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Chiang H, Chung CA. Simulation of Soluble and Bound VEGF-stimulated in vitro Capillary-like Network Formation on Deformed Substrate. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012281. [PMID: 39038038 PMCID: PMC11262697 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Capillary plexus cultivation is crucial in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Theoretical simulations have been conducted to supplement the expensive experimental works. However, the mechanisms connecting mechanical and chemical stimuli remained undefined, and the functions of the different VEGF forms in the culture environment were still unclear. In this paper, we developed a hybrid model for simulating short-term in vitro capillary incubations. We used the Cellular Potts model to predict individual cell migration, morphology change, and continuum mechanics to quantify biogel deformation and VEGF transport dynamics. By bridging the mechanical regulation and chemical stimulation in the model, the results showed good agreement between the predicted network topology and experiments, in which elongated cells connected, forming the network cords and round cells gathered, creating cobblestone-like aggregates. The results revealed that the capillary-like networks could develop in high integrity only when the mechanical and chemical couplings worked adequately, with the cell morphology and haptotaxis driven by the soluble and bound forms of VEGF, respectively, functioning simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsun Chiang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ang Chung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Elblová P, Lunova M, Dejneka A, Jirsa M, Lunov O. Impact of mechanical cues on key cell functions and cell-nanoparticle interactions. DISCOVER NANO 2024; 19:106. [PMID: 38907808 PMCID: PMC11193707 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-024-04052-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, it has been recognized that mechanical forces play an important regulative role in living organisms and possess a direct impact on crucial cell functions, ranging from cell growth to maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Advancements in mechanobiology have revealed the profound impact of mechanical signals on diverse cellular responses that are cell type specific. Notably, numerous studies have elucidated the pivotal role of different mechanical cues as regulatory factors influencing various cellular processes, including cell spreading, locomotion, differentiation, and proliferation. Given these insights, it is unsurprising that the responses of cells regulated by physical forces are intricately linked to the modulation of nanoparticle uptake kinetics and processing. This complex interplay underscores the significance of understanding the mechanical microenvironment in shaping cellular behaviors and, consequently, influencing how cells interact with and process nanoparticles. Nevertheless, our knowledge on how localized physical forces affect the internalization and processing of nanoparticles by cells remains rather limited. A significant gap exists in the literature concerning a systematic analysis of how mechanical cues might bias the interactions between nanoparticles and cells. Hence, our aim in this review is to provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of the existing knowledge regarding the influence of mechanical cues on the complicated dynamics of cell-nanoparticle interactions. By addressing this gap, we would like to contribute to a detailed understanding of the role that mechanical forces play in shaping the complex interplay between cells and nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Elblová
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 18200, Prague, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 3, 121 16, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Mariia Lunova
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 18200, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Medicine (IKEM), 14021, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandr Dejneka
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 18200, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jirsa
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Medicine (IKEM), 14021, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Oleg Lunov
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 18200, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Chandurkar MK, Mittal N, Royer-Weeden SP, Lehmann SD, Michels EB, Haarman SE, Severance SA, Rho Y, Han SJ. Transient low shear-stress preconditioning influences long-term endothelial traction and alignment under high shear flow. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H1180-H1192. [PMID: 38457352 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00067.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) within the vascular system encounter fluid shear stress (FSS). High, laminar FSS promotes vasodilation and anti-inflammatory responses, whereas low or disturbed FSS induces dysfunction and inflammation. However, the adaptation of endothelial cells (ECs) to dynamically changing FSS patterns remains underexplored. Here, by combining traction force microscopy with a custom flow chamber, we examined human umbilical vein endothelial cells adapting their traction during transitions from short-term low shear to long-term high shear stress. We discovered that the initial low FSS elevates the traction by only half of the amount in response to direct high FSS even after flow changes to high FSS. However, in the long term under high FSS, the flow started with low FSS triggers a substantial second rise in traction for over 10 h. In contrast, the flow started directly with high FSS results in a quick traction surge followed by a huge reduction below the baseline traction in <30 min. Importantly, we find that the orientation of traction vectors is steered by initial shear exposure. Using Granger causality analysis, we show that the traction that aligns in the flow direction under direct high FSS functionally causes cell alignment toward the flow direction. However, EC traction that orients perpendicular to the flow that starts with temporary low FSS functionally causes cell orientation perpendicular to the flow. Taken together, our findings elucidate the significant influence of initial short-term low FSS on lasting changes in endothelial traction that induces EC alignment.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In our study, we uncover that preconditioning with low shear stress yields enduring impacts on endothelial cell traction and orientation, persisting even after transitioning to high-shear conditions. Using Granger causality analysis, we demonstrate a functional link between the direction of cell traction and subsequent cellular alignment across varying shear environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohanish K Chandurkar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
| | - Nikhil Mittal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
| | - Shaina P Royer-Weeden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
| | - Steven D Lehmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
| | - Etienne B Michels
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
| | - Samuel E Haarman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
| | - Scott A Severance
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
| | - Yeonwoo Rho
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
| | - Sangyoon J Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
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Chandurkar MK, Mittal N, Royer-Weeden SP, Lehmann SD, Rho Y, Han SJ. Low Shear in Short-Term Impacts Endothelial Cell Traction and Alignment in Long-Term. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.20.558732. [PMID: 37790318 PMCID: PMC10542130 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.20.558732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Within the vascular system, endothelial cells (ECs) are exposed to fluid shear stress (FSS), a mechanical force exerted by blood flow that is critical for regulating cellular tension and maintaining vascular homeostasis. The way ECs react to FSS varies significantly; while high, laminar FSS supports vasodilation and suppresses inflammation, low or disturbed FSS can lead to endothelial dysfunction and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Yet, the adaptation of ECs to dynamically varying FSS remains poorly understood. This study focuses on the dynamic responses of ECs to brief periods of low FSS, examining its impact on endothelial traction-a measure of cellular tension that plays a crucial role in how endothelial cells respond to mechanical stimuli. By integrating traction force microscopy (TFM) with a custom-built flow chamber, we analyzed how human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) adjust their traction in response to shifts from low to high shear stress. We discovered that initial exposure to low FSS prompts a marked increase in traction force, which continues to rise over 10 hours before slowly decreasing. In contrast, immediate exposure to high FSS causes a quick spike in traction followed by a swift reduction, revealing distinct patterns of traction behavior under different shear conditions. Importantly, the direction of traction forces and the resulting cellular alignment under these conditions indicate that the initial shear experience dictates long-term endothelial behavior. Our findings shed light on the critical influence of short-lived low-shear stress experiences in shaping endothelial function, indicating that early exposure to low FSS results in enduring changes in endothelial contractility and alignment, with significant consequences for vascular health and the development of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohanish K. Chandurkar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Nikhil Mittal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Shaina P. Royer-Weeden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Steven D. Lehmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Yeonwoo Rho
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Sangyoon J. Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931
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Di X, Gao X, Peng L, Ai J, Jin X, Qi S, Li H, Wang K, Luo D. Cellular mechanotransduction in health and diseases: from molecular mechanism to therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:282. [PMID: 37518181 PMCID: PMC10387486 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular mechanotransduction, a critical regulator of numerous biological processes, is the conversion from mechanical signals to biochemical signals regarding cell activities and metabolism. Typical mechanical cues in organisms include hydrostatic pressure, fluid shear stress, tensile force, extracellular matrix stiffness or tissue elasticity, and extracellular fluid viscosity. Mechanotransduction has been expected to trigger multiple biological processes, such as embryonic development, tissue repair and regeneration. However, prolonged excessive mechanical stimulation can result in pathological processes, such as multi-organ fibrosis, tumorigenesis, and cancer immunotherapy resistance. Although the associations between mechanical cues and normal tissue homeostasis or diseases have been identified, the regulatory mechanisms among different mechanical cues are not yet comprehensively illustrated, and no effective therapies are currently available targeting mechanical cue-related signaling. This review systematically summarizes the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of typical mechanical cues in normal conditions and diseases with the updated evidence. The key effectors responding to mechanical stimulations are listed, such as Piezo channels, integrins, Yes-associated protein (YAP) /transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4). We also reviewed the key signaling pathways, therapeutic targets and cutting-edge clinical applications of diseases related to mechanical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingpeng Di
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoshuai Gao
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Liao Peng
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Jianzhong Ai
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Shiqian Qi
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Kunjie Wang
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
| | - Deyi Luo
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
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Subramanian Balachandar VA, Steward RL. Extracellular matrix composition alters endothelial force transmission. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C314-C323. [PMID: 37335028 PMCID: PMC10393341 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00106.2023] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) composition is important in a host of pathophysiological processes such as angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, and diabetes, and during each of these processes ECM composition has been reported to change over time. However, the impact ECM composition has on the ability of endothelium to respond mechanically is currently unknown. Therefore, in this study, we seeded human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) onto soft hydrogels coated with an ECM concentration of 0.1 mg/mL at the following collagen I (Col-I) and fibronectin (FN) ratios: 100% Col-I, 75% Col-I-25% FN, 50% Col-I-50% FN, 25% Col-I-75% FN, and 100% FN. We subsequently measured tractions, intercellular stresses, strain energy, cell morphology, and cell velocity. Our results revealed that tractions and strain energy are maximal at 50% Col-I-50% FN and minimal at 100% Col-I and 100% FN. Intercellular stress response was maximal on 50% Col-I-50% FN and minimal on 25% Col-I-75% FN. Cell area and cell circularity displayed a divergent relationship for different Col-I and FN ratios. We believe that these results will be of great importance to the cardiovascular field, biomedical field, and cell mechanics.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The endothelium constitutes the innermost layer of all blood vessels and plays an important role in vascular physiology and pathology. During certain vascular diseases, the extracellular matrix has been suggested to transition from a collagen-rich matrix to a fibronectin-rich matrix. In this study, we demonstrate the impact various collagen and fibronectin ratios have on endothelial biomechanical and morphological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Aravind Subramanian Balachandar
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Robert L Steward
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, United States
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, United States
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Xie N, Xiao C, Shu Q, Cheng B, Wang Z, Xue R, Wen Z, Wang J, Shi H, Fan D, Liu N, Xu F. Cell response to mechanical microenvironment cues via Rho signaling: From mechanobiology to mechanomedicine. Acta Biomater 2023; 159:1-20. [PMID: 36717048 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical cues in the cell microenvironment such as those from extracellular matrix properties, stretching, compression and shear stress, play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis. Upon sensing mechanical stimuli, cells can translate these external forces into intracellular biochemical signals to regulate their cellular behaviors, but the specific mechanisms of mechanotransduction at the molecular level remain elusive. As a subfamily of the Ras superfamily, Rho GTPases have been recognized as key intracellular mechanotransduction mediators that can regulate multiple cell activities such as proliferation, migration and differentiation as well as biological processes such as cytoskeletal dynamics, metabolism, and organ development. However, the upstream mechanosensors for Rho proteins and downstream effectors that respond to Rho signal activation have not been well illustrated. Moreover, Rho-mediated mechanical signals in previous studies are highly context-dependent. In this review, we systematically summarize the types of mechanical cues in the cell microenvironment and provide recent advances on the roles of the Rho-based mechanotransduction in various cell activities, physiological processes and diseases. Comprehensive insights into the mechanical roles of Rho GTPase partners would open a new paradigm of mechanomedicine for a variety of diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this review, we highlight the critical role of Rho GTPases as signal mediators to respond to physical cues in microenvironment. This article will add a distinct contribution to this set of knowledge by intensively addressing the relationship between Rho signaling and mechanobiology/mechanotransduction/mechanomedcine. This topic has not been discussed by the journal, nor has it yet been developed by the field. The comprehensive picture that will develop, from molecular mechanisms and engineering methods to disease treatment strategies, represents an important and distinct contribution to the field. We hope that this review would help researchers in various fields, especially clinicians, oncologists and bioengineers, who study Rho signal pathway and mechanobiology/mechanotransduction, understand the critical role of Rho GTPase in mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Cailan Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Qiuai Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Runxin Xue
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Zhang Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Jinhai Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Haitao Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Daiming Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an Shaanxi 710049, China.
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China.
| | - Feng Xu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China.
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SubramanianBalachandar V, Steward RL. Extracellular Matrix Composition Alters Endothelial Force Transmission. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2499973. [PMID: 36747754 PMCID: PMC9900979 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2499973/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
ECM composition is important in a host of pathophysiological processes such as angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, and diabetes, for example and during each of these processes ECM composition has been reported to change over time. However, the impact ECM composition has on the endothelium’s ability to respond mechanically is currently unknown. Therefore, in this study we seeded human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) onto soft hydrogels coated with an ECM concentration of 0.1 mg/mL at the following collagen I (Col-I) and fibronectin (FN) ratios: 100%Col-I, 75%Col-I-25%FN, 50%Col-I-50%FN, 25%Col-I-75%FN, and 100%FN. We subsequently measured tractions, intercellular stresses, strain energy, cell morphology, and cell velocity. Our results revealed huvecs seeded on gels coated with 50% Col-I - 50% FN to have the highest intercellular stresses, tractions, strain energies, but the lowest velocities and cell circularity. Huvecs seeded on 100% Col-I had the lowest tractions, cell area while havingthe highest velocities and cell circularity. In addition, cells cultured on 25% Col-I and 75% FN had the lowest intercellular stresses, but the highest cell area. Huvecs cultured on 100% FN yielded the lowest strain energies. We believe these results will be of great importance to the cardiovascular field, biomedical field, and cell mechanics. Summary: Study the influence of different Col-I - FN ECM compositions on endothelial cell mechanics and morphology.
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Li Z, Li JN, Li Q, Liu C, Zhou LH, Zhang Q, Xu Y. Cholesterol efflux regulator ABCA1 exerts protective role against high shear stress-induced injury of HBMECs via regulating PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling. BMC Neurosci 2022; 23:61. [PMCID: PMC9636808 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-022-00748-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In brain, microvascular endothelial cells are exposed to various forces, including shear stress (SS). However, little is known about the effects of high shear stress (HSS) on human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) and the underlying mechanism. The cholesterol efflux regulator ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) has been demonstrated to exert protective effect on HBMECs. However, whether ABCA1 is involved in the mechanism underneath the effect of HSS on HBMECs remains obscure. In the present study, a series of experiments were performed to better understand the effect of HSS on cellular processes of HBMECs and the possible involvement of ABCA1 and PI3K/Akt/eNOS in the underlying mechanisms. Results HBMECs were subjected to physiological SS (PSS) or high SS (HSS). Cell migration was evaluated using Transwell assay. Apoptotic HBMECs were detected by flow cytometry or caspase3/7 activity. IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α levels were measured by ELISA. RT-qPCR and western blotting were used for mRNA and protein expression detection, respectively. ROS and NO levels were detected using specific detection kits. Compared to PSS, HBMECs exhibited decreased cell viability and migration and increased cell apoptosis, increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, and improved ROS and NO productions after HSS treatment. Moreover, HSS downregulated ABCA1 but upregulated the cholesterol efflux-related proteins MMP9, AQP4, and CYP46 and activated PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. Overexpression of ABCA1 in HBMECS inhibited PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway and counteracted the deleterious effects of HSS. Contrary effects were observed by ABCA1 silencing. Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway mimicked ABCA1 effects, suggesting that ABCA1 protects HBMECs from HSS via PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling. Conclusion These results advanced our understanding on the mechanisms of HSS on HBMECs and potentiated ABCA1/PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway as therapeutic target for cerebrovascular diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12868-022-00748-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Li
- grid.73113.370000 0004 0369 1660Present Address: Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, No. 168 Changhai Rd, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Jia-Nan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning Province China
| | - Qiang Li
- grid.73113.370000 0004 0369 1660Present Address: Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, No. 168 Changhai Rd, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Chun Liu
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Present Address: Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Blue Cross Brain Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, No. 2880 Qixin Road, Shanghai, 201101 China
| | - Lin-Hua Zhou
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Present Address: Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Blue Cross Brain Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, No. 2880 Qixin Road, Shanghai, 201101 China
| | - Qi Zhang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Present Address: Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Blue Cross Brain Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, No. 2880 Qixin Road, Shanghai, 201101 China
| | - Yi Xu
- grid.73113.370000 0004 0369 1660Present Address: Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, No. 168 Changhai Rd, Shanghai, 200433 China
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Flournoy J, Ashkanani S, Chen Y. Mechanical regulation of signal transduction in angiogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:933474. [PMID: 36081909 PMCID: PMC9447863 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.933474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Biophysical and biochemical cues work in concert to regulate angiogenesis. These cues guide angiogenesis during development and wound healing. Abnormal cues contribute to pathological angiogenesis during tumor progression. In this review, we summarize the known signaling pathways involved in mechanotransduction important to angiogenesis. We discuss how variation in the mechanical microenvironment, in terms of stiffness, ligand availability, and topography, can modulate the angiogenesis process. We also present an integrated view on how mechanical perturbations, such as stretching and fluid shearing, alter angiogenesis-related signal transduction acutely, leading to downstream gene expression. Tissue engineering-based approaches to study angiogenesis are reviewed too. Future directions to aid the efforts in unveiling the comprehensive picture of angiogenesis are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Flournoy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Institute for NanoBio Technology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shahad Ashkanani
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Institute for NanoBio Technology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Institute for NanoBio Technology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Yun Chen,
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11
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Abello J, Raghavan S, Yien YY, Stratman AN. Peristaltic pumps adapted for laminar flow experiments enhance in vitro modeling of vascular cell behavior. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102404. [PMID: 35988646 PMCID: PMC9508572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) are the primary cellular constituent of blood vessels that are in direct contact with hemodynamic forces over their lifetime. Throughout the body, vessels experience different blood flow patterns and rates that alter vascular architecture and cellular behavior. Because of the complexities of studying blood flow in an intact organism, particularly during development, the field has increasingly relied on in vitro modeling of blood flow as a powerful technique for studying hemodynamic-dependent signaling mechanisms in ECs. While commercial flow systems that recirculate fluids exist, many commercially available pumps are peristaltic and best model pulsatile flow conditions. However, there are many important situations in which ECs experience laminar flow conditions in vivo, such as along long straight stretches of the vasculature. To understand EC function under these contexts, it is important to be able to reproducibly model laminar flow conditions in vitro. Here, we outline a method to reliably adapt commercially available peristaltic pumps to study laminar flow conditions. Our proof-of-concept study focuses on 2D models but could be further adapted to 3D environments to better model in vivo scenarios, such as organ development. Our studies make significant inroads into solving technical challenges associated with flow modeling and allow us to conduct functional studies toward understanding the mechanistic role of shear forces on vascular architecture, cellular behavior, and remodeling in diverse physiological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Abello
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Shreya Raghavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station TX 77843
| | - Yvette Y Yien
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Amber N Stratman
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.
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12
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El Arawi D, Vézy C, Déturche R, Lehmann M, Kessler H, Dontenwill M, Jaffiol R. Advanced quantification for single-cell adhesion by variable-angle TIRF nanoscopy. BIOPHYSICAL REPORTS 2021; 1:100021. [PMID: 36425460 PMCID: PMC9680782 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpr.2021.100021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decades, several techniques have been developed to study cell adhesion; however, they present significant shortcomings. Such techniques mostly focus on strong adhesion related to specific protein-protein associations, such as ligand-receptor binding in focal adhesions. Therefore, weak adhesion, related to less specific or nonspecific cell-substrate interactions, are rarely addressed. Hence, we propose in this work a complete investigation of cell adhesion, from highly specific to nonspecific adhesiveness, using variable-angle total internal reflection fluorescence (vaTIRF) nanoscopy. This technique allows us to map in real time cell topography with a nanometric axial resolution, along with cell cortex refractive index. These two key parameters allow us to distinguish high and low adhesive cell-substrate contacts. Furthermore, vaTIRF provides cell-substrate binding energy, thus revealing a correlation between cell contractility and cell-substrate binding energy. Here, we highlight the quantitative measurements achieved by vaTIRF on U87MG glioma cells expressing different amounts of α 5 integrins and distinct motility on fibronectin. Regarding integrin expression level, data extracted from vaTIRF measurements, such as the number and size of high adhesive contacts per cell, corroborate the adhesiveness of U87MG cells as intended. Interestingly enough, we found that cells overexpressing α 5 integrins present a higher contractility and lower adhesion energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia El Arawi
- Light, nanomaterials, nanotechnologies, ERL CNRS 7004, Université de Technologie de Troyes, Troyes, France
| | - Cyrille Vézy
- Light, nanomaterials, nanotechnologies, ERL CNRS 7004, Université de Technologie de Troyes, Troyes, France
| | - Régis Déturche
- Light, nanomaterials, nanotechnologies, ERL CNRS 7004, Université de Technologie de Troyes, Troyes, France
| | - Maxime Lehmann
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR CNRS 7021, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Horst Kessler
- Department Chemie, Institute for Advanced Study, Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany
| | - Monique Dontenwill
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR CNRS 7021, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Rodolphe Jaffiol
- Light, nanomaterials, nanotechnologies, ERL CNRS 7004, Université de Technologie de Troyes, Troyes, France
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13
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Maneshi P, Mason J, Dongre M, Öhlund D. Targeting Tumor-Stromal Interactions in Pancreatic Cancer: Impact of Collagens and Mechanical Traits. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:787485. [PMID: 34901028 PMCID: PMC8656238 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.787485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the worst outcomes among cancers with a 5-years survival rate of below 10%. This is a result of late diagnosis and the lack of effective treatments. The tumor is characterized by a highly fibrotic stroma containing distinct cellular components, embedded within an extracellular matrix (ECM). This ECM-abundant tumor microenvironment (TME) in PDAC plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and resistance to treatment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), being a dominant cell type of the stroma, are in fact functionally heterogeneous populations of cells within the TME. Certain subtypes of CAFs are the main producer of the ECM components of the stroma, with the most abundant one being the collagen family of proteins. Collagens are large macromolecules that upon deposition into the ECM form supramolecular fibrillar structures which provide a mechanical framework to the TME. They not only bring structure to the tissue by being the main structural proteins but also contain binding domains that interact with surface receptors on the cancer cells. These interactions can induce various responses in the cancer cells and activate signaling pathways leading to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and ultimately metastasis. In addition, collagens are one of the main contributors to building up mechanical forces in the tumor. These forces influence the signaling pathways that are involved in cell motility and tumor progression and affect tumor microstructure and tissue stiffness by exerting solid stress and interstitial fluid pressure on the cells. Taken together, the TME is subjected to various types of mechanical forces and interactions that affect tumor progression, metastasis, and drug response. In this review article, we aim to summarize and contextualize the recent knowledge of components of the PDAC stroma, especially the role of different collagens and mechanical traits on tumor progression. We furthermore discuss different experimental models available for studying tumor-stromal interactions and finally discuss potential therapeutic targets within the stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parniyan Maneshi
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - James Mason
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mitesh Dongre
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Daniel Öhlund
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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14
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Skamrahl M, Pang H, Ferle M, Gottwald J, Rübeling A, Maraspini R, Honigmann A, Oswald TA, Janshoff A. Tight Junction ZO Proteins Maintain Tissue Fluidity, Ensuring Efficient Collective Cell Migration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2100478. [PMID: 34382375 PMCID: PMC8498871 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Tight junctions (TJs) are essential components of epithelial tissues connecting neighboring cells to provide protective barriers. While their general function to seal compartments is well understood, their role in collective cell migration is largely unexplored. Here, the importance of the TJ zonula occludens (ZO) proteins ZO1 and ZO2 for epithelial migration is investigated employing video microscopy in conjunction with velocimetry, segmentation, cell tracking, and atomic force microscopy/spectroscopy. The results indicate that ZO proteins are necessary for fast and coherent migration. In particular, ZO1 and 2 loss (dKD) induces actomyosin remodeling away from the central cortex towards the periphery of individual cells, resulting in altered viscoelastic properties. A tug-of-war emerges between two subpopulations of cells with distinct morphological and mechanical properties: 1) smaller and highly contractile cells with an outward bulging apical membrane, and 2) larger, flattened cells, which, due to tensile stress, display a higher proliferation rate. In response, the cell density increases, leading to crowding-induced jamming and more small cells over time. Co-cultures comprising wildtype and dKD cells migrate inefficiently due to phase separation based on differences in contractility rather than differential adhesion. This study shows that ZO proteins are necessary for efficient collective cell migration by maintaining tissue fluidity and controlling proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Skamrahl
- Institute of Physical ChemistryUniversity of GöttingenTammannstr. 6Göttingen37077Germany
| | - Hongtao Pang
- Institute of Physical ChemistryUniversity of GöttingenTammannstr. 6Göttingen37077Germany
| | - Maximilian Ferle
- Institute of Physical ChemistryUniversity of GöttingenTammannstr. 6Göttingen37077Germany
| | - Jannis Gottwald
- Institute of Physical ChemistryUniversity of GöttingenTammannstr. 6Göttingen37077Germany
| | - Angela Rübeling
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular ChemistryUniversity of GöttingenTammannstr. 2Göttingen37077Germany
| | - Riccardo Maraspini
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and GeneticsPfotenhauerstraße 108Dresden01307Germany
| | - Alf Honigmann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and GeneticsPfotenhauerstraße 108Dresden01307Germany
| | - Tabea A. Oswald
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular ChemistryUniversity of GöttingenTammannstr. 2Göttingen37077Germany
| | - Andreas Janshoff
- Institute of Physical ChemistryUniversity of GöttingenTammannstr. 6Göttingen37077Germany
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15
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Hobson CM, Aaron JS, Heddleston JM, Chew TL. Visualizing the Invisible: Advanced Optical Microscopy as a Tool to Measure Biomechanical Forces. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:706126. [PMID: 34552926 PMCID: PMC8450411 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.706126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of mechanical force in biology is evident across diverse length scales, ranging from tissue morphogenesis during embryo development to mechanotransduction across single adhesion proteins at the cell surface. Consequently, many force measurement techniques rely on optical microscopy to measure forces being applied by cells on their environment, to visualize specimen deformations due to external forces, or even to directly apply a physical perturbation to the sample via photoablation or optogenetic tools. Recent developments in advanced microscopy offer improved approaches to enhance spatiotemporal resolution, imaging depth, and sample viability. These advances can be coupled with already existing force measurement methods to improve sensitivity, duration and speed, amongst other parameters. However, gaining access to advanced microscopy instrumentation and the expertise necessary to extract meaningful insights from these techniques is an unavoidable hurdle. In this Live Cell Imaging special issue Review, we survey common microscopy-based force measurement techniques and examine how they can be bolstered by emerging microscopy methods. We further explore challenges related to the accompanying data analysis in biomechanical studies and discuss the various resources available to tackle the global issue of technology dissemination, an important avenue for biologists to gain access to pre-commercial instruments that can be leveraged for biomechanical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad M. Hobson
- Advanced Imaging Center, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | - Jesse S. Aaron
- Advanced Imaging Center, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | - John M. Heddleston
- Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center, Port St. Lucie, FL, United States
| | - Teng-Leong Chew
- Advanced Imaging Center, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
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16
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Okamoto T, Park EJ, Kawamoto E, Usuda H, Wada K, Taguchi A, Shimaoka M. Endothelial connexin-integrin crosstalk in vascular inflammation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166168. [PMID: 33991620 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases including blood vessel disorders represent a major cause of death globally. The essential roles played by local and systemic vascular inflammation in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases have been increasingly recognized. Vascular inflammation triggers the aberrant activation of endothelial cells, which leads to the functional and structural abnormalities in vascular vessels. In addition to humoral mediators such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, the alteration of physical and mechanical microenvironment - including vascular stiffness and shear stress - modify the gene expression profiles and metabolic profiles of endothelial cells via mechano-transduction pathways, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of vessel disorders. Notably, connexins and integrins crosstalk each other in response to the mechanical stress, and, thereby, play an important role in regulating the mechano-transduction of endothelial cells. Here, we provide an overview on how the inter-play between connexins and integrins in endothelial cells unfold during the mechano-transduction in vascular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Okamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo-city, Shimane 693-8501, Japan.
| | - Eun Jeong Park
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Eiji Kawamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Haruki Usuda
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo-city, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Koichiro Wada
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo-city, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiko Taguchi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine Research, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, 2-2 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Motomu Shimaoka
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
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17
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Obenaus AM, Mollica MY, Sniadecki NJ. (De)form and Function: Measuring Cellular Forces with Deformable Materials and Deformable Structures. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901454. [PMID: 31951099 PMCID: PMC7274881 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The ability for biological cells to produce mechanical forces is important for the development, function, and homeostasis of tissue. The measurement of cellular forces is not a straightforward task because individual cells are microscopic in size and the forces they produce are at the nanonewton scale. Consequently, studies in cell mechanics rely on advanced biomaterials or flexible structures that permit one to infer these forces by the deformation they impart on the material or structure. Herein, the scientific progression on the use of deformable materials and deformable structures to measure cellular forces are reviewed. The findings and insights made possible with these approaches in the field of cell mechanics are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava M Obenaus
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Molly Y Mollica
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Nathan J Sniadecki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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18
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Pradhan S, Banda OA, Farino CJ, Sperduto JL, Keller KA, Taitano R, Slater JH. Biofabrication Strategies and Engineered In Vitro Systems for Vascular Mechanobiology. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901255. [PMID: 32100473 PMCID: PMC8579513 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The vascular system is integral for maintaining organ-specific functions and homeostasis. Dysregulation in vascular architecture and function can lead to various chronic or acute disorders. Investigation of the role of the vascular system in health and disease has been accelerated through the development of tissue-engineered constructs and microphysiological on-chip platforms. These in vitro systems permit studies of biochemical regulation of vascular networks and parenchymal tissue and provide mechanistic insights into the biophysical and hemodynamic forces acting in organ-specific niches. Detailed understanding of these forces and the mechanotransductory pathways involved is necessary to develop preventative and therapeutic strategies targeting the vascular system. This review describes vascular structure and function, the role of hemodynamic forces in maintaining vascular homeostasis, and measurement approaches for cell and tissue level mechanical properties influencing vascular phenomena. State-of-the-art techniques for fabricating in vitro microvascular systems, with varying degrees of biological and engineering complexity, are summarized. Finally, the role of vascular mechanobiology in organ-specific niches and pathophysiological states, and efforts to recapitulate these events using in vitro microphysiological systems, are explored. It is hoped that this review will help readers appreciate the important, but understudied, role of vascular-parenchymal mechanotransduction in health and disease toward developing mechanotherapeutics for treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Pradhan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Omar A. Banda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Cindy J. Farino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - John L. Sperduto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Keely A. Keller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Ryan Taitano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - John H. Slater
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 DuPont Hall, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, 15 Innovation Way, Newark, DE 19711, USA
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19
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Force-dependent extracellular matrix remodeling by early-stage cancer cells alters diffusion and induces carcinoma-associated fibroblasts. Biomaterials 2020; 234:119756. [PMID: 31954229 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.119756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
It is known cancer cells secrete cytokines inducing normal fibroblasts (NFs) to become carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). However, it is not clear how the CAF-promoting cytokines can effectively navigate the dense ECM, a diffusion barrier, in the tumor microenvironment to reach NFs during the early stages of cancer development. In this study, we devised a 3D coculture system to investigate the possible mechanism of CAF induction at early stages of breast cancer. We found that in a force-dependent manner, ECM fibrils are radially aligned relative to the tumor spheroid. The fibril alignment enhances the diffusion of exosomes containing CAF-promoting cytokines towards NFs. Suppression of force generation or ECM remodeling abolishes the enhancement of exosome diffusion and the subsequent CAF induction. In summary, our finding suggests that early-stage, pre-metastatic cancer cells can generate high forces to align the ECM fibrils, thereby enhancing the diffusion of CAF-promoting exosomes to reach the stroma and induce CAFs.
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20
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Molladavoodi S, McMorran J, Gregory D. Mechanobiology of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus cells in intervertebral discs. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 379:429-444. [PMID: 31844969 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03136-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is a chronic condition that can affect up to 80% of the global population. It is the number one cause of disability worldwide and has enormous socioeconomic consequences. One of the main causes of this condition is intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. IVD degenerative processes and inflammation associated with it has been the subject of many studies in both tissue and cell level. It is believed that the phenotype of the resident cells within the IVD directly affects homeostasis of the tissue. At the same time, IVDs located between vertebral bodies of spine are under various mechanical loading conditions in vivo. Therefore, investigating how mechanical loading can affect the behaviour of IVD cells has been a subject of many research articles. In this review paper, following a brief explanation of the anatomy of the IVD and its resident cells, we compiled mechanobiological studies of IVD cells (specifically, annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus cells) and synthesized and discussed the key findings of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Molladavoodi
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.,Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - John McMorran
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Diane Gregory
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada. .,Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
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21
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Li Y, Sun SX. Transition from Actin-Driven to Water-Driven Cell Migration Depends on External Hydraulic Resistance. Biophys J 2019; 114:2965-2973. [PMID: 29925032 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells in vivo can reside in diverse physical and biochemical environments. For example, epithelial cells typically live in a two-dimensional (2D) environment, whereas metastatic cancer cells can move through dense three-dimensional matrices. These distinct environments impose different kinds of mechanical forces on cells and thus potentially can influence the mechanism of cell migration. For example, cell movement on 2D flat surfaces is mostly driven by forces from focal adhesion and actin polymerization, whereas in confined geometries, it can be driven by water permeation. In this work, we utilize a two-phase model of the cellular cytoplasm in which the mechanics of the cytosol and the F-actin network are treated on an equal footing. Using conservation laws and simple force balance considerations, we are able to describe the contributions of water flux, actin polymerization and flow, and focal adhesions to cell migration both on 2D surfaces and in confined spaces. The theory shows how cell migration can seamlessly transition from a focal adhesion- and actin-based mechanism on 2D surfaces to a water-based mechanism in confined geometries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizeng Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sean X Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
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22
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Wu D, Birukov K. Endothelial Cell Mechano-Metabolomic Coupling to Disease States in the Lung Microvasculature. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:172. [PMID: 31380363 PMCID: PMC6658821 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lungs are the most vascular part of humans, accepting the totality of cardiac output in a volume much smaller than the body itself. Due to this cardiac output, the lung microvasculature is subject to mechanical forces including shear stress and cyclic stretch that vary with the cardiac and breathing cycle. Vessels are surrounded by extracellular matrix which dictates the stiffness which endothelial cells also sense and respond to. Shear stress, stiffness, and cyclic stretch are known to influence endothelial cell state. At high shear stress, endothelial cells exhibit cell quiescence marked by low inflammatory markers and high nitric oxide synthesis, whereas at low shear stress, endothelial cells are thought to "activate" into a pro-inflammatory state and have low nitric oxide. Shear stress' profound effect on vascular phenotype is most apparent in the arterial vasculature and in the pathophysiology of vascular inflammation. To conduct the flow of blood from the right heart, the lung microvasculature must be rigid yet compliant. It turns out that excessive substrate rigidity or stiffness is important in the development of pulmonary hypertension and chronic fibrosing lung diseases via excessive cell proliferation or the endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Recently, a new body of literature has evolved that couples mechanical sensing to endothelial phenotypic changes through metabolic signaling in clinically relevant contexts such as pulmonary hypertension, lung injury syndromes, as well as fibrosis, which is the focus of this review. Stretch, like flow, has profound effect on endothelial phenotype; metabolism studies due to stretch are in their infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Wu
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Konstantin Birukov
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
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23
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Liu J, Wada Y, Katsura M, Tozawa H, Erwin N, Kapron CM, Bao G, Liu J. Rho-Associated Coiled-Coil Kinase (ROCK) in Molecular Regulation of Angiogenesis. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:6053-6069. [PMID: 30613282 PMCID: PMC6299434 DOI: 10.7150/thno.30305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Identified as a major downstream effector of the small GTPase RhoA, Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) is a versatile regulator of multiple cellular processes. Angiogenesis, the process of generating new capillaries from the pre-existing ones, is required for the development of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, ROCK has attracted attention for its crucial role in angiogenesis, making it a promising target for new therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the role of ROCK signaling in regulating the permeability, migration, proliferation and tubulogenesis of endothelial cells (ECs), as well as its functions in non-ECs which constitute the pro-angiogenic microenvironment. The therapeutic potential of ROCK inhibitors in angiogenesis-related diseases is also discussed.
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Basoli F, Giannitelli SM, Gori M, Mozetic P, Bonfanti A, Trombetta M, Rainer A. Biomechanical Characterization at the Cell Scale: Present and Prospects. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1449. [PMID: 30498449 PMCID: PMC6249385 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapidly growing field of mechanobiology demands for robust and reproducible characterization of cell mechanical properties. Recent achievements in understanding the mechanical regulation of cell fate largely rely on technological platforms capable of probing the mechanical response of living cells and their physico–chemical interaction with the microenvironment. Besides the established family of atomic force microscopy (AFM) based methods, other approaches include optical, magnetic, and acoustic tweezers, as well as sensing substrates that take advantage of biomaterials chemistry and microfabrication techniques. In this review, we introduce the available methods with an emphasis on the most recent advances, and we discuss the challenges associated with their implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Basoli
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Manuele Gori
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Pamela Mozetic
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Alessandra Bonfanti
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marcella Trombetta
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Rainer
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy.,Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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Izquierdo-Álvarez A, Vargas DA, Jorge-Peñas Á, Subramani R, Vaeyens MM, Van Oosterwyck H. Spatiotemporal Analyses of Cellular Tractions Describe Subcellular Effect of Substrate Stiffness and Coating. Ann Biomed Eng 2018; 47:624-637. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-018-02164-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Fine control of endothelial VEGFR-2 activation: caveolae as fluid shear stress shelters for membrane receptors. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2018; 18:5-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s10237-018-1063-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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27
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Islam MM, Beverung S, Steward R. Bio-Inspired Microdevices that Mimic the Human Vasculature. MICROMACHINES 2017; 8:mi8100299. [PMID: 30400489 PMCID: PMC6190335 DOI: 10.3390/mi8100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Blood vessels may be found throughout the entire body and their importance to human life is undeniable. This is evident in the fact that a malfunctioning blood vessel can result in mild symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain to more severe symptoms such as a heart attack or stroke, to even death in the severest of cases. Furthermore, there are a host of pathologies that have been linked to the human vasculature. As a result many researchers have attempted to unlock the mysteries of the vasculature by performing studies that duplicate the physiological structural, chemical, and mechanical properties known to exist. While the ideal study would consist of utilizing living, blood vessels derived from human tissue, such studies are not always possible since intact human blood vessels are not readily accessible and there are immense technical difficulties associated with such studies. These limitations have opened the door for the development of microdevices modeled after the human vasculature as it is believed by many researchers in the field that such devices can one day replace tissue models. In this review we present an overview of microdevices developed to mimic various types of vasculature found throughout the human body. Although the human body contains a diverse array of vascular systems for this review we limit our discussion to the cardiovascular system and cerebrovascular system and discuss such systems that have been fabricated in both 2D and 3D configurations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mydul Islam
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
| | - Sean Beverung
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
| | - Robert Steward
- Departments of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Medicine, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
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Rathod ML, Ahn J, Jeon NL, Lee J. Hybrid polymer microfluidic platform to mimic varying vascular compliance and topology. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:2508-2516. [PMID: 28653725 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00340d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Several cardiovascular pathologies and aging have been associated with alterations in the mechanical and structural properties of the vascular wall, leading to a reduction in arterial compliance and the development of constriction. In the past, rare efforts have been directed to understand the endothelial cell response to combined mechanical stimuli from fluid flow and substrate rigidity. Recent approaches using microfluidic platforms have limitations in precisely mimicking healthy and diseased vasculature conditions from altered topological and substrate compliance perspectives. To address this, we demonstrated an effective fabrication process to realize a hybrid polymer platform to test these mechanistic features of blood vessels. The salient features of the platform include circular microchannels of varying diameters, variation in substrate rigidity along the channel length, and the coexistence of microchannels with different cross sections on a single platform. The platform demonstrates the combined effects of flow-induced shear forces and substrate rigidity on the endothelial cell layer inside the circular microchannels. The experimental results indicate a pronounced cell response to flow induced shear stress via its interplay with the underlying substrate mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Rathod
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-744, South Korea.
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29
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Boldock L, Wittkowske C, Perrault CM. Microfluidic traction force microscopy to study mechanotransduction in angiogenesis. Microcirculation 2017; 24. [DOI: 10.1111/micc.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Boldock
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and INSIGNEO Institute for in Silico Medicine; University of Sheffield; Sheffield UK
| | - Claudia Wittkowske
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and INSIGNEO Institute for in Silico Medicine; University of Sheffield; Sheffield UK
| | - Cecile M. Perrault
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and INSIGNEO Institute for in Silico Medicine; University of Sheffield; Sheffield UK
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30
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Rose M, Kloten V, Noetzel E, Gola L, Ehling J, Heide T, Meurer SK, Gaiko-Shcherbak A, Sechi AS, Huth S, Weiskirchen R, Klaas O, Antonopoulos W, Lin Q, Wagner W, Veeck J, Gremse F, Steitz J, Knüchel R, Dahl E. ITIH5 mediates epigenetic reprogramming of breast cancer cells. Mol Cancer 2017; 16:44. [PMID: 28231808 PMCID: PMC5322623 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-017-0610-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to maintain epithelial integrity. In carcinogenesis ECM degradation triggers metastasis by controlling migration and differentiation including cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics. The ECM-modulator inter- α-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain family member five (ITIH5) was recently identified as tumor suppressor potentially involved in impairing breast cancer progression but molecular mechanisms underlying its function are still elusive. Methods ITIH5 expression was analyzed using the public TCGA portal. ITIH5-overexpressing single-cell clones were established based on T47D and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Colony formation, growth, apoptosis, migration, matrix adhesion, traction force analyses and polarization of tumor cells were studied in vitro. Tumor-initiating characteristics were analyzed by generating a metastasis mouse model. To identify ITIH5-affected pathways we utilized genome wide gene expression and DNA methylation profiles. RNA-interference targeting the ITIH5-downstream regulated gene DAPK1 was used to confirm functional involvement. Results ITIH5 loss was pronounced in breast cancer subtypes with unfavorable prognosis like basal-type tumors. Functionally, cell and colony formation was impaired after ITIH5 re-expression in both cell lines. In a metastasis mouse model, ITIH5 expressing MDA-MB-231 cells almost completely failed to initiate lung metastases. In these metastatic cells ITIH5 modulated cell-matrix adhesion dynamics and altered biomechanical cues. The profile of integrin receptors was shifted towards β1-integrin accompanied by decreased Rac1 and increased RhoA activity in ITIH5-expressing clones while cell polarization and single-cell migration was impaired. Instead ITIH5 expression triggered the formation of epithelial-like cell clusters that underwent an epigenetic reprogramming. 214 promoter regions potentially marked with either H3K4 and /or H3K27 methylation showed a hyper- or hypomethylated DNA configuration due to ITIH5 expression finally leading to re-expression of the tumor suppressor DAPK1. In turn, RNAi-mediated knockdown of DAPK1 in ITIH5-expressing MDA-MB-231 single-cell clones clearly restored cell motility. Conclusions Our results provide evidence that ITIH5 triggers a reprogramming of breast cancer cells with known stem CSC properties towards an epithelial-like phenotype through global epigenetic changes effecting known tumor suppressor genes like DAPK1. Therewith, ITIH5 may represent an ECM modulator in epithelial breast tissue mediating suppression of tumor initiating cancer cell characteristics which are thought being responsible for the metastasis of breast cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-017-0610-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rose
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Vera Kloten
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Erik Noetzel
- Institute of Complex Systems, ICS-7: Biomechanics, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Lukas Gola
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Josef Ehling
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Timon Heide
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Steffen K Meurer
- Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Aljona Gaiko-Shcherbak
- Institute of Complex Systems, ICS-7: Biomechanics, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Antonio S Sechi
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering-Cell Biology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Huth
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Oliver Klaas
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Wiebke Antonopoulos
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Qiong Lin
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering-Cell Biology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering-Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wagner
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering-Cell Biology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering-Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Veeck
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Felix Gremse
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Steitz
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ruth Knüchel
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Edgar Dahl
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
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Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Forces are important in the cardiovascular system, acting as regulators of vascular physiology and pathology. Residing at the blood vessel interface, cells (endothelial cell, EC) are constantly exposed to vascular forces, including shear stress. Shear stress is the frictional force exerted by blood flow, and its patterns differ based on vessel geometry and type. These patterns range from uniform laminar flow to nonuniform disturbed flow. Although ECs sense and differentially respond to flow patterns unique to their microenvironment, the mechanisms underlying endothelial mechanosensing remain incompletely understood. RECENT ADVANCES A large body of work suggests that ECs possess many mechanosensors that decorate their apical, junctional, and basal surfaces. These potential mechanosensors sense blood flow, translating physical force into biochemical signaling events. CRITICAL ISSUES Understanding the mechanisms by which proposed mechanosensors sense and respond to shear stress requires an integrative approach. It is also critical to understand the role of these mechanosensors not only during embryonic development but also in the different vascular beds in the adult. Possible cross talk and integration of mechanosensing via the various mechanosensors remain a challenge. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Determination of the hierarchy of endothelial mechanosensors is critical for future work, as is determination of the extent to which mechanosensors work together to achieve force-dependent signaling. The role and primary sensors of shear stress during development also remain an open question. Finally, integrative approaches must be used to determine absolute mechanosensory function of potential mechanosensors. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 25, 373-388.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Givens
- 1 Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ellie Tzima
- 1 Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,2 Cardiovascular Medicine, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics , Oxford, United Kingdom
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32
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Perrault CM, Brugues A, Bazellieres E, Ricco P, Lacroix D, Trepat X. Traction Forces of Endothelial Cells under Slow Shear Flow. Biophys J 2016; 109:1533-6. [PMID: 26488643 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells are constantly exposed to fluid shear stresses that regulate vascular morphogenesis, homeostasis, and disease. The mechanical responses of endothelial cells to relatively high shear flow such as that characteristic of arterial circulation has been extensively studied. Much less is known about the responses of endothelial cells to slow shear flow such as that characteristic of venous circulation, early angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, intracranial aneurysm, or interstitial flow. Here we used a novel, to our knowledge, microfluidic technique to measure traction forces exerted by confluent vascular endothelial cell monolayers under slow shear flow. We found that cells respond to flow with rapid and pronounced increases in traction forces and cell-cell stresses. These responses are reversible in time and do not involve reorientation of the cell body. Traction maps reveal that local cell responses to slow shear flow are highly heterogeneous in magnitude and sign. Our findings unveil a low-flow regime in which endothelial cell mechanics is acutely responsive to shear stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecile M Perrault
- Institute for In Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Agusti Brugues
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Pierre Ricco
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Damien Lacroix
- Institute for In Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Trepat
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain; Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Barcelona, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
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Ribeiro AJS, Denisin AK, Wilson RE, Pruitt BL. For whom the cells pull: Hydrogel and micropost devices for measuring traction forces. Methods 2016; 94:51-64. [PMID: 26265073 PMCID: PMC4746112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
While performing several functions, adherent cells deform their surrounding substrate via stable adhesions that connect the intracellular cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. The traction forces that deform the substrate are studied in mechanotrasduction because they are affected by the mechanics of the extracellular milieu. We review the development and application of two methods widely used to measure traction forces generated by cells on 2D substrates: (i) traction force microscopy with polyacrylamide hydrogels and (ii) calculation of traction forces with arrays of deformable microposts. Measuring forces with these methods relies on measuring substrate displacements and converting them into forces. We describe approaches to determine force from displacements and elaborate on the necessary experimental conditions for this type of analysis. We emphasize device fabrication, mechanical calibration of substrates and covalent attachment of extracellular matrix proteins to substrates as key features in the design of experiments to measure cell traction forces with polyacrylamide hydrogels or microposts. We also report the challenges and achievements in integrating these methods with platforms for the mechanical stimulation of adherent cells. The approaches described here will enable new studies to understand cell mechanical outputs as a function of mechanical inputs and advance the understanding of mechanotransduction mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre J S Ribeiro
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States; Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Aleksandra K Denisin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States; Stanford Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Robin E Wilson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Beth L Pruitt
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States; Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States; Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States.
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Abstract
All tissue-engineered substitutes (with the exception of cornea and cartilage) require a vascular network to provide the nutrient and oxygen supply needed for their survival in vivo. Unfortunately the process of vascular ingrowth into an engineered tissue can take weeks to occur naturally and during this time the tissues become starved of essential nutrients, leading to tissue death. This review initially gives a brief overview of the processes and factors involved in the formation of new vasculature. It then summarizes the different approaches that are being applied or developed to overcome the issue of slow neovascularization in a range of tissue-engineered substitutes. Some potential future strategies are then discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Dew
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Kroto Research Institute, North Campus, University of Sheffield, Broad Lane, Sheffield S3 7HQ, UK
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35
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Hielscher A, Ellis K, Qiu C, Porterfield J, Gerecht S. Fibronectin Deposition Participates in Extracellular Matrix Assembly and Vascular Morphogenesis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147600. [PMID: 26811931 PMCID: PMC4728102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) has been demonstrated to facilitate angiogenesis. In particular, fibronectin has been documented to activate endothelial cells, resulting in their transition from a quiescent state to an active state in which the cells exhibit enhanced migration and proliferation. The goal of this study is to examine the role of polymerized fibronectin during vascular tubulogenesis using a 3 dimensional (3D) cell-derived de-cellularized matrix. A fibronectin-rich 3D de-cellularized ECM was used as a scaffold to study vascular morphogenesis of endothelial cells (ECs). Confocal analyses of several matrix proteins reveal high intra- and extra-cellular deposition of fibronectin in formed vascular structures. Using a small peptide inhibitor of fibronectin polymerization, we demonstrate that inhibition of fibronectin fibrillogenesis in ECs cultured atop de-cellularized ECM resulted in decreased vascular morphogenesis. Further, immunofluorescence and ultrastructural analyses reveal decreased expression of stromal matrix proteins in the absence of polymerized fibronectin with high co-localization of matrix proteins found in association with polymerized fibronectin. Evaluating vascular kinetics, live cell imaging showed that migration, migration velocity, and mean square displacement, are disrupted in structures grown in the absence of polymerized fibronectin. Additionally, vascular organization failed to occur in the absence of a polymerized fibronectin matrix. Consistent with these observations, we tested vascular morphogenesis following the disruption of EC adhesion to polymerized fibronectin, demonstrating that block of integrins α5β1 and αvβ3, abrogated vascular morphogenesis. Overall, fibronectin deposition in a 3D cell-derived de-cellularized ECM appears to be imperative for matrix assembly and vascular morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Hielscher
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21218, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21218, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Georgia Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Suwanee, Georgia, 30024, United States of America
| | - Kim Ellis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21218, United States of America
| | - Connie Qiu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21218, United States of America
| | - Josh Porterfield
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21218, United States of America
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21218, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21218, United States of America
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21218, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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36
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Snyder J, Rin Son A, Hamid Q, Wang C, Lui Y, Sun W. Mesenchymal stem cell printing and process regulated cell properties. Biofabrication 2015; 7:044106. [DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/7/4/044106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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37
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Wilson C, Saunter CD, Girkin JM, McCarron JG. Pressure-dependent regulation of Ca2+ signalling in the vascular endothelium. J Physiol 2015; 593:5231-53. [PMID: 26507455 PMCID: PMC4704526 DOI: 10.1113/jp271157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Key points Increased pressure suppresses endothelial control of vascular tone but it remains uncertain (1) how pressure is sensed by the endothelium and (2) how the vascular response is inhibited. This study used a novel imaging method to study large numbers of endothelial cells in arteries that were in a physiological configuration and held at normal blood pressures. Increased pressure suppressed endothelial IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signals. Pressure modulated endothelial cell shape. The changes in cell shape may alter endothelial Ca2+ signals by modulating the diffusive environment for Ca2+ near IP3 receptors. Endothelial pressure‐dependent mechanosensing may occur without a requirement for a conventional molecular mechanoreceptor.
Abstract The endothelium is an interconnected network upon which haemodynamic mechanical forces act to control vascular tone and remodelling in disease. Ca2+ signalling is central to the endothelium's mechanotransduction and networked activity. However, challenges in imaging Ca2+ in large numbers of endothelial cells under conditions that preserve the intact physical configuration of pressurized arteries have limited progress in understanding how pressure‐dependent mechanical forces alter networked Ca2+ signalling. We developed a miniature wide‐field, gradient‐index (GRIN) optical probe designed to fit inside an intact pressurized artery that permitted Ca2+ signals to be imaged with subcellular resolution in a large number (∼200) of naturally connected endothelial cells at various pressures. Chemical (acetylcholine) activation triggered spatiotemporally complex, propagating inositol trisphosphate (IP3)‐mediated Ca2+ waves that originated in clusters of cells and progressed from there across the endothelium. Mechanical stimulation of the artery, by increased intraluminal pressure, flattened the endothelial cells and suppressed IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signals in all activated cells. By computationally modelling Ca2+ release, endothelial shape changes were shown to alter the geometry of the Ca2+ diffusive environment near IP3 receptor microdomains to limit IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signals as pressure increased. Changes in cell shape produce a geometric microdomain regulation of IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signalling to explain macroscopic pressure‐dependent, endothelial mechanosensing without the need for a conventional mechanoreceptor. The suppression of IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signalling may explain the decrease in endothelial activity as pressure increases. GRIN imaging provides a convenient method that gives access to hundreds of endothelial cells in intact arteries in physiological configuration. Increased pressure suppresses endothelial control of vascular tone but it remains uncertain (1) how pressure is sensed by the endothelium and (2) how the vascular response is inhibited. This study used a novel imaging method to study large numbers of endothelial cells in arteries that were in a physiological configuration and held at normal blood pressures. Increased pressure suppressed endothelial IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signals. Pressure modulated endothelial cell shape. The changes in cell shape may alter endothelial Ca2+ signals by modulating the diffusive environment for Ca2+ near IP3 receptors. Endothelial pressure‐dependent mechanosensing may occur without a requirement for a conventional molecular mechanoreceptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calum Wilson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, SIPBS Building, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Christopher D Saunter
- Centre for Advanced Instrumentation, Biophysical Sciences Institute, Department of Physics, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - John M Girkin
- Centre for Advanced Instrumentation, Biophysical Sciences Institute, Department of Physics, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - John G McCarron
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, SIPBS Building, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
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Kohn JC, Zhou DW, Bordeleau F, Zhou AL, Mason BN, Mitchell MJ, King MR, Reinhart-King CA. Cooperative effects of matrix stiffness and fluid shear stress on endothelial cell behavior. Biophys J 2015; 108:471-8. [PMID: 25650915 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Arterial hemodynamic shear stress and blood vessel stiffening both significantly influence the arterial endothelial cell (EC) phenotype and atherosclerosis progression, and both have been shown to signal through cell-matrix adhesions. However, the cooperative effects of fluid shear stress and matrix stiffness on ECs remain unknown. To investigate these cooperative effects, we cultured bovine aortic ECs on hydrogels matching the elasticity of the intima of compliant, young, or stiff, aging arteries. The cells were then exposed to laminar fluid shear stress of 12 dyn/cm(2). Cells grown on more compliant matrices displayed increased elongation and tighter EC-cell junctions. Notably, cells cultured on more compliant substrates also showed decreased RhoA activation under laminar shear stress. Additionally, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation in response to fluid shear stress occurred more rapidly in ECs cultured on more compliant substrates, and nitric oxide production was enhanced. Together, our results demonstrate that a signaling cross talk between stiffness and fluid shear stress exists within the vascular microenvironment, and, importantly, matrices mimicking young and healthy blood vessels can promote and augment the atheroprotective signals induced by fluid shear stress. These data suggest that targeting intimal stiffening and/or the EC response to intima stiffening clinically may improve vascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Kohn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Dennis W Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - François Bordeleau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Allen L Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Brooke N Mason
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Michael R King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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Huveneers S, Daemen MJAP, Hordijk PL. Between Rho(k) and a hard place: the relation between vessel wall stiffness, endothelial contractility, and cardiovascular disease. Circ Res 2015; 116:895-908. [PMID: 25722443 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.116.305720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vascular stiffness is a mechanical property of the vessel wall that affects blood pressure, permeability, and inflammation. As a result, vascular stiffness is a key driver of (chronic) human disorders, including pulmonary arterial hypertension, kidney disease, and atherosclerosis. Responses of the endothelium to stiffening involve integration of mechanical cues from various sources, including the extracellular matrix, smooth muscle cells, and the forces that derive from shear stress of blood. This response in turn affects endothelial cell contractility, which is an important property that regulates endothelial stiffness, permeability, and leukocyte-vessel wall interactions. Moreover, endothelial stiffening reduces nitric oxide production, which promotes smooth muscle cell contraction and vasoconstriction. In fact, vessel wall stiffening, and microcirculatory endothelial dysfunction, precedes hypertension and thus underlies the development of vascular disease. Here, we review the cross talk among vessel wall stiffening, endothelial contractility, and vascular disease, which is controlled by Rho-driven actomyosin contractility and cellular mechanotransduction. In addition to discussing the various inputs and relevant molecular events in the endothelium, we address which actomyosin-regulated changes at cell adhesion complexes are genetically associated with human cardiovascular disease. Finally, we discuss recent findings that broaden therapeutic options for targeting this important mechanical signaling pathway in vascular pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Huveneers
- From the Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (S.H., P.L.H.) and Department of Pathology (M.J.A.P.D.), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Mat J A P Daemen
- From the Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (S.H., P.L.H.) and Department of Pathology (M.J.A.P.D.), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter L Hordijk
- From the Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (S.H., P.L.H.) and Department of Pathology (M.J.A.P.D.), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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40
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Teng D, Pannell JS, Rennert RC, Li J, Li YS, Wong VW, Chien S, Khalessi AA. Endothelial Trauma From Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Stroke. Stroke 2015; 46:1099-106. [PMID: 25712942 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.114.007494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dayu Teng
- From the Division of Neurosurgery (J.S.P., R.C.R., V.W.W., A.A.K.), Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Engineering in Medicine (D.T., J.L., Y.-S., S.C.), University of California, San Diego
| | - Jeffrey Scott Pannell
- From the Division of Neurosurgery (J.S.P., R.C.R., V.W.W., A.A.K.), Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Engineering in Medicine (D.T., J.L., Y.-S., S.C.), University of California, San Diego
| | - Robert C. Rennert
- From the Division of Neurosurgery (J.S.P., R.C.R., V.W.W., A.A.K.), Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Engineering in Medicine (D.T., J.L., Y.-S., S.C.), University of California, San Diego
| | - Jieying Li
- From the Division of Neurosurgery (J.S.P., R.C.R., V.W.W., A.A.K.), Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Engineering in Medicine (D.T., J.L., Y.-S., S.C.), University of California, San Diego
| | - Yi-Shuan Li
- From the Division of Neurosurgery (J.S.P., R.C.R., V.W.W., A.A.K.), Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Engineering in Medicine (D.T., J.L., Y.-S., S.C.), University of California, San Diego
| | - Victor W. Wong
- From the Division of Neurosurgery (J.S.P., R.C.R., V.W.W., A.A.K.), Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Engineering in Medicine (D.T., J.L., Y.-S., S.C.), University of California, San Diego
| | - Shu Chien
- From the Division of Neurosurgery (J.S.P., R.C.R., V.W.W., A.A.K.), Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Engineering in Medicine (D.T., J.L., Y.-S., S.C.), University of California, San Diego
| | - Alexander A. Khalessi
- From the Division of Neurosurgery (J.S.P., R.C.R., V.W.W., A.A.K.), Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Engineering in Medicine (D.T., J.L., Y.-S., S.C.), University of California, San Diego
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41
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Galie PA, van Oosten A, Chen CS, Janmey PA. Application of multiple levels of fluid shear stress to endothelial cells plated on polyacrylamide gels. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:1205-12. [PMID: 25573790 PMCID: PMC4500630 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc01236d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Measurements of endothelial cell response to fluid shear stress have previously been performed on unphysiologically rigid substrates. We describe the design and implementation of a microfluidic device that applies discrete levels of shear stress to cells plated on hydrogel-based substrates of physiologically-relevant stiffness. The setup allows for measurements of cell morphology and inflammatory response to the combined stimuli, and identifies mechanisms by which vascular stiffening leads to pathological responses to blood flow. We found that the magnitude of shear stress required to affect endothelial cell morphology and inflammatory response depended on substrate stiffness. Endothelial cells on 100 Pa substrates demonstrate a greater increase in cell area and cortical stiffness and decrease in NF-κB nuclear translocation in response to TNF-α treatment compared to controls than cells plated on 10 kPa substrates. The response of endothelial cells on soft substrates to shear stress depends on the presence of hyaluronan (HA). These results emphasize the importance of substrate stiffness on endothelial function, and elucidate a means by which vascular stiffening in aging and disease can impact the endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Galie
- Dept of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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42
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Steward R, Tambe D, Hardin CC, Krishnan R, Fredberg JJ. Fluid shear, intercellular stress, and endothelial cell alignment. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2015; 308:C657-64. [PMID: 25652451 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00363.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cell alignment along the direction of laminar fluid flow is widely understood to be a defining morphological feature of vascular homeostasis. While the role of associated signaling and structural events have been well studied, associated intercellular stresses under laminar fluid shear have remained ill-defined and the role of these stresses in the alignment process has remained obscure. To fill this gap, we report here the tractions as well as the complete in-plane intercellular stress fields measured within the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayer subjected to a steady laminar fluid shear of 1 Pa. Tractions, intercellular stresses, as well as their time course, heterogeneity, and anisotropy, were measured using monolayer traction microscopy and monolayer stress microscopy. Prior to application of laminar fluid flow, intercellular stresses were largely tensile but fluctuated dramatically in space and in time (317 ± 122 Pa). Within 12 h of the onset of laminar fluid flow, the intercellular stresses decreased substantially but continued to fluctuate dramatically (142 ± 84 Pa). Moreover, tractions and intercellular stresses aligned strongly and promptly (within 1 h) along the direction of fluid flow, whereas the endothelial cell body aligned less strongly and substantially more slowly (12 h). Taken together, these results reveal that steady laminar fluid flow induces prompt reduction in magnitude and alignment of tractions and intercellular stress tensor components followed by the retarded elongation and alignment of the endothelial cell body. Appreciably smaller intercellular stresses supported by cell-cell junctions logically favor smaller incidence of gap formation and thus improved barrier integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Steward
- T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - C Corey Hardin
- Massachussets General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussets; and
| | - Ramaswamy Krishnan
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussets
| | - Jeffrey J Fredberg
- T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts;
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43
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Molladavoodi S, Kwon HJ, Medley J, Gorbet M. Human corneal epithelial cell response to substrate stiffness. Acta Biomater 2015; 11:324-32. [PMID: 25305512 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Revised: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported that mechanical stimulus can affect cellular behavior. While induced differentiation in stem cells and proliferation and directional migration in fibroblasts are reported as responses to mechanical stimuli, little is known about the response of cells from the cornea. In the present study, we investigated whether changes in substrate stiffness (measured by elastic modulus) affected the behavior of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). Polyacrylamide substrates with different elastic moduli (compliant, medium and stiff) were prepared and HCECs were cultured on them. HCECs responses, including cell viability, apoptosis, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression, integrin-α3β1 expression and changes in cytoskeleton structure (actin fibers) and migratory behavior, were studied. No statistically significant cell activation, as measured by ICAM-1 expression, was observed. However, on compliant substrates, a higher number of cells were found to be apoptotic and disrupted actin fibers were observed. Furthermore, cells displayed a statistically significant lower migration speed on compliant substrates when compared with the stiffer substrates. Thus, corneal epithelial cells respond to changes in substrate stiffness, which may have implications in the understanding and perhaps treatment of corneal diseases, such as keratoconus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Molladavoodi
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Hyock-Ju Kwon
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - John Medley
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Maud Gorbet
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
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44
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Liu C, Li S, Ji B, Huo B. Flow-Induced Migration of Osteoclasts and Regulations of Calcium Signaling Pathways. Cell Mol Bioeng 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12195-014-0372-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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45
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Wilkins JR, Pike DB, Gibson CC, Li L, Shiu YT. The interplay of cyclic stretch and vascular endothelial growth factor in regulating the initial steps for angiogenesis. Biotechnol Prog 2014; 31:248-57. [PMID: 25376776 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Revised: 09/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is regulated by chemical and mechanical factors in vivo. The regulatory role of mechanical factors and how chemical and mechanical angiogenic regulators work in concert remains to be explored. We investigated the effect of cyclic uniaxial stretch (20%, 1 Hz), with and without the stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), on sprouting angiogenesis by employing a stretchable three-dimensional cell culture model. When compared to static controls, stretch alone significantly increased the density of endothelial sprouts, and these sprouts aligned perpendicular to the direction of stretch. The Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y27632 suppressed stretch-induced sprouting angiogenesis and associated sprout alignment. While VEGF is a potent angiogenic stimulus through ROCK-dependent pathways, the combination of VEGF and stretch did not have an additive effect on angiogenesis. In the presence of VEGF stimulation, the ROCK inhibitor suppressed stretch-induced sprout alignment but did not affect stretch-induced sprout density; in contrast, the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor sunitinib had no effect on stretch-induced alignment but trended toward suppressed stretch-induced sprout density. Our results suggest that the formation of sprouts and their directionality do not have completely identical regulatory pathways, and thus it is possible to separately manipulate the number and pattern of new sprouts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Wilkins
- Dept. of Medicine, Div. of Nephrology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112; Dept. of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112
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46
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Luminal Surface Engineering, ‘Micro and Nanopatterning’: Potential for Self Endothelialising Vascular Grafts? Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2014; 47:566-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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47
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Amado-Azevedo J, Valent ET, Van Nieuw Amerongen GP. Regulation of the endothelial barrier function: a filum granum of cellular forces, Rho-GTPase signaling and microenvironment. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 355:557-76. [PMID: 24633925 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1828-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although the endothelium is an extremely thin single-cell layer, it performs exceedingly well in preventing blood fluids from leaking into the surrounding tissues. However, specific pathological conditions can affect this cell layer, compromising the integrity of the barrier. Vascular leakage is a hallmark of many cardiovascular diseases and despite its medical importance, no specialized therapies are available to prevent it or reduce it. Small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) of the Rho family are known to be key regulators of various aspects of cell behavior and studies have shown that they can exert both positive and negative effects on endothelial barrier integrity. Moreover, extracellular matrix stiffness has now been implicated in the regulation of Rho-GTPase signaling, which has a direct impact on the integrity of endothelial junctions. However, knowledge about both the precise mechanism of this regulation and the individual contribution of the specific regulatory proteins remains fragmentary. In this review, we discuss recent findings concerning the balanced activities of Rho-GTPases and, in particular, aspects of the regulation of the endothelial barrier. We highlight the role of Rho-GTPases in the intimate relationships between biomechanical forces, microenvironmental influences and endothelial intercellular junctions, which are all interwoven in a beautiful filigree-like fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Amado-Azevedo
- Laboratory for Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Van den Boechorststraat 7, 1081BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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48
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Shao Y, Fu J. Integrated micro/nanoengineered functional biomaterials for cell mechanics and mechanobiology: a materials perspective. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2014; 26:1494-533. [PMID: 24339188 PMCID: PMC4076293 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201304431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The rapid development of micro/nanoengineered functional biomaterials in the last two decades has empowered materials scientists and bioengineers to precisely control different aspects of the in vitro cell microenvironment. Following a philosophy of reductionism, many studies using synthetic functional biomaterials have revealed instructive roles of individual extracellular biophysical and biochemical cues in regulating cellular behaviors. Development of integrated micro/nanoengineered functional biomaterials to study complex and emergent biological phenomena has also thrived rapidly in recent years, revealing adaptive and integrated cellular behaviors closely relevant to human physiological and pathological conditions. Working at the interface between materials science and engineering, biology, and medicine, we are now at the beginning of a great exploration using micro/nanoengineered functional biomaterials for both fundamental biology study and clinical and biomedical applications such as regenerative medicine and drug screening. In this review, an overview of state of the art micro/nanoengineered functional biomaterials that can control precisely individual aspects of cell-microenvironment interactions is presented and they are highlighted them as well-controlled platforms for mechanistic studies of mechano-sensitive and -responsive cellular behaviors and integrative biology research. The recent exciting trend where micro/nanoengineered biomaterials are integrated into miniaturized biological and biomimetic systems for dynamic multiparametric microenvironmental control of emergent and integrated cellular behaviors is also discussed. The impact of integrated micro/nanoengineered functional biomaterials for future in vitro studies of regenerative medicine, cell biology, as well as human development and disease models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shao
- Integrated Biosystems and Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109 (USA)
| | - Jianping Fu
- Integrated Biosystems and Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109 (USA). Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109 (USA)
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49
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Huang X, Shen Y, Zhang Y, Wei L, Lai Y, Wu J, Liu X, Liu X. Rac1 mediates laminar shear stress-induced vascular endothelial cell migration. Cell Adh Migr 2013; 7:462-8. [PMID: 24430179 DOI: 10.4161/cam.27171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The migration of endothelial cells (ECs) plays an important role in vascular remodeling and regeneration. ECs are constantly subjected to shear stress resulting from blood flow and are able to convert mechanical stimuli into intracellular signals that affect cellular behaviors and functions. The aim of this study is to elucidate the effects of Rac1, which is the member of small G protein family, on EC migration under different laminar shear stress (5.56, 10.02, and 15.27 dyn/cm(2)). The cell migration distance under laminar shear stress increased significantly than that under the static culture condition. Especially, under relative high shear stress (15.27 dyn/cm(2)) there was a higher difference at 8 h (P<0.01) and 2 h (P<0.05) compared with static controls. RT-PCR results further showed increasing mRNA expression of Rac1 in ECs exposed to laminar shear stress than that exposed to static culture. Using plasmids encoding the wild-type (WT), an activated mutant (Q61L), and a dominant-negative mutant (T17N), plasmids encoding Rac1 were transfected into EA.hy 926 cells. The average net migration distance of Rac1Q61L group increased significantly, while Rac1T17N group decreased significantly in comparison with the static controls. These results indicated that Rac1 mediated shear stress-induced EC migration. Our findings conduce to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of EC migration induced by shear stress, which is expected to understand the pathophysiological basis of wound healing in health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianliang Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering; School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine; Sichuan University; Chengdu, PR China; Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases; West China Hospital; Sichuan University; PR China
| | - Yang Shen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering; School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine; Sichuan University; Chengdu, PR China; Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases; West China Hospital; Sichuan University; PR China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Laboratory of Biomedical Ultrasonics; Institute of Women and Children's Health; West China Second University Hospital; Sichuan University; Chengdu, PR China
| | - Lin Wei
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering; School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine; Sichuan University; Chengdu, PR China; Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases; West China Hospital; Sichuan University; PR China
| | - Yi Lai
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering; School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine; Sichuan University; Chengdu, PR China; Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases; West China Hospital; Sichuan University; PR China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering; School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine; Sichuan University; Chengdu, PR China; Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases; West China Hospital; Sichuan University; PR China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases; West China Hospital; Sichuan University; PR China
| | - Xiaoheng Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering; School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine; Sichuan University; Chengdu, PR China; Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases; West China Hospital; Sichuan University; PR China
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50
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Tay CY, Koh CG, Tan NS, Leong DT, Tan LP. Mechanoregulation of stem cell fate via micro-/nano-scale manipulation for regenerative medicine. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2013; 8:623-38. [PMID: 23560412 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.13.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in the field of mechanobiology have renewed the call for a better understanding of the role of mechanical forces as potent regulators and indicators of stem cell fate. Although it is well established that mechanical forces play a crucial role in guiding tissue development, little is known about how submicroscopic biomechanical forces can influence key stem cell behaviors. This review will detail the use of micro-/nano-technologies that are advancing our current understanding of stem cell mechanobiology, and mechanoregulation of stem cell fate using engineered surface topographies and small-scale patterning techniques. The involvement of focal adhesions and the cytoskeleton systems as a common biophysical impetus through which these mechanical signals are transduced via distinct signaling pathways will also be discussed. These insights are envisioned to provide the basis for the rational design of future biocompatible materials and may inspire alternative drug-free therapeutic strategies to manage diseased sites via biomechanical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chor Yong Tay
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117576, Singapore
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