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Behroozi Kohlan T, Wen Y, Mini C, Finne-Wistrand A. Schiff base crosslinked hyaluronic acid hydrogels with tunable and cell instructive time-dependent mechanical properties. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 338:122173. [PMID: 38763720 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122173] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The dynamic interplay between cells and their native extracellular matrix (ECM) influences cellular behavior, imposing a challenge in biomaterial design. Dynamic covalent hydrogels are viscoelastic and show self-healing ability, making them a potential scaffold for recapitulating native ECM properties. We aimed to implement kinetically and thermodynamically distinct crosslinkers to prepare self-healing dynamic hydrogels to explore the arising properties and their effects on cellular behavior. To do so, aldehyde-substituted hyaluronic acid (HA) was synthesized to generate imine, hydrazone, and oxime crosslinked dynamic covalent hydrogels. Differences in equilibrium constants of these bonds yielded distinct properties including stiffness, stress relaxation, and self-healing ability. The effects of degree of substitution (DS), polymer concentration, crosslinker to aldehyde ratio, and crosslinker functionality on hydrogel properties were evaluated. The self-healing ability of hydrogels was investigated on samples of the same and different crosslinkers and DS to obtain hydrogels with gradient properties. Subsequently, human dermal fibroblasts were cultured in 2D and 3D to assess the cellular response considering the dynamic properties of the hydrogels. Moreover, assessing cell spreading and morphology on hydrogels having similar modulus but different stress relaxation rates showed the effects of matrix viscoelasticity with higher cell spreading in slower relaxing hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Behroozi Kohlan
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen, 56-58, SE 10044 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yanru Wen
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen, 56-58, SE 10044 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carina Mini
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen, 56-58, SE 10044 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Finne-Wistrand
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen, 56-58, SE 10044 Stockholm, Sweden.
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2
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Tran JC, Kuffner CJ, Marzilli AM, Miller RE, Silfen ZE, McMahan JB, Sloas DC, Chen CS, Ngo JT. Fluorescein-Based SynNotch Adaptors for Regulating Gene Expression Responses to Diverse Extracellular Cues. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.12.598538. [PMID: 38915575 PMCID: PMC11195177 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.12.598538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
We introduce an adaptor-based strategy for regulating fluorescein-binding synthetic Notch (SynNotch) receptors using ligands based on conjugates of fluorescein isomers and analogs. To develop a versatile system, we evaluated the surface expression and activities of multiple constructs containing distinct extracellular fluorescein-binding domains. Using an optimized receptor, we devised ways to regulate signaling via fluorescein-based chemical transformations, including an approach based on a bio-orthogonal chemical ligation and a spatially controllable strategy via the photo-patterned uncaging of an o -nitrobenzyl-caged fluorescein conjugate. We further demonstrate that fluorescein-conjugated extracellular matrix (ECM)-binding peptides can regulate SynNotch activity depending on the folding state of collagen-based ECM networks. Treatment with these conjugates enabled cells to distinguish between folded versus denatured collagen proteins and enact dose-dependent gene expression responses depending on the nature of the signaling adaptors presented. To demonstrate the utility of these tools, we applied them to control the myogenic conversion of fibroblasts into myocytes with spatial and temporal precision and in response to denatured collagen-I, a biomarker of multiple pathological states. Overall, we introduce an optimized fluorescein-binding SynNotch as a versatile tool for regulating transcriptional responses to extracellular ligands based on the widely used and clinically-approved fluorescein dye.
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3
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Xiao C, Xie N, Shu Q, Liang X, Wang Z, Wu J, Shi N, Huang X, Wei ZC, Gao X, Liu H, Wu K, Xu J, Wang JH, Liu N, Xu F. Synergistic Effects of Matrix Biophysical Properties on Gastric Cancer Cell Behavior via Integrin-Mediated Cell-ECM Interactions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2309907. [PMID: 38712486 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202309907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) play a pivotal role in modulating cancer progression via cell-ECM interactions. However, the biophysical properties specific to gastric cancer (GC) remain largely unexplored. Pertinently, GC ECM shows significantly heterogeneous metamorphoses, such as matrix stiffening and intricate restructuring. By combining collagen I and alginate, this study designs an in vitro biomimetic hydrogel platform to independently modulate matrix stiffness and structure across a physiological stiffness spectrum while preserving consistent collagen concentration and fiber topography. With this platform, this study assesses the impacts of matrix biophysical properties on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and other pivotal dynamics of AGS. The findings spotlight a compelling interplay between matrix stiffness and structure, influencing both cellular responses and ECM remodeling. Furthermore, this investigation into the integrin/actin-collagen interplay reinforces the central role of integrins in mediating cell-ECM interactions, reciprocally sculpting cell conduct, and ECM adaptation. Collectively, this study reveals a previously unidentified role of ECM biophysical properties in GC malignant potential and provides insight into the bidirectional mechanical cell-ECM interactions, which may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic horizons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cailan Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Ning Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Qiuai Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Xiru Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Jian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Nianyuan Shi
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Magnetic Medicine, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Xindi Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Zhong-Cao Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoliang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Hao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Kaichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Jingyuan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215001, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Hai Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, 570311, P. R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
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4
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Khine YY, Nguyen H, Afolabi F, Lin CC. Fast-relaxing hydrogels with reversibly tunable mechanics for dynamic cancer cell culture. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 159:213829. [PMID: 38531258 PMCID: PMC11075809 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The mechanics of the tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly impact disease progression and the efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutics. While it is recognized that advanced in vitro cancer models will benefit cancer research, none of the current engineered extracellular matrices (ECM) adequately recapitulate the highly dynamic TME. Through integrating reversible boronate-ester bonding and dithiolane ring-opening polymerization, we fabricated synthetic polymer hydrogels with tumor-mimetic fast relaxation and reversibly tunable elastic moduli. Importantly, the crosslinking and dynamic stiffening of matrix mechanics were achieved in the absence of a photoinitiator, often the source of cytotoxicity. Central to this strategy was Poly(PEGA-co-LAA-co-AAPBA) (PELA), a highly defined polymer synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. PELA contains dithiolane for initiator-free gel crosslinking, stiffening, and softening, as well as boronic acid for complexation with diol-containing polymers to give rise to tunable viscoelasticity. PELA hydrogels were highly cytocompatible for dynamic culture of patient-derived pancreatic cancer cells. It was found that the fast-relaxing matrix induced mesenchymal phenotype of cancer cells, and dynamic matrix stiffening restricted tumor spheroid growth. Moreover, this new dynamic viscoelastic hydrogel system permitted sequential stiffening and softening to mimic the physical changes of TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Yee Khine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Han Nguyen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Favour Afolabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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5
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Soliman BG, Longoni A, Major GS, Lindberg GCJ, Choi YS, Zhang YS, Woodfield TBF, Lim KS. Harnessing Macromolecular Chemistry to Design Hydrogel Micro- and Macro-Environments. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300457. [PMID: 38035637 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300457] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Cell encapsulation within three-dimensional hydrogels is a promising approach to mimic tissues. However, true biomimicry of the intricate microenvironment, biophysical and biochemical gradients, and the macroscale hierarchical spatial organizations of native tissues is an unmet challenge within tissue engineering. This review provides an overview of the macromolecular chemistries that have been applied toward the design of cell-friendly hydrogels, as well as their application toward controlling biophysical and biochemical bulk and gradient properties of the microenvironment. Furthermore, biofabrication technologies provide the opportunity to simultaneously replicate macroscale features of native tissues. Biofabrication strategies are reviewed in detail with a particular focus on the compatibility of these strategies with the current macromolecular toolkit described for hydrogel design and the challenges associated with their clinical translation. This review identifies that the convergence of the ever-expanding macromolecular toolkit and technological advancements within the field of biofabrication, along with an improved biological understanding, represents a promising strategy toward the successful tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram G Soliman
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Alessia Longoni
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584CX, The Netherlands
| | - Gretel S Major
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Gabriella C J Lindberg
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tim B F Woodfield
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Khoon S Lim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
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6
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Bulut S, Günther D, Bund M, Haats C, Bissing T, Bastard C, Wessling M, De Laporte L, Pich A. Cellular Architects at Work: Cells Building their Own Microgel Houses. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2302957. [PMID: 37988182 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Microporous annealed particle (MAP) scaffolds are investigated for their application as injectable 3D constructs in the field of regenerative medicine and tissue repair. While available MAP scaffolds provide a stable interlinked matrix of microgels for cell culture, the infiltration depth and space for cells to grow inside the scaffolds is pre-determined by the void fraction during the assembly. In the case of MAP scaffolds fabricated from interlinked spherical microgels, a cellularity gradient can be observed with the highest cell density on the scaffold surface. Additionally, the interlinked microgel network limits the ability of cells to remodel their environment, which contradicts native tissue dynamics. In this work, a cell-induced interlinking method for MAP scaffold formation is established, which avoids the necessity of chemical crosslinkers and pre-engineered pores to achieve micro- or macropores in these 3D frameworks. This method enables cells to self-organize with microgels into dynamic tissue constructs, which can be further controlled by altering the microgel properties, the cell/microgel ratio, and well shape. To form a cell-induced interlinked scaffold, the cells are mixed with dextran-based microgels and function as a glue between the microgels, resulting in a more homogenous cell distribution throughout the scaffold with efficient cell-cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selin Bulut
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Functional and Interactive Polymers, Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniel Günther
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CBMS), Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Michelle Bund
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Functional and Interactive Polymers, Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christina Haats
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Bissing
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Functional and Interactive Polymers, Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Céline Bastard
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CBMS), Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Wessling
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Chemical Process Engineering (AVT.CVT), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 51, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CBMS), Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andrij Pich
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Functional and Interactive Polymers, Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Aachen Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Maastricht University, Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Urmonderbaan 22, Geleen, 6167 RD, Netherlands
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Ezzo M, Hinz B. Novel approaches to target fibroblast mechanotransduction in fibroproliferative diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108528. [PMID: 37708995 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108528] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to changes in mechanical environment is vital in conditions of organ injury when the architecture of normal tissues is disturbed or lost. Among the various cellular players that respond to injury, fibroblasts take center stage in re-establishing tissue integrity by secreting and organizing extracellular matrix into stabilizing scar tissue. Activation, activity, survival, and death of scar-forming fibroblasts are tightly controlled by mechanical environment and proper mechanotransduction ensures that fibroblast activities cease after completion of the tissue repair process. Conversely, dysregulated mechanotransduction often results in fibroblast over-activation or persistence beyond the state of normal repair. The resulting pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix is called fibrosis, a condition that has been associated with over 40% of all deaths in the industrialized countries. Consequently, elements in fibroblast mechanotransduction are scrutinized for their suitability as anti-fibrotic therapeutic targets. We review the current knowledge on mechanically relevant factors in the fibroblast extracellular environment, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion structures, stretch-activated membrane channels, stress-regulated cytoskeletal structures, and co-transcription factors. We critically discuss the targetability of these elements in therapeutic approaches and their progress in pre-clinical and/or clinical trials to treat organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Ezzo
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Onwudiwe K, Najera J, Holen L, Burchett AA, Rodriguez D, Zarodniuk M, Siri S, Datta M. Single-cell mechanical analysis reveals viscoelastic similarities between normal and neoplastic brain cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.23.559055. [PMID: 37808779 PMCID: PMC10557591 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.23.559055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Understanding cancer cell mechanics allows for the identification of novel disease mechanisms, diagnostic biomarkers, and targeted therapies. In this study, we utilized our previously established fluid shear stress assay to investigate and compare the viscoelastic properties of normal immortalized human astrocytes (IHAs) and invasive human glioblastoma (GBM) cells when subjected to physiological levels of shear stress that are present in the brain microenvironment. We used a parallel-flow microfluidic shear system and a camera-coupled optical microscope to expose single cells to fluid shear stress and monitor the resulting deformation in real-time, respectively. From the video-rate imaging, we fed cell deformation information from digital image correlation into a three-parameter generalized Maxwell model to quantify the nuclear and cytoplasmic viscoelastic properties of single cells. We further quantified actin cytoskeleton density and alignment in IHAs and GBM cells via immunofluorescence microscopy and image analysis techniques. Results from our study show that contrary to the behavior of many extracranial cells, normal and cancerous brain cells do not exhibit significant differences in their viscoelastic behavior. Moreover, we also found that the viscoelastic properties of the nucleus and cytoplasm as well as the actin cytoskeletal densities of both brain cell types are similar. Our work suggests that malignant GBM cells exhibit unique mechanical behaviors not seen in other cancer cell types. These results warrant future study to elucidate the distinct biophysical characteristics of the brain and reveal novel mechanical attributes of GBM and other primary brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian Onwudiwe
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Julian Najera
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Luke Holen
- Department of Pre-Professional Studies, College of Science, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Alice A. Burchett
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Dorielis Rodriguez
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00918, USA
| | - Maksym Zarodniuk
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Saeed Siri
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Meenal Datta
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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