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Rahvar PT, Abdekhodaie MJ, Jooybar E, Gantenbein B. An enzymatically crosslinked collagen type II/hyaluronic acid hybrid hydrogel: A biomimetic cell delivery system for cartilage tissue engineering. Int J Biol Macromol 2024:134614. [PMID: 39127277 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134614] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
This study presents new injectable hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid and collagen type II that mimic the polysaccharide-protein structure of natural cartilage. After collagen isolation from chicken sternal cartilage, tyramine-grafted hyaluronic acid and collagen type II (HA-Tyr and COL-II-Tyr) were synthesized. Hybrid hydrogels were prepared with different ratios of HA-Tyr/COL-II-Tyr using horseradish peroxidase and noncytotoxic concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to encapsulate human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBM-MSCs). The findings showed that a higher HA-Tyr content resulted in a higher storage modulus and a lower hydrogel shrinkage, resulting in hydrogel swelling. Incorporating COL-II-Tyr into HA-Tyr hydrogels induced a more favorable microenvironment for hBM-MSCs chondrogenic differentiation. Compared to HA-Tyr alone, the hybrid HA-Tyr/COL-II-Tyr hydrogel promoted enhanced chondrocyte adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and upregulation of cartilage-related gene expression. These results highlight the promising potential of injectable HA-Tyr/COL-II-Tyr hybrid hydrogels to deliver cells for cartilage regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Torabi Rahvar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics & Mechanobiology, Bone & Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mohammad J Abdekhodaie
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Environmental and Applied Science Management, Yeates School of Graduate Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Elaheh Jooybar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics & Mechanobiology, Bone & Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Traumatology, Bern, Switzerland
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2
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Ullm F, Renner A, Freudenberg U, Werner C, Pompe T. The Influence of Sulfation Degree of Glycosaminoglycan-Functionalized 3D Collagen I Networks on Cytokine Profiles of In Vitro Macrophage-Fibroblast Cocultures. Gels 2024; 10:450. [PMID: 39057473 PMCID: PMC11276094 DOI: 10.3390/gels10070450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell interactions between fibroblasts and immune cells, like macrophages, are influenced by interaction with the surrounding extracellular matrix during wound healing. In vitro hydrogel models that mimic and modulate these interactions, especially of soluble mediators like cytokines, may allow for a more detailed investigation of immunomodulatory processes. In the present study, a biomimetic extracellular matrix model based on fibrillar 3D collagen I networks with a functionalization with heparin or 6-ON-desulfated heparin, as mimics of naturally occurring heparan sulfate, was developed to modulate cytokine binding effects with the hydrogel matrix. The constitution and microstructure of the collagen I network were found to be stable throughout the 7-day culture period. A coculture study of primary human fibroblasts/myofibroblasts and M-CSF-stimulated macrophages was used to show its applicability to simulate processes of progressed wound healing. The quantification of secreted cytokines (IL-8, IL-10, IL-6, FGF-2) in the cell culture supernatant demonstrated the differential impact of glycosaminoglycan functionalization of the collagen I network. Most prominently, IL-6 and FGF-2 were shown to be regulated by the cell culture condition and network constitution, indicating changes in paracrine and autocrine cell-cell communication of the fibroblast-macrophage coculture. From this perspective, we consider our newly established in vitro hydrogel model suitable for mechanistic coculture analyses of primary human cells to unravel the role of extracellular matrix factors in key events of tissue regeneration and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Ullm
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 21-23, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (F.U.); (A.R.)
| | - Alexander Renner
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 21-23, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (F.U.); (A.R.)
| | - Uwe Freudenberg
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Strasse 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (U.F.); (C.W.)
| | - Carsten Werner
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Strasse 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (U.F.); (C.W.)
| | - Tilo Pompe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 21-23, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (F.U.); (A.R.)
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Strasse 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (U.F.); (C.W.)
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3
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Kwartler CS, Pinelo JEE. Use of iPSC-Derived Smooth Muscle Cells to Model Physiology and Pathology. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1523-1536. [PMID: 38695171 PMCID: PMC11209779 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319703] [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: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The implementation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) models has introduced an additional tool for identifying molecular mechanisms of disease that complement animal models. Patient-derived or CRISPR/Cas9-edited induced pluripotent stem cells differentiated into smooth muscle cells (SMCs) have been leveraged to discover novel mechanisms, screen potential therapeutic strategies, and model in vivo development. The field has evolved over almost 15 years of research using hiPSC-SMCs and has made significant strides toward overcoming initial challenges such as the lineage specificity of SMC phenotypes. However, challenges both specific (eg, the lack of specific markers to thoroughly validate hiPSC-SMCs) and general (eg, a lack of transparency and consensus around methodology in the field) remain. In this review, we highlight the recent successes and remaining challenges of the hiPSC-SMC model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie S. Kwartler
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Jose Emiliano Esparza Pinelo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030
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4
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Baek J, Kumar S, Schaffer DV. Dynamic light-responsive RhoA activity regulates mechanosensitive stem cell fate decision in 3D matrices. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 160:213836. [PMID: 38599042 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213836] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The behavior of stem cells is regulated by mechanical cues in their niche that continuously vary due to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, pulsated mechanical stress exerted by blood flow, and/or cell migration. However, it is still unclear how dynamics of mechanical cues influence stem cell lineage commitment, especially in a 3D microenvironment where mechanosensing differs from that in a 2D microenvironment. In the present study, we investigated how temporally varying mechanical signaling regulates expression of the early growth response 1 gene (Egr1), which we recently discovered to be a 3D matrix-specific mediator of mechanosensitive neural stem cell (NSC) lineage commitment. Specifically, we temporally controlled the activity of Ras homolog family member A (RhoA), which is known to have a central role in mechanotransduction, using our previously developed Arabidopsis thaliana cryptochrome-2-based optoactivation system. Interestingly, pulsed RhoA activation induced Egr1 upregulation in stiff 3D gels only, whereas static light stimulation induced an increase in Egr1 expression across a wide range of 3D gel stiffnesses. Actin assembly inhibition limited Egr1 upregulation upon RhoA activation, implying that RhoA signaling requires an actin-involved process to upregulate Egr1. Consistently, static-light RhoA activation rather than pulsed-light activation restricted neurogenesis in soft gels. Our findings indicate that the dynamics of RhoA activation influence Egr1-mediated stem cell fate within 3D matrices in a matrix stiffness-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieung Baek
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - David V Schaffer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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5
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Pulze L, Baranzini N, Acquati F, Marcolli G, Grimaldi A. Dynamic relationship among extracellular matrix and body wall cells in Hirudo verbana morphogenesis. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 396:213-229. [PMID: 38424269 PMCID: PMC11055932 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03874-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
A great bulk of recent experimental evidence suggests the key role of the complex crosstalk between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the cellular component of tissues during morphogenesis and embryogenesis. In particular, remodeling of the ECM and of its physical interactions pattern with surrounding cells represent two crucial processes that might be involved in muscle development. However, little information is available on this topic, especially on invertebrate species. To obtain new insights on how tuning the ECM microenvironment might drive cellular fate during embryonic development, we used the invertebrate medicinal leech Hirudo verbana as a valuable experimental model, due to its simple anatomy and the recapitulation of many aspects of the basic biological processes of vertebrates. Our previous studies on leech post-embryonic development have already shown the pivotal role of ECM changes during the growth of the body wall and the role of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in mechanotransduction. Here, we suggest that the interactions between stromal cell telocytes and ECM might be crucial in driving the organization of muscle layers during embryogenesis. Furthermore, we propose a possible role of the pleiotropic enzyme HvRNASET2 as a possible modulator of collagen deposition and ECM remodeling not only during regenerative processes (as previously demonstrated) but also in embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pulze
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
- ILFARM s.r.l., via Guicciardini 14, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Nicolò Baranzini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
- ILFARM s.r.l., via Guicciardini 14, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Francesco Acquati
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
- ILFARM s.r.l., via Guicciardini 14, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Gaia Marcolli
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Annalisa Grimaldi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy.
- ILFARM s.r.l., via Guicciardini 14, 21100, Varese, Italy.
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6
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Davis T, Tabury K, Zhu S, Angeloni D, Baatout S, Benchoua A, Bereiter-Hahn J, Bottai D, Buchheim JI, Calvaruso M, Carnero-Diaz E, Castiglioni S, Cavalieri D, Ceccarelli G, Choukér A, Cialdai F, Ciofani G, Coppola G, Cusella G, Degl'Innocenti A, Desaphy JF, Frippiat JP, Gelinsky M, Genchi G, Grano M, Grimm D, Guignandon A, Hahn C, Hatton J, Herranz R, Hellweg CE, Iorio CS, Karapantsios T, van Loon JJWA, Lulli M, Maier J, Malda J, Mamaca E, Morbidelli L, van Ombergen A, Osterman A, Ovsianikov A, Pampaloni F, Pavezlorie E, Pereda-Campos V, Przybyla C, Puhl C, Rettberg P, Rizzo AM, Robson-Brown K, Rossi L, Russo G, Salvetti A, Santucci D, Sperl M, Tavella S, Thielemann C, Willaert R, Szewczyk N, Monici M. How are cell and tissue structure and function influenced by gravity and what are the gravity perception mechanisms? NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:16. [PMID: 38341423 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00357-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Progress in mechanobiology allowed us to better understand the important role of mechanical forces in the regulation of biological processes. Space research in the field of life sciences clearly showed that gravity plays a crucial role in biological processes. The space environment offers the unique opportunity to carry out experiments without gravity, helping us not only to understand the effects of gravitational alterations on biological systems but also the mechanisms underlying mechanoperception and cell/tissue response to mechanical and gravitational stresses. Despite the progress made so far, for future space exploration programs it is necessary to increase our knowledge on the mechanotransduction processes as well as on the molecular mechanisms underlying microgravity-induced cell and tissue alterations. This white paper reports the suggestions and recommendations of the SciSpacE Science Community for the elaboration of the section of the European Space Agency roadmap "Biology in Space and Analogue Environments" focusing on "How are cells and tissues influenced by gravity and what are the gravity perception mechanisms?" The knowledge gaps that prevent the Science Community from fully answering this question and the activities proposed to fill them are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trent Davis
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Kevin Tabury
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Shouan Zhu
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Debora Angeloni
- Institute of Biorobotics, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Juergen Bereiter-Hahn
- Institute for Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Department Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Judith-Irina Buchheim
- Laboratory of "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Calvaruso
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | - Eugénie Carnero-Diaz
- Institute of Systematics, Evolution, Biodiversity, Sorbonne University, NMNH, CNRS, EPHE, UA, Paris, France
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alexander Choukér
- Laboratory of "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Francesca Cialdai
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Research Division, DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, PI, 56025, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Coppola
- Institute of Applied Science and Intelligent Systems - CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Cusella
- Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Degl'Innocenti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Italy and Smart Bio-Interfaces, IIT, Pontedera, PI, Italy
| | - Jean-Francois Desaphy
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress, Immunity, Pathogens Laboratory, SIMPA, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Michael Gelinsky
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint & Soft Tissue Research, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Giada Genchi
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, PI, 56025, Italy
| | - Maria Grano
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Germany & Dept of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alain Guignandon
- SAINBIOSE, INSERM U1059, Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, F-42000, France
| | | | - Jason Hatton
- European Space Agency, ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christine E Hellweg
- Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jeanette Maier
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jos Malda
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht & Department of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emina Mamaca
- European and International Affairs Department, Ifremer centre Bretagne, Plouzané, France
| | | | | | - Andreas Osterman
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Virology, LMU Munich & DZIF, Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesco Pampaloni
- Buchmann Inst. for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Pavezlorie
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronica Pereda-Campos
- GSBMS/URU EVOLSAN - Medecine Evolutive, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Cyrille Przybyla
- MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas les Flots, France
| | - Christopher Puhl
- Space Applications NV/SA for European Space Agency, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Rettberg
- DLR, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Research Group Astrobiology, Köln, Germany
| | - Angela Maria Rizzo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Kate Robson-Brown
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, and Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Russo
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniela Santucci
- Center for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sara Tavella
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino and University of Genoa, DIMES, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Ronnie Willaert
- Research Group NAMI and NANO, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathaniel Szewczyk
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
| | - Monica Monici
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Research Division, DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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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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8
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Ergaz B, Goren S, Lesman A. Micropatterning the organization of multicellular structures in 3D biological hydrogels; insights into collective cellular mechanical interactions. Biofabrication 2023; 16:015012. [PMID: 37906963 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad0849] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Control over the organization of cells at the microscale level within supporting biomaterials can push forward the construction of complex tissue architectures for tissue engineering applications and enable fundamental studies of how tissue structure relates to its function. While cells patterning on 2D substrates is a relatively established and available procedure, micropatterning cells in biomimetic 3D hydrogels has been more challenging, especially with micro-scale resolution, and currently relies on sophisticated tools and protocols. We present a robust and accessible 'peel-off' method to micropattern large arrays of individual cells or cell-clusters of precise sizes in biological 3D hydrogels, such as fibrin and collagen gels, with control over cell-cell separation distance and neighboring cells position. We further demonstrate partial control over cell position in thez-dimension by stacking two layers in varying distances between the layers. To demonstrate the potential of the micropatterning gel platform, we study the matrix-mediated mechanical interaction between array of cells that are accurately separated in defined distances. A collective process of intense cell-generated densified bands emerging in the gel between near neighbors was identified, along which cells preferentially migrate, a process relevant to tissue morphogenesis. The presented 3D gel micropatterning method can be used to reveal fundamental morphogenetic processes, and to reconstruct any tissue geometry with micrometer resolution in 3D biomimetic gel environments, leveraging the engineering of tissues in complex architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bar Ergaz
- School of Mechanical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Shahar Goren
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Center for Chemistry and Physics of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ayelet Lesman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Center for Chemistry and Physics of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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9
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Zhang W, Lu CH, Nakamoto ML, Tsai CT, Roy AR, Lee CE, Yang Y, Jahed Z, Li X, Cui B. Curved adhesions mediate cell attachment to soft matrix fibres in three dimensions. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1453-1464. [PMID: 37770566 PMCID: PMC10567576 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01238-1] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Integrin-mediated focal adhesions are the primary architectures that transmit forces between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the actin cytoskeleton. Although focal adhesions are abundant on rigid and flat substrates that support high mechanical tensions, they are sparse in soft three-dimensional (3D) environments. Here we report curvature-dependent integrin-mediated adhesions called curved adhesions. Their formation is regulated by the membrane curvatures imposed by the topography of ECM protein fibres. Curved adhesions are mediated by integrin ɑvβ5 and are molecularly distinct from focal adhesions and clathrin lattices. The molecular mechanism involves a previously unknown interaction between integrin β5 and a curvature-sensing protein, FCHo2. We find that curved adhesions are prevalent in physiological conditions, and disruption of curved adhesions inhibits the migration of some cancer cell lines in 3D fibre matrices. These findings provide a mechanism for cell anchorage to natural protein fibres and suggest that curved adhesions may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chih-Hao Lu
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Melissa L Nakamoto
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ching-Ting Tsai
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anish R Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christina E Lee
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zeinab Jahed
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bianxiao Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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10
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Nahum A, Koren Y, Ergaz B, Natan S, Miller G, Tamir Y, Goren S, Kolel A, Jagadeeshan S, Elkabets M, Lesman A, Zaritsky A. Inference of long-range cell-cell force transmission from ECM remodeling fluctuations. Commun Biol 2023; 6:811. [PMID: 37537232 PMCID: PMC10400639 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05179-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells sense, manipulate and respond to their mechanical microenvironment in a plethora of physiological processes, yet the understanding of how cells transmit, receive and interpret environmental cues to communicate with distant cells is severely limited due to lack of tools to quantitatively infer the complex tangle of dynamic cell-cell interactions in complicated environments. We present a computational method to systematically infer and quantify long-range cell-cell force transmission through the extracellular matrix (cell-ECM-cell communication) by correlating ECM remodeling fluctuations in between communicating cells and demonstrating that these fluctuations contain sufficient information to define unique signatures that robustly distinguish between different pairs of communicating cells. We demonstrate our method with finite element simulations and live 3D imaging of fibroblasts and cancer cells embedded in fibrin gels. While previous studies relied on the formation of a visible fibrous 'band' extending between cells to inform on mechanical communication, our method detected mechanical propagation even in cases where visible bands never formed. We revealed that while contractility is required, band formation is not necessary, for cell-ECM-cell communication, and that mechanical signals propagate from one cell to another even upon massive reduction in their contractility. Our method sets the stage to measure the fundamental aspects of intercellular long-range mechanical communication in physiological contexts and may provide a new functional readout for high content 3D image-based screening. The ability to infer cell-ECM-cell communication using standard confocal microscopy holds the promise for wide use and democratizing the method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Nahum
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Yoni Koren
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Bar Ergaz
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Sari Natan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Gad Miller
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Yuval Tamir
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Shahar Goren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Avraham Kolel
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Sankar Jagadeeshan
- The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Ayelet Lesman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel.
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
| | - Assaf Zaritsky
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
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11
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Xu Z, Chen Y, Wang Y, Han W, Xu W, Liao X, Zhang T, Wang G. Matrix stiffness, endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:7027-7041. [PMID: 37382775 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08502-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the leading cause of the human cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Endothelial dysfunction promotes the monocytes infiltration and inflammation that participate fundamentally in atherogenesis. Endothelial cells (EC) have been recognized as mechanosensitive cells and have different responses to distinct mechanical stimuli. Emerging evidence shows matrix stiffness-mediated EC dysfunction plays a vital role in vascular disease, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet completely understood. This article aims to summarize the effect of matrix stiffness on the pro-atherosclerotic characteristics of EC including morphology, rigidity, biological behavior and function as well as the related mechanical signal. The review also discusses and compares the contribution of matrix stiffness-mediated phagocytosis of macrophages and EC to AS progression. These advances in our understanding of the relationship between matrix stiffness and EC dysfunction open the avenues to improve the prevention and treatment of now-ubiquitous atherosclerotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichen Xu
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Wenbo Han
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Wenfeng Xu
- Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Xiaoling Liao
- Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, 401331, China.
| | - Guixue Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
- Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, NO.174, Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400030, PR China.
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12
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Zhu Y, Zhang M, Sun Q, Wang X, Li X, Li Q. Advanced Mechanical Testing Technologies at the Cellular Level: The Mechanisms and Application in Tissue Engineering. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3255. [PMID: 37571149 PMCID: PMC10422338 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153255] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanics, as a key physical factor which affects cell function and tissue regeneration, is attracting the attention of researchers in the fields of biomaterials, biomechanics, and tissue engineering. The macroscopic mechanical properties of tissue engineering scaffolds have been studied and optimized based on different applications. However, the mechanical properties of the overall scaffold materials are not enough to reveal the mechanical mechanism of the cell-matrix interaction. Hence, the mechanical detection of cell mechanics and cellular-scale microenvironments has become crucial for unraveling the mechanisms which underly cell activities and which are affected by physical factors. This review mainly focuses on the advanced technologies and applications of cell-scale mechanical detection. It summarizes the techniques used in micromechanical performance analysis, including atomic force microscope (AFM), optical tweezer (OT), magnetic tweezer (MT), and traction force microscope (TFM), and analyzes their testing mechanisms. In addition, the application of mechanical testing techniques to cell mechanics and tissue engineering scaffolds, such as hydrogels and porous scaffolds, is summarized and discussed. Finally, it highlights the challenges and prospects of this field. This review is believed to provide valuable insights into micromechanics in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxuan Zhu
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingqing Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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13
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Safaei S, Sajed R, Shariftabrizi A, Dorafshan S, Saeednejad Zanjani L, Dehghan Manshadi M, Madjd Z, Ghods R. Tumor matrix stiffness provides fertile soil for cancer stem cells. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:143. [PMID: 37468874 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02992-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix stiffness is a mechanical characteristic of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that increases from the tumor core to the tumor periphery in a gradient pattern in a variety of solid tumors and can promote proliferation, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare subpopulation of tumor cells with self-renewal, asymmetric cell division, and differentiation capabilities. CSCs are thought to be responsible for metastasis, tumor recurrence, chemotherapy resistance, and consequently poor clinical outcomes. Evidence suggests that matrix stiffness can activate receptors and mechanosensor/mechanoregulator proteins such as integrin, FAK, and YAP, modulating the characteristics of tumor cells as well as CSCs through different molecular signaling pathways. A deeper understanding of the effect of matrix stiffness on CSCs characteristics could lead to development of innovative cancer therapies. In this review, we discuss how the stiffness of the ECM is sensed by the cells and how the cells respond to this environmental change as well as the effect of matrix stiffness on CSCs characteristics and also the key malignant processes such as proliferation and EMT. Then, we specifically focus on how increased matrix stiffness affects CSCs in breast, lung, liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. We also discuss how the molecules responsible for increased matrix stiffness and the signaling pathways activated by the enhanced stiffness can be manipulated as a therapeutic strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Safaei
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Roya Sajed
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Ahmad Shariftabrizi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Shima Dorafshan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Leili Saeednejad Zanjani
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Masoumeh Dehghan Manshadi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
| | - Roya Ghods
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
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14
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Urciuolo F, Imparato G, Netti PA. In vitro strategies for mimicking dynamic cell-ECM reciprocity in 3D culture models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1197075. [PMID: 37434756 PMCID: PMC10330728 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1197075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular microenvironment regulates cell decisions through the accurate presentation at the cell surface of a complex array of biochemical and biophysical signals that are mediated by the structure and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). On the one hand, the cells actively remodel the ECM, which on the other hand affects cell functions. This cell-ECM dynamic reciprocity is central in regulating and controlling morphogenetic and histogenetic processes. Misregulation within the extracellular space can cause aberrant bidirectional interactions between cells and ECM, resulting in dysfunctional tissues and pathological states. Therefore, tissue engineering approaches, aiming at reproducing organs and tissues in vitro, should realistically recapitulate the native cell-microenvironment crosstalk that is central for the correct functionality of tissue-engineered constructs. In this review, we will describe the most updated bioengineering approaches to recapitulate the native cell microenvironment and reproduce functional tissues and organs in vitro. We have highlighted the limitations of the use of exogenous scaffolds in recapitulating the regulatory/instructive and signal repository role of the native cell microenvironment. By contrast, strategies to reproduce human tissues and organs by inducing cells to synthetize their own ECM acting as a provisional scaffold to control and guide further tissue development and maturation hold the potential to allow the engineering of fully functional histologically competent three-dimensional (3D) tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Urciuolo
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Chemical Materials and Industrial Production (DICMAPI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for HealthCare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
| | - G. Imparato
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for HealthCare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
| | - P. A. Netti
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Chemical Materials and Industrial Production (DICMAPI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for HealthCare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
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15
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Zhuang C, Gould JE, Enninful A, Shao S, Mak M. Biophysical and mechanobiological considerations for T-cell-based immunotherapy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:366-378. [PMID: 37172572 PMCID: PMC10188210 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies modulate the body's defense system to treat cancer. While these therapies have shown efficacy against multiple types of cancer, patient response rates are limited, and the off-target effects can be severe. Typical approaches in developing immunotherapies tend to focus on antigen targeting and molecular signaling, while overlooking biophysical and mechanobiological effects. Immune cells and tumor cells are both responsive to biophysical cues, which are prominent in the tumor microenvironment. Recent studies have shown that mechanosensing - including through Piezo1, adhesions, and Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) - influences tumor-immune interactions and immunotherapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, biophysical methods such as fluidic systems and mechanoactivation schemes can improve the controllability and manufacturing of engineered T cells, with potential for increasing therapeutic efficacy and specificity. This review focuses on leveraging advances in immune biophysics and mechanobiology toward improving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell and anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuzhi Zhuang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Jared E Gould
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Archibald Enninful
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Stephanie Shao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Michael Mak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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16
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Zhang W, Lu CH, Nakamoto ML, Tsai CT, Roy AR, Lee CE, Yang Y, Jahed Z, Li X, Cui B. Curved adhesions mediate cell attachment to soft matrix fibres in 3D. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.16.532975. [PMID: 36993504 PMCID: PMC10055138 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.16.532975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian cells adhere to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and sense mechanical cues through integrin-mediated adhesions 1, 2 . Focal adhesions and related structures are the primary architectures that transmit forces between the ECM and the actin cytoskeleton. Although focal adhesions are abundant when cells are cultured on rigid substrates, they are sparse in soft environments that cannot support high mechanical tensions 3 . Here, we report a new class of integrin-mediated adhesions, curved adhesions, whose formation is regulated by membrane curvature instead of mechanical tension. In soft matrices made of protein fibres, curved adhesions are induced by membrane curvatures imposed by the fibre geometry. Curved adhesions are mediated by integrin ɑVβ5 and are molecularly distinct from focal adhesions and clathrin lattices. The molecular mechanism involves a previously unknown interaction between integrin β5 and a curvature-sensing protein FCHo2. We find that curved adhesions are prevalent in physiologically relevant environments. Disruption of curved adhesions by knocking down integrin β5 or FCHo2 abolishes the migration of multiple cancer cell lines in 3D matrices. These findings provide a mechanism of cell anchorage to natural protein fibres that are too soft to support the formation of focal adhesions. Given their functional importance for 3D cell migration, curved adhesions may serve as a therapeutic target for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Chih-Hao Lu
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Ching-Ting Tsai
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Anish R. Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Christina E. Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Zeinab Jahed
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Bianxiao Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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17
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Bouzos E, Asuri P. Sandwich Culture Platforms to Investigate the Roles of Stiffness Gradients and Cell–Matrix Adhesions in Cancer Cell Migration. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061729. [PMID: 36980615 PMCID: PMC10046033 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the key role of cell migration in cancer metastasis, there is a critical need for in vitro models that better capture the complexities of in vivo cancer cell microenvironments. Using both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) culture models, recent research has demonstrated the role of both matrix and ligand densities in cell migration. Here, we leveraged our previously developed 2.5D sandwich culture platform to foster a greater understanding of the adhesion-dependent migration of glioblastoma cells with a stiffness gradient. Using this model, we demonstrated the differential role of stiffness gradients in migration in the presence and absence of adhesion moieties. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between the density of cell adhesion moieties and migration, and a diminished role of stiffness gradients at higher densities of adhesion moieties. These results, i.e., the reduced impact of stiffness gradients on adhesion-dependent migration relative to adhesion-independent migration, were confirmed using inhibitors of both mechanotransduction and cell adhesion. Taken together, our work demonstrates the utility of sandwich culture platforms that present stiffness gradients to study both adhesion-dependent and -independent cell migration and to help expand the existing portfolio of in vitro models of cancer metastasis.
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18
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Xue Q, Varady SR, Waddell TQA, Roman MR, Carrington J, Roh-Johnson M. Lack of Paxillin phosphorylation promotes single-cell migration in vivo. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:213850. [PMID: 36723624 PMCID: PMC9929932 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202206078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions are structures that physically link the cell to the extracellular matrix for cell migration. Although cell culture studies have provided a wealth of information regarding focal adhesion biology, it is critical to understand how focal adhesions are dynamically regulated in their native environment. We developed a zebrafish system to visualize focal adhesion structures during single-cell migration in vivo. We find that a key site of phosphoregulation (Y118) on Paxillin exhibits reduced phosphorylation in migrating cells in vivo compared to in vitro. Furthermore, expression of a non-phosphorylatable version of Y118-Paxillin increases focal adhesion disassembly and promotes cell migration in vivo, despite inhibiting cell migration in vitro. Using a mouse model, we further find that the upstream kinase, focal adhesion kinase, is downregulated in cells in vivo, and cells expressing non-phosphorylatable Y118-Paxillin exhibit increased activation of the CRKII-DOCK180/RacGEF pathway. Our findings provide significant new insight into the intrinsic regulation of focal adhesions in cells migrating in their native environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xue
- https://ror.org/03r0ha626Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sophia R.S. Varady
- https://ror.org/03r0ha626Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Mackenzie R. Roman
- https://ror.org/03r0ha626Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - James Carrington
- https://ror.org/03r0ha626Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA,School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Minna Roh-Johnson
- https://ror.org/03r0ha626Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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19
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Biehl A, Gracioso Martins AM, Davis ZG, Sze D, Collins L, Mora-Navarro C, Fisher MB, Freytes DO. Towards a standardized multi-tissue decellularization protocol for the derivation of extracellular matrix materials. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:641-654. [PMID: 36504129 PMCID: PMC9844390 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01012g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The goal of tissue decellularization is to efficiently remove unwanted cellular components, such as DNA and cellular debris, while retaining the complex structural and molecular milieu within the extracellular matrix (ECM). Decellularization protocols to date are centered on customized tissue-specific and lab-specific protocols that involve consecutive manual steps which results in variable and protocol-specific ECM material. The differences that result from the inconsistent protocols between decellularized ECMs affect consistency across batches, limit comparisons between results obtained from different laboratories, and could limit the transferability of the material for consistent laboratory or clinical use. The present study is the first proof-of-concept towards the development of a standardized protocol that can be used to derive multiple ECM biomaterials (powders and hydrogels) via a previously established automated system. The automated decellularization method developed by our group was used due to its short decellularization time (4 hours) and its ability to reduce batch-to-batch variability. The ECM obtained using this first iteration of a unified protocol was able to produce ECM hydrogels from skin, lung, muscle, tendons, cartilage, and laryngeal tissues. All hydrogels formed in this study were cytocompatible and showed gelation and rheological properties consistent with previous ECM hydrogels. The ECMs also showed unique proteomic composition. The present study represents the first step towards developing standardized protocols that can be used on multiple tissues in a fast, scalable, and reproducible manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Biehl
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 4130 Engineering Building III, Campus Box 7115, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Ana M Gracioso Martins
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 4130 Engineering Building III, Campus Box 7115, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Zachary G Davis
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 4130 Engineering Building III, Campus Box 7115, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Daphne Sze
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 4130 Engineering Building III, Campus Box 7115, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Leonard Collins
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), North Carolina State University, Dabney Hall, 2620 Yarbrough Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Camilo Mora-Navarro
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Route 108, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Matthew B Fisher
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 4130 Engineering Building III, Campus Box 7115, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 102 Mason Farm Road Second Floor, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Donald O Freytes
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 4130 Engineering Building III, Campus Box 7115, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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20
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Li T, Hou J, Wang L, Zeng G, Wang Z, Yu L, Yang Q, Yin J, Long M, Chen L, Chen S, Zhang H, Li Y, Wu Y, Huang W. Bioprinted anisotropic scaffolds with fast stress relaxation bioink for engineering 3D skeletal muscle and repairing volumetric muscle loss. Acta Biomater 2023; 156:21-36. [PMID: 36002128 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Viscoelastic hydrogels can enhance 3D cell migration and proliferation due to the faster stress relaxation promoting the arrangement of the cellular microenvironment. However, most synthetic photocurable hydrogels used as bioink materials for 3D bioprinting are typically elastic. Developing a photocurable hydrogel bioink with fast stress relaxation would be beneficial for 3D bioprinting engineered 3D skeletal muscles in vitro and repairing volumetric muscle loss (VML) in vivo; however, this remains an ongoing challenge. This study aims to develop an interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel with tunable stress relaxation using a combination of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and fibrinogen. These IPN hydrogels with faster stress relaxation showed higher 3D cellular proliferation and better differentiation. A 3D anisotropic biomimetic scaffold was further developed via a printing gel-in-gel strategy, where the extrusion printing of cell-laden viscoelastic FG hydrogel within Carbopol supported gel. The 3D engineered skeletal muscle tissue was further developed via 3D aligned myotube formation and contraction. Furthermore, the cell-free 3D printed scaffold was implanted into a rat VML model, and both the short and long-term repair results demonstrated its ability to enhance functional skeletal muscle tissue regeneration. These data suggest that such viscoelastic hydrogel provided a suitable 3D microenvironment for enhancing 3D myogenic differentiation, and the 3D bioprinted anisotropic structure provided a 3D macroenvironment for myotube organization, which indicated the potential in skeletal muscle engineering and VML regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The development of a viscoelastic 3D aligned biomimetic skeletal muscle scaffold has been focused on skeletal muscle regeneration. However, a credible technique combining viscoelastic hydrogel and printing gel-in-gel strategy for fabricating skeletal muscle tissue was rarely reported. Therefore, in this study, we present an interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel with fast stress relaxation for 3D bioprinting engineered skeletal muscle via a printing gel-in-gel strategy. Such IPN hydrogels with tunable fast stress relaxation resulted in high 3D cellular proliferation and adequate differentiation in vitro. Besides, the 3D hydrogel-based scaffolds also enhance functional skeletal muscle regeneration in situ. We believe that this study provides several notable advances in tissue engineering that can be potentially used for skeletal muscle injury treatment in clinical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juedong Hou
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Guanjie Zeng
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liu Yu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Junfeiyang Yin
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Long
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lizhi Chen
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hongwu Zhang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanbing Li
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaobin Wu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenhua Huang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Medical Innovation Platform for Translation of 3D Printing Application, Southern Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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21
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Spatio-Temporal Changes of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Stiffness in the Development of the Leech Hirudo verbana. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415953. [PMID: 36555595 PMCID: PMC9787456 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The invertebrate leech Hirudo verbana represents a powerful experimental animal model for improving the knowledge about the functional interaction between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells within the tissue microenvironment (TME), and the key role played by ECM stiffness during development and growth. Indeed, the medicinal leech is characterized by a simple anatomical organization reproducing many aspects of the basic biological processes of vertebrates and in which a rapid spatiotemporal development is well established and easily assessed. Our results show that ECM structural organization, as well as the amount of fibrillar and non-fibrillar collagen are deeply different from hatching leeches to adult ones. In addition, the changes in ECM remodelling occurring during the different leech developmental stages, leads to a gradient of stiffness regulating both the path of migratory cells and their fates. The ability of cells to perceive and respond to changes in ECM composition and mechanics strictly depend on nuclear or cytoplasmic expression of Yes-Associated Protein 1 (YAP1), a key mediator converting mechanical signals into transcriptional outputs, expression, and activation.
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22
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Collagen-Based Biomimetic Systems to Study the Biophysical Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235939. [PMID: 36497421 PMCID: PMC9739814 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a pericellular network of proteins and other molecules that provides mechanical support to organs and tissues. ECM biophysical properties such as topography, elasticity and porosity strongly influence cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. The cell's perception of the biophysical microenvironment (mechanosensing) leads to altered gene expression or contractility status (mechanotransduction). Mechanosensing and mechanotransduction have profound implications in both tissue homeostasis and cancer. Many solid tumours are surrounded by a dense and aberrant ECM that disturbs normal cell functions and makes certain areas of the tumour inaccessible to therapeutic drugs. Understanding the cell-ECM interplay may therefore lead to novel and more effective therapies. Controllable and reproducible cell culturing systems mimicking the ECM enable detailed investigation of mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways. Here, we discuss ECM biomimetic systems. Mainly focusing on collagen, we compare and contrast structural and molecular complexity as well as biophysical properties of simple 2D substrates, 3D fibrillar collagen gels, cell-derived matrices and complex decellularized organs. Finally, we emphasize how the integration of advanced methodologies and computational methods with collagen-based biomimetics will improve the design of novel therapies aimed at targeting the biophysical and mechanical features of the tumour ECM to increase therapy efficacy.
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23
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Shaebani MR, Stankevicins L, Vesperini D, Urbanska M, Flormann DAD, Terriac E, Gad AKB, Cheng F, Eriksson JE, Lautenschläger F. Effects of vimentin on the migration, search efficiency, and mechanical resilience of dendritic cells. Biophys J 2022; 121:3950-3961. [PMID: 36056556 PMCID: PMC9675030 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells use amoeboid migration to pass through narrow passages in the extracellular matrix and confined tissue in search for pathogens and to reach the lymph nodes and alert the immune system. Amoeboid migration is a migration mode that, instead of relying on cell adhesion, is based on mechanical resilience and friction. To better understand the role of intermediate filaments in ameboid migration, we studied the effects of vimentin on the migration of dendritic cells. We show that the lymph node homing of vimentin-deficient cells is reduced in our in vivo experiments in mice. Lack of vimentin also reduces the cell stiffness, the number of migrating cells, and the migration speed in vitro in both 1D and 2D confined environments. Moreover, we find that lack of vimentin weakens the correlation between directional persistence and migration speed. Thus, vimentin-expressing dendritic cells move faster in straighter lines. Our numerical simulations of persistent random search in confined geometries verify that the reduced migration speed and the weaker correlation between the speed and direction of motion result in longer search times to find regularly located targets. Together, these observations show that vimentin enhances the ameboid migration of dendritic cells, which is relevant for the efficiency of their random search for pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Reza Shaebani
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany; Centre for Biophysics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Luiza Stankevicins
- Department of Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Doriane Vesperini
- Department of Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Marta Urbanska
- Biotechnology Centre, Centre for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel A D Flormann
- Department of Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Terriac
- Department of Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Annica K B Gad
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Fang Cheng
- Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland; Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - John E Eriksson
- Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland; Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Franziska Lautenschläger
- Centre for Biophysics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany; Department of Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.
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24
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Monferrer E, Dobre O, Trujillo S, González Oliva MA, Trubert-Paneli A, Acevedo-León D, Noguera R, Salmeron-Sanchez M. Vitronectin-based hydrogels recapitulate neuroblastoma growth conditions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:988699. [PMID: 36425532 PMCID: PMC9679952 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.988699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in cancer development and the use of 3D in vitro systems that decouple different elements of this microenvironment is critical for the study of cancer progression. In neuroblastoma (NB), vitronectin (VN), an extracellular matrix protein, has been linked to poor prognosis and appears as a promising therapeutic target. Here, we developed hydrogels that incorporate VN into 3D polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel networks to recapitulate the native NB microenvironment. The stiffness of the VN/PEG hydrogels was modulated to be comparable to the in vivo values reported for NB tissue samples. We used SK-N-BE (2) NB cells to demonstrate that PEGylated VN promotes cell adhesion as the native protein does. Furthermore, the PEGylation of VN allows its crosslinking into the hydrogel network, providing VN retention within the hydrogels that support viable cells in 3D. Confocal imaging and ELISA assays indicate that cells secrete VN also in the hydrogels and continue to reorganize their 3D environment. Overall, the 3D VN-based PEG hydrogels recapitulate the complexity of the native tumor extracellular matrix, showing that VN-cell interaction plays a key role in NB aggressiveness, and that VN could potentially be targeted in preclinical drug studies performed on the presented hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Monferrer
- Department of Pathology Medical School, University of Valencia-INCLIVA Biomedical Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
- Low Prevalence Tumors, Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oana Dobre
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Trujillo
- INM—Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | | | - Alexandre Trubert-Paneli
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Delia Acevedo-León
- Clinical Analysis Service, Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rosa Noguera
- Department of Pathology Medical School, University of Valencia-INCLIVA Biomedical Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
- Low Prevalence Tumors, Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Rosa Noguera, ; Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez,
| | - Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Rosa Noguera, ; Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez,
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25
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Dual peptide-functionalized hydrogels differentially control periodontal cell function and promote tissue regeneration. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 141:213093. [PMID: 36067642 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Restoring the tooth-supporting tissues lost during periodontitis is a significant clinical challenge, despite advances in both biomaterial and cell-based approaches. This study investigated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels functionalized with integrin-binding peptides RGD and GFOGER for controlling periodontal ligament cell (PDLC) activity and promoting periodontal tissue regeneration. Dual presentation of RGD and GFOGER within PEG hydrogels potentiated two key PDLC functions, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and matrix mineralization, over either peptide alone and could be tuned to differentially promote each function. Hydrogel matrix mineralization, fostered by high concentrations of GFOGER together with RGD, identified a PDLC phenotype with accelerated matrix adhesion formation and expression of cementoblast and osteoblast genes. In contrast, maximizing ALP activity through high RGD and low GFOGER levels resulted in minimal hydrogel mineralization, in part, through altered PDLC pyrophosphate regulation. Transplantation of PDLCs in hydrogels optimized for either outcome promoted cementum formation in rat periodontal defects; however, only hydrogels optimized for in vitro mineralization improved new bone formation. Overall, these results highlight the utility of engineered hydrogel systems for controlling PDLC functions and their promise for promoting periodontal tissue regeneration.
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26
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Zuela-Sopilniak N, Lammerding J. Can't handle the stress? Mechanobiology and disease. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:710-725. [PMID: 35717527 PMCID: PMC9420767 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mechanobiology is a rapidly growing research area focused on how mechanical forces and properties influence biological systems at the cell, molecular, and tissue level, and how those biological systems, in turn, control mechanical parameters. Recently, it has become apparent that disrupted mechanobiology has a significant role in many diseases, from cardiovascular disease to muscular dystrophy and cancer. An improved understanding of this intricate process could be harnessed toward developing alternative and more targeted treatment strategies, and to advance the fields of regenerative and personalized medicine. Modulating the mechanical properties of the cellular microenvironment has already been used successfully to boost antitumor immune responses and to induce cardiac and spinal regeneration, providing inspiration for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam Zuela-Sopilniak
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jan Lammerding
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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27
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Yi B, Xu Q, Liu W. An overview of substrate stiffness guided cellular response and its applications in tissue regeneration. Bioact Mater 2022; 15:82-102. [PMID: 35386347 PMCID: PMC8940767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-matrix interactions play a critical role in tissue repair and regeneration. With gradual uncovering of substrate mechanical characteristics that can affect cell-matrix interactions, much progress has been made to unravel substrate stiffness-mediated cellular response as well as its underlying mechanisms. Yet, as a part of cell-matrix interaction biology, this field remains in its infancy, and the detailed molecular mechanisms are still elusive regarding scaffold-modulated tissue regeneration. This review provides an overview of recent progress in the area of the substrate stiffness-mediated cellular responses, including 1) the physical determination of substrate stiffness on cell fate and tissue development; 2) the current exploited approaches to manipulate the stiffness of scaffolds; 3) the progress of recent researches to reveal the role of substrate stiffness in cellular responses in some representative tissue-engineered regeneration varying from stiff tissue to soft tissue. This article aims to provide an up-to-date overview of cell mechanobiology research in substrate stiffness mediated cellular response and tissue regeneration with insightful information to facilitate interdisciplinary knowledge transfer and enable the establishment of prognostic markers for the design of suitable biomaterials. Substrate stiffness physically determines cell fate and tissue development. Rational design of scaffolds requires the understanding of cell-matrix interactions. Substrate stiffness depends on scaffold molecular-constituent-structure interaction. Substrate stiffness-mediated cellular responses vary in different tissues.
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28
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How the Nonwoven Polymer Volume Microstructure Is Transformed under Tension in an Aqueous Environment. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14173526. [PMID: 36080601 PMCID: PMC9460304 DOI: 10.3390/polym14173526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The fibrous porous structure of polymers can mimic the extracellular matrix of the native tissue, therefore such polymers have a good potential for use in regenerative medicine. Organs and tissues within the body exhibit different mechanical properties depending on their functionality, thus artificial scaffolds should have mechanical behaviors similar to the extracellular matrix in conditions like living organisms, primarily in aqueous media. Several methods have been investigated in aquatic environments, including noninvasive techniques based on ultrasonic focused beams for biological objectives. In this study we explored the tensile behavior of poly(L-lactide) nonwoven polymer scaffolds using high-frequency ultrasound microscopy combined with a horizontal testing machine, which provided a visualization of the reorganization and transformation of the dynamic volume microstructure. The mechanisms of unwinding, elongation, orientation, and deformation of polymer fibers under uniaxial tension were revealed. We observed an association between the lined plastic deformation from 100 to 400% and the formation of multiple necks in the fibers, which caused stress relaxation and significant rarefaction of the fibrous microstructure. It was shown that both peaks on the stress–strain curve corresponded to the microstructure of aligned fibers in terms of initial diameter and thinning fibers. We discuss the possible influence of these microstructure transformations on cell behavior.
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29
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Fierro Morales JC, Xue Q, Roh-Johnson M. An evolutionary and physiological perspective on cell-substrate adhesion machinery for cell migration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:943606. [PMID: 36092727 PMCID: PMC9453864 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.943606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-substrate adhesion is a critical aspect of many forms of cell migration. Cell adhesion to an extracellular matrix (ECM) generates traction forces necessary for efficient migration. One of the most well-studied structures cells use to adhere to the ECM is focal adhesions, which are composed of a multilayered protein complex physically linking the ECM to the intracellular actin cytoskeleton. Much of our understanding of focal adhesions, however, is primarily derived from in vitro studies in Metazoan systems. Though these studies provide a valuable foundation to the cell-substrate adhesion field, the evolution of cell-substrate adhesion machinery across evolutionary space and the role of focal adhesions in vivo are largely understudied within the field. Furthering investigation in these areas is necessary to bolster our understanding of the role cell-substrate adhesion machinery across Eukaryotes plays during cell migration in physiological contexts such as cancer and pathogenesis. In this review, we review studies of cell-substrate adhesion machinery in organisms evolutionary distant from Metazoa and cover the current understanding and ongoing work on how focal adhesions function in single and collective cell migration in an in vivo environment, with an emphasis on work that directly visualizes cell-substrate adhesions. Finally, we discuss nuances that ought to be considered moving forward and the importance of future investigation in these emerging fields for application in other fields pertinent to adhesion-based processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Minna Roh-Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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30
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Matrix stiffness and architecture drive fibro-adipogenic progenitors' activation into myofibroblasts. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13582. [PMID: 35945422 PMCID: PMC9363488 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17852-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are essential in supporting regeneration in skeletal muscle, but in muscle pathologies FAPs the are main source of excess extracellular matrix (ECM) resulting in fibrosis. Fibrotic ECM has altered mechanical and architectural properties, but the feedback onto FAPs of stiffness or ECM properties is largely unknown. In this study, FAPs’ sensitivity to their ECM substrate was assessed using collagen coated polyacrylamide to control substrate stiffness and collagen hydrogels to engineer concentration, crosslinking, fibril size, and alignment. FAPs on substrates of fibrotic stiffnesses had increased myofibroblast activation, depicted by αSMA expression, compared to substrates mimicking healthy muscle, which correlated strongly YAP nuclear localization. Surprisingly, fibrosis associated collagen crosslinking and larger fibril size inhibited myofibroblast activation, which was independent of YAP localization. Additionally, collagen crosslinking and larger fibril diameters were associated with decreased remodeling of the collagenous substrate as measured by second harmonic generation imaging. Inhibition of YAP activity through verteporfin reduced myofibroblast activation on stiff substrates but not substrates with altered architecture. This study is the first to demonstrate that fibrotic muscle stiffness can elicit FAP activation to myofibroblasts through YAP signaling. However, fibrotic collagen architecture actually inhibits myofibroblast activation through a YAP independent mechanism. These data expand knowledge of FAPs sensitivity to ECM and illuminate targets to block FAP’s from driving progression of muscle fibrosis.
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31
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Jain K, Kanchanawong P, Sheetz MP, Zhou X, Cai H, Changede R. Ligand functionalization of titanium nanopattern enables the analysis of cell-ligand interactions by super-resolution microscopy. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2275-2306. [PMID: 35896742 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00717-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The spatiotemporal aspects of early signaling events during interactions between cells and their environment dictate multiple downstream outcomes. While advances in nanopatterning techniques have allowed the isolation of these signaling events, a major limitation of conventional nanopatterning methods is its dependence on gold (Au) or related materials that plasmonically quench fluorescence and, thus, are incompatible with super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. Here we describe a novel method that integrates nanopatterning with single-molecule resolution fluorescence imaging, thus enabling mechanistic dissection of molecular-scale signaling events in conjunction with nanoscale geometry manipulation. Our method exploits nanofabricated titanium (Ti) whose oxide (TiO2) is a dielectric material with no plasmonic effects. We describe the surface chemistry for decorating specific ligands such as cyclo-RGD (arginine, glycine and aspartate: a ligand for fibronectin-binding integrins) on TiO2 nanoline and nanodot substrates, and demonstrate the ability to perform dual-color super-resolution imaging on these patterns. Ti nanofabrication is similar to other metallic materials like Au, while the functionalization of TiO2 is relatively fast, safe, economical, easy to set up with commonly available reagents, and robust against environmental parameters such as humidity. Fabrication of nanopatterns takes ~2-3 d, preparation for functionalization ~1.5-2 d, and functionalization 3 h, after which cell culture and imaging experiments can be performed. We suggest that this method may facilitate the interrogation of nanoscale geometry and force at single-molecule resolution, and should find ready applications in early detection and interpretation of physiochemical signaling events at the cell membrane in the fields of cell biology, immunology, regenerative medicine, and related fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashish Jain
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pakorn Kanchanawong
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael P Sheetz
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Molecular Mechanomedicine Program, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Xianjing Zhou
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, USA
| | - Haogang Cai
- Tech4Health Institute and Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Rishita Changede
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,TeOra Pte. Ltd, Singapore, Singapore.
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32
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Luthold C, Hallal T, Labbé DP, Bordeleau F. The Extracellular Matrix Stiffening: A Trigger of Prostate Cancer Progression and Castration Resistance? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122887. [PMID: 35740556 PMCID: PMC9221142 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advancements made in diagnosis and treatment, prostate cancer remains the second most diagnosed cancer among men worldwide in 2020, and the first in North America and Europe. Patients with localized disease usually respond well to first-line treatments, however, up to 30% develop castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which is often metastatic, making this stage of the disease incurable and ultimately fatal. Over the last years, interest has grown into the extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening as an important mediator of diseases, including cancers. While this process is increasingly well-characterized in breast cancer, a similar in-depth look at ECM stiffening remains lacking for prostate cancer. In this review, we scrutinize the current state of literature regarding ECM stiffening in prostate cancer and its potential association with disease progression and castration resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Luthold
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada;
- Division of Oncology, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Tarek Hallal
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
| | - David P. Labbé
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Correspondence: (D.P.L.); (F.B.)
| | - François Bordeleau
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada;
- Division of Oncology, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire, Biochimie Médicale et Pathologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: (D.P.L.); (F.B.)
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Byron A, Griffith BGC, Herrero A, Loftus AEP, Koeleman ES, Kogerman L, Dawson JC, McGivern N, Culley J, Grimes GR, Serrels B, von Kriegsheim A, Brunton VG, Frame MC. Characterisation of a nucleo-adhesome. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3053. [PMID: 35650196 PMCID: PMC9160004 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30556-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to central functions in cell adhesion signalling, integrin-associated proteins have wider roles at sites distal to adhesion receptors. In experimentally defined adhesomes, we noticed that there is clear enrichment of proteins that localise to the nucleus, and conversely, we now report that nuclear proteomes contain a class of adhesome components that localise to the nucleus. We here define a nucleo-adhesome, providing experimental evidence for a remarkable scale of nuclear localisation of adhesion proteins, establishing a framework for interrogating nuclear adhesion protein functions. Adding to nuclear FAK's known roles in regulating transcription, we now show that nuclear FAK regulates expression of many adhesion-related proteins that localise to the nucleus and that nuclear FAK binds to the adhesome component and nuclear protein Hic-5. FAK and Hic-5 work together in the nucleus, co-regulating a subset of genes transcriptionally. We demonstrate the principle that there are subcomplexes of nuclear adhesion proteins that cooperate to control transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Byron
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK.
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
| | - Billie G C Griffith
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Ana Herrero
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Alexander E P Loftus
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Emma S Koeleman
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
- Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Bioquant, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Linda Kogerman
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - John C Dawson
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Niamh McGivern
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
- Almac Diagnostic Services, 19 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Craigavon, BT63 5QD, UK
| | - Jayne Culley
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Graeme R Grimes
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Bryan Serrels
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
- NanoString Technologies, Inc., Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Alex von Kriegsheim
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Valerie G Brunton
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Margaret C Frame
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
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Cell alignment modulated by surface nano-topography - Roles of cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions. Acta Biomater 2022; 142:149-159. [PMID: 35124266 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.01.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The propensity of cells to align in particular directions is relevant to a number of areas, including tissue engineering and biohybrid robotics. Cell alignment is modulated through various extracellular conditions including surface topographies, mechanical cues from cell-matrix interactions, and cell-cell interactions. Understanding of these conditions provides guidance for desirable cellular structure constructions. In this study, we examine the roles of surface topographies and cell-cell interactions in inducing cell alignment. We employed wavy surface topographies at the nanometer scale as a model extracellular environment for cell culture. The results show that, within a certain range of wavelengths and amplitudes of the surface topographies, cell alignment is dependent on cell confluency. This dependence on both topology and confluency suggests interplay between cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions in inducing cell alignment. Images of sparsely distributed and confluent cells also demonstrated clear differences in the structures of their focal adhesion complexes. To understand this effect, we introduced anti-N-cadherin to cell culture to inhibit cell-cell interactions. The results show that, when anti-N-cadherin was applied, cells on wavy surfaces required greater confluency to achieve the same alignment compared to that in the absence of anti-N-cadherin. The understanding of the cell alignment mechanisms will be important in numerous potential applications such as scaffold design, tissue repair, and development of biohybrid robotic systems. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cell alignment plays a critical role in numerous biological functions. Advances in tissue engineering utilizes cell alignment to restore, maintain, or even replace different types of biological tissues. The clinical impact that tissue engineering has made is facilitated by advancements in the understanding of interactions between scaffolds, biological factors, and cells. This work further elucidates the role of cell-cell interactions in promoting the organization of biological tissues.
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Liu K, Wiendels M, Yuan H, Ruan C, Kouwer PH. Cell-matrix reciprocity in 3D culture models with nonlinear elasticity. Bioact Mater 2022; 9:316-331. [PMID: 34820573 PMCID: PMC8586441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) matrix models using hydrogels are powerful tools to understand and predict cell behavior. The interactions between the cell and its matrix, however is highly complex: the matrix has a profound effect on basic cell functions but simultaneously, cells are able to actively manipulate the matrix properties. This (mechano)reciprocity between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is central in regulating tissue functions and it is fundamentally important to broadly consider the biomechanical properties of the in vivo ECM when designing in vitro matrix models. This manuscript discusses two commonly used biopolymer networks, i.e. collagen and fibrin gels, and one synthetic polymer network, polyisocyanide gel (PIC), which all possess the characteristic nonlinear mechanics in the biological stress regime. We start from the structure of the materials, then address the uses, advantages, and limitations of each material, to provide a guideline for tissue engineers and biophysicists in utilizing current materials and also designing new materials for 3D cell culture purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaizheng Liu
- Research Center for Human Tissue and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Maury Wiendels
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hongbo Yuan
- Institute of Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, PR China
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Chemistry Department, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Changshun Ruan
- Research Center for Human Tissue and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Paul H.J. Kouwer
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Liang W, Zhao E, Li G, Bi H, Zhao Z. Suture Cells in a Mechanical Stretching Niche: Critical Contributors to Trans-sutural Distraction Osteogenesis. Calcif Tissue Int 2022; 110:285-293. [PMID: 34802070 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-021-00927-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis has been proposed as an alternative technique of craniofacial remodelling surgery for craniosynostosis correction. Many studies have defined the contribution of a series of biological events to distraction osteogenesis, such as changes in gene expression, changes in suture cell behaviour and changes in suture collagen fibre characteristics. However, few studies have elucidated the systematic molecular and cellular mechanisms of trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis, and no study has highlighted the contribution of cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions with respect to the whole expansion process to date. Therefore, it is difficult to translate largely primary mechanistic insights into clinical applications and optimize the clinical outcome of trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis. In this review, we carefully summarize in detail the literature related to the effects of mechanical stretching on osteoblasts, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, immune cells (macrophages and T cells), mesenchymal stem cells and collagen fibres in sutures during the distraction osteogenesis process. We also briefly review the contribution of cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions to bone regeneration at the osteogenic suture front from a comprehensive viewpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Enzhe Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Guan Li
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hongsen Bi
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Zhenmin Zhao
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Hang X, He S, Dong Z, Li Y, Huang Z, Zhang Y, Sun H, Lin L, Li H, Wang Y, Liu B, Wu N, Ren T, Fan Y, Lou J, Yang R, Jiang L, Chang L. High-Throughput DNA Tensioner Platform for Interrogating Mechanical Heterogeneity of Single Living Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2106196. [PMID: 35322558 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202106196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cell mechanical forces play fundamental roles in regulating cellular responses to environmental stimulations. The shortcomings of conventional methods, including force resolution and cellular throughput, make them less accessible to mechanical heterogeneity at the single-cell level. Here, a DNA tensioner platform is introduced with high throughput (>10 000 cells per chip) and pN-level resolution. A microfluidic-based cell array is trapped on "hairpin-structured" DNA tensioners that enable transformation of the mechanical information of living cells into fluorescence signals. By using the platform, one can identify enhanced mechanical forces of drug-resistant cells as compared to their drug-sensitive counterparts, and mechanical differences between metastatic tumor cells in pleural effusion and nonmetastatic histiocytes. Further genetic analysis traces two genes, VEGFA and MINK1, that may play deterministic roles in regulating mechanical heterogeneities. In view of the ubiquity of cells' mechanical forces in the extracellular microenvironment (ECM), this platform shows wide potential to establish links of cellular mechanical heterogeneity to genetic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Hang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Shiqi He
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zaizai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yun Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, and China National Center for Bioinformation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zheng Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, and China National Center for Bioinformation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yanruo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 15 Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Long Lin
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hu Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research of Ministry of Education, Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, No. 52 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research of Ministry of Education, Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, No. 52 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Tianling Ren
- Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology (BNRist), Institute of Microelectronics, Tsinghua University, No. 30 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jizhong Lou
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 15 Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ruiguo Yang
- Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Lan Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, and China National Center for Bioinformation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Future Technology, and Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lingqian Chang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Research and Engineering Center of Biomedical Materials, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
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Pedaprolu K, Szczesny S. A Novel, Open Source, Low-Cost Bioreactor for Load-Controlled Cyclic Loading of Tendon Explants. J Biomech Eng 2022; 144:1135618. [PMID: 35147179 DOI: 10.1115/1.4053795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A major risk factor for tendinopathy is tendon overuse (i.e., fatigue loading). Fatigue loading of tendon damages the extracellular matrix and induces tissue degeneration. However, the specific mechanisms linking tendon fatigue damage with tissue degeneration are unclear. While explant models of tendon fatigue loading have been used to address this knowledge gap, they predominantly employ bioreactors that apply cyclic displacements/strains rather than loads/stresses, which are more physiologically relevant. This is because of the technical complexity and cost of building a load-controlled bioreactor, which requires multiple motors, load cells, and computationally intensive feedback loops. Here, we present a novel, low-cost, load-controlled bioreactor that applies cyclic loading to multiple tendon explants by offloading weights from a single motorized stage. Using an optional load cell, we validated that the bioreactor can effectively provide load-controlled fatigue testing of mouse and rat tendon explants while maintaining tissue viability. Furthermore, all the design files, bill of materials, and operating software are available "open source" (https://github.com/Szczesnytendon/Bioreactor) so that anyone can easily manufacture and use the bioreactor for their own research. Therefore, this novel load-controlled bioreactor will enable researchers to study the mechanisms driving fatigue-induced tendon degeneration in a more physiologically relevant and cost-effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Pedaprolu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University, CBE Building Suite 122, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Spencer Szczesny
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University, CBE Building Suite 122, University Park, PA 16802
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39
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Choi S, Ahn H, Kim S. Tyrosinase‐mediated hydrogel crosslinking for tissue engineering. J Appl Polym Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/app.51887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sumi Choi
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK 21 FOUR) Dong‐A University Busan Republic of Korea
| | - Hyerin Ahn
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK 21 FOUR) Dong‐A University Busan Republic of Korea
| | - Su‐Hwan Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK 21 FOUR) Dong‐A University Busan Republic of Korea
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40
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Zhang Y, Shen L, Cheng Y, Li G. Stable and biocompatible fibrillar hydrogels based on the self-crosslinking between collagen and oxidized chondroitin sulfate. Polym Degrad Stab 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2021.109742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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41
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Iturriaga L, Van Gordon KD, Larrañaga-Jaurrieta G, Camarero‐Espinosa S. Strategies to Introduce Topographical and Structural Cues in 3D‐Printed Scaffolds and Implications in Tissue Regeneration. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leire Iturriaga
- POLYMAT University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Avenida Tolosa 72 Donostia/San Sebastián 20018 Gipuzkoa Spain
| | - Kyle D. Van Gordon
- POLYMAT University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Avenida Tolosa 72 Donostia/San Sebastián 20018 Gipuzkoa Spain
| | - Garazi Larrañaga-Jaurrieta
- POLYMAT University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Avenida Tolosa 72 Donostia/San Sebastián 20018 Gipuzkoa Spain
| | - Sandra Camarero‐Espinosa
- POLYMAT University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Avenida Tolosa 72 Donostia/San Sebastián 20018 Gipuzkoa Spain
- IKERBASQUE Basque Foundation for Science Bilbao 48009 Spain
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42
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Katsuno-Kambe H, Teo JL, Ju RJ, Hudson J, Stehbens SJ, Yap AS. Collagen polarization promotes epithelial elongation by stimulating locoregional cell proliferation. eLife 2021; 10:e67915. [PMID: 34661524 PMCID: PMC8550756 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial networks are commonly generated by processes where multicellular aggregates elongate and branch. Here, we focus on understanding cellular mechanisms for elongation using an organotypic culture system as a model of mammary epithelial anlage. Isotropic cell aggregates broke symmetry and slowly elongated when transplanted into collagen 1 gels. The elongating regions of aggregates displayed enhanced cell proliferation that was necessary for elongation to occur. Strikingly, this locoregional increase in cell proliferation occurred where collagen 1 fibrils reorganized into bundles that were polarized with the elongating aggregates. Applying external stretch as a cell-independent way to reorganize the extracellular matrix, we found that collagen polarization stimulated regional cell proliferation to precipitate symmetry breaking and elongation. This required β1-integrin and ERK signaling. We propose that collagen polarization supports epithelial anlagen elongation by stimulating locoregional cell proliferation. This could provide a long-lasting structural memory of the initial axis that is generated when anlage break symmetry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Katsuno-Kambe
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Jessica L Teo
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Robert J Ju
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - James Hudson
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Samantha J Stehbens
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Alpha S Yap
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
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43
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Acuna A, Jimenez JM, Deneke N, Rothenberger SM, Libring S, Solorio L, Rayz VL, Davis CS, Calve S. Design and validation of a modular micro-robotic system for the mechanical characterization of soft tissues. Acta Biomater 2021; 134:466-476. [PMID: 34303012 PMCID: PMC8542608 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of tissues are critical design parameters for biomaterials and regenerative therapies seeking to restore functionality after disease or injury. Characterizing the mechanical properties of native tissues and extracellular matrix throughout embryonic development helps us understand the microenvironments that promote growth and remodeling, activities critical for biomaterials to support. The mechanical characterization of small, soft materials like the embryonic tissues of the mouse, an established mammalian model for development, is challenging due to difficulties in handling minute geometries and resolving forces of low magnitude. While uniaxial tensile testing is the physiologically relevant modality to characterize tissues that are loaded in tension in vivo, there are no commercially available instruments that can simultaneously measure sufficiently low tensile force magnitudes, directly measure sample deformation, keep samples hydrated throughout testing, and effectively grip minute geometries to test small tissues. To address this gap, we developed a micromanipulator and spring system that can mechanically characterize small, soft materials under tension. We demonstrate the capability of this system to measure the force contribution of soft materials, silicone, fibronectin sheets, and fibrin gels with a 5 nN - 50 µN force resolution and perform a variety of mechanical tests. Additionally, we investigated murine embryonic tendon mechanics, demonstrating the instrument can measure differences in mechanics of small, soft tissues as a function of developmental stage. This system can be further utilized to mechanically characterize soft biomaterials and small tissues and provide physiologically relevant parameters for designing scaffolds that seek to emulate native tissue mechanics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The mechanical properties of cellular microenvironments are critical parameters that contribute to the modulation of tissue growth and remodeling. The field of tissue engineering endeavors to recapitulate these microenvironments in order to construct tissues de novo. Therefore, it is crucial to uncover the mechanical properties of the cellular microenvironment during tissue formation. Here, we present a system capable of acquiring microscale forces and optically measuring sample deformation to calculate the stress-strain response of soft, embryonic tissues under tension, and easily adaptable to accommodate biomaterials of various sizes and stiffnesses. Altogether, this modular system enables researchers to probe the unknown mechanical properties of soft tissues throughout development to inform the engineering of physiologically relevant microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Acuna
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Julian M Jimenez
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Naomi Deneke
- School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering, 701 West Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Sean M Rothenberger
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Sarah Libring
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Luis Solorio
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States; Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, 201 South Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906, United States
| | - Vitaliy L Rayz
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Chelsea S Davis
- School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering, 701 West Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Sarah Calve
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States; Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States.
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Eddy CZ, Raposo H, Manchanda A, Wong R, Li F, Sun B. Morphodynamics facilitate cancer cells to navigate 3D extracellular matrix. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20434. [PMID: 34650167 PMCID: PMC8516896 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99902-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell shape is linked to cell function. The significance of cell morphodynamics, namely the temporal fluctuation of cell shape, is much less understood. Here we study the morphodynamics of MDA-MB-231 cells in type I collagen extracellular matrix (ECM). We systematically vary ECM physical properties by tuning collagen concentrations, alignment, and gelation temperatures. We find that morphodynamics of 3D migrating cells are externally controlled by ECM mechanics and internally modulated by Rho/ROCK-signaling. We employ machine learning to classify cell shape into four different morphological phenotypes, each corresponding to a distinct migration mode. As a result, we map cell morphodynamics at mesoscale into the temporal evolution of morphological phenotypes. We characterize the mesoscale dynamics including occurrence probability, dwell time and transition matrix at varying ECM conditions, which demonstrate the complex phenotype landscape and optimal pathways for phenotype transitions. In light of the mesoscale dynamics, we show that 3D cancer cell motility is a hidden Markov process whereby the step size distributions of cell migration are coupled with simultaneous cell morphodynamics. Morphological phenotype transitions also facilitate cancer cells to navigate non-uniform ECM such as traversing the interface between matrices of two distinct microstructures. In conclusion, we demonstrate that 3D migrating cancer cells exhibit rich morphodynamics that is controlled by ECM mechanics, Rho/ROCK-signaling, and regulate cell motility. Our results pave the way to the functional understanding and mechanical programming of cell morphodynamics as a route to predict and control 3D cell motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Z Eddy
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Helena Raposo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Aayushi Manchanda
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Ryan Wong
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Fuxin Li
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
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Uslu FE, Davidson CD, Mailand E, Bouklas N, Baker BM, Sakar MS. Engineered Extracellular Matrices with Integrated Wireless Microactuators to Study Mechanobiology. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2102641. [PMID: 34363246 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202102641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mechanobiology explores how forces regulate cell behaviors and what molecular machinery are responsible for the sensing, transduction, and modulation of mechanical cues. To this end, probing of cells cultured on planar substrates has served as a primary experimental setting for many decades. However, native extracellular matrices (ECMs) consist of fibrous protein assemblies where the physical properties spanning from the individual fiber to the network architecture can influence the transmission of forces to and from the cells. Here, a robotic manipulation platform that allows wireless, localized, and programmable deformation of an engineered fibrous ECM is introduced. A finite-element-based digital twin of the fiber network calibrated against measured local and global parameters enables the calculation of deformations and stresses generated by different magnetic actuation schemes across a range of network properties. Physiologically relevant mechanical forces are applied to cells cultured on the fiber network, statically or dynamically, revealing insights into the effects of matrix-borne forces and deformations as well as force-mediated matrix remodeling on cell migration and intracellular signaling. These capabilities are not matched by any existing approach, and this versatile platform has the potential to uncover fundamental mechanisms of mechanobiology in settings with greater relevance to living tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazil E Uslu
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | | | - Erik Mailand
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Nikolaos Bouklas
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mahmut Selman Sakar
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
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46
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Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells Alter the Mechanical Stability and Viscoelastic Properties of Gelatine Methacryloyl Hydrogels. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810153. [PMID: 34576318 PMCID: PMC8468163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix provides mechanical cues to cells within it, not just in terms of stiffness (elasticity) but also time-dependent responses to deformation (viscoelasticity). In this work, we determined the viscoelastic transformation of gelatine methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels caused by adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASCs) through mathematical modelling. GelMA-ASCs combination is of interest to model stem cell-driven repair and to understand cell-biomaterial interactions in 3D environments. Immortalised human ASCs were embedded in 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/v) GelMA hydrogels and evaluated for 14 d. GelMA had a concentration-dependent increase in stiffness, but cells decreased this stiffness over time, across concentrations. Viscoelastic changes in terms of stress relaxation increased progressively in 5% GelMA, while mathematical Maxwell analysis showed that the relative importance (Ri) of the fastest Maxwell elements increased proportionally. The 10% GelMA only showed differences at 7 d. In contrast, ASCs in 15% GelMA caused slower stress relaxation, increasing the Ri of the slowest Maxwell element. We conclude that GelMA concentration influenced the stiffness and number of Maxwell elements. ASCs changed the percentage stress relaxation and Ri of Maxwell elements transforming hydrogel viscoelasticity into a more fluid environment over time. Overall, 5% GelMA induced the most favourable ASC response.
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Martinez-Garcia FD, de Hilster RHJ, Sharma PK, Borghuis T, Hylkema MN, Burgess JK, Harmsen MC. Architecture and Composition Dictate Viscoelastic Properties of Organ-Derived Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13183113. [PMID: 34578013 PMCID: PMC8470996 DOI: 10.3390/polym13183113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The proteins and polysaccharides of the extracellular matrix (ECM) provide architectural support as well as biochemical and biophysical instruction to cells. Decellularized, ECM hydrogels replicate in vivo functions. The ECM’s elasticity and water retention renders it viscoelastic. In this study, we compared the viscoelastic properties of ECM hydrogels derived from the skin, lung and (cardiac) left ventricle and mathematically modelled these data with a generalized Maxwell model. ECM hydrogels from the skin, lung and cardiac left ventricle (LV) were subjected to a stress relaxation test under uniaxial low-load compression at a 20%/s strain rate and the viscoelasticity determined. Stress relaxation data were modelled according to Maxwell. Physical data were compared with protein and sulfated GAGs composition and ultrastructure SEM. We show that the skin-ECM relaxed faster and had a lower elastic modulus than the lung-ECM and the LV-ECM. The skin-ECM had two Maxwell elements, the lung-ECM and the LV-ECM had three. The skin-ECM had a higher number of sulfated GAGs, and a highly porous surface, while both the LV-ECM and the lung-ECM had homogenous surfaces with localized porous regions. Our results show that the elasticity of ECM hydrogels, but also their viscoelastic relaxation and gelling behavior, was organ dependent. Part of these physical features correlated with their biochemical composition and ultrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Drusso Martinez-Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.D.M.-G.); (R.H.J.d.H.); (T.B.); (M.N.H.); (J.K.B.)
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Roderick Harold Jan de Hilster
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.D.M.-G.); (R.H.J.d.H.); (T.B.); (M.N.H.); (J.K.B.)
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Prashant Kumar Sharma
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Theo Borghuis
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.D.M.-G.); (R.H.J.d.H.); (T.B.); (M.N.H.); (J.K.B.)
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Machteld Nelly Hylkema
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.D.M.-G.); (R.H.J.d.H.); (T.B.); (M.N.H.); (J.K.B.)
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janette Kay Burgess
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.D.M.-G.); (R.H.J.d.H.); (T.B.); (M.N.H.); (J.K.B.)
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Conrad Harmsen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.D.M.-G.); (R.H.J.d.H.); (T.B.); (M.N.H.); (J.K.B.)
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
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Mohd Razali NA, Lin WC, Norzain NA, Yu ZW. Controlling cell elongation and orientation by using microstructural nanofibre scaffolds for accelerating tissue regeneration. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 128:112321. [PMID: 34474872 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The topographic surface conditions of scaffolds can regulate cellular behaviours, such as by stimulating cellular migration and morphological changes to wound sites and have the potential to promote tissue regeneration. In this research, four types of engineered topographic surfaces, including arrays of hemisphere, pyramid, semi-cylinder, and triangle prism microstructures, were patterned on silicon moulds using microfabrication processes. The microstructural patterns were transferred onto the surface of polycaprolactone membranes and nanofibrous scaffolds by combining with the moulding approach and electrospinning technique, respectively. In vitro experimental results demonstrated that the triangular microstructural nanofibre provided a strong guiding performance to the filopodia of cultured C2C12 myoblast cells, thus inducing cellular elongation and alignment in the longitudinal direction and forming an elongated cell morphology. The cultured cells rapidly transitioned into an elongated morphology at an aspect ratio of 17.33 after 24 h of incubation, with 70% of the cell elongates aligning with the direction of triangular microstructural patterns. The cells cultured on the triangular microstructural nanofibre elongated four-fold compared with those in the flat nanofibre scaffold. Moreover, an in vivo study showed that wounds treated with the triangular microstructural nanofibre scaffold achieved 95.04% wound closure after 14 days and completed the reepithelialisation with an ordered collagen arrangement. Therefore, we believe that the engineered triangular nanofibrous scaffold may accelerate tissue regeneration and has potential for wound healing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Adila Mohd Razali
- Department of Mechanical and Electro-mechanical Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chih Lin
- Department of Mechanical and Electro-mechanical Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan.
| | - Norul Ashikin Norzain
- Department of Mechanical and Electro-mechanical Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Zhi-Wei Yu
- Department of Mechanical and Electro-mechanical Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
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Casale C, Imparato G, Mazio C, Netti PA, Urciuolo F. Geometrical confinement controls cell, ECM and vascular network alignment during the morphogenesis of 3D bioengineered human connective tissues. Acta Biomater 2021; 131:341-354. [PMID: 34144214 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Engineered tissues featuring aligned ECM possess superior regenerative capabilities for the healing of damaged aligned tissues. The morphofunctional integration in the host's injury site improves if the aligned ECM elicits the unidirectional growth of vascular network. In this work we used a bottom-up tissue engineering strategy to produce endogenous and highly aligned human connective tissues with the final aim to trigger the unidirectional growth of capillary-like structures. Engineered microtissues, previously developed by our group, were casted in molds featured by different aspect ratio (AR) to obtain final centimeter-sized macrotissues differently shaped. By varying the AR from 1 to 50 we were able to vary the final shape of the macrotissues, from square to wire. We demonstrated that by increasing the AR of the maturation space hosting the microtissues, it was possible to control the alignment of the neo-synthesized ECM. The geometrical confinement conditions at AR = 50, indeed, promoted the unidirectional growth and assembly of the collagen network. The wire-shaped tissues were characterized by parallel arrangement of the collagen fiber bundles, higher persistence length and speed of migrating cells and superior mechanical properties than the square-shaped macrotissues. Interestingly, the aligned collagen fibers elicited the unidirectional growth of capillary-like structures. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Alignment of preexisting extracellular matrices by using mechanical cues modulating cell traction, has been widely described. Here, we show a new method to align de novo synthesized extracellular matrix components in bioengineered connective tissues obtained by means of a bottom-up tissue engineering approach. Building blocks are cast in maturation chambers, having different aspect ratios, in which the in vitro morphogenesis process takes place. High aspect ratio chambers (corresponding to wire-shaped tissues) triggered spontaneous alignment of collagenous network affecting cell polarization, migration and tensile properties of the tissue as well. Aligned ECM provided a contact guidance for the formation of highly polarized capillary-like network suggesting an in vivo possible application to trigger fast angiogenesis and perfusion in damaged aligned tissues.
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50
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Ullm F, Pompe T. Fibrillar biopolymer-based scaffolds to study macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk in wound repair. Biol Chem 2021; 402:1309-1324. [PMID: 34392640 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Controlled wound healing requires a temporal and spatial coordination of cellular activities within the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Disruption of cell-cell and cell-matrix communication results in defective repair, like chronic or fibrotic wounds. Activities of macrophages and fibroblasts crucially contribute to the fate of closing wounds. To investigate the influence of the ECM as an active part controlling cellular behavior, coculture models based on fibrillar 3D biopolymers such as collagen have already been successfully used. With well-defined biochemical and biophysical properties such 3D scaffolds enable in vitro studies on cellular processes including infiltration and differentiation in an in vivo like microenvironment. Further, paracrine and autocrine signaling as well as modulation of soluble mediator transport inside the ECM can be modeled using fibrillar 3D scaffolds. Herein, we review the usage of these scaffolds in in vitro coculture models allowing in-depth studies on the crosstalk between macrophages and fibroblasts during different stages of cutaneous wound healing. A more accurate mimicry of the various processes of cellular crosstalk at the different stages of wound healing will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of biochemical and biophysical environmental parameters and help to develop further strategies against diseases such as fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Ullm
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, D-04103Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tilo Pompe
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, D-04103Leipzig, Germany
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