1
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Kang B, Shin J, Kang D, Chang S, Rhyou C, Cho SW, Lee H. Spatial regulation of hydrogel polymerization reaction using ultrasound-driven streaming vortex. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2024; 110:107053. [PMID: 39270467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2024.107053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Ultrasound is gaining attention as an alternative tool to regulate chemical processes due to its advantages such as high cost-effectiveness, rapid response, and contact-free operation. Previous studies have demonstrated that acoustic bubble cavitation can generate energy to synthesize functional materials. In this study, we introduce a method to control the spatial distribution of physical and chemical properties of hydrogels by using an ultrasound-mediated particle manipulation technique. We developed a surface acoustic wave device that can localize micro-hydrogel particles, which are formed during gelation, in a hydrogel solution. The hydrogel fabricated with the application of surface acoustic waves exhibited gradients in mechanical, mass transport, and structural properties. We demonstrated that the gel having the property gradients could be utilized as a cell-culture substrate dictating cellular shapes, which is beneficial for interfacial tissue engineering. The acoustic method and fabricated hydrogels with property gradients can be applied to design flexible polymeric materials for soft robotics, biomedical sensors, or bioelectronics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byungjun Kang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisoo Shin
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Donyoung Kang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooho Chang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanryeol Rhyou
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungsuk Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Shioka I, Morita R, Yagasaki R, Wuergezhen D, Yamashita T, Fujiwara H, Okuda S. Ex vivo SIM-AFM measurements reveal the spatial correlation of stiffness and molecular distributions in 3D living tissue. Acta Biomater 2024:S1742-7061(24)00539-7. [PMID: 39379233 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Living tissues each exhibit a distinct stiffness, which provides cells with key environmental cues that regulate their behaviors. Despite this significance, our understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics and the biological roles of stiffness in three-dimensional tissues is currently limited due to a lack of appropriate measurement techniques. To address this issue, we propose a new method combining upright structured illumination microscopy (USIM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to obtain precisely coordinated stiffness maps and biomolecular fluorescence images of thick living tissue slices. Using mouse embryonic and adult skin as a representative tissue with mechanically heterogeneous structures inside, we validate the measurement principle of USIM-AFM. Live measurement of tissue stiffness distributions revealed the highly heterogeneous mechanical nature of skin, including nucleated/enucleated epithelium, mesenchyme, and hair follicle, as well as the role of collagens in maintaining its integrity. Furthermore, quantitative analysis comparing stiffness distributions in live tissue samples with those in preserved tissues, including formalin-fixed and cryopreserved tissue samples, unveiled the distinct impacts of preservation processes on tissue stiffness patterns. This series of experiments highlights the importance of live mechanical testing of tissue-scale samples to accurately capture the true spatiotemporal variations in mechanical properties. Our USIM-AFM technique provides a new methodology to reveal the dynamic nature of tissue stiffness and its correlation with biomolecular distributions in live tissues and thus could serve as a technical basis for exploring tissue-scale mechanobiology. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Stiffness, a simple mechanical parameter, has drawn attention in understanding the mechanobiological principles underlying the homeostasis and pathology of living tissues. To explore tissue-scale mechanobiology, we propose a technique integrating an upright structured illumination microscope and an atomic force microscope. This technique enables live measurements of stiffness distribution and fluorescent observation of thick living tissue slices. Experiments revealed the highly heterogeneous mechanical nature of mouse embryonic and adult skin in three dimensions and the previously unnoticed influences of preservation techniques on the mechanical properties of tissue at microscopic resolution. This study provides a new technical platform for live stiffness measurement and biomolecular observation of tissue-scale samples with micron-scale resolution, thus contributing to future studies of tissue- and organ-scale mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itsuki Shioka
- Graduate School of Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Ritsuko Morita
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Rei Yagasaki
- Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Duligengaowa Wuergezhen
- Laboratory for Tissue Microenvironment, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe 650-0047, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tadahiro Yamashita
- Department of System Design Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Hironobu Fujiwara
- Laboratory for Tissue Microenvironment, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe 650-0047, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Satoru Okuda
- Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan; Sapiens Life Sciences, Evolution and Medicine Research Center, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
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3
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Gour S, Mukherjee A, Balani K, Dhami NK. Quantitative study of early-stage transient bacterial adhesion to bioactive glass and glass ceramics: atomic force microscopic observations. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20336. [PMID: 39223136 PMCID: PMC11369109 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial potential of bioactive glass (BAG) makes it promising for implant applications, specifically overcoming the toxicity concerns associated with traditional antibacterial nanoparticles. The 58S composition of BAG (with high Ca and absence of Na) has been known to exhibit excellent bioactivity and antibacterial behaviour, but the mechanisms behind have not been investigated in detail. In this pioneering study, we are using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to gain insights into 58S BAG's adhesive interactions with planktonic cells of both gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria; along with the impact of crystallinity on antibacterial properties. We have recorded greater bacterial inhibition by amorphous BAG compared to semi-crystalline glass-ceramics and stronger effect against gram-negative bacteria via conventional long-term antibacterial tests. AFM force distance curves has illustrated substantial bonding between bacteria and BAG within the initial one second (observed at a gap of 250 ms) of contact, with multiple binding events. Further, stronger adhesion of BAG with E.coli (~ 6 nN) compared to S. aureus (~ 3 nN) has been found which can be attributed to more adhesive nano-domains (size effect) distributed uniformly on E.coli surface. This study has revealed direct evidence of impact of contact time and 58S BAG's crystalline phase on bacterial adhesion and antimicrobial behaviour. Current study has successfully demonstrated the mode and mechanisms of initial bacterial adhesion with 58S BAG. The outcome can pave the way towards improving the designing of implant surfaces for a range of biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Gour
- School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, UP, 208016, India
| | - Abhijit Mukherjee
- School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Kantesh Balani
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, UP, 208016, India.
| | - Navdeep K Dhami
- School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.
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4
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Singam A, Bhattacharya C, Park S. Aging-related changes in the mechanical properties of single cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32974. [PMID: 38994100 PMCID: PMC11238009 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanical properties, along with biochemical and molecular properties, play crucial roles in governing cellular function and homeostasis. Cellular mechanics are influenced by various factors, including physiological and pathological states, making them potential biomarkers for diseases and aging. While several methods such as AFM, particle-tracking microrheology, optical tweezers/stretching, magnetic tweezers/twisting cytometry, microfluidics, and micropipette aspiration have been widely utilized to measure the mechanical properties of single cells, our understanding of how aging affects these properties remains limited. To fill this knowledge gap, we provide a brief overview of the commonly used methods to measure single-cell mechanical properties. We then delve into the effects of aging on the mechanical properties of different cell types. Finally, we discuss the importance of studying cellular viscous and viscoelastic properties as well as aging induced by different stressors to gain a deeper understanding of the aging process and aging-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarnath Singam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
| | - Chandrabali Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
| | - Seungman Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
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5
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Khadem H, Mangini M, Farazpour S, De Luca AC. Correlative Raman Imaging: Development and Cancer Applications. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:324. [PMID: 39056600 PMCID: PMC11274409 DOI: 10.3390/bios14070324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Despite extensive research efforts, cancer continues to stand as one of the leading causes of death on a global scale. To gain profound insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying cancer onset and progression, it is imperative to possess methodologies that allow the study of cancer cells at the single-cell level, focusing on critical parameters such as cell morphology, metabolism, and molecular characteristics. These insights are essential for effectively discerning between healthy and cancerous cells and comprehending tumoral progression. Recent advancements in microscopy techniques have significantly advanced the study of cancer cells, with Raman microspectroscopy (RM) emerging as a particularly powerful tool. Indeed, RM can provide both biochemical and spatial details at the single-cell level without the need for labels or causing disruptions to cell integrity. Moreover, RM can be correlated with other microscopy techniques, creating a synergy that offers a spectrum of complementary insights into cancer cell morphology and biology. This review aims to explore the correlation between RM and other microscopy techniques such as confocal fluoresce microscopy (CFM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), digital holography microscopy (DHM), and mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Each of these techniques has their own strengths, providing different perspectives and parameters about cancer cell features. The correlation between information from these various analysis methods is a valuable tool for physicians and researchers, aiding in the comprehension of cancer cell morphology and biology, unraveling mechanisms underlying cancer progression, and facilitating the development of early diagnosis and/or monitoring cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Khadem
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology 'G. Salvatore', IEOS-Second Unit, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Mangini
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology 'G. Salvatore', IEOS-Second Unit, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Somayeh Farazpour
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology 'G. Salvatore', IEOS-Second Unit, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Chiara De Luca
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology 'G. Salvatore', IEOS-Second Unit, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy
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6
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Aghajanloo B, Hadady H, Ejeian F, Inglis DW, Hughes MP, Tehrani AF, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Biomechanics of circulating cellular and subcellular bioparticles: beyond separation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:331. [PMID: 38886776 PMCID: PMC11181607 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01707-6] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical attributes have emerged as novel markers, providing a reliable means to characterize cellular and subcellular fractions. Numerous studies have identified correlations between these factors and patients' medical status. However, the absence of a thorough overview impedes their applicability in contemporary state-of-the-art therapeutic strategies. In this context, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the dimensions, configuration, rigidity, density, and electrical characteristics of normal and abnormal circulating cells. Subsequently, the discussion broadens to encompass subcellular bioparticles, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) enriched either from blood cells or other tissues. Notably, cell sizes vary significantly, from 2 μm for platelets to 25 μm for circulating tumor cells (CTCs), enabling the development of size-based separation techniques, such as microfiltration, for specific diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Although cellular density is relatively constant among different circulating bioparticles, it allows for reliable density gradient centrifugation to isolate cells without altering their native state. Additionally, variations in EV surface charges (-6.3 to -45 mV) offer opportunities for electrophoretic and electrostatic separation methods. The distinctive mechanical properties of abnormal cells, compared to their normal counterparts, present an exceptional opportunity for diverse medical and biotechnological approaches. This review also aims to provide a holistic view of the current understanding of popular techniques in this domain that transcend conventional boundaries, focusing on early harvesting of malignant cells from body fluids, designing effective therapeutic options, cell targeting, and resonating with tissue and genetic engineering principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Aghajanloo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Science, Research and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Hanieh Hadady
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ejeian
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - David W Inglis
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Michael Pycraft Hughes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
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7
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Vos BE, Muenker TM, Betz T. Characterizing intracellular mechanics via optical tweezers-based microrheology. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102374. [PMID: 38824902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Intracellular organization is a highly regulated homeostatic state maintained to ensure eukaryotic cells' correct and efficient functioning. Thanks to decades of research, vast knowledge of the proteins involved in intracellular transport and organization has been acquired. However, how these influence and potentially regulate the intracellular mechanical properties of the cell is largely unknown. There is a deep knowledge gap between the understanding of cortical mechanics, which is accessible by a series of experimental tools, and the intracellular situation that has been largely neglected due to the difficulty of performing intracellular mechanics measurements. Recently, tools required for such quantitative and localized analysis of intracellular mechanics have been introduced. Here, we review how these approaches and the resulting viscoelastic models lead the way to a full mechanical description of the cytoplasm, which is instrumental for a quantitative characterization of the intracellular life of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart E Vos
- Third Institute of Physics, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Till M Muenker
- Third Institute of Physics, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Timo Betz
- Third Institute of Physics, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence 'Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells' (MBExC), Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany.
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8
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De Matteis V, Martano S, Pellegrino P, Ingrosso C, Costa D, Mazzotta S, Toca‐Herrera JL, Rinaldi R, Cascione M. Green silver nanoparticles: Prospective nanotools against neurodegenerative cell line model. IBRAIN 2024; 10:123-133. [PMID: 38915951 PMCID: PMC11193863 DOI: 10.1002/ibra.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases represent an increasingly burdensome challenge of the past decade, primarily driven by the global aging of the population. Ongoing efforts focus on implementing diverse strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of neurodegeneration, with the goal of decelerating the pathology progression. Notably, in recent years, it has emerged that the use of nanoparticles (NPs), particularly those obtained through green chemical processes, could constitute a promising therapeutic approach. Green NPs, exclusively sourced from phytochemicals, are deemed safer compared to NPs synthetized through conventional chemical route. In this study, the effects of green chemistry-derived silver NPs (AgNPs) were assessed in neuroblastoma cells, SHSY-5Y, which are considered a pivotal model for investigating neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, we used two different concentrations (0.5 and 1 µM) of AgNPs and two time points (24 and 48 h) to evaluate the impact on neuroblastoma cells by observing viability reduction and intracellular calcium production, especially using 1 µM at 48 h. Furthermore, investigation using atomic force microscopy (AFM) unveiled an alteration in Young's modulus due to the reorganization of cortical actin following exposure to green AgNPs. This evidence was further corroborated by confocal microscopy acquisitions as well as coherency and density analyses on actin fibers. Our in vitro findings suggest the potential efficacy of green AgNPs against neurodegeneration; therefore, further in vivo studies are imperative to optimize possible therapeutic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria De Matteis
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”University of SalentoLecceItaly
- CNRInstitute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM)LecceItaly
| | - Simona Martano
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”University of SalentoLecceItaly
| | - Paolo Pellegrino
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”University of SalentoLecceItaly
| | - Chiara Ingrosso
- CNR‐IPCF S.S. Bari, c/o Department of ChemistryUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroBariItaly
| | - Daniele Costa
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”University of SalentoLecceItaly
| | | | - Jose L. Toca‐Herrera
- Department of Bionanoscience, Institute of BiophysicsUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU)ViennaAustria
| | - Rosaria Rinaldi
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”University of SalentoLecceItaly
| | - Mariafrancesca Cascione
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”University of SalentoLecceItaly
- CNRInstitute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM)LecceItaly
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9
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Copeland I, Wonkam-Tingang E, Gupta-Malhotra M, Hashmi SS, Han Y, Jajoo A, Hall NJ, Hernandez PP, Lie N, Liu D, Xu J, Rosenfeld J, Haldipur A, Desire Z, Coban-Akdemir ZH, Scott DA, Li Q, Chao HT, Zaske AM, Lupski JR, Milewicz DM, Shete S, Posey JE, Hanchard NA. Exome sequencing implicates ancestry-related Mendelian variation at SYNE1 in childhood-onset essential hypertension. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e172152. [PMID: 38716726 PMCID: PMC11141928 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood-onset essential hypertension (COEH) is an uncommon form of hypertension that manifests in childhood or adolescence and, in the United States, disproportionately affects children of African ancestry. The etiology of COEH is unknown, but its childhood onset, low prevalence, high heritability, and skewed ancestral demography suggest the potential to identify rare genetic variation segregating in a Mendelian manner among affected individuals and thereby implicate genes important to disease pathogenesis. However, no COEH genes have been reported to date. Here, we identify recessive segregation of rare and putatively damaging missense variation in the spectrin domain of spectrin repeat containing nuclear envelope protein 1 (SYNE1), a cardiovascular candidate gene, in 3 of 16 families with early-onset COEH without an antecedent family history. By leveraging exome sequence data from an additional 48 COEH families, 1,700 in-house trios, and publicly available data sets, we demonstrate that compound heterozygous SYNE1 variation in these COEH individuals occurred more often than expected by chance and that this class of biallelic rare variation was significantly enriched among individuals of African genetic ancestry. Using in vitro shRNA knockdown of SYNE1, we show that reduced SYNE1 expression resulted in a substantial decrease in the elasticity of smooth muscle vascular cells that could be rescued by pharmacological inhibition of the downstream RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase pathway. These results provide insights into the molecular genetics and underlying pathophysiology of COEH and suggest a role for precision therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Copeland
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Edmond Wonkam-Tingang
- Childhood Complex Disease Genomics Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | | | - S. Shahrukh Hashmi
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yixing Han
- Childhood Complex Disease Genomics Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Aarti Jajoo
- Childhood Complex Disease Genomics Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Nancy J. Hall
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Paula P. Hernandez
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Natasha Lie
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Childhood Complex Disease Genomics Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
- US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jill Rosenfeld
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Baylor Genetics, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aparna Haldipur
- Childhood Complex Disease Genomics Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Zelene Desire
- Childhood Complex Disease Genomics Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Zeynep H. Coban-Akdemir
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Human Genetics Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Daryl A. Scott
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
| | - Qing Li
- Childhood Complex Disease Genomics Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Hsiao-Tuan Chao
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics; and
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Cain Pediatric Neurology Research Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- McNair Medical Institute, The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ana M. Zaske
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - James R. Lupski
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dianna M. Milewicz
- Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sanjay Shete
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Posey
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- McNair Medical Institute, The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Neil A. Hanchard
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Childhood Complex Disease Genomics Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
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10
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Dababneh S, Hamledari H, Maaref Y, Jayousi F, Hosseini DB, Khan A, Jannati S, Jabbari K, Arslanova A, Butt M, Roston TM, Sanatani S, Tibbits GF. Advances in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Disease Modelling Using hiPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Can J Cardiol 2024; 40:766-776. [PMID: 37952715 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and their capacity to be differentiated into beating human cardiomyocytes (CMs) in vitro has revolutionized human disease modelling, genotype-phenotype predictions, and therapeutic testing. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common inherited cardiomyopathy and the leading known cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young adults and athletes. On a molecular level, HCM is often driven by single pathogenic genetic variants, usually in sarcomeric proteins, that can alter the mechanical, electrical, signalling, and transcriptional properties of the cell. A deeper knowledge of these alterations is critical to better understanding HCM manifestation, progression, and treatment. Leveraging hiPSC-CMs to investigate the molecular mechanisms driving HCM presents a unique opportunity to dissect the consequences of genetic variants in a sophisticated and controlled manner. In this review, we summarize the molecular underpinnings of HCM and the role of hiPSC-CM studies in advancing our understanding, and we highlight the advances in hiPSC-CM-based modelling of HCM, including maturation, contractility, multiomics, and genome editing, with the notable exception of electrophysiology, which has been previously covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Dababneh
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Homa Hamledari
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yasaman Maaref
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Farah Jayousi
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dina B Hosseini
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Aasim Khan
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shayan Jannati
- Faculty of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kosar Jabbari
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alia Arslanova
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mariam Butt
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Thomas M Roston
- Division of Cardiology and Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shubhayan Sanatani
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Glen F Tibbits
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
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11
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Yang Y, Xiao Z, Yang W, Sun Y, Sui X, Lin X, Yang X, Bao Z, Cui Z, Ma Y, Li W, Wang S, Yang J, Wang Y, Luo Y. Role of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: modulation of M2 macrophage polarization. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:187. [PMID: 38635081 PMCID: PMC11026287 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05219-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) poses significant challenges due to limited treatment options despite its complex pathogenesis involving cellular and molecular mechanisms. This study investigated the role of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels in regulating M2 macrophage polarization in IPF progression, potentially offering novel therapeutic targets. Using a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model in C57BL/6J mice, we assessed the therapeutic potential of the TRPA1 inhibitor HC-030031. TRPA1 upregulation was observed in fibrotic lungs, correlating with worsened lung function and reduced survival. TRPA1 inhibition mitigated fibrosis severity, evidenced by decreased collagen deposition and restored lung tissue stiffness. Furthermore, TRPA1 blockade reversed aberrant M2 macrophage polarization induced by bleomycin, associated with reduced Smad2 phosphorylation in the TGF-β1-Smad2 pathway. In vitro studies with THP-1 cells treated with bleomycin and HC-030031 corroborated these findings, highlighting TRPA1's involvement in fibrotic modulation and macrophage polarization control. Overall, targeting TRPA1 channels presents promising therapeutic potential in managing pulmonary fibrosis by reducing pro-fibrotic marker expression, inhibiting M2 macrophage polarization, and diminishing collagen deposition. This study sheds light on a novel avenue for therapeutic intervention in IPF, addressing a critical need in the management of this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenyu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Weijie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Sui
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Xueyang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenghao Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ziqi Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yingkai Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Weidong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Shengran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yongan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China.
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12
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Connaughton M, Dabagh M. Modeling Physical Forces Experienced by Cancer and Stromal Cells Within Different Organ-Specific Tumor Tissue. IEEE JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL ENGINEERING IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE 2024; 12:413-434. [PMID: 38765886 PMCID: PMC11100865 DOI: 10.1109/jtehm.2024.3388561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical force exerted on cancer cells by their microenvironment have been reported to drive cells toward invasive phenotypes by altering cells' motility, proliferation, and apoptosis. These mechanical forces include compressive, tensile, hydrostatic, and shear forces. The importance of forces is then hypothesized to be an alteration of cancer cells' and their microenvironment's biophysical properties as the indicator of a tumor's malignancy state. Our objective is to investigate and quantify the correlation between a tumor's malignancy state and forces experienced by the cancer cells and components of the microenvironment. In this study, we have developed a multicomponent, three-dimensional model of tumor tissue consisting of a cancer cell surrounded by fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM). Our results on three different organs including breast, kidney, and pancreas show that: A) the stresses within tumor tissue are impacted by the organ specific ECM's biophysical properties, B) more invasive cancer cells experience higher stresses, C) in pancreas which has a softer ECM (Young modulus of 1.0 kPa) and stiffer cancer cells (Young modulus of 2.4 kPa and 1.7 kPa) than breast and kidney, cancer cells experienced significantly higher stresses, D) cancer cells in contact with ECM experienced higher stresses compared to cells surrounded by fibroblasts but the area of tumor stroma experiencing high stresses has a maximum length of 40 μm when the cancer cell is surrounded by fibroblasts and 12 μm for when the cancer cell is in vicinity of ECM. This study serves as an important first step in understanding of how the stresses experienced by cancer cells, fibroblasts, and ECM are associated with malignancy states of cancer cells in different organs. The quantification of forces exerted on cancer cells by different organ-specific ECM and at different stages of malignancy will help, first to develop theranostic strategies, second to predict accurately which tumors will become highly malignant, and third to establish accurate criteria controlling the progression of cancer cells malignancy. Furthermore, our in silico model of tumor tissue can yield critical, useful information for guiding ex vivo or in vitro experiments, narrowing down variables to be investigated, understanding what factors could be impacting cancer treatments or even biomarkers to be looking for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Connaughton
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukeeWI53211USA
| | - Mahsa Dabagh
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukeeWI53211USA
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13
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Liu S, Han Y, Kong L, Wang G, Ye Z. Atomic force microscopy in disease-related studies: Exploring tissue and cell mechanics. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:660-684. [PMID: 38063315 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in human medicine, certain diseases remain challenging to promptly diagnose and treat. Hence, the imperative lies in the development of more exhaustive criteria and tools. Tissue and cellular mechanics exhibit distinctive traits in both normal and pathological states, suggesting that "force" represents a promising and distinctive target for disease diagnosis and treatment. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) holds great promise as a prospective clinical medical device due to its capability to concurrently assess surface morphology and mechanical characteristics of biological specimens within a physiological setting. This review presents a comprehensive examination of the operational principles of AFM and diverse mechanical models, focusing on its applications in investigating tissue and cellular mechanics associated with prevalent diseases. The findings from these studies lay a solid groundwork for potential clinical implementations of AFM. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: By examining the surface morphology and assessing tissue and cellular mechanics of biological specimens in a physiological setting, AFM shows promise as a clinical device to diagnose and treat challenging diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yibo Han
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingwen Kong
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Central Hospital of Chongqing University, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Guixue Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- JinFeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiyi Ye
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- JinFeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China
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14
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Lamour G, Malo M, Crépin R, Pelta J, Labdi S, Campillo C. Dynamically Mapping the Topography and Stiffness of the Leading Edge of Migrating Cells Using AFM in Fast-QI Mode. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1364-1378. [PMID: 38330438 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01254] [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: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Cell migration profoundly influences cellular function, often resulting in adverse effects in various pathologies including cancer metastasis. Directly assessing and quantifying the nanoscale dynamics of living cell structure and mechanics has remained a challenge. At the forefront of cell movement, the flat actin modules─the lamellipodium and the lamellum─interact to propel cell migration. The lamellipodium extends from the lamellum and undergoes rapid changes within seconds, making measurement of its stiffness a persistent hurdle. In this study, we introduce the fast-quantitative imaging (fast-QI) mode, demonstrating its capability to simultaneously map both the lamellipodium and the lamellum with enhanced spatiotemporal resolution compared with the classic quantitative imaging (QI) mode. Specifically, our findings reveal nanoscale stiffness gradients in the lamellipodium at the leading edge, where it appears to be slightly thinner and significantly softer than the lamellum. Additionally, we illustrate the fast-QI mode's accuracy in generating maps of height and effective stiffness through a streamlined and efficient processing of force-distance curves. These results underscore the potential of the fast-QI mode for investigating the role of motile cell structures in mechanosensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Lamour
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, CY Cergy Paris Université, CNRS, LAMBE, 91025 Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Michel Malo
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, CY Cergy Paris Université, CNRS, LAMBE, 91025 Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Raphaël Crépin
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, CY Cergy Paris Université, CNRS, LAMBE, 91025 Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Juan Pelta
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, CY Cergy Paris Université, CNRS, LAMBE, 91025 Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Sid Labdi
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, CY Cergy Paris Université, CNRS, LAMBE, 91025 Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Clément Campillo
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, CY Cergy Paris Université, CNRS, LAMBE, 91025 Evry-Courcouronnes, France
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15
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Lazzarino M, Zanetti M, Chen SN, Gao S, Peña B, Lam CK, Wu JC, Taylor MRG, Mestroni L, Sbaizero O. Defective Biomechanics and Pharmacological Rescue of Human Cardiomyocytes with Filamin C Truncations. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2942. [PMID: 38474188 PMCID: PMC10932268 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052942] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Actin-binding filamin C (FLNC) is expressed in cardiomyocytes, where it localizes to Z-discs, sarcolemma, and intercalated discs. Although FLNC truncation variants (FLNCtv) are an established cause of arrhythmias and heart failure, changes in biomechanical properties of cardiomyocytes are mostly unknown. Thus, we investigated the mechanical properties of human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) carrying FLNCtv. CRISPR/Cas9 genome-edited homozygous FLNCKO-/- hiPSC-CMs and heterozygous knock-out FLNCKO+/- hiPSC-CMs were analyzed and compared to wild-type FLNC (FLNCWT) hiPSC-CMs. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to perform micro-indentation to evaluate passive and dynamic mechanical properties. A qualitative analysis of the beating traces showed gene dosage-dependent-manner "irregular" peak profiles in FLNCKO+/- and FLNCKO-/- hiPSC-CMs. Two Young's moduli were calculated: E1, reflecting the compression of the plasma membrane and actin cortex, and E2, including the whole cell with a cytoskeleton and nucleus. Both E1 and E2 showed decreased stiffness in mutant FLNCKO+/- and FLNCKO-/- iPSC-CMs compared to that in FLNCWT. The cell adhesion force and work of adhesion were assessed using the retraction curve of the SCFS. Mutant FLNC iPSC-CMs showed gene dosage-dependent decreases in the work of adhesion and adhesion forces from the heterozygous FLNCKO+/- to the FLNCKO-/- model compared to FLNCWT, suggesting damaged cytoskeleton and membrane structures. Finally, we investigated the effect of crenolanib on the mechanical properties of hiPSC-CMs. Crenolanib is an inhibitor of the Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor α (PDGFRA) pathway which is upregulated in FLNCtv hiPSC-CMs. Crenolanib was able to partially rescue the stiffness of FLNCKO-/- hiPSC-CMs compared to control, supporting its potential therapeutic role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lazzarino
- CNR-IOM, Area Science Park, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.L.); (M.Z.)
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Michele Zanetti
- CNR-IOM, Area Science Park, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.L.); (M.Z.)
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Suet Nee Chen
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Brisa Peña
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
- Bioengineering Department, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Chi Keung Lam
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (C.K.L.); (J.C.W.)
| | - Joseph C. Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (C.K.L.); (J.C.W.)
| | - Matthew R. G. Taylor
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Luisa Mestroni
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Orfeo Sbaizero
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
- Engineering and Architecture Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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16
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Sabri E, Brosseau C. Electromechanical interactions between cell membrane and nuclear envelope: Beyond the standard Schwan's model of biological cells. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 155:108583. [PMID: 37883860 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108583] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
We investigate little-appreciated features of the hierarchical core-shell (CS) models of the electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical interactions between the cell membrane (CM) and nuclear envelope (NE). We first consider a simple model of an individual cell based on a coupled resistor-capacitor (Schwan model (SM)) network and show that the CM, when exposed to ac electric fields, acts as a low pass filter while the NE acts as a wide and asymmetric bandpass filter. We provide a simplified calculation for characteristic time associated with the capacitive charging of the NE and parameterize its range of behavior. We furthermore observe several new features dealing with mechanical analogs of the SM based on elementary spring-damper combinations. The chief merit of these models is that they can predict creep compliance responses of an individual cell under static stress and their effective retardation time constants. Next, we use an alternative and a more accurate CS physical model solved by finite element simulations for which geometrical cell reshaping under electromechanical stress (electrodeformation (ED)) is included in a continuum approach with spatial resolution. We show that under an electric field excitation, the elongated nucleus scales differently compared to the electrodeformed cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Sabri
- Univ Brest, CNRS, Lab-STICC, CS 93837, 6 avenue Le Gorgeu, 29238 Brest Cedex 3, France
| | - Christian Brosseau
- Univ Brest, CNRS, Lab-STICC, CS 93837, 6 avenue Le Gorgeu, 29238 Brest Cedex 3, France.
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17
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Reghelin CK, Bastos MS, de Souza Basso B, Costa BP, Lima KG, de Sousa AC, Haute GV, Diz FM, Dias HB, Luft C, Rodrigues KF, Garcia MCR, Matzenbacher LS, Adami BS, Xavier LL, Donadio MVF, de Oliveira JR, da Silva Melo DA. Bezafibrate reduces the damage, activation and mechanical properties of lung fibroblast cells induced by hydrogen peroxide. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:3857-3866. [PMID: 37358795 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02595-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
In pulmonary fibrosis, the proliferation of fibroblasts and their differentiation into myofibroblasts is often caused by tissue damage, such as oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species, which leads to progressive rupture and thus destruction of the alveolar architecture, resulting in cell proliferation and tissue remodeling. Bezafibrate (BZF) is an important member of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARs) family agonists, used in clinical practice as antihyperlipidemic. However, the antifibrotic effects of BZF are still poorly studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of BZF on pulmonary oxidative damage in lung fibroblast cells. MRC-5 cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress activation and BZF treatment was administered at the same moment as H2O2 induction. The outcomes evaluated were cell proliferation and cell viability; oxidative stress markers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalase (CAT) levels and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); col-1 and α-SMA mRNA expression and cellular elasticity through Young's modulus analysis evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The H2O2-induced oxidative damage decreased the cell viability and increased ROS levels and decreased CAT activity in MRC-5 cells. The expression of α-SMA and the cell stiffness increased in response to H2O2 treatment. Treatment with BZF decreased the MRC-5 cell proliferation, ROS levels, reestablished CAT levels, decreased the mRNA expression of type I collagen protein (col-1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and cellular elasticity even with H2O2 induction. Our results suggest that BZF has a potential protective effect on H2O2-induced oxidative stress. These results are based on an in vitro experiment, derived from a fetal lung cell line and may emerge as a possible new therapy for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Kirinus Reghelin
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Biofísica Celular E Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus Scherer Bastos
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Biofísica Celular E Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Biofísica Celular E Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), 6681 Ipiranga Ave., Porto Alegre, RS, Zip Code: 90619-900, Brazil.
| | - Bruno de Souza Basso
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Biofísica Celular E Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruna Pasqualotto Costa
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Biofísica Celular E Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Kelly Goulart Lima
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Biofísica Celular E Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Arieli Cruz de Sousa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, ICBS, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo I, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Viegas Haute
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Biofísica Celular E Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernando Mendonça Diz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Engenharia E Tecnologia de Materiais, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Henrique Bregolin Dias
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Biofísica Celular E Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carolina Luft
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Biofísica Celular E Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Kétlin Fernanda Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Biofísica Celular E Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Cláudia Rosa Garcia
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Biofísica Celular E Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Strassburger Matzenbacher
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Biofísica Celular E Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruno Silveira Adami
- Laboratório Central de Microscopia E Microanálise (LabCEMM), Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Léder Leal Xavier
- Laboratório Central de Microscopia E Microanálise (LabCEMM), Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Márcio Vinícius Fagundes Donadio
- Laboratório de Atividade Física Pediátrica, Centro Infantil, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jarbas Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Biofísica Celular E Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Denizar Alberto da Silva Melo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Biofísica Celular E Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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18
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Van der Meeren L, Efimova I, Demuynck R, Parakhonskiy B, Krysko DV, Skirtach AG. Mechanobiology of Ferroptotic Cancer Cells as a Novel "Eat-Me" Signal: Regulating Efferocytosis through Layer-by-Layer Coating. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301025. [PMID: 37273241 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301025] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The importance of the clearance of dead cells is shown to have a regulatory role for normal tissue homeostasis and for the modulation of immune responses. However, how mechanobiological properties of dead cells affect efferocytosis remains largely unknown. Here, it is reported that the Young's modulus of cancer cells undergoing ferroptosis is reduced. To modulate their Young's modulus a layer-by-layer (LbL) nanocoating is developed. Scanning electron and fluorescence microscopy confirm coating efficiency of ferroptotic cells while atomic force microscopy reveals encapsulation of the dead cells increases their Young's modulus dependent on the number of applied LbL layers which increases their efferocytosis by primary macrophages. This work demonstrates the crucial role of mechanobiology of dead cells in regulating their efferocytosis by macrophages which can be exploited for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for diseases where modulation of efferocytosis can be potentially beneficial and for the design of drug delivery systems for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Van der Meeren
- Nano-BioTechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Iuliia Efimova
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, 9000, Belgium
- Cell Death Investigation and Therapy Laboratory, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Robin Demuynck
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, 9000, Belgium
- Cell Death Investigation and Therapy Laboratory, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Bogdan Parakhonskiy
- Nano-BioTechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Dmitri V Krysko
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, 9000, Belgium
- Cell Death Investigation and Therapy Laboratory, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Andre G Skirtach
- Nano-BioTechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, 9000, Belgium
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19
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Li G, Ji Y, Wu Y, Liu Y, Li H, Wang Y, Chi M, Sun H, Zhu H. Multistage microfluidic cell sorting method and chip based on size and stiffness. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 237:115451. [PMID: 37327603 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
High performance sorting of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from peripheral blood is key to liquid biopsies. Size-based deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) technique is widely used in cell sorting. But conventional microcolumns have poor fluid regulation ability, which limits the sorting performance of DLD. When the size difference between CTCs and leukocytes is small (e.g., less than 3 μm), not only DLD, many size-based separation techniques fail due to low specificity. CTCs have been confirmed to be softer than leukocytes, which could serve as a basis for sorting. In this study, we presented a multistage microfluidic CTCs sorting method, first sorting CTCs using a size-based two-array DLD chip, then purifying CTCs mixed by leukocytes using a stiffness-based cone channel chip, and finally identifying cell types using Raman techniques. The entire CTCs sorting and analysis process was label free, highly pure, high-throughput and efficient. The two-array DLD chip employed a droplet-shaped microcolumn (DMC) developed by optimization design rather than empirical design. Attributed to the excellent fluid regulation capability of DMC, the CTCs sorter system developed by parallelizing four DMC two-array DLD chips was able to process a sample of 2.5 mL per minute with a recovery efficiency of 96.30 ± 2.10% and a purity of 98.25 ± 2.48%. To isolate CTCs mixed dimensionally by leukocytes, a cone channel sorting method and chip were developed based on solid and hydrodynamic coupled analysis. The cone channel chip allowed CTCs to pass through the channel and entrap leukocytes, improving the purity of CTCs mixed by leukocytes by 1.8-fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaolin Li
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Ji
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Yihui Wu
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China.
| | - Yongshun Liu
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Huan Li
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China.
| | - Yimeng Wang
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingbo Chi
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyan Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongquan Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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20
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Mitra S, Sharma VK, Ghosh SK. Effects of ionic liquids on biomembranes: A review on recent biophysical studies. Chem Phys Lipids 2023; 256:105336. [PMID: 37586678 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2023.105336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Ionic liquids (ILs) have been emerged as a versatile class of compounds that can be easily tuned to achieve desirable properties for various applications. The ability of ILs to interact with biomembranes has attracted significant interest, as they have been shown to modulate membrane properties in ways that may have implications for various biological processes. This review provides an overview of recent studies that have investigated the interaction between ILs and biomembranes. We discuss the effects of ILs on the physical and chemical properties of biomembranes, including changes in membrane fluidity, permeability, and stability. We also explore the mechanisms underlying the interaction of ILs with biomembranes, such as electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces. Additionally, we discuss the future prospects of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saheli Mitra
- Department of Physics, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, NH 91, Tehsil Dadri, G. B. Nagar, Uttar Pradesh 201314, India.
| | - Veerendra K Sharma
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India.
| | - Sajal K Ghosh
- Department of Physics, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, NH 91, Tehsil Dadri, G. B. Nagar, Uttar Pradesh 201314, India.
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21
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Starodubtseva MN, Shkliarava NM, Chelnokova IA, Villalba MI, Krylov AY, Nadyrov EA, Kasas S. Mechanical Properties and Nanomotion of BT-20 and ZR-75 Breast Cancer Cells Studied by Atomic Force Microscopy and Optical Nanomotion Detection Method. Cells 2023; 12:2362. [PMID: 37830577 PMCID: PMC10572077 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192362] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells of two molecular genetic types of breast cancer-hormone-dependent breast cancer (ZR-75 cell line) and triple-negative breast cancer (BT-20 cell line)-were studied using atomic force microscopy and an optical nanomotion detection method. Using the Peak Force QNM and Force Volume AFM modes, we revealed the unique patterns of the dependence of Young's modulus on the indentation depth for two cancer cell lines that correlate with the features of the spatial organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Within a 200-300 nm layer just under the cell membrane, BT-20 cells are stiffer than ZR-75 cells, whereas in deeper cell regions, Young's modulus of ZR-75 cells exceeds that of BT-20 cells. Two cancer cell lines also displayed a difference in cell nanomotion dynamics upon exposure to cytochalasin D, a potent actin polymerization inhibitor. The drug strongly modified the nanomotion pattern of BT-20 cells, whereas it had almost no effect on the ZR-75 cells. We are confident that nanomotion monitoring and measurement of the stiffness of cancer cells at various indentation depths deserve further studies to obtain effective predictive parameters for use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria N. Starodubtseva
- Department of Medical and Biological Physics, Gomel State Medical University, 246000 Gomel, Belarus
- Laboratory of the Stability of Biological Systems, Radiobiology Institute of NAS of Belarus, 246007 Gomel, Belarus; (N.M.S.); (I.A.C.)
| | - Nastassia M. Shkliarava
- Laboratory of the Stability of Biological Systems, Radiobiology Institute of NAS of Belarus, 246007 Gomel, Belarus; (N.M.S.); (I.A.C.)
| | - Irina A. Chelnokova
- Laboratory of the Stability of Biological Systems, Radiobiology Institute of NAS of Belarus, 246007 Gomel, Belarus; (N.M.S.); (I.A.C.)
| | - María I. Villalba
- Laboratory of Biological Electron Microscopy, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), University of Lausanne (UNIL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (M.I.V.); (S.K.)
- Centre Universitaire Romand de Médecine Légale, UFAM, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrei Yu. Krylov
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Further Training and Retraining of the Personnel, State Forensic Examination Committee of the Republic of Belarus, 220033 Minsk, Belarus;
| | - Eldar A. Nadyrov
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Gomel State Medical University, 246000 Gomel, Belarus;
| | - Sandor Kasas
- Laboratory of Biological Electron Microscopy, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), University of Lausanne (UNIL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (M.I.V.); (S.K.)
- Centre Universitaire Romand de Médecine Légale, UFAM, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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22
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Link A, Pardo IL, Porr B, Franke T. AI based image analysis of red blood cells in oscillating microchannels. RSC Adv 2023; 13:28576-28582. [PMID: 37780736 PMCID: PMC10537593 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra04644c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The flow dynamics of red blood cells in vivo in blood capillaries and in vitro in microfluidic channels is complex. Cells can obtain different shapes such as discoid, parachute, slipper-like shapes and various intermediate states depending on flow conditions and their viscoelastic properties. We use artificial intelligence based analysis of red blood cells (RBCs) in an oscillating microchannel to distinguish healthy red blood cells from red blood cells treated with formaldehyde to chemically modify their viscoelastic behavior. We used TensorFlow to train and validate a deep learning model and achieved a testing accuracy of over 97%. This method is a first step to a non-invasive, label-free characterization of diseased red blood cells and will be useful for diagnostic purposes in haematology labs. This method provides quantitative data on the number of affected cells based on single cell classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Link
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow Oakfield Avenue G12 8LT Glasgow UK
| | - Irene Luna Pardo
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow Oakfield Avenue G12 8LT Glasgow UK
| | - Bernd Porr
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow Oakfield Avenue G12 8LT Glasgow UK
| | - Thomas Franke
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow Oakfield Avenue G12 8LT Glasgow UK
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23
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Kumar R, Dzikonski D, Bekker E, Vornhusen R, Vitali V, Imbrock J, Denz C. Fabrication and mechanical characterization of hydrogel-based 3D cell-like structures. OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 31:29174-29186. [PMID: 37710723 DOI: 10.1364/oe.496888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we demonstrate the fabrication of 3D cell-like structures using a femtosecond laser-based two-photon polymerization technique. By employing poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate monomers as a precursor solution, we fabricate 3D hemispheres that resemble morphological and biomechanical characteristics of natural cells. We employ an optical tweezers-based microrheology technique to measure the viscoelastic properties of the precursor solutions inside and outside the structures. In addition, we demonstrate the interchangeability of the precursor solution within fabricated structures without impairing the microstructures. The combination of two-photon polymerization and microrheological measurements by optical tweezers demonstrated here represents a powerful toolbox for future investigations into cell mimic and artificial cell studies.
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24
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Cardoso-Lima R, Santos-Oliveira R, Souza PFN, Barbosa LRS, Wuite GJL, Alencar LMR. Physical virology: how physics is enabling a better understanding of recent viral invaders. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:611-623. [PMID: 37681101 PMCID: PMC10480132 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01075-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The world is frequently afflicted by several viral outbreaks that bring diseases and health crises. It is vital to comprehend how viral assemblies' fundamental components work to counteract them. Determining the ultrastructure and nanomechanical characteristics of viruses from a physical standpoint helps categorize their mechanical characteristics, offers insight into new treatment options, and/or shows weak spots that can clarify methods for medication targeting. This study compiles the findings from studies on the ultrastructure and nanomechanical behavior of SARS-CoV-2, ZIKV (Zika virus), and CHIKV (Chikungunya virus) viral particles. With results that uncovered aspects of the organization and the spatial distribution of the proteins on the surface of the viral particle as well as the deformation response of the particles when applied a recurring loading force, this review aims to provide further discussion on the mechanical properties of viral particles at the nanoscale, offering new prospects that could be employed for designing strategies for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12551-023-01075-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruana Cardoso-Lima
- Physics Department, Laboratory of Biophysics and Nanosystems, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA Brazil
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ralph Santos-Oliveira
- Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Nuclear Engineering Institute, Rio de Janeiro, 21941906 Brazil
- Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmacy, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, 23070200 Brazil
| | - Pedro Filho Noronha Souza
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE Brazil
| | - Leandro R. S. Barbosa
- Department of General Physics, Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000 Brazil
- Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, SP 13083-100 Brazil
| | - Gijs J. L. Wuite
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Xu J, Wang Q, Li X, Zheng Y, Ji B. Cellular mechanisms of wound closure under cyclic stretching. Biophys J 2023; 122:2404-2420. [PMID: 36966361 PMCID: PMC10322892 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Wound closure is a fundamental process in many physiological and pathological processes, but the regulating effects of external force on the closure process are still unclear. Here, we systematically studied the closure process of wounds of different shape under cyclic stretching. We found that the stretching amplitude and direction had significant effect on the healing speed and healing mode. For instance, there was a biphasic dependence of the healing speed on the stretching amplitude. That is, the wound closure was faster under relatively small and large amplitude, while it was slower under intermediate amplitude. At the same time, the stretching could regulate the healing pattern. We showed that the stretching would increase the healing speed along the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction. Specifically, when the stretching was along the major axis of the wound, it accelerated the healing speed along the short axis, which induced a rosette to stitching-line mode transition. In contrast, stretching along the minor axis accelerated the healing speed along the long axis, inducing a stitching-line to rosette mode transition. Our theoretical analyses demonstrated that the wound closure process was coregulated by the mechanical factors including prestress in the cytoskeleton, the protrusion of cells, and the contraction of the actin ring, as well as the geometry of the wound. The cyclic stretch could further modulate the roles of these factors. For example, the stretching changed the stress field in the cell layer, and switched the direction of cell protrusions. This article reveals important cellular mechanisms of the wound healing process under cyclic stretching, and provides an insight into possible approaches of regulating cell collective behaviors via mechanical forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Xu
- Department of Applied Mechanics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China; Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qianchun Wang
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Li
- Department of Applied Mechanics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Zheng
- Institute of Biomechanics and Applications, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Baohua Ji
- Institute of Biomechanics and Applications, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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26
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Sajid N. Topography and mechanical measurements of primary Schwann cells and neuronal cells with atomic force microscope for understanding and controlling nerve growth. Micron 2023; 167:103427. [PMID: 36805164 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2023.103427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries require a piece of substantial information for a satisfactory treatment. The prior peripheral nerve injury knowledge, can improve nerve repair, and its growth at molecular and cellular level. In this study, we employed an atomic force microscope (AFM) to investigate the topography and mechanical properties of the primary Schwann cells and neuronal cells. Tapping mode images and contact points force-volume maps provide the cells topography. Two different probes were used to acquire the micro and nanomechanical properties of the primary Schwann cells, NG-108-15 neuronal cells, and growth cones. Moreover, the sharp probe was only used to investigate neurites nanomechanics. A significant difference in the elastic moduli found between primary Schwann cells, and neuronal cells, with both probes, with consistent results. The elastic moduli of the growth cones were found higher, than the neuronal cells and primary Schwann cells, with both probes. Furthermore, the modulus variations were also found between neurites. These results have significant implications for a better understanding of the peripheral nerve system (PNS) in terms of defining the optimal pattern surface and nerve guidance conduits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Sajid
- Department of Physics, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
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27
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Shen L, Tian Z, Zhang J, Zhu H, Yang K, Li T, Rich J, Upreti N, Hao N, Pei Z, Jin G, Yang S, Liang Y, Chaohui W, Huang TJ. Acousto-dielectric tweezers for size-insensitive manipulation and biophysical characterization of single cells. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 224:115061. [PMID: 36634509 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The intrinsic biophysical properties of cells, such as mechanical, acoustic, and electrical properties, are valuable indicators of a cell's function and state. However, traditional single-cell biophysical characterization methods are hindered by limited measurable properties, time-consuming procedures, and complex system setups. This study presents acousto-dielectric tweezers that leverage the balance between controllable acoustophoretic and dielectrophoretic forces applied on cells through surface acoustic waves and alternating current electric fields, respectively. Particularly, the balanced acoustophoretic and dielectrophoretic forces can trap cells at equilibrium positions independent of the cell size to differentiate between various cell-intrinsic mechanical, acoustic, and electrical properties. Experimental results show our mechanism has the potential for applications in single-cell analysis, size-insensitive cell separation, and cell phenotyping, which are all primarily based on cells' intrinsic biophysical properties. Our results also show the measured equilibrium position of a cell can inversely determine multiple biophysical properties, including membrane capacitance, cytoplasm conductivity, and acoustic contrast factor. With these features, our acousto-dielectric tweezing mechanism is a valuable addition to the resources available for biophysical property-based biological and medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Shen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA; State Key Laboratory of Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Zhenhua Tian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Jinxin Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Haodong Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Kaichun Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Teng Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Joseph Rich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Neil Upreti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Nanjing Hao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Zhichao Pei
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Geonsoo Jin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Shujie Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Yaosi Liang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Wang Chaohui
- State Key Laboratory of Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China.
| | - Tony Jun Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
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28
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Milk Fat Globule Epidermal Growth Factor VIII Fragment Medin in Age-Associated Arterial Adverse Remodeling and Arterial Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020253. [PMID: 36672188 PMCID: PMC9857039 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Medin, a small 50-amino acid peptide, is an internal cleaved product from the second discoidin domain of milk fat globule epidermal growth factor VIII (MFG-E8) protein. Medin has been reported as the most common amylogenic protein in the upper part of the arterial system, including aortic, temporal, and cerebral arterial walls in the elderly. Medin has a high affinity to elastic fibers and is closely associated with arterial degenerative inflammation, elastic fiber fragmentation, calcification, and amyloidosis. In vitro, treating with the medin peptide promotes the inflammatory phenotypic shift of both endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies demonstrate that medin enhances the abundance of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species produced by both endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells and promotes vascular endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffening. Immunostaining and immunoblotting analyses of human samples indicate that the levels of medin are increased in the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm/dissection, temporal arteritis, and cerebrovascular dementia. Thus, medin peptide could be targeted as a biomarker diagnostic tool or as a potential molecular approach to curbing the arterial degenerative inflammatory remodeling that accompanies aging and disease.
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29
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Peña B, Gao S, Borin D, Del Favero G, Abdel-Hafiz M, Farahzad N, Lorenzon P, Sinagra G, Taylor MRG, Mestroni L, Sbaizero O. Cellular Biomechanic Impairment in Cardiomyocytes Carrying the Progeria Mutation: An Atomic Force Microscopy Investigation. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:14928-14940. [PMID: 36420863 PMCID: PMC9730902 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Given the clinical effect of progeria syndrome, understanding the cell mechanical behavior of this pathology could benefit the patient's treatment. Progeria patients show a point mutation in the lamin A/C gene (LMNA), which could change the cell's biomechanical properties. This paper reports a mechano-dynamic analysis of a progeria mutation (c.1824 C > T, p.Gly608Gly) in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) using cell indentation by atomic force microscopy to measure alterations in beating force, frequency, and contractile amplitude of selected cells within cell clusters. Furthermore, we examined the beating rate variability using a time-domain method that produces a Poincaré plot because beat-to-beat changes can shed light on the causes of arrhythmias. Our data have been further related to our cell phenotype findings, using immunofluorescence and calcium transient analysis, showing that mutant NRVMs display changes in both beating force and frequency. These changes were associated with a decreased gap junction localization (Connexin 43) in the mutant NRVMs even in the presence of a stable cytoskeletal structure (microtubules and actin filaments) when compared with controls (wild type and non-treated cells). These data emphasize the kindred between nucleoskeleton (LMNA), cytoskeleton, and the sarcolemmal structures in NRVM with the progeria Gly608Gly mutation, prompting future mechanistic and therapeutic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brisa Peña
- Cardiovascular
Institute & Adult Medical Genetics, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado80045, United States
- Bioengineering
Department, University of Colorado Denver
Anschutz Medical Campus, 12705 E. Montview Avenue, Suite 100, Aurora, Colorado80045, United States
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Cardiovascular
Institute & Adult Medical Genetics, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado80045, United States
| | - Daniele Borin
- Department
of Engineering and Architecture, University
of Trieste, Trieste34127, Italy
| | - Giorgia Del Favero
- Department
of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38-42, 1090Vienna, Austria
- Core
Facility Multimodal Imaging, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Wien, Währinger Straße 38-42, 1090Vienna, Austria
| | - Mostafa Abdel-Hafiz
- Bioengineering
Department, University of Colorado Denver
Anschutz Medical Campus, 12705 E. Montview Avenue, Suite 100, Aurora, Colorado80045, United States
| | - Nasim Farahzad
- Bioengineering
Department, University of Colorado Denver
Anschutz Medical Campus, 12705 E. Montview Avenue, Suite 100, Aurora, Colorado80045, United States
| | - Paola Lorenzon
- Department
F of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste34127, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Sinagra
- Polo
Cardiologico, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria
Integrata di Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, Trieste34127, Italy
| | - Matthew R. G. Taylor
- Cardiovascular
Institute & Adult Medical Genetics, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado80045, United States
| | - Luisa Mestroni
- Cardiovascular
Institute & Adult Medical Genetics, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado80045, United States
| | - Orfeo Sbaizero
- Cardiovascular
Institute & Adult Medical Genetics, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado80045, United States
- Department
of Engineering and Architecture, University
of Trieste, Trieste34127, Italy
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30
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Cell-Specific Response of NSIP- and IPF-Derived Fibroblasts to the Modification of the Elasticity, Biological Properties, and 3D Architecture of the Substrate. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314714. [PMID: 36499041 PMCID: PMC9738992 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314714] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The fibrotic fibroblasts derived from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) are surrounded by specific environments, characterized by increased stiffness, aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, and altered lung architecture. The presented research was aimed at investigating the effect of biological, physical, and topographical modification of the substrate on the properties of IPF- and NSIP-derived fibroblasts, and searching for the parameters enabling their identification. Soft and stiff polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was chosen for the basic substrates, the properties of which were subsequently tuned. To obtain the biological modification of the substrates, they were covered with ECM proteins, laminin, fibronectin, and collagen. The substrates that mimicked the 3D structure of the lungs were prepared using two approaches, resulting in porous structures that resemble natural lung architecture and honeycomb patterns, typical of IPF tissue. The growth of cells on soft and stiff PDMS covered with proteins, traced using fluorescence microscopy, confirmed an altered behavior of healthy and IPF- and NSIP-derived fibroblasts in response to the modified substrate properties, enabling their identification. In turn, differences in the mechanical properties of healthy and fibrotic fibroblasts, determined using atomic force microscopy working in force spectroscopy mode, as well as their growth on 3D-patterned substrates were not sufficient to discriminate between cell lines.
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31
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Doryab A, Taskin MB, Stahlhut P, Groll J, Schmid O. Real-Time Measurement of Cell Mechanics as a Clinically Relevant Readout of an In Vitro Lung Fibrosis Model Established on a Bioinspired Basement Membrane. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2205083. [PMID: 36030365 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202205083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lung fibrosis, one of the major post-COVID complications, is a progressive and ultimately fatal disease without a cure. Here, an organ- and disease-specific in vitro mini-lung fibrosis model equipped with noninvasive real-time monitoring of cell mechanics is introduced as a functional readout. To establish an intricate multiculture model under physiologic conditions, a biomimetic ultrathin basement (biphasic elastic thin for air-liquid culture conditions, BETA) membrane (<1 µm) is developed with unique properties, including biocompatibility, permeability, and high elasticity (<10 kPa) for cell culturing under air-liquid interface and cyclic mechanical stretch conditions. The human-based triple coculture fibrosis model, which includes epithelial and endothelial cell lines combined with primary fibroblasts from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients established on the BETA membrane, is integrated into a millifluidic bioreactor system (cyclic in vitro cell-stretch, CIVIC) with dose-controlled aerosolized drug delivery, mimicking inhalation therapy. The real-time measurement of cell/tissue stiffness (and compliance) is shown as a clinical biomarker of the progression/attenuation of fibrosis upon drug treatment, which is confirmed for inhaled Nintedanib-an antifibrosis drug. The mini-lung fibrosis model allows the combined longitudinal testing of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drugs, which is expected to enhance the predictive capacity of preclinical models and hence facilitate the development of approved therapies for lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Doryab
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI) and Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center-Munich (CPC-M) bioArchive, Helmholtz Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Mehmet Berat Taskin
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Stahlhut
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Groll
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Otmar Schmid
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI) and Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center-Munich (CPC-M) bioArchive, Helmholtz Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
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32
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Nardini M, Ciasca G, Lauria A, Rossi C, Di Giacinto F, Romanò S, Di Santo R, Papi M, Palmieri V, Perini G, Basile U, Alcaro FD, Di Stasio E, Bizzarro A, Masullo C, De Spirito M. Sensing red blood cell nano-mechanics: Toward a novel blood biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:932354. [PMID: 36204549 PMCID: PMC9530048 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.932354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Red blood cells (RBCs) are characterized by a remarkable elasticity, which allows them to undergo very large deformation when passing through small vessels and capillaries. This extreme deformability is altered in various clinical conditions, suggesting that the analysis of red blood cell (RBC) mechanics has potential applications in the search for non-invasive and cost-effective blood biomarkers. Here, we provide a comparative study of the mechanical response of RBCs in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and healthy subjects. For this purpose, RBC viscoelastic response was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in the force spectroscopy mode. Two types of analyses were performed: (i) a conventional analysis of AFM force-distance (FD) curves, which allowed us to retrieve the apparent Young's modulus, E; and (ii) a more in-depth analysis of time-dependent relaxation curves in the framework of the standard linear solid (SLS) model, which allowed us to estimate cell viscosity and elasticity, independently. Our data demonstrate that, while conventional analysis of AFM FD curves fails in distinguishing the two groups, the mechanical parameters obtained with the SLS model show a very good classification ability. The diagnostic performance of mechanical parameters was assessed using receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curves, showing very large areas under the curves (AUC) for selected biomarkers (AUC > 0.9). Taken all together, the data presented here demonstrate that RBC mechanics are significantly altered in AD, also highlighting the key role played by viscous forces. These RBC abnormalities in AD, which include both a modified elasticity and viscosity, could be considered a potential source of plasmatic biomarkers in the field of liquid biopsy to be used in combination with more established indicators of the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Nardini
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ciasca
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lauria
- Unitá Operativa Complessa Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensitá, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Rossi
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Di Giacinto
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Romanò
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Di Santo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Palmieri
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Istituto dei Sistemi Complessi (ISC), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giordano Perini
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Basile
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca D. Alcaro
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Di Stasio
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bizzarro
- Unitáă Operativa Complessa Continuità assistenziale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Masullo
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Sezione di Neurologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco De Spirito
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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33
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Sotres J, Boyd H, Gonzalez-Martinez JF. Locating critical events in AFM force measurements by means of one-dimensional convolutional neural networks. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12995. [PMID: 35906466 PMCID: PMC9338096 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17124-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) force measurements are a powerful tool for the nano-scale characterization of surface properties. However, the analysis of force measurements requires several processing steps. One is locating different type of events e.g., contact point, adhesions and indentations. At present, there is a lack of algorithms that can automate this process in a reliable way for different types of samples. Moreover, because of their stochastic nature, the acquisition and analysis of a high number of force measurements is typically required. This can result in these experiments becoming an overwhelming task if their analysis is not automated. Here, we propose a Machine Learning approach, the use of one-dimensional convolutional neural networks, to locate specific events within AFM force measurements. Specifically, we focus on locating the contact point, a critical step for the accurate quantification of mechanical properties as well as long-range interactions. We validate this approach on force measurements obtained both on hard and soft surfaces. This approach, which could be easily used to also locate other events e.g., indentations and adhesions, has the potential to significantly facilitate and automate the analysis of AFM force measurements and, therefore, the use of this technique by a wider community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sotres
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 20506, Malmö, Sweden. .,Biofilms-Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 20506, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Hannah Boyd
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 20506, Malmö, Sweden.,Biofilms-Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 20506, Malmö, Sweden
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34
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Ding L, Ding H, Zhou P, Xi L, Su B. Surface-Sensitive Imaging Analysis of Cell-Microenvironment Interactions by Electrochemiluminescence Microscopy. Anal Chem 2022; 94:10885-10892. [PMID: 35876242 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A complex and heterogeneous cell microenvironment offers not only structural support for cells but also myriad biochemical and biophysical cues. These outside-in signals transmit into cells primarily through integrins, which are the important components of cell-matrix adhesions to direct and maintain cell behaviors and fate. In this work, we report a surface-sensitive imaging methodology for evaluating the difference in cell-matrix adhesions at the single cell level to dissect the impact of the chemical microenvironment on cell behaviors. Cells were cultured on silica nanochannel membrane (SNM) modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes (SNM/ITO) with different terminal surfaces and imaged by electrochemiluminescence microscopy (ECLM). The results show that the surface tethered with Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) groups can mediate robust cell-microenvironment interaction and those coated with silanol and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) groups transmit an intermediate adhesion, while oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) coated surface conveys the weakest cell-matrix adhesion. Specific recognition of integrins to different surfaces was further explored in conjunction with selective immunoblocking of different subunits. α6, α5, and α1 integrin subunits were found to recognize SNM, RGD/OEG, and APTES surfaces, respectively. The work provides not only insights into cell-microenvironment interaction but also guideline in the design and development of functional and biomimetic surface materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lurong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Hao Ding
- Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Lingling Xi
- Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Bin Su
- Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
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35
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Besedina NA, Skverchinskaya EA, Shmakov SV, Ivanov AS, Mindukshev IV, Bukatin AS. Persistent red blood cells retain their ability to move in microcapillaries under high levels of oxidative stress. Commun Biol 2022; 5:659. [PMID: 35787676 PMCID: PMC9253111 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03620-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is one of the key factors that leads to red blood cells (RBCs) aging, and impairs their biomechanics and oxygen delivery. It occurs during numerous pathological processes and causes anaemia, one of the most frequent side effects of cancer chemotherapy. Here, we used microfluidics to simulate the microcirculation of RBCs under oxidative stress induced by tert-Butyl hydroperoxide. Oxidative stress was expected to make RBCs more rigid, which would lead to decrease their transit velocity in microfluidic channels. However, single-cell tracking combined with cytological and AFM studies reveals cell heterogeneity, which increases with the level of oxidative stress. The data indicates that the built-in antioxidant defence system has a limit exceeding which haemoglobin oxidation, membrane, and cytoskeleton transformation occurs. It leads to cell swelling, increased stiffness and adhesion, resulting in a decrease in the transit velocity in microcapillaries. However, even at high levels of oxidative stress, there are persistent cells in the population with an undisturbed biophysical phenotype that retain the ability to move in microcapillaries. Developed microfluidic analysis can be used to determine RBCs' antioxidant capacity for the minimization of anaemia during cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alexander S Ivanov
- Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Igor V Mindukshev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the RAS, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anton S Bukatin
- Department of Physics, Alferov University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia. .,Institute for Analytical Instrumentation of the RAS, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
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36
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Nanoscale geometry determines mechanical biocompatibility of vertically aligned nanofibers. Acta Biomater 2022; 146:235-247. [PMID: 35487425 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (VACNFs) are promising material candidates for neural biosensors due to their ability to detect neurotransmitters in physiological concentrations. However, the expected high rigidity of CNFs could induce mechanical mismatch with the brain tissue, eliciting formation of a glial scar around the electrode and thus loss of functionality. We have evaluated mechanical biocompatibility of VACNFs by growing nickel-catalyzed carbon nanofibers of different lengths and inter-fiber distances. Long nanofibers with large inter-fiber distance prevented maturation of focal adhesions, thus constraining cells from obtaining a highly spread morphology that is observed when astrocytes are being contacted with stiff materials commonly used in neural implants. A silicon nanopillar array with 500 nm inter-pillar distance was used to reveal that this inhibition of focal adhesion maturation occurs due to the surface nanoscale geometry, more precisely the inter-fiber distance. Live cell atomic force microscopy was used to confirm astrocytes being significantly softer on the long Ni-CNFs compared to other surfaces, including a soft gelatin hydrogel. We also observed hippocampal neurons to mature and form synaptic contacts when being cultured on both long and short carbon nanofibers, without having to use any adhesive proteins or a glial monoculture, indicating high cytocompatibility of the material also with neuronal population. In contrast, neurons cultured on a planar tetrahedral amorphous carbon sample showed immature neurites and indications of early-stage apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that mechanical biocompatibility of biomaterials is greatly affected by their nanoscale surface geometry, which provides means for controlling how the materials and their mechanical properties are perceived by the cells. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Our research article shows, how nanoscale surface geometry determines mechanical biocompatibility of apparently stiff materials. Specifically, astrocytes were prevented from obtaining highly spread morphology when their adhesion site maturation was inhibited, showing similar morphology on nominally stiff vertically aligned carbon fiber (VACNF) substrates as when being cultured on ultrasoft surfaces. Furthermore, hippocampal neurons matured well and formed synapses on these carbon nanofibers, indicating high biocompatibility of the materials. Interestingly, the same VACNF materials that were used in this study have earlier also been proven to be capable for electrophysiological recordings and sensing neurotransmitters at physiological concentrations with ultra-high sensitivity and selectivity, thus providing a platform for future neural probes or smart culturing surfaces with superior sensing performance and biocompatibility.
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37
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Xie L, Sun Z, Brown NJ, Glinskii OV, Meininger GA, Glinsky VV. Changes in dynamics of tumor/endothelial cell adhesive interactions depending on endothelial cell growth state and elastic properties. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269552. [PMID: 35666755 PMCID: PMC9170101 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell adhesion to the endothelium is a crucial process in hematogenous metastasis, but how the integrity of the endothelial barrier and endothelial cell (EC) mechanical properties influence the adhesion between metastatic cancer cells and the endothelium remain unclear. In the present study, we have measured the adhesion between single cancer cells and two types of ECs at various growth states and their mechanical properties (elasticity) using atomic force microscopy single cell force spectroscopy. We demonstrated that the EC stiffness increased and adhesion with cancer cells decreased, as ECs grew from a single cell to a confluent state and developed cell-cell contacts, but this was reversed when confluent cells returned to a single state in a scratch assay. Our results suggest that the integrity of the endothelial barrier is an important factor in reducing the ability of the metastatic tumor cells to adhere to the vascular endothelium, extravasate and lodge in the vasculature of a distant organ where secondary metastatic tumors would develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leike Xie
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Zhe Sun
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Nicola J. Brown
- Microcirculation Research Group, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Olga V. Glinskii
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Gerald A. Meininger
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Vladislav V. Glinsky
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
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38
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Ko PL, Wang CK, Hsu HH, Lee TA, Tung YC. Revealing anisotropic elasticity of endothelium under fluid shear stress. Acta Biomater 2022; 145:316-328. [PMID: 35367381 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Endothelium lining interior surface of blood vessels experiences various physical stimulations in vivo. Its physical properties, especially elasticity, play important roles in regulating the physiological functions of vascular systems. In this paper, an integrated approach is developed to characterize the anisotropic elasticity of the endothelium under physiological-level fluid shear stress. A pressure sensor-embedded microfluidic device is developed to provide fluid shear stress on the perfusion-cultured endothelium and to measure transverse in-plane elasticities in the directions parallel and perpendicular to the flow direction. Biological atomic force microscopy (Bio-AFM) is further exploited to measure the vertical elasticity of the endothelium in its out-of-plane direction. The results show that the transverse elasticity of the endothelium in the direction parallel to the perfusion culture flow direction is about 70% higher than that in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction. Moreover, the transverse elasticities of the endothelium are estimated to be approximately 120 times larger than the vertical one. The results indicate the effects of fluid shear stress on the transverse elasticity anisotropy of the endothelium, and the difference between the elasticities in transverse and vertical directions. The quantitative measurement of the endothelium anisotropic elasticity in different directions at the tissue level under the fluid shear stress provides biologists insightful information for the advanced vascular system studies from biophysical and biomaterial viewpoints. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this paper, we take advantage an integrated approach combining microfluidic devices and biological atomic force microscopy (Bio-AFM) to characterize anisotropic elasticities of endothelia with and without fluidic shear stress application. The microfluidic devices are exploited to conduct perfusion cell culture of the endothelial cells, and to estimate the in-plane elasticities of the endothelium in the direction parallel and perpendicular to the shear stress. In addition, the Bio-AFM is utilized for characterization of the endothelium morphology and vertical elasticity. The measurement results demonstrate the very first anisotropic elasticity quantification of the endothelia. Furthermore, the study provides insightful information bridging the microscopic sing cell and macroscopic organ level studies, which can greatly help to advance vascular system research from material perspective.
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39
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Ichikawa T, Wang D, Miyazawa K, Miyata K, Oshima M, Fukuma T. Chemical fixation creates nanoscale clusters on the cell surface by aggregating membrane proteins. Commun Biol 2022; 5:487. [PMID: 35595960 PMCID: PMC9122943 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03437-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical fixations have been thought to preserve the structures of the cells or tissues. However, given that the fixatives create crosslinks or aggregate proteins, there is a possibility that these fixatives create nanoscale artefacts by aggregation of membrane proteins which move around freely to some extent on the cell surface. Despite this, little research has been conducted about this problem, probably because there has been no method for observing cell surface structures at the nanoscale. In this study, we have developed a method to observe cell surfaces stably and with high resolution using atomic force microscopy and a microporous silicon nitride membrane. We demonstrate that the size of the protrusions on the cell surface is increased after treatment with three commonly used fixatives and show that these protrusions were created by the aggregation of membrane proteins by fixatives. These results call attention when observing fixed cell surfaces at the nanoscale. Atomic force microscopy imaging shows that cell fixation can lead to unwanted aggregation of membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiko Ichikawa
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.
| | - Dong Wang
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.,Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Keisuke Miyazawa
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.,Faculty of Frontier Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Kazuki Miyata
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.,Faculty of Frontier Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Masanobu Oshima
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan. .,Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Fukuma
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan. .,Faculty of Frontier Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.
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40
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Zhuang Y, Huang Y, He Z, Liu T, Yu X, Xin SX. Effect of substrate stiffness on the mechanical properties of cervical cancer cells. Arch Biochem Biophys 2022; 725:109281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2022.109281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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41
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Zhu J, Tian Y, Yan J, Hu J, Wang Z, Liu X. The effects of measurement parameters on the cancerous cell nucleus characterization by atomic force microscopy in vitro. J Microsc 2022; 287:3-18. [PMID: 35411607 PMCID: PMC9322684 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.13104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is now responsible for the major leading cause of death worldwide. It is noteworthy that lung cancer has been recognised as the highest incidence (11.6%) and mortality (18.4%) for combined sexes among a variety of cancer diseases. Therefore, it is of great value to investigate the mechanical properties of lung cancerous cells for early diagnosis. This paper focus on the influence of measurement parameters on the measured central Young's moduli of single live A549 cell in vitro based on the force spectroscopy mode of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The effects of the measurement parameters on the measured central Young's moduli were analysed by fitting the force–depth curves utilising the Sneddon model. The results revealed that the Young's moduli of A549 cells increased with the larger indentation force, higher indentation speed, less retraction time, deeper Z length and lower purity percentage of serum. The Young's moduli of cells increased first and then decreased with the increasing dwell time. Hence, this research may have potential significance to provide reference for the standardised detection of a single cancerous cell in vitro using AFM methodologies. Cancer is now responsible for the majority leading cause of death worldwide and it is noteworthy that lung cancer has been recognised as the highest incidence (11.6%) and mortality (18.4%) for combined sexes among a variety of cancer diseases. Therefore, it is of great value to investigate the mechanical properties of lung cancerous cells for early diagnosis. This paper primarily investigated the morphological properties and the influence of measurement parameters on the measured local elastic moduli of single live A549 cell in vitro using the AFM‐based force spectroscopy mode. In practice, there are many factors for incorrect or inaccurate experimental results using AFM to measure the characteristics of live cells, such as non‐homogeneous nature of cells, probe geometry and size, mechanical analysis model, substrate stiffness and different measurement parameters. The various measurement parameters have become the huge impact factor to influence the measurement result. Hence, this research may have potential significance to provide reference for the standardised detection of a single cancerous cell in vitro using AFM methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajing Zhu
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Yanling Tian
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Jin Yan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China.,International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China.,International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Zuobin Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China.,International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Xianping Liu
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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42
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Benech JC, Romanelli G. Atomic force microscopy indentation for nanomechanical characterization of live pathological cardiovascular/heart tissue and cells. Micron 2022; 158:103287. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2022.103287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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43
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Nanomechanical characterization of exosomes and concomitant nanoparticles from blood plasma by PeakForce AFM in liquid. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Abuhattum S, Mokbel D, Müller P, Soteriou D, Guck J, Aland S. An explicit model to extract viscoelastic properties of cells from AFM force-indentation curves. iScience 2022; 25:104016. [PMID: 35310950 PMCID: PMC8931349 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is widely used for quantifying the mechanical properties of soft materials such as cells. AFM force-indentation curves are conventionally fitted with a Hertzian model to extract elastic properties. These properties solely are, however, insufficient to describe the mechanical properties of cells. Here, we expand the analysis capabilities to describe the viscoelastic behavior while using the same force-indentation curves. Our model gives an explicit relation of force and indentation and extracts physically meaningful mechanical parameters. We first validated the model on simulated force-indentation curves. Then, we applied the fitting model to the force-indentation curves of two hydrogels with different crosslinking mechanisms. Finally, we characterized HeLa cells in two cell cycle phases, interphase and mitosis, and showed that mitotic cells have a higher apparent elasticity and a lower apparent viscosity. Our study provides a simple method, which can be directly integrated into the standard AFM framework for extracting the viscoelastic properties of materials. Simple mechanical model to describe viscoelastic properties of soft matter A model fitted directly to force-indentation curves Capturing the distinct nature of hydrogels crosslinked in different mechanisms Comparing viscoelastic properties of cells in interphase and mitotic states
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Affiliation(s)
- Shada Abuhattum
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Technische Universität Dresden, Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Corresponding author
| | - Dominic Mokbel
- Fakultät Mathematik und Informatik, Technische Universität Freiberg, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
| | - Paul Müller
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Technische Universität Dresden, Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Despina Soteriou
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Technische Universität Dresden, Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sebastian Aland
- Fakultät Mathematik und Informatik, Technische Universität Freiberg, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
- Fakultät Informatik/Mathematik, Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Corresponding author
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45
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Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) Applications in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073700. [PMID: 35409059 PMCID: PMC8998711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited heart muscle disorder characterized by progressive replacement of cardiomyocytes by fibrofatty tissue, ventricular dilatation, cardiac dysfunction, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Interest in molecular biomechanics for these disorders is constantly growing. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a well-established technic to study the mechanobiology of biological samples under physiological and pathological conditions at the cellular scale. However, a review which described all the different data that can be obtained using the AFM (cell elasticity, adhesion behavior, viscoelasticity, beating force, and frequency) is still missing. In this review, we will discuss several techniques that highlight the potential of AFM to be used as a tool for assessing the biomechanics involved in ACM. Indeed, analysis of genetically mutated cells with AFM reveal abnormalities of the cytoskeleton, cell membrane structures, and defects of contractility. The higher the Young’s modulus, the stiffer the cell, and it is well known that abnormal tissue stiffness is symptomatic of a range of diseases. The cell beating force and frequency provide information during the depolarization and repolarization phases, complementary to cell electrophysiology (calcium imaging, MEA, patch clamp). In addition, original data is also presented to emphasize the unique potential of AFM as a tool to assess fibrosis in cardiac tissue.
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46
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Qin Y, Yang W, Chu H, Li Y, Cai S, Yu H, Liu L. Atomic Force Microscopy for Tumor Research at Cell and Molecule Levels. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2022; 28:1-18. [PMID: 35257653 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927622000290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tumors have posed a serious threat to human life and health. Researchers can determine whether or not cells are cancerous, whether the cancer cells are invasive or metastatic, and what the effects of drugs are on cancer cells by the physical properties such as hardness, adhesion, and Young's modulus. The atomic force microscope (AFM) has emerged as a key important tool for biomechanics research on tumor cells due to its ability to image and collect force spectroscopy information of biological samples with nano-level spatial resolution and under near-physiological conditions. This article reviews the existing results of the study of cancer cells with AFM. The main foci are the operating principle of AFM and research advances in mechanical property measurement, ultra-microtopography, and molecular recognition of tumor cells, which allows us to outline what we do know it in a systematic way and to summarize and to discuss future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Qin
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai264005, China
| | - Wenguang Yang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai264005, China
| | - Honghui Chu
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai264005, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai264005, China
| | - Shuxiang Cai
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai264005, China
| | - Haibo Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang110016, China
| | - Lianqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang110016, China
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Orzechowska B, Awsiuk K, Wnuk D, Pabijan J, Stachura T, Soja J, Sładek K, Raczkowska J. Discrimination between NSIP- and IPF-Derived Fibroblasts Based on Multi-Parameter Characterization of Their Growth, Morphology and Physic-Chemical Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042162. [PMID: 35216278 PMCID: PMC8880018 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The aim of the research presented here was to find a set of parameters enabling discrimination between three types of fibroblasts, i.e., healthy ones and those derived from two disorders mimicking each other: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). Methods: The morphology and growth of cells were traced using fluorescence microscopy and analyzed quantitatively using cell proliferation and substrate cytotoxicity indices. The viability of cells was recorded using MTS assays, and their stiffness was examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) working in force spectroscopy (FS) mode. To enhance any possible difference in the examined parameters, experiments were performed with cells cultured on substrates of different elasticities. Moreover, the chemical composition of cells was determined using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), combined with sophisticated analytical tools, i.e., Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results: The obtained results demonstrate that discrimination between cell lines derived from healthy and diseased patients is possible based on the analysis of the growth of cells, as well as their physical and chemical properties. In turn, the comparative analysis of the cellular response to altered stiffness of the substrates enables the identification of each cell line, including distinguishing between IPF- and NSIP-derived fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Orzechowska
- Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Radzikowskiego 152, 31-342 Krakow, Poland; (B.O.); (J.P.)
| | - Kamil Awsiuk
- The Marian Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-428 Krakow, Poland;
- Jagiellonian Center of Biomedical Imaging, Jagiellonian University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Joanna Pabijan
- Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Radzikowskiego 152, 31-342 Krakow, Poland; (B.O.); (J.P.)
| | - Tomasz Stachura
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688 Krakow, Poland; (T.S.); (J.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Jerzy Soja
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688 Krakow, Poland; (T.S.); (J.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Krzysztof Sładek
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688 Krakow, Poland; (T.S.); (J.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Joanna Raczkowska
- The Marian Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-428 Krakow, Poland;
- Jagiellonian Center of Biomedical Imaging, Jagiellonian University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
- Correspondence:
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48
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High Doses of Silica Nanoparticles Obtained by Microemulsion and Green Routes Compromise Human Alveolar Cells Morphology and Stiffness Differently. Bioinorg Chem Appl 2022; 2022:2343167. [PMID: 35140761 PMCID: PMC8820933 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2343167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Among all the inorganic nanomaterials used in commercial products, industry, and medicine, the amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) appeared to be often tolerated in living organisms. However, despite several toxicity studies, some concerns about the exposure to high doses of SiO2 NPs with different sizes were raised. Then, we used the microemulsion method to obtain stable SiO2 NPs having different sizes (110 nm, 50 nm, and 25 nm). In addition, a new one-pot green synthetic route using leaves extract of Laurus nobilis was performed, obtaining monodispersed ultrasmall SiO2 NPs without the use of dangerous chemicals. The NPs achieved by microemulsion were further functionalized with amino groups making the NPs surface positively charged. Then, high doses of SiO2 NPs (1 mg/mL and 3 mg/mL) achieved from the two routes, having different sizes and surface charges, were used to assess their impact on human alveolar cells (A549), being the best cell model mimicking the inhalation route. Cell viability and caspase-3 induction were analyzed as well as the cellular uptake, obtaining that the smallest (25 nm) and positive-charged NPs were more able to induce cytotoxicity, reaching values of about 60% of cell death. Surprisingly, cells incubated with green SiO2 NPs did not show strong toxicity, and 70% of them remained vital. This result was unusual for ultrasmall nanoobjects, generally highly toxic. The actin reorganization, nuclear morphology alteration, and cell membrane elasticity analyses confirmed the trend achieved from the biological assays. The obtained data demonstrate that the increase in cellular softness, i.e., the decrease in Young’s modulus, could be associated with the smaller and positive NPs, recording values of about 3 kPa. On the contrary, green NPs triggered a slight decrease of stiffness values (c.a. 6 kPa) compared to the untreated cells (c.a. 8 kPa). As the softer cells were implicated in cancer progression and metastasization, this evidence strongly supported the idea of a link between the cell elasticity and physicochemical properties of NPs that, in turn, influenced the interaction with the cell membrane. Thus, the green SiO2 NPs compromised cells to a lesser extent than the other SiO2 NPs types. In this scenario, the elasticity evaluation could be an interesting tool to understand the toxicity of NPs with the aim of predicting some pathological phenomena associated with their exposure.
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49
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Sermeus Y, Vangheel J, Geris L, Smeets B, Tylzanowski P. Mechanical Regulation of Limb Bud Formation. Cells 2022; 11:420. [PMID: 35159230 PMCID: PMC8834596 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Early limb bud development has been of considerable interest for the study of embryological development and especially morphogenesis. The focus has long been on biochemical signalling and less on cell biomechanics and mechanobiology. However, their importance cannot be understated since tissue shape changes are ultimately controlled by active forces and bulk tissue rheological properties that in turn depend on cell-cell interactions as well as extracellular matrix composition. Moreover, the feedback between gene regulation and the biomechanical environment is still poorly understood. In recent years, novel experimental techniques and computational models have reinvigorated research on this biomechanical and mechanobiological side of embryological development. In this review, we consider three stages of early limb development, namely: outgrowth, elongation, and condensation. For each of these stages, we summarize basic biological regulation and examine the role of cellular and tissue mechanics in the morphogenetic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvenn Sermeus
- MeBioS, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (Y.S.); (J.V.); (B.S.)
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Jef Vangheel
- MeBioS, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (Y.S.); (J.V.); (B.S.)
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Liesbet Geris
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- GIGA In Silico Medicine, Université de Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- SBE, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Smeets
- MeBioS, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (Y.S.); (J.V.); (B.S.)
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Przemko Tylzanowski
- SBE, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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50
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Efremov YM, Suter DM, Timashev PS, Raman A. 3D nanomechanical mapping of subcellular and sub-nuclear structures of living cells by multi-harmonic AFM with long-tip microcantilevers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:529. [PMID: 35017598 PMCID: PMC8752865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04443-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent developments such as multi-harmonic Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) techniques have enabled fast, quantitative mapping of nanomechanical properties of living cells. Due to their high spatiotemporal resolution, these methods provide new insights into changes of mechanical properties of subcellular structures due to disease or drug response. Here, we propose three new improvements to significantly improve the resolution, identification, and mechanical property quantification of sub-cellular and sub-nuclear structures using multi-harmonic AFM on living cells. First, microcantilever tips are streamlined using long-carbon tips to minimize long-range hydrodynamic interactions with the cell surface, to enhance the spatial resolution of nanomechanical maps and minimize hydrodynamic artifacts. Second, simultaneous Spinning Disk Confocal Microscopy (SDC) with live-cell fluorescent markers enables the unambiguous correlation between observed heterogeneities in nanomechanical maps with subcellular structures. Third, computational approaches are then used to estimate the mechanical properties of sub-nuclear structures. Results are demonstrated on living NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells, where properties of nucleoli, a deep intracellular structure, were assessed. The integrated approach opens the door to study the mechanobiology of sub-cellular structures during disease or drug response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri M Efremov
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daniel M Suter
- Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Peter S Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, Moscow, Russia
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Arvind Raman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
- Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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