1
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Shoyer TC, Collins KL, Ham TR, Blanchard AT, Malavade JN, Johns BA, West JL, Hoffman BD. Detection of fluorescent protein mechanical switching in cellulo. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100815. [PMID: 38986612 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical forces is critical in many physiological and pathological processes. However, determining the mechanisms by which forces affect protein function inside cells remains challenging. Motivated by in vitro demonstrations of fluorescent proteins (FPs) undergoing reversible mechanical switching of fluorescence, we investigated whether force-sensitive changes in FP function could be visualized in cells. Guided by a computational model of FP mechanical switching, we develop a formalism for its detection in Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors and demonstrate its occurrence in cellulo within a synthetic actin crosslinker and the mechanical linker protein vinculin. We find that in cellulo mechanical switching is reversible and altered by manipulation of cell force generation, external stiffness, and force-sensitive bond dynamics of the biosensor. This work describes a framework for assessing FP mechanical stability and provides a means of probing force-sensitive protein function inside cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Curtis Shoyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Kasie L Collins
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Trevor R Ham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Aaron T Blanchard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Juilee N Malavade
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Benjamin A Johns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Jennifer L West
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Brenton D Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA.
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2
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Lu Z, Tenjimbayashi M, Zhou J, Nakanishi J. Ultimately Adaptive Fluid Interfacial Phospholipid Membranes Unveiled Unanticipated High Cellular Mechanical Work. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2403396. [PMID: 38613213 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202403396] [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: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Living cells actively interact biochemically and mechanically with the surrounding extracellular matrices (ECMs) and undergo dramatic morphological and dimensional transitions, concomitantly remodeling ECMs. However, there is no suitable method to quantitatively discuss the contribution of mechanical interactions in such mutually adaptive processes. Herein, a highly deformable "living" cellular scaffold is developed to evaluate overall mechanical energy transfer between cell and ECMs. It is based on the water-perfluorocarbon interface decorated with phospholipids bearing a cell-adhesive ligand and fluorescent tag. The bioinert nature of the phospholipid membranes prevents the formation of solid-like protein nanofilms at the fluid interface, enabling to visualize and quantify cellular mechanical work against the ultimately adaptive model ECM. A new cellular wetting regime is identified, wherein interface deformation proceeds to cell flattening, followed by its eventual restoration. The cellular mechanical work during this adaptive wetting process is one order of magnitude higher than those reported with conventional elastic platforms. The behavior of viscous liquid drops at the air-water interface can simulate cellular adaptive wetting, suggesting that overall viscoelasticity of the cell body predominates the emergent wetting regime and regulates mechanical output. Cellular-force-driven high-energy states on the adaptive platform can be useful for cell fate manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Lu
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
| | - Mizuki Tenjimbayashi
- Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), NIMS, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
| | - Junhong Zhou
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Jun Nakanishi
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
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3
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Hu Y, Li H, Zhang C, Feng J, Wang W, Chen W, Yu M, Liu X, Zhang X, Liu Z. DNA-based ForceChrono probes for deciphering single-molecule force dynamics in living cells. Cell 2024; 187:3445-3459.e15. [PMID: 38838668 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.008] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Understanding cellular force transmission dynamics is crucial in mechanobiology. We developed the DNA-based ForceChrono probe to measure force magnitude, duration, and loading rates at the single-molecule level within living cells. The ForceChrono probe circumvents the limitations of in vitro single-molecule force spectroscopy by enabling direct measurements within the dynamic cellular environment. Our findings reveal integrin force loading rates of 0.5-2 pN/s and durations ranging from tens of seconds in nascent adhesions to approximately 100 s in mature focal adhesions. The probe's robust and reversible design allows for continuous monitoring of these dynamic changes as cells undergo morphological transformations. Additionally, by analyzing how mutations, deletions, or pharmacological interventions affect these parameters, we can deduce the functional roles of specific proteins or domains in cellular mechanotransduction. The ForceChrono probe provides detailed insights into the dynamics of mechanical forces, advancing our understanding of cellular mechanics and the molecular mechanisms of mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuru Hu
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Hongyun Li
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China.
| | - Chen Zhang
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Jingjing Feng
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Wenxu Wang
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Wei Chen
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Miao Yu
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Xinping Liu
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Xinghua Zhang
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China.
| | - Zheng Liu
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China.
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4
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Moro-López M, Farré R, Otero J, Sunyer R. Trusting the forces of our cell lines. Cells Dev 2024:203931. [PMID: 38852676 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203931] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Cells isolated from their native tissues and cultured in vitro face different selection pressures than those cultured in vivo. These pressures induce a profound transformation that reshapes the cell, alters its genome, and transforms the way it senses and generates forces. In this perspective, we focus on the evidence that cells cultured on conventional polystyrene substrates display a fundamentally different mechanobiology than their in vivo counterparts. We explore the role of adhesion reinforcement in this transformation and to what extent it is reversible. We argue that this mechanoadaptation is often understood as a mechanical memory. We propose some strategies to mitigate the effects of on-plastic culture on mechanobiology, such as organoid-inspired protocols or mechanical priming. While isolating cells from their native tissues and culturing them on artificial substrates has revolutionized biomedical research, it has also transformed cellular forces. Only by understanding and controlling them, we can improve their truthfulness and validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Moro-López
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Farré
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBER-RES), Barcelona, Spain; Institut Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Otero
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBER-RES), Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raimon Sunyer
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain.
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5
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Dibus M, Joshi O, Ivaska J. Novel tools to study cell-ECM interactions, cell adhesion dynamics and migration. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102355. [PMID: 38631101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102355] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Integrin-mediated cell adhesion is essential for cell migration, mechanotransduction and tissue integrity. In vivo, these processes are regulated by complex physicochemical signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM). These nuanced cues, including molecular composition, rigidity and topology, call for sophisticated systems to faithfully explore cell behaviour. Here, we discuss recent methodological advances in cell-ECM adhesion research and compile a toolbox of techniques that we expect to shape this field in future. We outline methodological breakthroughs facilitating the transition from rigid 2D substrates to more complex and dynamic 3D systems, as well as advances in super-resolution imaging for an in-depth understanding of adhesion nanostructure. Selected methods are exemplified with relevant biological findings to underscore their applicability in cell adhesion research. We expect this new "toolbox" of methods will allow for a closer approximation of in vitro experimental setups to in vivo conditions, providing deeper insights into physiological and pathophysiological processes associated with cell-ECM adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Dibus
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Omkar Joshi
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; Western Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN West), University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Tukholmankatu 8, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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6
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Sun Q, Pan X, Wang P, Wei Q. Synergistic Influence of Fibrous Pattern Orientation and Modulus on Cellular Mechanoresponse. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:6376-6385. [PMID: 38743504 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) is vital for tissue regeneration and impacts implanted device treatments. Previous research on fibrous biomaterials shows varying cellular reactions to surface orientation, often due to unclear interactions between surface topography and substrate elasticity. Our study addresses this gap by achieving the rapid creation of hydrogels with diverse fibrous topographies and varying substrate moduli through a surface printing strategy. Cells exhibit heightened traction force on nanopatterned soft hydrogels, particularly with randomly distributed patterns compared with regular soft hydrogels. Meanwhile, on stiff hydrogels featuring an aligned topography, optimal cellular mechanosensing is observed compared to random topography. Mechanistic investigations highlight that cellular force-sensing and adhesion are influenced by the interplay of pattern deformability and focal adhesion orientation, subsequently mediating stem cell differentiation. Our findings highlight the importance of combining substrate modulus and topography to guide cellular behavior in designing advanced tissue engineering biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Sun
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaokai Pan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Wei
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
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7
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Braeutigam A, Burnet AF, Gompper G, Sabass B. Clutch model for focal adhesions predicts reduced self-stabilization under oblique pulling. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2024; 36:295101. [PMID: 38574682 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ad3ac1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Cell-matrix adhesions connect the cytoskeleton to the extracellular environment and are essential for maintaining the integrity of tissue and whole organisms. Remarkably, cell adhesions can adapt their size and composition to an applied force such that their size and strength increases proportionally to the load. Mathematical models for the clutch-like force transmission at adhesions are frequently based on the assumption that mechanical load is applied tangentially to the adhesion plane. Recently, we suggested a molecular mechanism that can explain adhesion growth under load for planar cell adhesions. The mechanism is based on conformation changes of adhesion molecules that are dynamically exchanged with a reservoir. Tangential loading drives the occupation of some states out of equilibrium, which for thermodynamic reasons, leads to the association of further molecules with the cluster, which we refer to as self-stabilization. Here, we generalize this model to forces that pull at an oblique angle to the plane supporting the cell, and examine if this idealized model also predicts self-stabilization. We also allow for a variable distance between the parallel planes representing cytoskeletal F-actin and transmembrane integrins. Simulation results demonstrate that the binding mechanism and the geometry of the cluster have a strong influence on the response of adhesion clusters to force. For oblique angles smaller than about 40∘, we observe a growth of the adhesion site under force. However this self-stabilization is reduced as the angle between the force and substrate plane increases, with vanishing self-stabilization for normal pulling. Overall, these results highlight the fundamental difference between the assumption of pulling and shearing forces in commonly used models of cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Braeutigam
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80752 Munich, Germany
- Theoretical Physics of Living Matter, Institute for Biological Information Processes, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Anton F Burnet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80752 Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80752 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Gompper
- Theoretical Physics of Living Matter, Institute for Biological Information Processes, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Sabass
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80752 Munich, Germany
- Theoretical Physics of Living Matter, Institute for Biological Information Processes, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80752 Munich, Germany
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8
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Mathieu M, Isomursu A, Ivaska J. Positive and negative durotaxis - mechanisms and emerging concepts. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261919. [PMID: 38647525 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261919] [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] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell migration is controlled by the coordinated action of cell adhesion, cytoskeletal dynamics, contractility and cell extrinsic cues. Integrins are the main adhesion receptors to ligands of the extracellular matrix (ECM), linking the actin cytoskeleton to the ECM and enabling cells to sense matrix rigidity and mount a directional cell migration response to stiffness gradients. Most models studied show preferred migration of single cells or cell clusters towards increasing rigidity. This is referred to as durotaxis, and since its initial discovery in 2000, technical advances and elegant computational models have provided molecular level details of stiffness sensing in cell migration. However, modeling has long predicted that, depending on cell intrinsic factors, such as the balance of cell adhesion molecules (clutches) and the motor proteins pulling on them, cells might also prefer adhesion to intermediate rigidity. Recently, experimental evidence has supported this notion and demonstrated the ability of cells to migrate towards lower rigidity, in a process called negative durotaxis. In this Review, we discuss the significant conceptual advances that have been made in our appreciation of cell plasticity and context dependency in stiffness-guided directional cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Mathieu
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Aleksi Isomursu
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Western Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN West), University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Tukholmankatu 8, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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9
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Brückner DB, Broedersz CP. Learning dynamical models of single and collective cell migration: a review. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2024; 87:056601. [PMID: 38518358 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/ad36d2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Single and collective cell migration are fundamental processes critical for physiological phenomena ranging from embryonic development and immune response to wound healing and cancer metastasis. To understand cell migration from a physical perspective, a broad variety of models for the underlying physical mechanisms that govern cell motility have been developed. A key challenge in the development of such models is how to connect them to experimental observations, which often exhibit complex stochastic behaviours. In this review, we discuss recent advances in data-driven theoretical approaches that directly connect with experimental data to infer dynamical models of stochastic cell migration. Leveraging advances in nanofabrication, image analysis, and tracking technology, experimental studies now provide unprecedented large datasets on cellular dynamics. In parallel, theoretical efforts have been directed towards integrating such datasets into physical models from the single cell to the tissue scale with the aim of conceptualising the emergent behaviour of cells. We first review how this inference problem has been addressed in both freely migrating and confined cells. Next, we discuss why these dynamics typically take the form of underdamped stochastic equations of motion, and how such equations can be inferred from data. We then review applications of data-driven inference and machine learning approaches to heterogeneity in cell behaviour, subcellular degrees of freedom, and to the collective dynamics of multicellular systems. Across these applications, we emphasise how data-driven methods can be integrated with physical active matter models of migrating cells, and help reveal how underlying molecular mechanisms control cell behaviour. Together, these data-driven approaches are a promising avenue for building physical models of cell migration directly from experimental data, and for providing conceptual links between different length-scales of description.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Brückner
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Chase P Broedersz
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics and Center for NanoScience, Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Theresienstr. 37, D-80333 Munich, Germany
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10
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Dong X, Sun Q, Geng J, Liu X, Wei Q. Fiber Flexibility Reconciles Matrix Recruitment and the Fiber Modulus to Promote Cell Mechanosensing. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:4029-4037. [PMID: 38526438 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The mechanical interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix is pervasive in biological systems. On fibrous substrates, cells possess the ability to recruit neighboring fibers, thereby augmenting their own adhesion and facilitating the generation of mechanical cues. However, the matrices with high moduli impede fiber recruitment, restricting the cell mechanoresponse. Herein, by harnessing the inherent swelling properties of gelatin, the flexible gelatin methacryloyl network empowers cells to recruit fibers spanning a broad spectrum of physiological moduli during adhesion. The high flexibility concurrently facilitates the optimization of fiber distribution, deformability, and modulus, contributing to the promotion of cell mechanosensing. Consequently, the randomly distributed flexible fibers with high moduli maximize the cell adhesive forces. This study uncovers the impact of fiber recruitment on cell mechanosensing and introduces fiber flexibility as a previously unexplored property, offering an innovative perspective for the design and development of novel biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Qian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Jiwen Geng
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, and Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, Shandong Engineering Research Center of Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, and Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan 250012, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
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11
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Anderson SM, Kelly M, Odde DJ. Glioblastoma Cells Use an Integrin- and CD44-Mediated Motor-Clutch Mode of Migration in Brain Tissue. Cell Mol Bioeng 2024; 17:121-135. [PMID: 38737451 PMCID: PMC11082118 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-024-00799-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive malignant brain tumor with 2 year survival rates of 6.7% (Stupp et al. in J Clin Oncol Off J Am Soc Clin Oncol 25:4127-4136, 2007; Mohammed et al. in Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 27:1026-1036, 2002). One key characteristic of the disease is the ability of glioblastoma cells to migrate rapidly and spread throughout healthy brain tissue (Lefranc et al. in J Clin Oncol Off J Am Soc Clin Oncol 23:2411-2422, 2005; Hoelzinger et al. in J Natl Cancer Inst 21:1583-1593, 2007). To develop treatments that effectively target cell migration, it is important to understand the fundamental mechanism driving cell migration in brain tissue. Several models of cell migration have been proposed, including the motor-clutch, bleb-based motility, and osmotic engine models. Methods Here we utilized confocal imaging to measure traction dynamics and migration speeds of glioblastoma cells in mouse organotypic brain slices to identify the mode of cell migration. Results We found that nearly all cell-vasculature interactions reflected pulling, rather than pushing, on vasculature at the cell leading edge, a finding consistent with a motor-clutch mode of migration, and inconsistent with an osmotic engine model or confined bleb-based migration. Reducing myosin motor activity, a key component in the motor-clutch model, was found to decrease migration speed at high doses for all cell types including U251 and 6 low-passage patient-derived xenograft lines (3 proneural and 3 mesenchymal subtypes). Variable responses were found at low doses, consistent with a motor-clutch mode of migration which predicts a biphasic relationship between migration speed and motor-to-clutch ratio. Targeting of molecular clutches including integrins and CD44 slowed migration of U251 cells. Conclusions Overall we find that glioblastoma cell migration is most consistent with a motor-clutch mechanism to migrate through brain tissue ex vivo, and that both integrins and CD44, as well as myosin motors, play an important role in constituting the adhesive clutch. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-024-00799-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Anderson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| | - Marcus Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| | - David J. Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
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12
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Garrido-Casado M, Asensio-Juárez G, Talayero VC, Vicente-Manzanares M. Engines of change: Nonmuscle myosin II in mechanobiology. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 87:102344. [PMID: 38442667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102344] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of mechanobiology has unveiled complex mechanisms by which cells adjust intracellular force production to their needs. Most communicable intracellular forces are generated by myosin II, an actin-associated molecular motor that transforms adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis into contraction in nonmuscle and muscle cells. Myosin II-dependent force generation is tightly regulated, and deregulation is associated with specific pathologies. Here, we focus on the role of myosin II (nonmuscle myosin II, NMII) in force generation and mechanobiology. We outline the regulation and molecular mechanism of force generation by NMII, focusing on the actual outcome of contraction, that is, force application to trigger mechanosensitive events or the building of dissipative structures. We describe how myosin II-generated forces drive two major types of events: modification of the cellular morphology and/or triggering of genetic programs, which enhance the ability of cells to adapt to, or modify, their microenvironment. Finally, we address whether targeting myosin II to impair or potentiate its activity at the motor level is a viable therapeutic strategy, as illustrated by recent examples aimed at modulating cardiac myosin II function in heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Garrido-Casado
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer/ Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Gloria Asensio-Juárez
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer/ Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Vanessa C Talayero
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer/ Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Miguel Vicente-Manzanares
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer/ Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
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13
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Zhou Y, Guo P, Jin Z, Chai M, Zhang S, Wang X, Tan WS, Zhou Y. Fluid shear force and hydrostatic pressure jointly promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by activating YAP1 and NFAT2. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300714. [PMID: 38622793 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Natural bone tissue features a complex mechanical environment, with cells responding to diverse mechanical stimuli, including fluid shear stress (FSS) and hydrostatic pressure (HP). However, current in vitro experiments commonly employ a singular mechanical stimulus to simulate the mechanical environment in vivo. The understanding of the combined effects and mechanisms of multiple mechanical stimuli remains limited. Hence, this study constructed a mechanical stimulation device capable of simultaneously applying FSS and HP to cells. This study investigated the impact of FSS and HP on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and examined the distinctions and interactions between the two mechanisms. The results demonstrated that both FSS and HP individually enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, with a more pronounced effect observed through their combined application. BMSCs responded to external FSS and HP stimulation through the integrin-cytoskeleton and Piezo1 ion channel respectively. This led to the activation of downstream biochemical signals, resulting in the dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the intracellular transcription factors Yes Associated Protein 1 (YAP1) and nuclear factor of activated T cells 2 (NFAT2). Activated YAP1 could bind to NFAT2 to enhance transcriptional activity, thereby promoting osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs more effectively. This study highlights the significance of composite mechanical stimulation in BMSCs' osteogenic differentiation, offering guidance for establishing a complex mechanical environment for in vitro functional bone tissue construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Pan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Miaomiao Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuhong Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianwei Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Song Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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14
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Ivanova JR, Benk AS, Schaefer JV, Dreier B, Hermann LO, Plückthun A, Missirlis D, Spatz JP. Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins as Actin Labels of Distinct Cytoskeletal Structures in Living Cells. ACS NANO 2024; 18:8919-8933. [PMID: 38489155 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The orchestrated assembly of actin and actin-binding proteins into cytoskeletal structures coordinates cell morphology changes during migration, cytokinesis, and adaptation to external stimuli. The accurate and unbiased visualization of the diverse actin assemblies within cells is an ongoing challenge. We describe here the identification and use of designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) as synthetic actin binders. Actin-binding DARPins were identified through ribosome display and validated biochemically. When introduced or expressed inside living cells, fluorescently labeled DARPins accumulated at actin filaments, validated through phalloidin colocalization on fixed cells. Nevertheless, different DARPins displayed different actin labeling patterns: some DARPins labeled efficiently dynamic structures, such as filopodia, lamellipodia, and blebs, while others accumulated primarily in stress fibers. This differential intracellular distribution correlated with DARPin-actin binding kinetics, as measured by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments. Moreover, the rapid arrest of actin dynamics induced by pharmacological treatment led to the fast relocalization of DARPins. Our data support the hypothesis that the localization of actin probes depends on the inherent dynamic movement of the actin cytoskeleton. Compared to the widely used LifeAct probe, one DARPin exhibited enhanced signal-to-background ratio while retaining a similar ability to label stress fibers. In summary, we propose DARPins as promising actin-binding proteins for labeling or manipulation in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia R Ivanova
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amelie S Benk
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas V Schaefer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- CSL Behring AG, 3014 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Dreier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Leon O Hermann
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dimitris Missirlis
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, INF 225, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joachim P Spatz
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, INF 225, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Jo MH, Meneses P, Yang O, Carcamo CC, Pangeni S, Ha T. Determination of single-molecule loading rate during mechanotransduction in cell adhesion. Science 2024; 383:1374-1379. [PMID: 38513010 PMCID: PMC10977658 DOI: 10.1126/science.adk6921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Cells connect with their environment through surface receptors and use physical tension in receptor-ligand bonds for various cellular processes. Single-molecule techniques have revealed bond strength by measuring "rupture force," but it has long been recognized that rupture force is dependent on loading rate-how quickly force is ramped up. Thus, the physiological loading rate needs to be measured to reveal the mechanical strength of individual bonds in their functional context. We have developed an overstretching tension sensor (OTS) to allow more accurate force measurement in physiological conditions with single-molecule detection sensitivity even in mechanically active regions. We used serially connected OTSs to show that the integrin loading rate ranged from 0.5 to 4 piconewtons per second and was about three times higher in leukocytes than in epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Hyun Jo
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Paul Meneses
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Olivia Yang
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Claudia C. Carcamo
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sushil Pangeni
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Taekjip Ha
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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16
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Jaudon F, Cingolani LA. Unlocking mechanosensitivity: integrins in neural adaptation. Trends Cell Biol 2024:S0962-8924(24)00046-1. [PMID: 38514304 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2024.02.011] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Mechanosensitivity extends beyond sensory cells to encompass most neurons in the brain. Here, we explore recent research on the role of integrins, a diverse family of adhesion molecules, as crucial biomechanical sensors translating mechanical forces into biochemical and electrical signals in the brain. The varied biomechanical properties of neuronal integrins, including their force-dependent conformational states and ligand interactions, dictate their specific functions. We discuss new findings on how integrins regulate filopodia and dendritic spines, shedding light on their contributions to synaptic plasticity, and explore recent discoveries on how they engage with metabotropic receptors and ion channels, highlighting their direct participation in electromechanical transduction. Finally, to facilitate a deeper understanding of these developments, we present molecular and biophysical models of mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Jaudon
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo A Cingolani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology (NSYN), Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16132 Genoa, Italy.
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17
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Combs JD, Foote AK, Ogasawara H, Velusamy A, Rashid SA, Mancuso JN, Salaita K. Measuring integrin force loading rates using a two-step DNA tension sensor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.15.585042. [PMID: 38558970 PMCID: PMC10980004 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.585042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cells apply forces to extracellular matrix (ECM) ligands through transmembrane integrin receptors: an interaction which is intimately involved in cell motility, wound healing, cancer invasion and metastasis. These small (pN) forces exerted by cells have been studied by molecular tension fluorescence microscopy (MTFM), which utilizes a force-induced conformational change of a probe to detect mechanical events. MTFM has revealed the force magnitude for integrins receptors in a variety of cell models including primary cells. However, force dynamics and specifically the force loading rate (LR) have important implications in receptor signaling and adhesion formation and remain poorly characterized. Here, we develop a LR probe which is comprised of an engineered DNA structures that undergoes two mechanical transitions at distinct force thresholds: a low force threshold at 4.7 pN corresponding to hairpin unfolding and a high force threshold at 56 pN triggered through duplex shearing. These transitions yield distinct fluorescence signatures observed through single-molecule fluorescence microscopy in live-cells. Automated analysis of tens of thousands of events from 8 cells showed that the bond lifetime of integrins that engage their ligands and transmit a force >4.7 pN decays exponentially with a τ of 45.6 sec. A small subset of these events (<10%) mature in magnitude to >56pN with a median loading rate of 1.3 pNs-1 with these mechanical ramp events localizing at the periphery of the cell-substrate junction. Importantly, the LR probe design is modular and can be adapted to measure force ramp rates for a broad range of mechanoreceptors and cell models, thus aiding in the study of mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Dale Combs
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | | | - Arventh Velusamy
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Sk Aysha Rashid
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, GA 30322, USA
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18
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Yu B, Cao Y, Li S, Bai R, Zhou G, Fu Q, Liang L, Gu W, Zhang L, Chen M. Identification and validation of CRLF1 and NRG1 as immune-related signatures in hypertrophic scar. Genomics 2024; 116:110797. [PMID: 38262564 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110797] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertrophic scar (HTS) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by abnormal proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition and the precise mechanisms underlying HTS remain elusive. This study aimed to identify and validate potential immune-related genes associated with hypertrophic scar formation. METHODS Skin samples from normal (n = 12) and hypertrophic scar tissues (n = 12) were subjected to RNA-seq analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and significant modular genes in Weighted gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) were identified. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis was performed on the intersecting genes. Additionally, eight immune-related genes were matched from the ImmPort database. Validation of NRG1 and CRLF1 was carried out using an external cohort (GSE136906). Furthermore, the association between these two genes and immune cells was assessed by Spearman correlation analysis. Finally, RNA was extracted from normal and hypertrophic scar samples, and RT-qPCR, Immunohistochemistry staining and Western Blot were employed to validate the expression of characteristic genes. RESULTS A total of 940 DEGs were identified between HTS and normal samples, and 288 key module genes were uncovered via WGCNA. Enrichment analysis in key module revealed involvement in many immune-related pathways, such as Th17 cell differentiation, antigen processing and presentation and B cell receptor signaling pathway. The eight immune-related genes (IFI30, NR2F2, NRG1, ESM1, NFATC2, CRLF1, COLEC12 and IL6) were identified by matching from the ImmPort database. Notably, we observed that activated mast cell positively correlated with CRLF1 expression, while CD8 T cells exhibited a positive correlation with NRG1. The expression of NRG1 and CRLF1 was further validated in clinical samples. CONCLUSION In this study, two key immune-related genes (CRLF1 and NRG1) were identified as characteristic genes associated with HTS. These findings provide valuable insights into the immune-related mechanisms underlying hypertrophic scar formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boya Yu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China; Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yalei Cao
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shiyi Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China; Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Ruiqi Bai
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China; Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Guiwen Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Liming Liang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Weijie Gu
- Department of Dermatology, Air Force Medical Center, Air Force Medical University, Beijing 100142, China.
| | - Lixia Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China; Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China.
| | - Minliang Chen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China.
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19
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Garcia-Parajo MF, Mayor S. The ubiquitous nanocluster: A molecular scale organizing principle that governs cellular information flow. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102285. [PMID: 38056142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102285] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The language of biology at the scale of the cell is constituted of alphabets represented by biomolecules. These are stitched together in a variety of ways to create meaning. We argue that the phrases of this language are nanoscale molecular assemblies or nano-hubs for the purpose of information flow. At the cell surface information is sensed and processed via membrane receptors, often configured as multimers. These nano-assemblies serve as receiver nano-hubs, which are flexibly configured with additional nano-hubs that we term modifiers and transducers. This framework serves to process information that is transmitted for execution inside the cell. Here, we explore some examples about how nano-hubs are built and how they may contribute to cellular information flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Garcia-Parajo
- ICFO - Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860 Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Satyajit Mayor
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, 560065 Bangalore, India.
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20
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Shoyer TC, Collins KL, Ham TR, Blanchard AT, Malavade JN, West JL, Hoffman BD. Detection of Fluorescent Protein Mechanical Switching in Cellulo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.10.575065. [PMID: 38260589 PMCID: PMC10802509 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.10.575065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical forces is critical in many physiological and pathological processes. However, the mechanisms by which forces affect protein function inside cells remain unclear. Motivated by in vitro demonstrations of fluorescent proteins (FPs) undergoing reversible mechanical switching of fluorescence, we investigated if force-sensitive changes in FP function could be visualized in cells. Guided by a computational model of FP mechanical switching, we develop a formalism for its detection in Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors and demonstrate its occurrence in cellulo in a synthetic actin-crosslinker and the mechanical linker protein vinculin. We find that in cellulo mechanical switching is reversible and altered by manipulation of cellular force generation as well as force-sensitive bond dynamics of the biosensor. Together, this work describes a new framework for assessing FP mechanical stability and provides a means of probing force-sensitive protein function inside cells. MOTIVATION The ability of cells to sense mechanical forces is critical in developmental, physiological, and pathological processes. Cells sense mechanical cues via force-induced alterations in protein structure and function, but elucidation of the molecular mechanisms is hindered by the lack of approaches to directly probe the effect of forces on protein structure and function inside cells. Motivated by in vitro observations of reversible fluorescent protein mechanical switching, we developed an approach for detecting fluorescent protein mechanical switching in cellulo . This enables the visualization of force-sensitive protein function inside living cells.
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21
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Mierke CT. Extracellular Matrix Cues Regulate Mechanosensing and Mechanotransduction of Cancer Cells. Cells 2024; 13:96. [PMID: 38201302 PMCID: PMC10777970 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010096] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular biophysical properties have particular implications for a wide spectrum of cellular behaviors and functions, including growth, motility, differentiation, apoptosis, gene expression, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion, and signal transduction including mechanotransduction. Cells not only react to unambiguously mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM), but can occasionally manipulate the mechanical features of the matrix in parallel with biological characteristics, thus interfering with downstream matrix-based cues in both physiological and pathological processes. Bidirectional interactions between cells and (bio)materials in vitro can alter cell phenotype and mechanotransduction, as well as ECM structure, intentionally or unintentionally. Interactions between cell and matrix mechanics in vivo are of particular importance in a variety of diseases, including primarily cancer. Stiffness values between normal and cancerous tissue can range between 500 Pa (soft) and 48 kPa (stiff), respectively. Even the shear flow can increase from 0.1-1 dyn/cm2 (normal tissue) to 1-10 dyn/cm2 (cancerous tissue). There are currently many new areas of activity in tumor research on various biological length scales, which are highlighted in this review. Moreover, the complexity of interactions between ECM and cancer cells is reduced to common features of different tumors and the characteristics are highlighted to identify the main pathways of interaction. This all contributes to the standardization of mechanotransduction models and approaches, which, ultimately, increases the understanding of the complex interaction. Finally, both the in vitro and in vivo effects of this mechanics-biology pairing have key insights and implications for clinical practice in tumor treatment and, consequently, clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Biological Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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22
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Chirasani VR, Khan MAI, Malavade JN, Dokholyan NV, Hoffman BD, Campbell SL. Molecular basis and cellular functions of vinculin-actin directional catch bonding. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8300. [PMID: 38097542 PMCID: PMC10721916 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43779-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of cells and tissues to respond differentially to mechanical forces applied in distinct directions is mediated by the ability of load-bearing proteins to preferentially maintain physical linkages in certain directions. However, the molecular basis and biological consequences of directional force-sensitive binding remain unclear. Vinculin (Vcn) is a load-bearing linker protein that exhibits directional catch bonding due to interactions between the Vcn tail domain (Vt) and filamentous (F)-actin. We developed a computational approach to predict Vcn residues involved in directional catch bonding and produced a set of associated Vcn variants with unaltered Vt structure, actin binding, or phospholipid interactions. Incorporation of the variants did not affect Vcn activation but reduced Vcn loading and altered exchange dynamics, consistent with the loss of directional catch bonding. Expression of Vcn variants perturbed the coordination of subcellular structures and cell migration, establishing key cellular functions for Vcn directional catch bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkat R Chirasani
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mohammad Ashhar I Khan
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Juilee N Malavade
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Brenton D Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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23
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Xu H, Duan S, Hu Y, Ding X, Xu FJ. Rapid Regulation of Cardiomyocytes Adhesion on Substrates with Varied Modulus via Mechanical Cues. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5847-5858. [PMID: 37956199 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
In-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying the adhesion of myocardial cells holds significant importance for the development of effective therapeutic biomaterials aimed at repairing damaged or pathological myocardial tissues. Herein, we present evidence that myocardial cells (H9C2) exhibit integrin-based mechanosensing during the initial stage of adhesion (within the first 2 h), enabling them to recognize and respond to variations in substrate stiffnesses. Moreover, the bioinformatics analysis of RNA transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) reveals that the gene expressions associated with initial stage focal adhesion (Ctgf, Cyr61, Amotl2, Prickle1, Serpine1, Akap12, Hbegf, and Nedd9) are up-regulated on substrates with elevated Young's modulus. The fluorescent immunostaining results also suggest that increased substrate stiffness enhances the expression of Y397-phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK Y397), talin, and vinculin and the assembly of F-actin in H9C2 cells, thereby facilitating the adhesion of myocardial cells on the substrate. Next, we utilize fluidic force microscopy (FluidFM)-based single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS) to quantitatively evaluate the impact of substrate stiffness on the cell adhesion force and adhesion work, thus providing novel insights into the biomechanical regulation of initial cell adhesion. Our findings demonstrate that the maximum adhesion forces of myocardial cells exhibit a rise from 23.6 to 248.0 nN when exposed to substrates with different moduli. It is worth noting that once the αvβ3 integrins are blocked, the disparities in the adhesion forces of myocardial cells on these substrates become negligible. These results exhibit remarkable sensitivity of myocardial cells to mechanical cues of the substrate, highlighting the role of αvβ3 integrin as a biomechanical sensor for the regulation of cell adhesion. Overall, this work offers a prospective approach for the regulation of cell adhesion via integrin mechanosensing with potential practical applications in the areas of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Xu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Shun Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Yang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Xiaokang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Fu-Jian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
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24
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Yu D, Nie Q, Xue J, Luo R, Xie S, Chao S, Wang E, Xu L, Shan Y, Liu Z, Li Y, Li Z. Direct Mapping of Cytomechanical Homeostasis Destruction in Osteoarthritis Based on Silicon Nanopillar Array. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301126. [PMID: 37747342 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301126] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint degenerative disease characterized by chronic joint inflammation. The pathogenesis of OA has not been fully elucidated yet. Cartilage erosion is the most significant pathological feature in OA, which is considered the result of cytomechanical homeostasis destruction. The cytomechanical homeostasis is maintained by the dynamic interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix, which can be reflected by cell traction force (CTF). It is critical to assess the CTF to provide a deeper understanding of the cytomechanical homeostasis destruction and progression in OA. In this study, a silicon nanopillar array (Si-NP) with high spatial resolution and aspect ratio is fabricated to investigate the CTF in response to OA. It is discovered that the CTF is degraded in OA, which is attributed to the F-actin reorganization induced by the activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Si-NP also shows promising potential as a mechanopharmacological assessment platform for OA drug screening and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengjie Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, China
| | - Qingbin Nie
- Department of Neurosurgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jiangtao Xue
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, China
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ruizeng Luo
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, China
| | - Shiwang Xie
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, China
| | - Shengyu Chao
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, China
| | - Engui Wang
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, China
| | - Linlin Xu
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yizhu Shan
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yusheng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
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25
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Shu W, Kaplan CN. A multiscale theory for spreading and migration of adhesion-reinforced mesenchymal cells. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20230317. [PMID: 38086406 PMCID: PMC10715917 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a chemomechanical whole-cell theory for the spreading and migration dynamics of mesenchymal cells that can actively reinforce their adhesion to an underlying viscoelastic substrate as a function of its stiffness. Our multiscale model couples the adhesion reinforcement effect at the subcellular scale with the nonlinear mechanics of the nucleus-cytoskeletal network complex at the cellular scale to explain the concurrent monotonic area-stiffness and non-monotonic speed-stiffness relationships observed in experiments: we consider that large cell spreading on stiff substrates flattens the nucleus, increasing the viscous drag force on it. The resulting force balance dictates a reduction in the migration speed on stiff substrates. We also reproduce the experimental influence of the substrate viscosity on the cell spreading area and migration speed by elucidating how the viscosity may either maintain adhesion reinforcement or prevent it depending on the substrate stiffness. Additionally, our model captures the experimental directed migration behaviour of the adhesion-reinforced cells along a stiffness gradient, known as durotaxis, as well as up or down a viscosity gradient (viscotaxis or anti-viscotaxis), the cell moving towards an optimal viscosity in either case. Overall, our theory explains the intertwined mechanics of the cell spreading, migration speed and direction in the presence of the molecular adhesion reinforcement mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenya Shu
- Department of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - C. Nadir Kaplan
- Department of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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26
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Wang W, Chen W, Wu C, Zhang C, Feng J, Liu P, Hu Y, Li H, Sun F, Jiang K, Zhang X, Liu Z. Hydrogel-based molecular tension fluorescence microscopy for investigating receptor-mediated rigidity sensing. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1780-1789. [PMID: 37798478 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02037-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) rigidity serves as a crucial mechanical cue impacting diverse biological processes. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms of rigidity sensing has been limited by the spatial resolution and force sensitivity of current cellular force measurement techniques. Here we developed a method to functionalize DNA tension probes on soft hydrogel surfaces in a controllable and reliable manner, enabling molecular tension fluorescence microscopy for rigidity sensing studies. Our findings showed that fibroblasts respond to substrate rigidity by recruiting more force-bearing integrins and modulating integrin sampling frequency of the ECM, rather than simply overloading the existing integrin-ligand bonds, to promote focal adhesion maturation. We also demonstrated that ECM rigidity positively regulates the pN force of T cell receptor-ligand bond and T cell receptor mechanical sampling frequency, promoting T cell activation. Thus, hydrogel-based molecular tension fluorescence microscopy implemented on a standard confocal microscope provides a simple and effective means to explore detailed molecular force information for rigidity-dependent biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxu Wang
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Chen
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoyang Wu
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingjing Feng
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengxiang Liu
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuru Hu
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyun Li
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Sun
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Jiang
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinghua Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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27
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Anderson SM, Kelly M, Odde DJ. Glioblastoma cells use an integrin- and CD44-mediated motor-clutch mode of migration in brain tissue. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.23.563458. [PMID: 37961475 PMCID: PMC10634749 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.23.563458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive malignant brain tumor with 2-year survival rates of 6.7% [1], [2]. One key characteristic of the disease is the ability of glioblastoma cells to migrate rapidly and spread throughout healthy brain tissue[3], [4]. To develop treatments that effectively target cell migration, it is important to understand the fundamental mechanism driving cell migration in brain tissue. Here we utilized confocal imaging to measure traction dynamics and migration speeds of glioblastoma cells in mouse organotypic brain slices to identify the mode of cell migration. Through imaging cell-vasculature interactions and utilizing drugs, antibodies, and genetic modifications to target motors and clutches, we find that glioblastoma cell migration is most consistent with a motor-clutch mechanism to migrate through brain tissue ex vivo, and that both integrins and CD44, as well as myosin motors, play an important role in constituting the adhesive clutch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Anderson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Marcus Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David J. Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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28
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Li R, Feng D, Han S, Zhai X, Yu X, Fu Y, Jin F. Macrophages and fibroblasts in foreign body reactions: How mechanical cues drive cell functions? Mater Today Bio 2023; 22:100783. [PMID: 37701130 PMCID: PMC10494263 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100783] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomaterials, when implanted in the human body, can induce a series of cell- and cytokine-related reactions termed foreign body reactions (FBRs). In the progression of FBRs, macrophages regulate inflammation and healing by polarizing to either a pro-inflammatory or pro-healing phenotype and recruit fibroblasts by secreting cytokines. Stimulated by the biomaterials, fibrotic capsule is formed eventually. The implant, along with its newly formed capsule, introduces various mechanical cues that influence cellular functions. Mechanosensing proteins, such as integrins or ion channels, transduce extracellular mechanical signals into cytoplasm biochemical signals in response to mechanical stimuli. Consequently, the morphology, migration mode, function, and polarization state of the cells are affected. Modulated by different intracellular signaling pathways and their crosstalk, the expression of fibrotic genes increases with fibroblast activation and fibroblast to myofibroblast transition under stiff or force stimuli. However, summarized in most current studies, the outcomes of macrophage polarization in the effect of different mechanical cues are inconsistent. The underlying mechanisms should be investigated with more advanced technology and considering more interfering aspects. Further research is needed to determine how to modulate the progression of fibrotic capsule formation in FBR artificially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rihan Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
- Department of Breast and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
| | - Dongdong Feng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
- Department of Breast and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
| | - Siyuan Han
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
- Department of Breast and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhai
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
| | - Xinmiao Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
- Department of Breast and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
| | - Yuanyuan Fu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
| | - Feng Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
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29
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Grudtsyna V, Packirisamy S, Bidone TC, Swaminathan V. Extracellular matrix sensing via modulation of orientational order of integrins and F-actin in focal adhesions. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202301898. [PMID: 37463754 PMCID: PMC10355215 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202301898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Specificity of cellular responses to distinct cues from the ECM requires precise and sensitive decoding of physical information. However, how known mechanisms of mechanosensing like force-dependent catch bonds and conformational changes in FA proteins can confer that this sensitivity is not known. Using polarization microscopy and computational modeling, we identify dynamic changes in an orientational order of FA proteins as a molecular organizational mechanism that can fine-tune cell sensitivity to the ECM. We find that αV integrins and F-actin show precise changes in the orientational order in an ECM-mediated integrin activation-dependent manner. These changes are sensitive to ECM density and are regulated independent of myosin-II activity though contractility can enhance this sensitivity. A molecular-clutch model demonstrates that the orientational order of integrin-ECM binding coupled to directional catch bonds can capture cellular responses to changes in ECM density. This mechanism also captures decoupling of ECM density sensing from stiffness sensing thus elucidating specificity. Taken together, our results suggest relative geometric organization of FA molecules as an important molecular architectural feature and regulator of mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriia Grudtsyna
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Swathi Packirisamy
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tamara C Bidone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Vinay Swaminathan
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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30
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Beedle AE, Roca-Cusachs P. The reversibility of cellular mechano-activation. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 84:102229. [PMID: 37633090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The cellular microenvironment is highly heterogeneous and dynamic. Therefore, cells must be equipped with molecular tools to adapt and respond to constantly fluctuating inputs. One such input is mechanical force, which activates signalling and regulates cell behaviour in the process of mechanotransduction. Whereas the mechanisms activating mechanotransduction are well studied, the reversibility of this process, whereby cells disassemble and reverse force-activated signalling pathways upon cessation of mechanical stimulation is far less understood. In this review we will outline some of the key experimental techniques to investigate the reversibility of mechanical signalling, and key discoveries arising from them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Em Beedle
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Physics, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK.
| | - Pere Roca-Cusachs
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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31
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Bai Y, Zhao F, Wu T, Chen F, Pang X. Actin polymerization and depolymerization in developing vertebrates. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1213668. [PMID: 37745245 PMCID: PMC10515290 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1213668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Development is a complex process that occurs throughout the life cycle. F-actin, a major component of the cytoskeleton, is essential for the morphogenesis of tissues and organs during development. F-actin is formed by the polymerization of G-actin, and the dynamic balance of polymerization and depolymerization ensures proper cellular function. Disruption of this balance results in various abnormalities and defects or even embryonic lethality. Here, we reviewed recent findings on the structure of G-actin and F-actin and the polymerization of G-actin to F-actin. We also focused on the functions of actin isoforms and the underlying mechanisms of actin polymerization/depolymerization in cellular and organic morphogenesis during development. This information will extend our understanding of the role of actin polymerization in the physiologic or pathologic processes during development and may open new avenues for developing therapeutics for embryonic developmental abnormalities or tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Bai
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingting Wu
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Fangchun Chen
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Pang
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
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32
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Le HA, Mayor R. Cell-matrix and cell-cell interaction mechanics in guiding migration. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:1733-1745. [PMID: 37610008 PMCID: PMC10586762 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230211] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Physical properties of tissue are increasingly recognised as major regulatory cues affecting cell behaviours, particularly cell migration. While these properties of the extracellular matrix have been extensively discussed, the contribution from the cellular components that make up the tissue are still poorly appreciated. In this mini-review, we will discuss two major physical components: stiffness and topology with a stronger focus on cell-cell interactions and how these can impact cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Anh Le
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K
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33
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Alonso-Matilla R, Provenzano PP, Odde DJ. Optimal cell traction forces in a generalized motor-clutch model. Biophys J 2023; 122:3369-3385. [PMID: 37475213 PMCID: PMC10465728 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells exert forces on mechanically compliant environments to sense stiffness, migrate, and remodel tissue. Cells can sense environmental stiffness via myosin-generated pulling forces acting on F-actin, which is in turn mechanically coupled to the environment via adhesive proteins, akin to a clutch in a drivetrain. In this "motor-clutch" framework, the force transmitted depends on the complex interplay of motor, clutch, and environmental properties. Previous mean-field analysis of the motor-clutch model identified the conditions for optimal stiffness for maximal force transmission via a dimensionless number that combines motor-clutch parameters. However, in this and other previous mean-field analyses, the motor-clutch system is assumed to have balanced motors and clutches and did not consider force-dependent clutch reinforcement and catch bond behavior. Here, we generalize the motor-clutch analytical framework to include imbalanced motor-clutch regimes, with clutch reinforcement and catch bonding, and investigate optimality with respect to all parameters. We found that traction force is strongly influenced by clutch stiffness, and we discovered an optimal clutch stiffness that maximizes traction force, suggesting that cells could tune their clutch mechanical properties to perform a specific function. The results provide guidance for maximizing the accuracy of cell-generated force measurements via molecular tension sensors by designing their mechanosensitive linker peptide to be as stiff as possible. In addition, we found that, on rigid substrates, the mean-field analysis identifies optimal motor properties, suggesting that cells could regulate their myosin repertoire and activity to maximize force transmission. Finally, we found that clutch reinforcement shifts the optimum substrate stiffness to larger values, whereas the optimum substrate stiffness is insensitive to clutch catch bond properties. Overall, our work reveals novel features of the motor-clutch model that can affect the design of molecular tension sensors and provide a generalized analytical framework for predicting and controlling cell adhesion and migration in immunotherapy and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Alonso-Matilla
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Paolo P Provenzano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - David J Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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34
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Venturini C, Sáez P. A multi-scale clutch model for adhesion complex mechanics. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011250. [PMID: 37450544 PMCID: PMC10393167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-matrix adhesion is a central mechanical function to a large number of phenomena in physiology and disease, including morphogenesis, wound healing, and tumor cell invasion. Today, how single cells respond to different extracellular cues has been comprehensively studied. However, how the mechanical behavior of the main individual molecules that form an adhesion complex cooperatively responds to force within the adhesion complex is still poorly understood. This is a key aspect of cell adhesion because how these cell adhesion molecules respond to force determines not only cell adhesion behavior but, ultimately, cell function. To answer this question, we develop a multi-scale computational model for adhesion complexes mechanics. We extend the classical clutch hypothesis to model individual adhesion chains made of a contractile actin network, a talin rod, and an integrin molecule that binds at individual adhesion sites on the extracellular matrix. We explore several scenarios of integrins dynamics and analyze the effects of diverse extracellular matrices on the behavior of the adhesion molecules and on the whole adhesion complex. Our results describe how every single component of the adhesion chain mechanically responds to the contractile actomyosin force and show how they control the traction forces exerted by the cell on the extracellular space. Importantly, our computational results agree with previous experimental data at the molecular and cellular levels. Our multi-scale clutch model presents a step forward not only to further understand adhesion complexes mechanics but also to impact, e.g., the engineering of biomimetic materials, tissue repairment, or strategies to arrest tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Venturini
- Laboratori de Càlcul Numèric (LaCaN), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Sáez
- Laboratori de Càlcul Numèric (LaCaN), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
- E.T.S. de Ingeniería de Caminos, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Matemàtiques de la UPC-BarcelonaTech (IMTech), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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35
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Desjardins-Lecavalier N, Annis MG, Nowakowski A, Kiepas A, Binan L, Roy J, Modica G, Hébert S, Kleinman CL, Siegel PM, Costantino S. Migration speed of captured breast cancer subpopulations correlates with metastatic fitness. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260835. [PMID: 37313743 PMCID: PMC10657211 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic alterations contributing to migration proficiency, a phenotypic hallmark of metastatic cells required for colonizing distant organs, remain poorly defined. Here, we used single-cell magneto-optical capture (scMOCa) to isolate fast cells from heterogeneous human breast cancer cell populations, based on their migratory ability alone. We show that captured fast cell subpopulations retain higher migration speed and focal adhesion dynamics over many generations as a result of a motility-related transcriptomic profile. Upregulated genes in isolated fast cells encoded integrin subunits, proto-cadherins and numerous other genes associated with cell migration. Dysregulation of several of these genes correlates with poor survival outcomes in people with breast cancer, and primary tumors established from fast cells generated a higher number of circulating tumor cells and soft tissue metastases in pre-clinical mouse models. Subpopulations of cells selected for a highly migratory phenotype demonstrated an increased fitness for metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Desjardins-Lecavalier
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, 5415, boulevard de l'Assomption, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
- Institut de genie biomedical, University of Montreal, Pavillon Paul-G.-Desmarais, 2960, chemin de la Tour, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Matthew G. Annis
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Alexander Nowakowski
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Alexander Kiepas
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MA 20892-4370, USA
| | - Loïc Binan
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, 5415, boulevard de l'Assomption, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Joannie Roy
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, 5415, boulevard de l'Assomption, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Graziana Modica
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, 5415, boulevard de l'Assomption, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Steven Hébert
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Claudia L. Kleinman
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Peter M. Siegel
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Santiago Costantino
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, 5415, boulevard de l'Assomption, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal, Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, Bureau S-700, 2900, boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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36
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Karkhaneh Yousefi AA, Petit C, Ben Hassine A, Avril S. Stiffness sensing by smooth muscle cells: Continuum mechanics modeling of the acto-myosin role. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 144:105990. [PMID: 37385127 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105990] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in the aorta by sensing and responding to mechanical stimuli. However, the mechanisms that underlie the ability of SMCs to sense and respond to stiffness change in their environment are still partially unclear. In this study, we focus on the role of acto-myosin contractility in stiffness sensing and introduce a novel continuum mechanics approach based on the principles of thermal strains. Each stress fiber satisfies a universal stress-strain relationship driven by a Young's modulus, a contraction coefficient scaling the fictitious thermal strain, a maximum contraction stress and a softening parameter describing the sliding effects between actin and myosin filaments. To account for the inherent variability of cellular responses, large populations of SMCs are modeled with the finite-element method, each cell having a random number and a random arrangement of stress fibers. Moreover, the level of myosin activation in each stress fiber satisfies a Weibull probability density function. Model predictions are compared to traction force measurements on different SMC lineages. It is demonstrated that the model not only predicts well the effects of substrate stiffness on cellular traction, but it can also successfully approximate the statistical variations of cellular tractions induced by intercellular variability. Finally, stresses in the nuclear envelope and in the nucleus are computed with the model, showing that the variations of cytoskeletal forces induced by substrate stiffness directly induce deformations of the nucleus which can potentially alter gene expression. The predictability of the model combined to its relative simplicity are promising assets for further investigation of stiffness sensing in 3D environments. Eventually, this could contribute to decipher the effects of mechanosensitivity impairment, which are known to be at the root of aortic aneurysms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudie Petit
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U1059 SAINBIOSE, 42023, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Amira Ben Hassine
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U1059 SAINBIOSE, 42023, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Stéphane Avril
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U1059 SAINBIOSE, 42023, Saint-Etienne, France.
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37
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Paukner D, Eichinger JF, Cyron CJ. What are the key mechanical mechanisms governing integrin-mediated cell migration in three-dimensional fiber networks? Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2023:10.1007/s10237-023-01709-2. [PMID: 37318643 PMCID: PMC10366304 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01709-2] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration plays a vital role in numerous processes such as development, wound healing, or cancer. It is well known that numerous complex mechanisms are involved in cell migration. However, so far it remains poorly understood what are the key mechanisms required to produce the main characteristics of this behavior. The reason is a methodological one. In experimental studies, specific factors and mechanisms can be promoted or inhibited. However, while doing so, there can always be others in the background which play key roles but which have simply remained unattended so far. This makes it very difficult to validate any hypothesis about a minimal set of factors and mechanisms required to produce cell migration. To overcome this natural limitation of experimental studies, we developed a computational model where cells and extracellular matrix fibers are represented by discrete mechanical objects on the micrometer scale. In this model, we had exact control of the mechanisms by which cells and matrix fibers interacted with each other. This enabled us to identify the key mechanisms required to produce physiologically realistic cell migration (including advanced phenomena such as durotaxis and a biphasic relation between migration efficiency and matrix stiffness). We found that two main mechanisms are required to this end: a catch-slip bond of individual integrins and cytoskeletal actin-myosin contraction. Notably, more advanced phenomena such as cell polarization or details of mechanosensing were not necessary to qualitatively reproduce the main characteristics of cell migration observed in experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Paukner
- Institute for Continuum and Material Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Eißendorfer Straße 42 (M), 21073, Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck Straße 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Jonas F Eichinger
- Institute for Continuum and Material Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Eißendorfer Straße 42 (M), 21073, Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstraße 15, Garching b., 85748, München, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Christian J Cyron
- Institute for Continuum and Material Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Eißendorfer Straße 42 (M), 21073, Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
- Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck Straße 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
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38
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Bidone TC, Odde DJ. Multiscale models of integrins and cellular adhesions. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 80:102576. [PMID: 36947952 PMCID: PMC10238663 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Computational models of integrin-based adhesion complexes have revealed important insights into the mechanisms by which cells establish connections with their external environment. However, how changes in conformation and function of individual adhesion proteins regulate the dynamics of whole adhesion complexes remains largely elusive. This is because of the large separation in time and length scales between the dynamics of individual adhesion proteins (nanoseconds and nanometers) and the emergent dynamics of the whole adhesion complex (seconds and micrometers), and the limitations of molecular simulation approaches in extracting accurate free energies, conformational transitions, reaction mechanisms, and kinetic rates, that can inform mechanisms at the larger scales. In this review, we discuss models of integrin-based adhesion complexes and highlight their main findings regarding: (i) the conformational transitions of integrins at the molecular and macromolecular scales and (ii) the molecular clutch mechanism at the mesoscale. Lastly, we present unanswered questions in the field of modeling adhesions and propose new ideas for future exciting modeling opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara C Bidone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - David J Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. https://twitter.com/davidodde
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39
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Tao A, LaCroix AS, Shoyer TC, Venkatraman V, Xu KL, Feiger B, Hoffman BD. Identifying constitutive and context-specific molecular-tension-sensitive protein recruitment within focal adhesions. Dev Cell 2023; 58:522-534.e7. [PMID: 36924770 PMCID: PMC10080727 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensitive processes often rely on adhesion structures to strengthen, or mature, in response to applied loads. However, a limited understanding of how the molecular tensions that are experienced by a particular protein affect the recruitment of other proteins represents a major obstacle in the way of deciphering molecular mechanisms that underlie mechanosensitive processes. Here, we describe an imaging-based technique, termed fluorescence-tension co-localization (FTC), for studying molecular-tension-sensitive protein recruitment inside cells. Guided by discrete time Markov chain simulations of protein recruitment, we integrate immunofluorescence labeling, molecular tension sensors, and machine learning to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and context dependence of molecular-tension-sensitive protein recruitment. The application of FTC to the mechanical linker protein vinculin in mouse embryonic fibroblasts reveals constitutive and context-specific molecular-tension-sensitive protein recruitment that varies with adhesion maturation. FTC overcomes limitations associated with the alteration of numerous proteins during the manipulation of cell contractility, providing molecularly specific insights into tension-sensitive protein recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Tao
- Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Karen L Xu
- Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Bradley Feiger
- Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Brenton D Hoffman
- Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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40
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Xie W, Wei X, Kang H, Jiang H, Chu Z, Lin Y, Hou Y, Wei Q. Static and Dynamic: Evolving Biomaterial Mechanical Properties to Control Cellular Mechanotransduction. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2204594. [PMID: 36658771 PMCID: PMC10037983 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic system that constantly offers physical, biological, and chemical signals to embraced cells. Increasing evidence suggests that mechanical signals derived from the dynamic cellular microenvironment are essential controllers of cell behaviors. Conventional cell culture biomaterials, with static mechanical properties such as chemistry, topography, and stiffness, have offered a fundamental understanding of various vital biochemical and biophysical processes, such as cell adhesion, spreading, migration, growth, and differentiation. At present, novel biomaterials that can spatiotemporally impart biophysical cues to manipulate cell fate are emerging. The dynamic properties and adaptive traits of new materials endow them with the ability to adapt to cell requirements and enhance cell functions. In this review, an introductory overview of the key players essential to mechanobiology is provided. A biophysical perspective on the state-of-the-art manipulation techniques and novel materials in designing static and dynamic ECM-mimicking biomaterials is taken. In particular, different static and dynamic mechanical cues in regulating cellular mechanosensing and functions are compared. This review to benefit the development of engineering biomechanical systems regulating cell functions is expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Xie
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610065China
| | - Xi Wei
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Heemin Kang
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringKorea UniversitySeoul02841South Korea
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610065China
| | - Zhiqin Chu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Joint Appointment with School of Biomedical Sciences)The University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Yong Hou
- Department of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Institut für Chemie und BiochemieFreie Universität BerlinTakustrasse 314195BerlinGermany
| | - Qiang Wei
- College of Polymer Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065China
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41
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Kanchanawong P, Calderwood DA. Organization, dynamics and mechanoregulation of integrin-mediated cell-ECM adhesions. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:142-161. [PMID: 36168065 PMCID: PMC9892292 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00531-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The ability of animal cells to sense, adhere to and remodel their local extracellular matrix (ECM) is central to control of cell shape, mechanical responsiveness, motility and signalling, and hence to development, tissue formation, wound healing and the immune response. Cell-ECM interactions occur at various specialized, multi-protein adhesion complexes that serve to physically link the ECM to the cytoskeleton and the intracellular signalling apparatus. This occurs predominantly via clustered transmembrane receptors of the integrin family. Here we review how the interplay of mechanical forces, biochemical signalling and molecular self-organization determines the composition, organization, mechanosensitivity and dynamics of these adhesions. Progress in the identification of core multi-protein modules within the adhesions and characterization of rearrangements of their components in response to force, together with advanced imaging approaches, has improved understanding of adhesion maturation and turnover and the relationships between adhesion structures and functions. Perturbations of adhesion contribute to a broad range of diseases and to age-related dysfunction, thus an improved understanding of their molecular nature may facilitate therapeutic intervention in these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakorn Kanchanawong
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - David A Calderwood
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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42
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Shu W, Kaplan CN. A multiscale whole-cell theory for mechanosensitive migration on viscoelastic substrates. Biophys J 2023; 122:114-129. [PMID: 36493781 PMCID: PMC9822805 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing experimental evidence validates that both the elastic stiffness and viscosity of the extracellular matrix regulate mesenchymal cell behavior, such as the rational switch between durotaxis (cell migration to stiffer regions), anti-durotaxis (migration to softer regions), and adurotaxis (stiffness-insensitive migration). To reveal the mechanisms underlying the crossover between these motility regimes, we have developed a multiscale chemomechanical whole-cell theory for mesenchymal migration. Our framework couples the subcellular focal adhesion dynamics at the cell-substrate interface with the cellular cytoskeletal mechanics and the chemical signaling pathways involving Rho GTPase proteins. Upon polarization by the Rho GTPase gradients, our simulated cell migrates by concerted peripheral protrusions and contractions, a hallmark of the mesenchymal mode. The resulting cell dynamics quantitatively reproduces the experimental migration speed as a function of the uniform substrate stiffness and explains the influence of viscosity on the migration efficiency. In the presence of stiffness gradients and absence of chemical polarization, our simulated cell can exhibit durotaxis, anti-durotaxis, and adurotaxis respectively with increasing substrate stiffness or viscosity. The cell moves toward an optimally stiff region from softer regions during durotaxis and from stiffer regions during anti-durotaxis. We show that cell polarization through steep Rho GTPase gradients can reverse the migration direction dictated by the mechanical cues. Overall, our theory demonstrates that opposing durotactic behaviors emerge via the interplay between intracellular signaling and cell-medium mechanical interactions in agreement with experiments, thereby elucidating complex mechanosensing at the single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenya Shu
- Department of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia; Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - C Nadir Kaplan
- Department of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia; Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia.
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43
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Pang X, He X, Qiu Z, Zhang H, Xie R, Liu Z, Gu Y, Zhao N, Xiang Q, Cui Y. Targeting integrin pathways: mechanisms and advances in therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:1. [PMID: 36588107 PMCID: PMC9805914 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 130.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins are considered the main cell-adhesion transmembrane receptors that play multifaceted roles as extracellular matrix (ECM)-cytoskeletal linkers and transducers in biochemical and mechanical signals between cells and their environment in a wide range of states in health and diseases. Integrin functions are dependable on a delicate balance between active and inactive status via multiple mechanisms, including protein-protein interactions, conformational changes, and trafficking. Due to their exposure on the cell surface and sensitivity to the molecular blockade, integrins have been investigated as pharmacological targets for nearly 40 years, but given the complexity of integrins and sometimes opposite characteristics, targeting integrin therapeutics has been a challenge. To date, only seven drugs targeting integrins have been successfully marketed, including abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban, natalizumab, vedolizumab, lifitegrast, and carotegrast. Currently, there are approximately 90 kinds of integrin-based therapeutic drugs or imaging agents in clinical studies, including small molecules, antibodies, synthetic mimic peptides, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, imaging agents, etc. A serious lesson from past integrin drug discovery and research efforts is that successes rely on both a deep understanding of integrin-regulatory mechanisms and unmet clinical needs. Herein, we provide a systematic and complete review of all integrin family members and integrin-mediated downstream signal transduction to highlight ongoing efforts to develop new therapies/diagnoses from bench to clinic. In addition, we further discuss the trend of drug development, how to improve the success rate of clinical trials targeting integrin therapies, and the key points for clinical research, basic research, and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocong Pang
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Xu He
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwei Qiu
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Hanxu Zhang
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Ran Xie
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyan Liu
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Yanlun Gu
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Qian Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034, Beijing, China. .,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Yimin Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034, Beijing, China. .,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China.
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Tapia-Rojo R, Mora M, Board S, Walker J, Boujemaa-Paterski R, Medalia O, Garcia-Manyes S. Enhanced statistical sampling reveals microscopic complexity in the talin mechanosensor folding energy landscape. NATURE PHYSICS 2023; 19:52-60. [PMID: 36660164 PMCID: PMC7614079 DOI: 10.1038/s41567-022-01808-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Statistical mechanics can describe the major conformational ensembles determining the equilibrium free-energy landscape of a folding protein. The challenge is to capture the full repertoire of low-occurrence conformations separated by high kinetic barriers that define complex landscapes. Computationally, enhanced sampling methods accelerate the exploration of molecular rare events. However, accessing the entire protein's conformational space in equilibrium experiments requires technological developments to enable extended observation times. We developed single-molecule magnetic tweezers to capture over a million individual transitions as a single talin protein unfolds and refolds under force in equilibrium. When observed at classically-probed timescales, talin folds in an apparently uncomplicated two-state manner. As the sampling time extends from minutes to days, the underlying energy landscape exhibits gradually larger signatures of complexity, involving a finite number of well-defined rare conformations. A fluctuation analysis allows us to propose plausible structures of each low-probability conformational state. The physiological relevance of each distinct conformation can be connected to the binding of the cytoskeletal protein vinculin, suggesting an extra layer of complexity in talin-mediated mechanotransduction. More generally, our experiments directly test the fundamental notion that equilibrium dynamics depend on the observation timescale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Tapia-Rojo
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, London, UK
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King’s College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, United Kingdom
- Corresponding authors: , ,
| | - Marc Mora
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, London, UK
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King’s College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, United Kingdom
- Corresponding authors: , ,
| | - Stephanie Board
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, London, UK
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King’s College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Walker
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, London, UK
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King’s College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, United Kingdom
| | - Rajaa Boujemaa-Paterski
- Department of Biochemistry, Zurich University, Winterhurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ohad Medalia
- Department of Biochemistry, Zurich University, Winterhurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sergi Garcia-Manyes
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, London, UK
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King’s College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, United Kingdom
- Corresponding authors: , ,
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45
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Sun Q, Pei F, Zhang M, Zhang B, Jin Y, Zhao Z, Wei Q. Curved Nanofiber Network Induces Cellular Bridge Formation to Promote Stem Cell Mechanotransduction. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2204479. [PMID: 36382560 PMCID: PMC9875655 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Remarkable exertions are directed to reveal and understand topographic cues that induce cell mechanical sensitive responses including lineage determination. Extracellular matrix (ECM) is the sophisticated ensemble of diverse factors offering the complicated cellular microenvironment to regulate cell behaviors. However, the functions of only a few of these factors are revealed; most of them are still poorly understood. Herein, the focus is on understanding the curved structure in ECM network for regulating stem cell mechanotransduction. A curved nanofiber network mimicking the curved structure in ECM is fabricated by an improved electrospinning technology. Compared with the straight fibers, the curved fibers promote cell bridge formation because of the cytoskeleton tension. The actomyosin filaments are condensed near the curved edge of the non-adhesive bridge in the bridging cells, which generates higher myosin-II-based intracellular force. This force drives cell lineage commitment toward osteogenic differentiation. This study enriches and perfects the knowledge of the effects of topographic cues on cell behaviors and guides the development of novel biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Sun
- Department of OrthodonticsState Key Laboratory of Oral DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041P. R. China
- College of Polymer Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065P. R. China
| | - Fang Pei
- Department of OrthodonticsState Key Laboratory of Oral DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041P. R. China
- College of Polymer Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065P. R. China
| | - Man Zhang
- College of Biomedical EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of OrthodonticsState Key Laboratory of Oral DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041P. R. China
| | - Ying Jin
- Department of OrthodonticsState Key Laboratory of Oral DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041P. R. China
| | - Zhihe Zhao
- Department of OrthodonticsState Key Laboratory of Oral DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041P. R. China
| | - Qiang Wei
- College of Polymer Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065P. R. China
- College of Biomedical EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065P. R. China
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46
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Beedle AEM, Garcia-Manyes S. The role of single protein elasticity in mechanobiology. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2023; 8:10-24. [PMID: 37469679 PMCID: PMC7614781 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-022-00488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
In addition to biochemical signals and genetic considerations, mechanical forces are rapidly emerging as a master regulator of human physiology. Yet the molecular mechanisms that regulate force-induced functionalities across a wide range of scales, encompassing the cell, tissue or organ levels, are comparatively not so well understood. With the advent, development and refining of single molecule nanomechanical techniques, enabling to exquisitely probe the conformational dynamics of individual proteins under the effect of a calibrated force, we have begun to acquire a comprehensive knowledge on the rich plethora of physicochemical principles that regulate the elasticity of single proteins. Here we review the major advances underpinning our current understanding of how the elasticity of single proteins regulates mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. We discuss the present limitations and future challenges of such a prolific and burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy EM Beedle
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King’s College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, United Kingdom
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), the Barcelona Institute of Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Garcia-Manyes
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King’s College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, United Kingdom
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, London, UK
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Stolarska MA, Rammohan AR. On the significance of membrane unfolding in mechanosensitive cell spreading: Its individual and synergistic effects. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:2408-2438. [PMID: 36899540 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensitivity of cell spread area to substrate stiffness has been established both through experiments and different types of mathematical models of varying complexity including both the mechanics and biochemical reactions in the cell. What has not been addressed in previous mathematical models is the role of cell membrane dynamics on cell spreading, and an investigation of this issue is the goal of this work. We start with a simple mechanical model of cell spreading on a deformable substrate and progressively layer mechanisms to account for the traction dependent growth of focal adhesions, focal adhesion induced actin polymerization, membrane unfolding/exocytosis and contractility. This layering approach is intended to progressively help in understanding the role each mechanism plays in reproducing experimentally observed cell spread areas. To model membrane unfolding we introduce a novel approach based on defining an active rate of membrane deformation that is dependent on membrane tension. Our modeling approach allows us to show that tension-dependent membrane unfolding plays a critical role in achieving the large cell spread areas experimentally observed on stiff substrates. We also demonstrate that coupling between membrane unfolding and focal adhesion induced polymerization works synergistically to further enhance cell spread area sensitivity to substrate stiffness. This enhancement has to do with the fact that the peripheral velocity of spreading cells is associated with contributions from the different mechanisms by either enhancing the polymerization velocity at the leading edge or slowing down of the retrograde flow of actin within the cell. The temporal evolution of this balance in the model corresponds to the three-phase behavior observed experimentally during spreading. In the initial phase membrane unfolding is found to be particularly important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena A Stolarska
- Department of Mathematics, 2115 Summit Ave., University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA
| | - Aravind R Rammohan
- Corning Life Sciences, Corning Inc., 836 North St, Tewksbury, MA 01876, USA
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48
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Pawluchin A, Galic M. Moving through a changing world: Single cell migration in 2D vs. 3D. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1080995. [PMID: 36605722 PMCID: PMC9810339 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1080995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Migration of single adherent cells is frequently observed in the developing and adult organism and has been the subject of many studies. Yet, while elegant work has elucidated molecular and mechanical cues affecting motion dynamics on a flat surface, it remains less clear how cells migrate in a 3D setting. In this review, we explore the changing parameters encountered by cells navigating through a 3D microenvironment compared to cells crawling on top of a 2D surface, and how these differences alter subcellular structures required for propulsion. We further discuss how such changes at the micro-scale impact motion pattern at the macro-scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pawluchin
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Münster, Germany,Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Münster, Germany,CIM-IMRPS Graduate Program, Münster, Germany
| | - Milos Galic
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Münster, Germany,Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Münster, Germany,*Correspondence: Milos Galic,
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49
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The Forces behind Directed Cell Migration. BIOPHYSICA 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/biophysica2040046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Directed cell migration is an essential building block of life, present when an embryo develops, a dendritic cell migrates toward a lymphatic vessel, or a fibrotic organ fails to restore its normal parenchyma. Directed cell migration is often guided by spatial gradients in a physicochemical property of the cell microenvironment, such as a gradient in chemical factors dissolved in the medium or a gradient in the mechanical properties of the substrate. Single cells and tissues sense these gradients, establish a back-to-front polarity, and coordinate the migration machinery accordingly. Central to these steps we find physical forces. In some cases, these forces are integrated into the gradient sensing mechanism. Other times, they transmit information through cells and tissues to coordinate a collective response. At any time, they participate in the cellular migratory system. In this review, we explore the role of physical forces in gradient sensing, polarization, and coordinating movement from single cells to multicellular collectives. We use the framework proposed by the molecular clutch model and explore to what extent asymmetries in the different elements of the clutch can lead to directional migration.
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50
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Merino-Casallo F, Gomez-Benito MJ, Hervas-Raluy S, Garcia-Aznar JM. Unravelling cell migration: defining movement from the cell surface. Cell Adh Migr 2022; 16:25-64. [PMID: 35499121 PMCID: PMC9067518 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2022.2055520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell motility is essential for life and development. Unfortunately, cell migration is also linked to several pathological processes, such as cancer metastasis. Cells' ability to migrate relies on many actors. Cells change their migratory strategy based on their phenotype and the properties of the surrounding microenvironment. Cell migration is, therefore, an extremely complex phenomenon. Researchers have investigated cell motility for more than a century. Recent discoveries have uncovered some of the mysteries associated with the mechanisms involved in cell migration, such as intracellular signaling and cell mechanics. These findings involve different players, including transmembrane receptors, adhesive complexes, cytoskeletal components , the nucleus, and the extracellular matrix. This review aims to give a global overview of our current understanding of cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Merino-Casallo
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Gomez-Benito
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Silvia Hervas-Raluy
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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