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Candia Carnevali MD, Sugni M, Bonasoro F, Wilkie IC. Mutable Collagenous Tissue: A Concept Generator for Biomimetic Materials and Devices. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:37. [PMID: 38248662 PMCID: PMC10817530 DOI: 10.3390/md22010037] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Echinoderms (starfish, sea-urchins and their close relations) possess a unique type of collagenous tissue that is innervated by the motor nervous system and whose mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and elastic stiffness, can be altered in a time frame of seconds. Intensive research on echinoderm 'mutable collagenous tissue' (MCT) began over 50 years ago, and over 20 years ago, MCT first inspired a biomimetic design. MCT, and sea-cucumber dermis in particular, is now a major source of ideas for the development of new mechanically adaptable materials and devices with applications in diverse areas including biomedical science, chemical engineering and robotics. In this review, after an up-to-date account of present knowledge of the structural, physiological and molecular adaptations of MCT and the mechanisms responsible for its variable tensile properties, we focus on MCT as a concept generator surveying biomimetic systems inspired by MCT biology, showing that these include both bio-derived developments (same function, analogous operating principles) and technology-derived developments (same function, different operating principles), and suggest a strategy for the further exploitation of this promising biological resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Daniela Candia Carnevali
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.D.C.C.); (M.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.D.C.C.); (M.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Francesco Bonasoro
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.D.C.C.); (M.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Iain C. Wilkie
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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2
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Dolmatov IY, Nizhnichenko VA. Extracellular Matrix of Echinoderms. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:417. [PMID: 37504948 PMCID: PMC10381214 DOI: 10.3390/md21070417] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review considers available data on the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in echinoderms. The connective tissue in these animals has a rather complex organization. It includes a wide range of structural ECM proteins, as well as various proteases and their inhibitors. Members of almost all major groups of collagens, various glycoproteins, and proteoglycans have been found in echinoderms. There are enzymes for the synthesis of structural proteins and their modification by polysaccharides. However, the ECM of echinoderms substantially differs from that of vertebrates by the lack of elastin, fibronectins, tenascins, and some other glycoproteins and proteoglycans. Echinoderms have a wide variety of proteinases, with serine, cysteine, aspartic, and metal peptidases identified among them. Their active centers have a typical structure and can break down various ECM molecules. Echinoderms are also distinguished by a wide range of proteinase inhibitors. The complex ECM structure and the variety of intermolecular interactions evidently explain the complexity of the mechanisms responsible for variations in the mechanical properties of connective tissue in echinoderms. These mechanisms probably depend not only on the number of cross-links between the molecules, but also on the composition of ECM and the properties of its proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Yu Dolmatov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Palchevsky 17, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Nizhnichenko
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Palchevsky 17, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
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3
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Fassini D, Wilkie IC, Pozzolini M, Ferrario C, Sugni M, Rocha MS, Giovine M, Bonasoro F, Silva TH, Reis RL. Diverse and Productive Source of Biopolymer Inspiration: Marine Collagens. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:1815-1834. [PMID: 33835787 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Marine biodiversity is expressed through the huge variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species inhabiting intertidal to deep-sea environments. The extraordinary variety of "forms and functions" exhibited by marine animals suggests they are a promising source of bioactive molecules and provides potential inspiration for different biomimetic approaches. This diversity is familiar to biologists and has led to intensive investigation of metabolites, polysaccharides, and other compounds. However, marine collagens are less well-known. This review will provide detailed insight into the diversity of collagens present in marine species in terms of their genetics, structure, properties, and physiology. In the last part of the review the focus will be on the most common marine collagen sources and on the latest advances in the development of innovative materials exploiting, or inspired by, marine collagens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Fassini
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Iain C Wilkie
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland
| | - Marina Pozzolini
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Via Pastore 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Cinzia Ferrario
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy, Center for Complexity & Biosystems, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Michela Sugni
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy, Center for Complexity & Biosystems, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Miguel S Rocha
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Marco Giovine
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Via Pastore 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Bonasoro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy, Center for Complexity & Biosystems, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Tiago H Silva
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
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4
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Dolmatov IY, Afanasyev SV, Boyko AV. Molecular mechanisms of fission in echinoderms: Transcriptome analysis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195836. [PMID: 29649336 PMCID: PMC5897022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinoderms are capable of asexual reproduction by fission. An individual divides into parts due to changes in the strength of connective tissue of the body wall. The structure of connective tissue and the mechanisms of variations in its strength in echinoderms remain poorly studied. An analysis of transcriptomes of individuals during the process of fission provides a new opportunity to understand the mechanisms of connective tissue mutability. In the holothurian Cladolabes schmeltzii, we have found a rather complex organization of connective tissue. Transcripts of genes encoding a wide range of structural proteins of extracellular matrix, as well as various proteases and their inhibitors, have been discovered. All these molecules may constitute a part of the mechanism of connective tissue mutability. According to our data, the extracellular matrix of echinoderms is substantially distinguished from that of vertebrates by the lack of elastin, fibronectins, and tenascins. In case of fission, a large number of genes of transcription factors and components of different signaling pathways are expressed. Products of these genes are probably involved in regulation of asexual reproduction, connective tissue mutability, and preparation of tissues for subsequent regeneration. It has been shown that holothurian tensilins are a special group of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, which has formed within the class Holothuroidea and is absent from other echinoderms. Our data can serve a basis for the further study of the mechanisms of extracellular matrix mutability, as well as the mechanisms responsible for asexual reproduction in echinoderms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Yu. Dolmatov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
- Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
- * E-mail:
| | - Sergey V. Afanasyev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Boyko
- A.V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
- Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
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Blowes LM, Egertová M, Liu Y, Davis GR, Terrill NJ, Gupta HS, Elphick MR. Body wall structure in the starfish Asterias rubens. J Anat 2017; 231:325-341. [PMID: 28714118 PMCID: PMC5554833 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The body wall of starfish is composed of magnesium calcite ossicles connected by collagenous tissue and muscles and it exhibits remarkable variability in stiffness, which is attributed to the mechanical mutability of the collagenous component. Using the common European starfish Asterias rubens as an experimental animal, here we have employed a variety of techniques to gain new insights into the structure of the starfish body wall. The structure and organisation of muscular and collagenous components of the body wall were analysed using trichrome staining. The muscle system comprises interossicular muscles as well as muscle strands that connect ossicles with the circular muscle layer of the coelomic lining. The collagenous tissue surrounding the ossicle network contains collagen fibres that form loop-shaped straps that wrap around calcite struts near to the surface of ossicles. The 3D architecture of the calcareous endoskeleton was visualised for the first time using X-ray microtomography, revealing the shapes and interactions of different ossicle types. Furthermore, analysis of the anatomical organisation of the ossicles indicates how changes in body shape may be achieved by local contraction/relaxation of interossicular muscles. Scanning synchrotron small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXD) scans of the starfish aboral body wall and ambulacrum were used to study the collagenous tissue component at the fibrillar level. Collagen fibrils in aboral body wall were found to exhibit variable degrees of alignment, with high levels of alignment probably corresponding to regions where collagenous tissue is under tension. Collagen fibrils in the ambulacrum had a uniformly low degree of orientation, attributed to macrocrimp of the fibrils and the presence of slanted as well as horizontal fibrils connecting antimeric ambulacral ossicles. Body wall collagen fibril D-period lengths were similar to previously reported mammalian D-periods, but were significantly different between the aboral and ambulacral samples. The overlap/D-period length ratio within fibrils was higher than reported for mammalian tissues. Collectively, the data reported here provide new insights into the anatomy of the body wall in A. rubens and a foundation for further studies investigating the structural basis of the mechanical properties of echinoderm body wall tissue composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa M Blowes
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,School of Engineering & Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Michaela Egertová
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Yankai Liu
- School of Engineering & Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Graham R Davis
- Institute of Dentistry, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Himadri S Gupta
- School of Engineering & Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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6
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Ferrario C, Leggio L, Leone R, Di Benedetto C, Guidetti L, Coccè V, Ascagni M, Bonasoro F, La Porta CAM, Candia Carnevali MD, Sugni M. Marine-derived collagen biomaterials from echinoderm connective tissues. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 128:46-57. [PMID: 27063846 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The use of marine collagens is a hot topic in the field of tissue engineering. Echinoderms possess unique connective tissues (Mutable Collagenous Tissues, MCTs) which can represent an innovative source of collagen to develop collagen barrier-membranes for Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR). In the present work we used MCTs from different echinoderm models (sea urchin, starfish and sea cucumber) to produce echinoderm-derived collagen membranes (EDCMs). Commercial membranes for GTR or soluble/reassembled (fibrillar) bovine collagen substrates were used as controls. The three EDCMs were similar among each other in terms of structure and mechanical performances and were much thinner and mechanically more resistant than the commercial membranes. Number of fibroblasts seeded on sea-urchin membranes were comparable to the bovine collagen substrates. Cell morphology on all EDCMs was similar to that of structurally comparable (reassembled) bovine collagen substrates. Overall, echinoderms, and sea urchins particularly, are alternative collagen sources to produce efficient GTR membranes. Sea urchins display a further advantage in terms of eco-sustainability by recycling tissues from food wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Ferrario
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Livio Leggio
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Roberta Leone
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 26, 20133, Milan, Italy; Center for Complexity and Biosystems, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 16, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Cristiano Di Benedetto
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Luca Guidetti
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 26, 20133, Milan, Italy; Center for Complexity and Biosystems, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 16, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Valentina Coccè
- Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Maxillofacial and Dental Unit, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Commenda, 10, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Miriam Ascagni
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesco Bonasoro
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 26, 20133, Milan, Italy; Center for Complexity and Biosystems, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 16, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Caterina A M La Porta
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 26, 20133, Milan, Italy; Center for Complexity and Biosystems, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 16, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 26, 20133, Milan, Italy; Center for Complexity and Biosystems, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 16, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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7
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Goh KL, Holmes DF. Collagenous Extracellular Matrix Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering: Lessons from the Common Sea Urchin Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18050901. [PMID: 28441344 PMCID: PMC5454814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18050901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Scaffolds for tissue engineering application may be made from a collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissues because the ECM can mimic the functions of the target tissue. The primary sources of collagenous ECM material are calf skin and bone. However, these sources are associated with the risk of having bovine spongiform encephalopathy or transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. Alternative sources for collagenous ECM materials may be derived from livestock, e.g., pigs, and from marine animals, e.g., sea urchins. Collagenous ECM of the sea urchin possesses structural features and mechanical properties that are similar to those of mammalian ones. However, even more intriguing is that some tissues such as the ligamentous catch apparatus can exhibit mutability, namely rapid reversible changes in the tissue mechanical properties. These tissues are known as mutable collagenous tissues (MCTs). The mutability of these tissues has been the subject of on-going investigations, covering the biochemistry, structural biology and mechanical properties of the collagenous components. Recent studies point to a nerve-control system for regulating the ECM macromolecules that are involved in the sliding action of collagen fibrils in the MCT. This review discusses the key attributes of the structure and function of the ECM of the sea urchin ligaments that are related to the fibril-fibril sliding action-the focus is on the respective components within the hierarchical architecture of the tissue. In this context, structure refers to size, shape and separation distance of the ECM components while function is associated with mechanical properties e.g., strength and stiffness. For simplicity, the components that address the different length scale from the largest to the smallest are as follows: collagen fibres, collagen fibrils, interfibrillar matrix and collagen molecules. Application of recent theories of stress transfer and fracture mechanisms in fibre reinforced composites to a wide variety of collagen reinforcing (non-mutable) connective tissue, has allowed us to draw general conclusions concerning the mechanical response of the MCT at specific mechanical states, namely the stiff and complaint states. The intent of this review is to provide the latest insights, as well as identify technical challenges and opportunities, that may be useful for developing methods for effective mechanical support when adapting decellularised connective tissues from the sea urchin for tissue engineering or for the design of a synthetic analogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kheng Lim Goh
- Newcastle University Singapore, SIT Building at Nanyang Polytechnic, 172A Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 #05-01, Singapore 567739, Singapore.
- Newcastle University, School of Mechanical & Systems Engineering, Stephenson Building, Claremont Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK.
| | - David F Holmes
- Manchester University, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, B.3016 Michael Smith Building, Faculty of Life Sciences, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
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Tamori M, Ishida K, Matsuura E, Ogasawara K, Hanasaka T, Takehana Y, Motokawa T, Osawa T. Ultrastructural Changes Associated with Reversible Stiffening in Catch Connective Tissue of Sea Cucumbers. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155673. [PMID: 27192546 PMCID: PMC4871580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The dermis of sea cucumbers is a catch connective tissue or a mutable collagenous tissue that shows rapid, large and reversible stiffness changes in response to stimulation. The main component of the dermis is the extracellular material composed of collagen fibrils embedded in a hydrogel of proteoglycans. The stiffness of the extracellular material determines that of the dermis. The dermis has three mechanical states: soft (Sa), standard (Sb) and stiff (Sc). We studied the ultrastructural changes associated with the stiffness changes. Transverse sections of collagen fibrils in the dermis showed irregular perimeters with electron-dense protrusions or arms that cross-bridged between fibrils. The number of cross-bridges increased in stiffer dermis. The distance between the fibrils was shorter in Sc than that in other states, which was in accord with the previous report that water exuded from the tissue in the transition Sb→Sc. The ultrastructure of collagen fibrils that had been isolated from the dermis was also studied. Fibrils aggregated by tensilin, which causes the transition Sa→Sb possibly through an increase in cohesive forces between fibrils, had larger diameter than those dispersed by softenin, which antagonizes the effect of tensilin. No cross-bridges were found in isolated collagen fibrils. From the present ultrastructural study we propose that three different mechanisms work together to increase the dermal stiffness. 1.Tensilin makes collagen fibrils stronger and stiffer in Sa→Sb through an increase in cohesive forces between subfibrils that constituted fibrils; 2. Cross-bridging by arms caused the fibrils to be a continuous network of bundles both in Sa→Sb and in Sb→Sc; 3. The matrix embedding the fibril network became stiffer in Sb→Sc, which was produced by bonding associated with water exudation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Tamori
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kinji Ishida
- The Center for Electron Microscopy & Bio-imaging Research, Central Research Laboratories, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Iwate, Japan
| | - Eri Matsuura
- The Center for Electron Microscopy & Bio-imaging Research, Central Research Laboratories, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Iwate, Japan
| | - Katsutoshi Ogasawara
- The Center for Electron Microscopy & Bio-imaging Research, Central Research Laboratories, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Iwate, Japan
| | - Tomohito Hanasaka
- The Center for Electron Microscopy & Bio-imaging Research, Central Research Laboratories, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Iwate, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takehana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Microbial Chemistry (BIKAKEN), Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Motokawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tokuji Osawa
- Kyushu Nutrition Welfare University, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
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9
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Wilkie IC, Fassini D, Cullorà E, Barbaglio A, Tricarico S, Sugni M, Del Giacco L, Candia Carnevali MD. Mechanical properties of the compass depressors of the sea-urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Echinodermata, Echinoidea) and the effects of enzymes, neurotransmitters and synthetic tensilin-like protein. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120339. [PMID: 25786033 PMCID: PMC4365025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The compass depressors (CDs) of the sea-urchin lantern are ligaments consisting mainly of discontinuous collagen fibrils associated with a small population of myocytes. They are mutable collagenous structures, which can change their mechanical properties rapidly and reversibly under nervous control. The aims of this investigation were to characterise the baseline (i.e. unmanipulated) static mechanical properties of the CDs of Paracentrotus lividus by means of creep tests and incremental force-extension tests, and to determine the effects on their mechanical behaviour of a range of agents. Under constant load the CDs exhibited a three-phase creep curve, the mean coefficient of viscosity being 561±365 MPa.s. The stress-strain curve showed toe, linear and yield regions; the mean strain at the toe-linear inflection was 0.86±0.61; the mean Young's modulus was 18.62±10.30 MPa; and the mean tensile strength was 8.14±5.73 MPa. Hyaluronidase from Streptomyces hyalurolyticus had no effect on creep behaviour, whilst chondroitinase ABC prolonged primary creep but had no effect on secondary creep or on any force-extension parameters; it thus appears that neither hyaluronic acid nor sulphated glycosaminoglycans have an interfibrillar load transfer function in the CD. Acetylcholine, the muscarinic agonists arecoline and methacholine, and the nicotinic agonists nicotine and 1-[1-(3,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine produced an abrupt increase in CD viscosity; the CDs were not differentially sensitive to muscarinic or nicotinic agonists. CDs showed either no, or no consistent, response to adrenaline, L-glutamic acid, 5-hydroxytryptamine and γ-aminobutyric acid. Synthetic echinoid tensilin-like protein had a weak and inconsistent stiffening effect, indicating that, in contrast to holothurian tensilins, the echinoid molecule may not be involved in the regulation of collagenous tissue tensility. We compare in detail the mechanical behaviour of the CD with that of mammalian tendon and highlight its potential as a model system for investigating poorly understood aspects of the ontogeny and phylogeny of vertebrate collagenous tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain C. Wilkie
- Department of Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Dario Fassini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cullorà
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alice Barbaglio
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Serena Tricarico
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Michela Sugni
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Del Giacco
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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