment of fibrils. These alterations in matrix structure were observed in developing (day 4), maturing (day 30) and mature (day 60) mice. Altering the time of knockdown using inducible I-Col11a1−/− mice indicated that the primary regulatory foci for collagen XI was in development. In mature Col11a1Δten/Δten FDLs a significant decrease in the biomechanical properties was observed. The decrease in maximum stress and modulus suggest that fundamental differences in the material properties in the absence of Col11a1 expression underlie the mechanical deficiencies. These data demonstrate an essential role for collagen XI in regulation of tendon fibril assembly and organization occurring primarily during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Sun
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612 USA
| | - Eric Y Luo
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612 USA
| | - Sheila M Adams
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612 USA
| | - Thomas Adams
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612 USA
| | - Yaping Ye
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Stemmler Hall, 3450 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA
| | - Snehal S Shetye
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Stemmler Hall, 3450 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA
| | - Louis J Soslowsky
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Stemmler Hall, 3450 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA
| | - David E Birk
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612 USA; McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Stemmler Hall, 3450 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA.
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37
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Wunderli SL, Blache U, Snedeker JG. Tendon explant models for physiologically relevant invitro study of tissue biology - a perspective. Connect Tissue Res 2020; 61:262-277. [PMID: 31931633 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2019.1700962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Tendon disorders increasingly afflict our aging society but we lack the scientific understanding to clinically address them. Clinically relevant models of tendon disease are urgently needed as established small animal models of tendinopathy fail to capture essential aspects of the disease. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional cell and tissue culture models are similarly limited, lacking many physiological extracellular matrix cues required to maintain tissue homeostasis or guide matrix remodeling. These cues reflect the biochemical and biomechanical status of the tissue, and encode information regarding the mechanical and metabolic competence of the tissue. Tendon explants overcome some of these limitations and have thus emerged as a valuable tool for the discovery and study of mechanisms associated with tendon homeostasis and pathophysiology. Tendon explants retain native cell-cell and cell-matrix connections, while allowing highly reproducible experimental control over extrinsic factors like mechanical loading and nutritional availability. In this sense tendon explant models can deliver insights that are otherwise impossible to obtain from in vivo animal or in vitro cell culture models. Purpose: In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of tissue explant models used in tendon research, with a specific focus on the value of explant culture systems for the controlled study of the tendon core tissue. We discuss their advantages, limitations and potential future utility. We include suggestions and technical recommendations for the successful use of tendon explant cultures and conclude with an outlook on how explant models may be leveraged with state-of-the-art biotechnologies to propel our understanding of tendon physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania L Wunderli
- University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Blache
- University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jess G Snedeker
- University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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38
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Abstract
Many proteins in cells and in the extracellular matrix assemble into force-bearing networks, and some proteins clearly transduce mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals. Although structural mechanisms remain poorly understood, the designs of such proteins enable mechanical forces to either inhibit or facilitate interactions of protein domains with other proteins, including small molecules and enzymes, including proteases and kinases. Here, we review some of the structural proteins and processes that exhibit distinct modes of force-dependent signal conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karanvir Saini
- Molecular and Cell Biophysics Lab , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19104 , United States
| | - Dennis E Discher
- Molecular and Cell Biophysics Lab , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19104 , United States
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39
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Guo T, Ma YJ, High RA, Tang Q, Wong JH, Byra M, Searleman AC, To SC, Wan L, Le N, Du J, Chang EY. Assessment of an in vitro model of rotator cuff degeneration using quantitative magnetic resonance and ultrasound imaging with biochemical and histological correlation. Eur J Radiol 2019; 121:108706. [PMID: 31655315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2019.108706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Quantitative imaging methods could improve diagnosis of rotator cuff degeneration, but the capability of quantitative MR and US imaging parameters to detect alterations in collagen is unknown. The goal of this study was to assess quantitative MR and US imaging measures for detecting abnormalities in collagen using an in vitro model of tendinosis with biochemical and histological correlation. METHOD 36 pieces of supraspinatus tendons from 6 cadaveric donors were equally distributed into 3 groups (2 subjected to different concentrations of collagenase and a control group). Ultrashort echo time MR and US imaging measures were performed to assess changes at baseline and after 24 h of enzymatic digestion. Biochemical and histological measures, including brightfield, fluorescence, and polarized microscopy, were used to verify the validity of the model and were compared with quantitative imaging parameters. Correlations between the imaging parameters and biochemically measured digestion were analyzed. RESULTS Among the imaging parameters, macromolecular fraction (MMF), adiabatic T1ρ, T2*, and backscatter coefficient (BSC) were useful in differentiating between the extent of degeneration among the 3 groups. MMF strongly correlated with collagen loss (r=-0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.90,-0.66), while the adiabatic T1ρ (r = 0.66; CI: 0.42,0.81), T2* (r = 0.58; CI: 0.31,0.76), and BSC (r = 0.51; CI: 0.22,0.72) moderately correlated with collagen loss. CONCLUSIONS MMF, adiabatic T1ρ, and T2* measured and US BSC can detect alterations in collagen. Of the quantitative MR and US imaging measures evaluated, MMF showed the highest correlation with collagen loss and can be used to assess rotator cuff degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Guo
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Ya-Jun Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Rachel A High
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Qingbo Tang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Jonathan H Wong
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Michal Byra
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; Department of Ultrasound, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Adam C Searleman
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Sarah C To
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Lidi Wan
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Nicole Le
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Eric Y Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States.
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