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Mancini A, Gentile MT, Pentimalli F, Cortellino S, Grieco M, Giordano A. Multiple aspects of matrix stiffness in cancer progression. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1406644. [PMID: 39015505 PMCID: PMC11249764 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1406644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The biophysical and biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are crucial in the processes of cell differentiation and proliferation. However, it is unclear to what extent tumor cells are influenced by biomechanical and biophysical changes of the surrounding microenvironment and how this response varies between different tumor forms, and over the course of tumor progression. The entire ensemble of genes encoding the ECM associated proteins is called matrisome. In cancer, the ECM evolves to become highly dysregulated, rigid, and fibrotic, serving both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic roles. Tumor desmoplasia is characterized by a dramatic increase of α-smooth muscle actin expressing fibroblast and the deposition of hard ECM containing collagen, fibronectin, proteoglycans, and hyaluronic acid and is common in many solid tumors. In this review, we described the role of inflammation and inflammatory cytokines, in desmoplastic matrix remodeling, tumor state transition driven by microenvironment forces and the signaling pathways in mechanotransduction as potential targeted therapies, focusing on the impact of qualitative and quantitative variations of the ECM on the regulation of tumor development, hypothesizing the presence of matrisome drivers, acting alongside the cell-intrinsic oncogenic drivers, in some stages of neoplastic progression and in some tumor contexts, such as pancreatic carcinoma, breast cancer, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Mancini
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- BioUp Sagl, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Maria Teresa Gentile
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University “Giuseppe De Gennaro,” Casamassima, Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cortellino
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Responsible Research Hospital, Campobasso, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM), Clinical and Translational Oncology, Naples, NA, Italy
- Sbarro Health Research Organization (S.H.R.O.) Italia Foundation ETS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Michele Grieco
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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2
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Teixeira Polez R, Huynh N, Pridgeon CS, Valle-Delgado JJ, Harjumäki R, Österberg M. Insights into spheroids formation in cellulose nanofibrils and Matrigel hydrogels using AFM-based techniques. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101065. [PMID: 38706731 PMCID: PMC11066555 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The recent FDA decision to eliminate animal testing requirements emphasises the role of cell models, such as spheroids, as regulatory test alternatives for investigations of cellular behaviour, drug responses, and disease modelling. The influence of environment on spheroid formation are incompletely understood, leading to uncertainty in matrix selection for scaffold-based 3D culture. This study uses atomic force microscopy-based techniques to quantify cell adhesion to Matrigel and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), and cell-cell adhesion forces, and their role in spheroid formation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS(IMR90)-4). Results showed different cell behaviour in CNF and Matrigel cultures. Both cell lines formed compact spheroids in CNF but loose cell aggregates in Matrigel. Interestingly, the type of cell adhesion protein, and not the bond strength, appeared to be a key factor in the formation of compact spheroids. The gene expression of E- and N-cadherins, proteins on cell membrane responsible for cell-cell interactions, was increased in CNF culture, leading to formation of compact spheroids while Matrigel culture induced integrin-laminin binding and downregulated E-cadherin expression, resulting in looser cell aggregates. These findings enhance our understanding of cell-biomaterial interactions in 3D cultures and offer insights for improved 3D cell models, culture biomaterials, and applications in drug research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Teixeira Polez
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Aalto, Finland
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ngoc Huynh
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Aalto, Finland
| | - Chris S. Pridgeon
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Aalto, Finland
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juan José Valle-Delgado
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Aalto, Finland
| | - Riina Harjumäki
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Monika Österberg
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Aalto, Finland
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3
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Cambria E, Coughlin MF, Floryan MA, Offeddu GS, Shelton SE, Kamm RD. Linking cell mechanical memory and cancer metastasis. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:216-228. [PMID: 38238471 PMCID: PMC11146605 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00656-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis causes most cancer-related deaths; however, the efficacy of anti-metastatic drugs is limited by incomplete understanding of the biological mechanisms that drive metastasis. Focusing on the mechanics of metastasis, we propose that the ability of tumour cells to survive the metastatic process is enhanced by mechanical stresses in the primary tumour microenvironment that select for well-adapted cells. In this Perspective, we suggest that biophysical adaptations favourable for metastasis are retained via mechanical memory, such that the extent of memory is influenced by both the magnitude and duration of the mechanical stress. Among the mechanical cues present in the primary tumour microenvironment, we focus on high matrix stiffness to illustrate how it alters tumour cell proliferation, survival, secretion of molecular factors, force generation, deformability, migration and invasion. We particularly centre our discussion on potential mechanisms of mechanical memory formation and retention via mechanotransduction and persistent epigenetic changes. Indeed, we propose that the biophysical adaptations that are induced by this process are retained throughout the metastatic process to improve tumour cell extravasation, survival and colonization in the distant organ. Deciphering mechanical memory mechanisms will be key to discovering a new class of anti-metastatic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cambria
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Mark F Coughlin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marie A Floryan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Giovanni S Offeddu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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4
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Pillai EK, Franze K. Mechanics in the nervous system: From development to disease. Neuron 2024; 112:342-361. [PMID: 37967561 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Physical forces are ubiquitous in biological processes across scales and diverse contexts. This review highlights the significance of mechanical forces in nervous system development, homeostasis, and disease. We provide an overview of mechanical signals present in the nervous system and delve into mechanotransduction mechanisms translating these mechanical cues into biochemical signals. During development, mechanical cues regulate a plethora of processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, network formation, and cortex folding. Forces then continue exerting their influence on physiological processes, such as neuronal activity, glial cell function, and the interplay between these different cell types. Notably, changes in tissue mechanics manifest in neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors, potentially offering new diagnostic and therapeutic target opportunities. Understanding the role of cellular forces and tissue mechanics in nervous system physiology and pathology adds a new facet to neurobiology, shedding new light on many processes that remain incompletely understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva K Pillai
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Institute of Medical Physics and Microtissue Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestraße 91, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Kussmaulallee 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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5
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Zhang Y, Wang Z, Sun Q, Li Q, Li S, Li X. Dynamic Hydrogels with Viscoelasticity and Tunable Stiffness for the Regulation of Cell Behavior and Fate. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:5161. [PMID: 37512435 PMCID: PMC10386333 DOI: 10.3390/ma16145161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) of natural cells typically exhibits dynamic mechanical properties (viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness). The viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness of the ECM play a crucial role in biological processes, such as tissue growth, development, physiology, and disease. Hydrogels with viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness have recently been used to investigate the regulation of cell behavior and fate. This article first emphasizes the importance of tissue viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness and provides an overview of characterization techniques at both macro- and microscale. Then, the viscoelastic hydrogels (crosslinked via ion bonding, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and supramolecular interactions) and dynamic stiffness hydrogels (softening, stiffening, and reversible stiffness) with different crosslinking strategies are summarized, along with the significant impact of viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness on cell spreading, proliferation, migration, and differentiation in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures. Finally, the emerging trends in the development of dynamic mechanical hydrogels are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Zhang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China (Q.L.)
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-Nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhuofan Wang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China (Q.L.)
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-Nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingqing Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China (Q.L.)
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-Nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shaohui Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China (Q.L.)
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-Nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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Niemczyk-Soczynska B, Kolbuk D, Mikulowski G, Ciechomska IA, Sajkiewicz P. Methylcellulose/agarose hydrogel loaded with short electrospun PLLA/laminin fibers as an injectable scaffold for tissue engineering/3D cell culture model for tumour therapies. RSC Adv 2023; 13:11889-11902. [PMID: 37077262 PMCID: PMC10107725 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra00851g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This research aimed at designing and fabricating a smart thermosensitive injectable methylcellulose/agarose hydrogel system loaded with short electrospun bioactive PLLA/laminin fibers as a scaffold for tissue engineering applications or 3D cell culture models. Considering ECM-mimicking morphology and chemical composition, such a scaffold is capable of ensuring a hospitable environment for cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Its viscoelastic properties are beneficial from the practical perspective of minimally invasive materials that are introduced to the body via injection. Viscosity studies showed the shear-thinning character of MC/AGR hydrogels enabling the potential injection ability of highly viscous materials. Injectability tests showed that by tuning the injection rate, even a high amount of short fibers loaded inside of hydrogel could be efficiently injected into the tissue. Biological studies showed the non-toxic character of composite material with excellent viability, attachment, spreading, and proliferation of fibroblasts and glioma cells. These findings indicate that MC/AGR hydrogel loaded with short PLLA/laminin fibers is a promising biomaterial for both tissue engineering applications and 3D tumor culture models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Niemczyk-Soczynska
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences Pawinskiego 5b St. 02-106 Warsaw Poland
| | - Dorota Kolbuk
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences Pawinskiego 5b St. 02-106 Warsaw Poland
| | - Grzegorz Mikulowski
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences Pawinskiego 5b St. 02-106 Warsaw Poland
| | - Iwona A Ciechomska
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS 3 Pasteur Street 02-093 Warsaw Poland
| | - Pawel Sajkiewicz
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences Pawinskiego 5b St. 02-106 Warsaw Poland
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7
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Heydari P, Varshosaz J, Kharaziha M, Javanmard SH. Antibacterial and pH-sensitive methacrylate poly-L-Arginine/poly (β-amino ester) polymer for soft tissue engineering. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2023; 34:16. [PMID: 37036618 PMCID: PMC10085925 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-023-06720-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
During the last decade, pH-sensitive biomaterials containing antibacterial agents have grown exponentially in soft tissue engineering. The aim of this study is to synthesize a biodegradable pH sensitive and antibacterial hydrogel with adjustable mechanical and physical properties for soft tissue engineering. This biodegradable copolymer hydrogel was made of Poly-L-Arginine methacrylate (Poly-L-ArgMA) and different poly (β- amino ester) (PβAE) polymers. PβAE was prepared with four different diacrylate/diamine monomers including; 1.1:1 (PβAE1), 1.5:1 (PβAE1.5), 2:1 (PβAE2), and 3:1 (PβAE3), which was UV cross-linked using dimethoxy phenyl-acetophenone agent. These PβAE were then used for preparation of Poly-L-ArgMA/PβAE polymers and revealed a tunable swelling ratio, depending on the pH conditions. Noticeably, the swelling ratio increased by 1.5 times when the pH decreased from 7.4 to 5.6 in the Poly-L-ArgMA/PβAE1.5 sample. Also, the controllable degradation rate and different mechanical properties were obtained, depending on the PβAE monomer ratio. Noticeably, the tensile strength of the PβAE hydrogel increased from 0.10 ± 0.04 MPa to 2.42 ± 0.3 MPa, when the acrylate/diamine monomer molar ratio increased from 1.1:1 to 3:1. In addition, Poly-L-ArgMA/PβAE samples significantly improved L929 cell viability, attachment and proliferation. Poly-L-ArgMA also enhanced the antibacterial activities of PβAE against both Escherichia coli (~5.1 times) and Staphylococcus aureus (~2.7 times). In summary, the antibacterial and pH-sensitive Poly-L-ArgMA/PβAE1.5 with suitable mechanical, degradation and biological properties could be an appropriate candidate for soft tissue engineering, specifically wound healing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Heydari
- Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Jaleh Varshosaz
- Novel Drug Delivery Systems Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mahshid Kharaziha
- Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran.
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Isfahan, Iran
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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8
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Tang RZ, Liu XQ. Biophysical cues of in vitro biomaterials-based artificial extracellular matrix guide cancer cell plasticity. Mater Today Bio 2023; 19:100607. [PMID: 36960095 PMCID: PMC10027567 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence supports a role for the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cancer plasticity across multiple tumor types. The lack of in vitro models that represent the native ECMs is a significant challenge for cancer research and drug discovery. Therefore, a major motivation for developing new tumor models is to create the artificial ECM in vitro. Engineered biomaterials can closely mimic the architectural and mechanical properties of ECM to investigate their specific effects on cancer progression, offering an alternative to animal models for the testing of cancer cell behaviors. In this review, we focused on the biomaterials from different sources applied in the fabrication of the artificial ECM and their biophysical cues to recapitulate key features of tumor niche. Furthermore, we summarized how the distinct biophysical cues guided cell behaviors of cancer plasticity, including morphology, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSCs), proliferation, migration/invasion and drug resistance. We also discuss the future opportunities in using the artificial ECM for applications of tumorigenesis research and precision medicine, as well as provide useful messages of principles for designing suitable biomaterial scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Zhi Tang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei Province, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430014, PR China
| | - Xi-Qiu Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
- Corresponding author.
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9
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Urcun S, Baroli D, Rohan PY, Skalli W, Lubrano V, Bordas SP, Sciumè G. Non-operable glioblastoma: Proposition of patient-specific forecasting by image-informed poromechanical model. BRAIN MULTIPHYSICS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brain.2023.100067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
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10
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Purushothaman A, Mohajeri M, Lele TP. The role of glycans in the mechanobiology of cancer. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102935. [PMID: 36693448 PMCID: PMC9930169 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Although cancer is a genetic disease, physical changes such as stiffening of the extracellular matrix also commonly occur in cancer. Cancer cells sense and respond to extracellular matrix stiffening through the process of mechanotransduction. Cancer cell mechanotransduction can enhance cancer-promoting cell behaviors such as survival signaling, proliferation, and migration. Glycans, carbohydrate-based polymers, have recently emerged as important mediators and/or modulators of cancer cell mechanotransduction. Stiffer tumors are characterized by increased glycan content on cancer cells and their associated extracellular matrix. Here we review the role of cancer-associated glycans in coupled mechanical and biochemical alterations during cancer progression. We discuss the recent evidence on how increased expression of different glycans, in the form of glycoproteins and proteoglycans, contributes to both mechanical changes in tumors and corresponding cancer cell responses. We conclude with a summary of emerging tools that can be used to modify glycans for future studies in cancer mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Purushothaman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Mohammad Mohajeri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Tanmay P Lele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA; Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA; Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA.
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11
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Tischenko K, Brill-Karniely Y, Steinberg E, Segev-Yekutiel H, Benny O. Surface physical cues mediate the uptake of foreign particles by cancer cells. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:016113. [PMID: 36960390 PMCID: PMC10030191 DOI: 10.1063/5.0138245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer phenotypes are often associated with changes in the mechanical states of cells and their microenvironments. Numerous studies have established correlations between cancer cell malignancy and cell deformability at the single-cell level. The mechanical deformation of cells is required for the internalization of large colloidal particles. Compared to normal epithelial cells, cancer cells show higher capacities to distort their shapes during the engulfment of external particles, thus performing phagocytic-like processes more efficiently. This link between cell deformability and particle uptake suggests that the cell's adherence state may affect this particle uptake, as cells become stiffer when plated on a more rigid substrate and vice versa. Based on this, we hypothesized that cancer cells of the same origin, which are subjected to external mechanical cues through attachment to surfaces with varying rigidities, may express different capacities to uptake foreign particles. The effects of substrate rigidity on cancer cell uptake of inert particles (0.8 and 2.4 μm) were examined using surfaces with physiologically relevant rigidities (from 0.5 to 64 kPa). Our data demonstrate a wave-like ("meandering") dependence of cell uptake on the rigidity of the culture substrate explained by a superposition of opposing physical and biological effects. The uptake patterns were inversely correlated with the expression of phosphorylated paxillin, indicating that the initial passive particle absorbance is the primary limiting step toward complete uptake. Overall, our findings may provide a foundation for mechanical rationalization of particle uptake design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Tischenko
- Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001 Israel
| | - Yifat Brill-Karniely
- Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001 Israel
| | - Eliana Steinberg
- Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001 Israel
| | - Hadas Segev-Yekutiel
- The Core Research Facility, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001 Israel
| | - Ofra Benny
- Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001 Israel
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12
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Liu Y, Li L, Wang L, Lu L, Li Y, Huang G, Song J. 'Two-faces' of hyaluronan, a dynamic barometer of disease progression in tumor microenvironment. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:11. [PMID: 36698043 PMCID: PMC9877274 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00618-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA) is a linear polysaccharide consisting of disaccharide units which are the D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. As the largest component of the extracellular matrix in microenvironment, HA polymers with different molecular weights vary in properties to molecular biology function. High molecular weight HA (HMW-HA) is mainly found in normal tissue or physiological condition, and exhibits lubrication and protection properties due to its good water retention and viscoelasticity. On the other hand, an increase in HA catabolism leads to the accumulation of low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) under pathological circumstances such as inflammation, pre-cancerous and tumor microenvironment. LMW-HA acts as extracellular signals to enhance tumorigenic and metastatic phenotype, such as energy reprogramming, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. This review discusses the basic properties of this simplest carbohydrate molecule in ECM with enormous potential, and its regulatory role between tumorigenesis and microenvironmental homeostasis. The extensive discoveries of the mechanisms underlying the roles of HA in various physiological and pathological processes would provide more information for future research in the fields of biomimetic materials, pharmaceutical and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine & Pharmaceutical Science, Nanning, 530001, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Standards, Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine & Pharmaceutical Science, Nanning, 530001, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine & Pharmaceutical Science, Nanning, 530001, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Standards, Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine & Pharmaceutical Science, Nanning, 530001, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine & Pharmaceutical Science, Nanning, 530001, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Standards, Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine & Pharmaceutical Science, Nanning, 530001, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Lu
- School of Medicine & Health, Guangxi Vocational & Technical Institute of Industry, Nanning, 530001, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Orthopaedics and Traumatology Hospital, Nanning, 530012, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Guolin Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital of Nanning, Nanning, 530022, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinjing Song
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital of Nanning, Nanning, 530022, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
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13
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Nikolić M, Scarcelli G, Tanner K. Multimodal microscale mechanical mapping of cancer cells in complex microenvironments. Biophys J 2022; 121:3586-3599. [PMID: 36059196 PMCID: PMC9617162 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical phenotype of the cell is critical for survival following deformations due to confinement and fluid flow. One idea is that cancer cells are plastic and adopt different mechanical phenotypes under different geometries that aid in their survival. Thus, an attractive goal is to disrupt cancer cells' ability to adopt multiple mechanical states. To begin to address this question, we aimed to quantify the diversity of these mechanical states using in vitro biomimetics to mimic in vivo two-dimensional (2D) and 3D extracellular matrix environments. Here, we used two modalities Brillouin microscopy (∼GHz) and broadband frequency (7-15 kHz) optical tweezer microrheology to measure microscale cell mechanics. We measured the response of intracellular mechanics of cancer cells cultured in 2D and 3D environments where we modified substrate stiffness, dimensionality (2D versus 3D), and presence of fibrillar topography. We determined that there was good agreement between two modalities despite the difference in timescale of the two measurements. These findings on cell mechanical phenotype in different environments confirm a correlation between modalities that employ different mechanisms at different temporal scales (Hz-kHz versus GHz). We also determined that observed heterogeneity in cell shape is more closely linked to the cells' mechanical state. Moreover, individual cells in multicellular spheroids exhibit a lower degree of mechanical heterogeneity when compared with single cells cultured in monodisperse 3D cultures. The observed decreased heterogeneity among cells in spheroids suggested that there is mechanical cooperativity between cells that make up a single spheroid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloš Nikolić
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Maryland Biophysics Program, IPST, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Giuliano Scarcelli
- Maryland Biophysics Program, IPST, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland; Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Kandice Tanner
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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14
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Hockenberry MA, Legant WR. Cells in the mechanical spotlight. Biophys J 2022; 121:3571-3572. [PMID: 36115341 PMCID: PMC9617153 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Max A Hockenberry
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Wesley R Legant
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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15
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How do cells stiffen? Biochem J 2022; 479:1825-1842. [PMID: 36094371 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cell stiffness is an important characteristic of cells and their response to external stimuli. In this review, we survey methods used to measure cell stiffness, summarize stimuli that alter cell stiffness, and discuss signaling pathways and mechanisms that control cell stiffness. Several pathological states are characterized by changes in cell stiffness, suggesting this property can serve as a potential diagnostic marker or therapeutic target. Therefore, we consider the effect of cell stiffness on signaling and growth processes required for homeostasis and dysfunction in healthy and pathological states. Specifically, the composition and structure of the cell membrane and cytoskeleton are major determinants of cell stiffness, and studies have identified signaling pathways that affect cytoskeletal dynamics both directly and by altered gene expression. We present the results of studies interrogating the effects of biophysical and biochemical stimuli on the cytoskeleton and other cellular components and how these factors determine the stiffness of both individual cells and multicellular structures. Overall, these studies represent an intersection of the fields of polymer physics, protein biochemistry, and mechanics, and identify specific mechanisms involved in mediating cell stiffness that can serve as therapeutic targets.
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16
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Grundy TJ, Orcheston-Findlay L, de Silva E, Jegathees T, Prior V, Sarker FA, O'Neill GM. Mechanosensitive expression of the mesenchymal subtype marker connective tissue growth factor in glioblastoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14982. [PMID: 36056123 PMCID: PMC9440209 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19175-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces created by the extracellular environment regulate biochemical signals that modulate the inter-related cellular phenotypes of morphology, proliferation, and migration. A stiff microenvironment induces glioblastoma (GBM) cells to develop prominent actin stress fibres, take on a spread morphology and adopt trapezoid shapes, when cultured in 2D, which are phenotypes characteristic of a mesenchymal cell program. The mesenchymal subtype is the most aggressive among the molecular GBM subtypes. Recurrent GBM have been reported to transition to mesenchymal. We therefore sought to test the hypothesis that stiffer microenvironments-such as those found in different brain anatomical structures and induced following treatment-contribute to the expression of markers characterising the mesenchymal subtype. We cultured primary patient-derived cell lines that reflect the three common GBM subtypes (mesenchymal, proneural and classical) on polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels with controlled stiffnesses spanning the healthy and pathological tissue range. We then assessed the canonical mesenchymal markers Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) and yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) expression, via immunofluorescence. Replating techniques and drug-mediated manipulation of the actin cytoskeleton were utilised to ascertain the response of the cells to differing mechanical environments. We demonstrate that CTGF is induced rapidly following adhesion to a rigid substrate and is independent of actin filament formation. Collectively, our data suggest that microenvironmental rigidity can stimulate expression of mesenchymal-associated molecules in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas James Grundy
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Louise Orcheston-Findlay
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Eshana de Silva
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Thuvarahan Jegathees
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
| | - Victoria Prior
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
| | - Farhana Amy Sarker
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
| | - Geraldine Margaret O'Neill
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia.
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17
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Basilico B, Palamà IE, D’Amone S, Lauro C, Rosito M, Grieco M, Ratano P, Cordella F, Sanchini C, Di Angelantonio S, Ragozzino D, Cascione M, Gigli G, Cortese B. Substrate stiffness effect on molecular crosstalk of epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediators of human glioblastoma cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:983507. [PMID: 36091138 PMCID: PMC9454310 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.983507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the microenvironment effects on cell response, show accumulating evidence that glioblastoma (GBM) migration and invasiveness are influenced by the mechanical rigidity of their surroundings. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-recognized driving force of the invasive behavior of cancer. However, the primary mechanisms of EMT initiation and progression remain unclear. We have previously showed that certain substrate stiffness can selectively stimulate human GBM U251-MG and GL15 glioblastoma cell lines motility. The present study unifies several known EMT mediators to uncover the reason of the regulation and response to these stiffnesses. Our results revealed that changing the rigidity of the mechanical environment tuned the response of both cell lines through change in morphological features, epithelial-mesenchymal markers (E-, N-Cadherin), EGFR and ROS expressions in an interrelated manner. Specifically, a stiffer microenvironment induced a mesenchymal cell shape, a more fragmented morphology, higher intracellular cytosolic ROS expression and lower mitochondrial ROS. Finally, we observed that cells more motile showed a more depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential. Unravelling the process that regulates GBM cells’ infiltrative behavior could provide new opportunities for identification of new targets and less invasive approaches for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilaria Elena Palamà
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Lecce, Italy
| | - Stefania D’Amone
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Lecce, Italy
| | - Clotilde Lauro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Maddalena Grieco
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Lecce, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ratano
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Cordella
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Sanchini
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Ragozzino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi” University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Barbara Cortese
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Barbara Cortese,
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18
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Sahan AZ, Baday M, Patel CB. Biomimetic Hydrogels in the Study of Cancer Mechanobiology: Overview, Biomedical Applications, and Future Perspectives. Gels 2022; 8:gels8080496. [PMID: 36005097 PMCID: PMC9407355 DOI: 10.3390/gels8080496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels are biocompatible polymers that are tunable to the system under study, allowing them to be widely used in medicine, bioprinting, tissue engineering, and biomechanics. Hydrogels are used to mimic the three-dimensional microenvironment of tissues, which is essential to understanding cell–cell interactions and intracellular signaling pathways (e.g., proliferation, apoptosis, growth, and survival). Emerging evidence suggests that the malignant properties of cancer cells depend on mechanical cues that arise from changes in their microenvironment. These mechanobiological cues include stiffness, shear stress, and pressure, and have an impact on cancer proliferation and invasion. The hydrogels can be tuned to simulate these mechanobiological tissue properties. Although interest in and research on the biomedical applications of hydrogels has increased in the past 25 years, there is still much to learn about the development of biomimetic hydrogels and their potential applications in biomedical and clinical settings. This review highlights the application of hydrogels in developing pre-clinical cancer models and their potential for translation to human disease with a focus on reviewing the utility of such models in studying glioblastoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Z. Sahan
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Murat Baday
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Precision Health and Integrated Diagnostics Center, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (C.B.P.)
| | - Chirag B. Patel
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (C.B.P.)
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19
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Substrate viscosity impairs temozolomide-mediated inhibition of glioblastoma cells' growth. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166513. [PMID: 35932892 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanical state of the extracellular environment of the brain cells considerably affects their phenotype during the development of central nervous system (CNS) pathologies, and when the cells respond to drugs. The reports on the evaluation of the viscoelastic properties of different brain tumors have shown that both tissue stiffness and viscosity can be altered during cancer development. Although a compelling number of reports established the role of substrate stiffness on the proliferation, motility, and drug sensitivity of brain cancer cells, there is a lack of parallel data in terms of alterations in substrate viscosity. METHODS Based on viscoelasticity measurements of rat brain samples using strain rheometry, polyacrylamide (PAA) hydrogels mimicking elastic and viscous parameters of the tissues were prepared. Optical microscopy and flow cytometry were employed to assess the differences in glioblastoma cells morphology, proliferation, and cytotoxicity of anticancer drug temozolomide (TZM) due to increased substrate viscosity. RESULTS Our results indicate that changes in substrate viscosity affect the proliferation of untreated glioma cells to a lesser extent, but have a significant impact on the apoptosis-associated depolarization of mitochondria and level of DNA fragmentation. This suggests that viscosity sensing and stiffness sensing machinery can activate different signaling pathways in glioma cells. CONCLUSION Collected data indicate that viscosity should be considered an important parameter in in vitro polymer-based cell culture systems used for drug screening.
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20
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Mechanical Properties of the Extracellular Environment of Human Brain Cells Drive the Effectiveness of Drugs in Fighting Central Nervous System Cancers. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12070927. [PMID: 35884733 PMCID: PMC9313046 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of nanomechanical properties of tissues in health and disease is of increasing interest to scientists. It has been confirmed that these properties, determined in part by the composition of the extracellular matrix, significantly affect tissue physiology and the biological behavior of cells, mainly in terms of their adhesion, mobility, or ability to mutate. Importantly, pathophysiological changes that determine disease development within the tissue usually result in significant changes in tissue mechanics that might potentially affect the drug efficacy, which is important from the perspective of development of new therapeutics, since most of the currently used in vitro experimental models for drug testing do not account for these properties. Here, we provide a summary of the current understanding of how the mechanical properties of brain tissue change in pathological conditions, and how the activity of the therapeutic agents is linked to this mechanical state.
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21
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Lubanska D, Alrashed S, Mason GT, Nadeem F, Awada A, DiPasquale M, Sorge A, Malik A, Kojic M, Soliman MAR, deCarvalho AC, Shamisa A, Kulkarni S, Marquardt D, Porter LA, Rondeau-Gagné S. Impairing proliferation of glioblastoma multiforme with CD44+ selective conjugated polymer nanoparticles. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12078. [PMID: 35840697 PMCID: PMC9287456 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15244-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer with success of therapy being hampered by the existence of treatment resistant populations of stem-like Tumour Initiating Cells (TICs) and poor blood-brain barrier drug penetration. Therapies capable of effectively targeting the TIC population are in high demand. Here, we synthesize spherical diketopyrrolopyrrole-based Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles (CPNs) with an average diameter of 109 nm. CPNs were designed to include fluorescein-conjugated Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a ligand for the CD44 receptor present on one population of TICs. We demonstrate blood-brain barrier permeability of this system and concentration and cell cycle phase-dependent selective uptake of HA-CPNs in CD44 positive GBM-patient derived cultures. Interestingly, we found that uptake alone regulated the levels and signaling activity of the CD44 receptor, decreasing stemness, invasive properties and proliferation of the CD44-TIC populations in vitro and in a patient-derived xenograft zebrafish model. This work proposes a novel, CPN- based, and surface moiety-driven selective way of targeting of TIC populations in brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Lubanska
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Sami Alrashed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Gage T Mason
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Fatima Nadeem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Angela Awada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Mitchell DiPasquale
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Alexandra Sorge
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Aleena Malik
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Monika Kojic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Mohamed A R Soliman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ana C deCarvalho
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Abdalla Shamisa
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Swati Kulkarni
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Drew Marquardt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
- Department of Physics, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Lisa A Porter
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada.
| | - Simon Rondeau-Gagné
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada.
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22
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Carvalho AM, Soares da Costa D, Reis RL, Pashkuleva I. RHAMM expression tunes the response of breast cancer cell lines to hyaluronan. Acta Biomater 2022; 146:187-196. [PMID: 35577044 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA) synthesis and degradation are altered during carcinogenesis leading to an increased HA content in the tumor microenvironment, which correlates with poor prognosis and treatment outcomes. The main HA receptors, CD44 and RHAMM, are also overexpressed in tumors where they activate anti-apoptotic, proliferative, invasive, and migration signaling pathways. Herein, we used a unidirectional HA gradient to investigate in a high-throughput fashion the bi-directional communication between HA and breast cancer cell lines with different surface expression of CD44 and RHAMM. We found that the expression of CD44 and RHAMM depends on the HA density: the expression of these receptors is promoted at higher HA density and RHAMM is more sensitive to these changes when compared to CD44. Blocking either CD44 or RHAMM revealed different functions on binding and recognizing HA and a compensatory expression between these two receptors that maintains protumorigenic effectors such as cortactin. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We show that the expression of main hyaluronan (HA) receptors CD44 and RHAMM is enhanced in a HA concentration-dependent manner. Blocking activity experiments with either RHAMM or CD44 reveal the redundancy of these two receptors towards HA recognition and activation/recruitment of protumorigenic molecular effector, cortactin. These experiments also demonstrate that cells with overexpressed RHAMM are more sensitive to HA density than CD44 positive cells. The reported results are important for the development of therapies that target the hyaluronan signaling in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Carvalho
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, University of Minho, Portugal
| | - Diana Soares da Costa
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, University of Minho, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, University of Minho, Portugal
| | - Iva Pashkuleva
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, University of Minho, Portugal.
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23
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Guo T, He C, Venado A, Zhou Y. Extracellular Matrix Stiffness in Lung Health and Disease. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3523-3558. [PMID: 35766837 PMCID: PMC10088466 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and imparts a wide variety of environmental cues to cells. In the past decade, a growing body of work revealed that the mechanical properties of the ECM, commonly known as matrix stiffness, regulate the fundamental cellular processes of the lung. There is growing appreciation that mechanical interplays between cells and associated ECM are essential to maintain lung homeostasis. Dysregulation of ECM-derived mechanical signaling via altered mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways is associated with many common lung diseases. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of lung fibrosis. The stiffened ECM is not merely a sequelae of lung fibrosis but can actively drive the progression of fibrotic lung disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view on the role of matrix stiffness in lung health and disease. We begin by summarizing the effects of matrix stiffness on the function and behavior of various lung cell types and on regulation of biomolecule activity and key physiological processes, including host immune response and cellular metabolism. We discuss the potential mechanisms by which cells probe matrix stiffness and convert mechanical signals to regulate gene expression. We highlight the factors that govern matrix stiffness and outline the role of matrix stiffness in lung development and the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. We envision targeting of deleterious matrix mechanical cues for treatment of fibrotic lung disease. Advances in technologies for matrix stiffness measurements and design of stiffness-tunable matrix substrates are also explored. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3523-3558, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao He
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Aida Venado
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yong Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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24
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Bruns J, Egan T, Mercier P, Zustiak SP. Glioblastoma spheroid growth and chemotherapeutic responses in single and dual-stiffness hydrogels. Acta Biomater 2022; 163:400-414. [PMID: 35659918 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the deadliest brain tumor for which there is no cure. Bioengineered GBM models, such as hydrogel-encapsulated spheroids, that capture both cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions could facilitate testing of much needed therapies. Elucidation of specific microenvironment properties on spheroid responsiveness to therapeutics would enhance the usefulness of GBM models as predictive drug screening platforms. Here, GBM spheroids consisting of U87 or patient-derived GBM cells were encapsulated in soft (∼1 kPa), stiff (∼7 kPa), and dual-stiffness polyethylene glycol-based hydrogels, with GBM spheroids seeded at the stiffness interface. Spheroids were cultured for 7 days and examined for viability, size, invasion, laminin expression, hypoxia, proliferation, and response to the chemotherapeutic temozolomide (TMZ). We noted excellent cell viability in all hydrogels, and higher infiltration in soft compared to stiff hydrogels for U87 spheroids. In dual gels spheroids mostly infiltrated away from the stiffness interface with minimal crossing over it and some individual cell migration along the interface. U87 spheroids were equally responsive to TMZ in the soft and stiff hydrogels, but cell viability in the spheroid periphery was higher than the core for stiff hydrogels whereas the opposite was true for soft hydrogels. HIF1A expression was higher in the core of spheroids in the stiff hydrogels, while there was no difference in cell proliferation between spheroids in the stiff vs soft hydrogels. Patient-derived GBM spheroids did not show stiffness-dependent drug responses. U87 cells showed similar laminin expression in soft and stiff hydrogels with higher expression in the spheroid periphery compared to the core. Our results indicate that microenvironment stiffness needs to be considered in bioengineered GBM models including those designed for use in drug screening applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Recent work on tumor models engineered for use in drug screening has highlighted the potential of hydrogel-encapsulated spheroids as a simple, yet effective platform that show drug responses similar to native tumors. It has also been shown that substrate stiffness, in vivo and in vitro, affects cancer cell responses to drugs. This is particularly important for glioblastoma (GBM), the deadliest brain cancer, as GBM cells invade by following the stiffer brain structures such as white matter tracks and the perivascular niche. Invading cells have also been associated with higher resistance to chemotherapy. Here we developed GBM spheroid models using soft, stiff and dual-stiffness hydrogels to explore the connection between substrate stiffness, spheroid invasion and drug responsiveness in a controlled environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Bruns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Terrance Egan
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Philippe Mercier
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Silviya P Zustiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA.
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25
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Khoonkari M, Liang D, Kamperman M, Kruyt FAE, van Rijn P. Physics of Brain Cancer: Multiscale Alterations of Glioblastoma Cells under Extracellular Matrix Stiffening. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14051031. [PMID: 35631616 PMCID: PMC9145282 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14051031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The biology and physics underlying glioblastoma is not yet completely understood, resulting in the limited efficacy of current clinical therapy. Recent studies have indicated the importance of mechanical stress on the development and malignancy of cancer. Various types of mechanical stress activate adaptive tumor cell responses that include alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM) which have an impact on tumor malignancy. In this review, we describe and discuss the current knowledge of the effects of ECM alterations and mechanical stress on GBM aggressiveness. Gradual changes in the brain ECM have been connected to the biological and physical alterations of GBM cells. For example, increased expression of several ECM components such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), hyaluronic acid (HA), proteoglycans and fibrous proteins result in stiffening of the brain ECM, which alters inter- and intracellular signaling activity. Several mechanosensing signaling pathways have been identified that orchestrate adaptive responses, such as Hippo/YAP, CD44, and actin skeleton signaling, which remodel the cytoskeleton and affect cellular properties such as cell–cell/ECM interactions, growth, and migration/invasion of GBM cells. In vitro, hydrogels are used as a model to mimic the stiffening of the brain ECM and reconstruct its mechanics, which we also discuss. Overall, we provide an overview of the tumor microenvironmental landscape of GBM with a focus on ECM stiffening and its associated adaptive cellular signaling pathways and their possible therapeutic exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Khoonkari
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (M.K.); (D.L.)
- Polymer Science, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Dong Liang
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (M.K.); (D.L.)
| | - Marleen Kamperman
- Polymer Science, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Frank A. E. Kruyt
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (M.K.); (D.L.)
- Correspondence: (F.A.E.K.); (P.v.R.)
| | - Patrick van Rijn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (F.A.E.K.); (P.v.R.)
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26
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Dabiri SMH, Samiei E, Shojaei S, Karperien L, Khun Jush B, Walsh T, Jahanshahi M, Hassanpour S, Hamdi D, Seyfoori A, Ahadian S, Khademhosseini A, Akbari M. Multifunctional Thermoresponsive Microcarriers for High-Throughput Cell Culture and Enzyme-Free Cell Harvesting. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2103192. [PMID: 34558181 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202103192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
An effective treatment of human diseases using regenerative medicine and cell therapy approaches requires a large number of cells. Cultivation of cells on microcarriers is a promising approach due to the high surface-to-volume ratios that these microcarriers offer. Here, multifunctional temperature-responsive microcarriers (cytoGel) made of an interpenetrating hydrogel network composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) are developed. A flow-focusing microfluidic chip is used to produce microcarriers with diameters in the range of 100-300 μm and uniform size distribution (polydispersity index of ≈0.08). The mechanical properties and cells adhesion properties of cytoGel are adjusted by changing the composition hydrogel composition. Notably, GelMA regulates the temperature response and enhances microcarrier stiffness. Human-derived glioma cells (U87) are grown on cytoGel in static and dynamic culture conditions with cell viabilities greater than 90%. Enzyme-free cell detachment is achieved at room temperature with up to 70% detachment efficiency. Controlled release of bioactive molecules from cytoGel is accomplished for over a week to showcase the potential use of microcarriers for localized delivery of growth factors to cell surfaces. These microcarriers hold great promise for the efficient expansion of cells for the industrial-scale culture of therapeutic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Hossein Dabiri
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Ehsan Samiei
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Shahla Shojaei
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Lucas Karperien
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Bardia Khun Jush
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Tavia Walsh
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Maryam Jahanshahi
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Sadegh Hassanpour
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - David Hamdi
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Amir Seyfoori
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Samad Ahadian
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Mohsen Akbari
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Biotechnology Center, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2A, Gliwice, 44-100, Poland
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27
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Lekka M, Gnanachandran K, Kubiak A, Zieliński T, Zemła J. Traction force microscopy - Measuring the forces exerted by cells. Micron 2021; 150:103138. [PMID: 34416532 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2021.103138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cells generate mechanical forces (traction forces, TFs) while interacting with the extracellular matrix or neighbouring cells. Forces are generated by both cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) and transmitted within the cell-ECM or cell-cell contacts involving focal adhesions or adherens junctions. Within more than two decades, substantial progress has been achieved in techniques that measure TFs. One of the techniques is traction force microscopy (TFM). This review discusses the TFM and its advances in measuring TFs exerted by cells (single cells and multicellular systems) at cell-ECM and cell-cell junctional intracellular interfaces. The answers to how cells sense, adapt and respond to mechanical forces unravel their role in controlling and regulating cell behaviour in normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Lekka
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342, Cracow, Poland.
| | | | - Andrzej Kubiak
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342, Cracow, Poland
| | - Tomasz Zieliński
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342, Cracow, Poland
| | - Joanna Zemła
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342, Cracow, Poland
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28
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Goldstein Y, Tischenko K, Brill-Karniely Y, Benny O. Enhanced Biomechanically Mediated "Phagocytosis" in Detached Tumor Cells. Biomedicines 2021; 9:947. [PMID: 34440151 PMCID: PMC8391740 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Uptake of particles by cells involves various natural mechanisms that are essential for their biological functions. The same mechanisms are used in the engulfment of synthetic colloidal drug carriers, while the extent of the uptake affects the biological performance and selectivity. Thus far, little is known regarding the effect of external biomechanical stimuli on the capacity of the cells to uptake nano and micro carriers. This is relevant for anchorage-dependent cells that have detached from surfaces or for cells that travel in the body such as tumor cells, immune cells and various circulating stem cells. In this study, we hypothesize that cellular deformability is a crucial physical effector for the successful execution of the phagocytosis-like uptake in cancer cells. To test this assumption, we develop a well-controlled tunable method to compare the uptake of inert particles by cancer cells in adherent and non-adherent conditions. We introduce a self-designed 3D-printed apparatus, which enables constant stirring while facilitating a floating environment for cell incubation. We reveal a mechanically mediated phagocytosis-like behavior in various cancer cells, that was dramatically enhance in the detached cell state. Our findings emphasize the importance of including proper biomechanical cues to reliably mimic certain physiological scenarios. Beyond that, we offer a cost-effective accessible research tool to study mixed cultures for both adherent and non-adherent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ofra Benny
- Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (Y.G.); (K.T.); (Y.B.-K.)
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29
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Jia Y, Feng Q, Tang B, Luo X, Yang Q, Yang H, Li Q. Decorin Suppresses Invasion and EMT Phenotype of Glioma by Inducing Autophagy via c-Met/Akt/mTOR Axis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:659353. [PMID: 34386415 PMCID: PMC8353327 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.659353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Decorin exhibits inhibitory effects in tumorigenesis in various types of cancers. The clinical characteristics of 42 patients with GBM were reviewed and analyzed. Lentiviral constructs for decorin overexpression and shRNA-mediated silencing were established for U87MG cells and T98G cells, respectively. The expressions of EMT- and autophagy-associated markers were detected in GBM cell lines. The migration and invasion of the glioma cells were assayed to reflect the malignant behavior of GBM. A mouse xenograft model was used to verify the effect of decorin on autophagy in vivo. Reduced expression of decorin in glioma tissues was associated with a poor survival of the patients. Decorin overexpression suppressed cell migration, invasion and attenuated EMT phenotype in glioma cell lines. Further study indicated that decorin inhibited EMT phenotype through the induction of autophagy. The mechanisms include inhibiting the activation of c-Met/Akt/mTOR signaling and regulating the expressions of mesenchymal markers including Slug, vimentin and Twist, and epithelial marker E-cadherin. In addition, decorin overexpression in a mice model can also suppress the GBM invasion and EMT phenotype. In conclusion, decorin suppresses invasion and EMT phenotype of glioma by inducing autophagy via c-Met/Akt/mTOR axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Jia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qian Feng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bo Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiang Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hu Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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30
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Li F, Lo TY, Miles L, Wang Q, Noristani HN, Li D, Niu J, Trombley S, Goldshteyn JI, Wang C, Wang S, Qiu J, Pogoda K, Mandal K, Brewster M, Rompolas P, He Y, Janmey PA, Thomas GM, Li S, Song Y. The Atr-Chek1 pathway inhibits axon regeneration in response to Piezo-dependent mechanosensation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3845. [PMID: 34158506 PMCID: PMC8219705 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Atr is a serine/threonine kinase, known to sense single-stranded DNA breaks and activate the DNA damage checkpoint by phosphorylating Chek1, which inhibits Cdc25, causing cell cycle arrest. This pathway has not been implicated in neuroregeneration. We show that in Drosophila sensory neurons removing Atr or Chek1, or overexpressing Cdc25 promotes regeneration, whereas Atr or Chek1 overexpression, or Cdc25 knockdown impedes regeneration. Inhibiting the Atr-associated checkpoint complex in neurons promotes regeneration and improves synapse/behavioral recovery after CNS injury. Independent of DNA damage, Atr responds to the mechanical stimulus elicited during regeneration, via the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo and its downstream NO signaling. Sensory neuron-specific knockout of Atr in adult mice, or pharmacological inhibition of Atr-Chek1 in mammalian neurons in vitro and in flies in vivo enhances regeneration. Our findings reveal the Piezo-Atr-Chek1-Cdc25 axis as an evolutionarily conserved inhibitory mechanism for regeneration, and identify potential therapeutic targets for treating nervous system trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tsz Y Lo
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leann Miles
- The Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Qin Wang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Harun N Noristani
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair), Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jingwen Niu
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair), Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shannon Trombley
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jessica I Goldshteyn
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chuxi Wang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shuchao Wang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jingyun Qiu
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katarzyna Pogoda
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kalpana Mandal
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Megan Brewster
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Ye He
- The City University of New York, Graduate Center - Advanced Science Research Center, Neuroscience Initiative, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul A Janmey
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gareth M Thomas
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair), Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shuxin Li
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair), Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuanquan Song
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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31
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Marinval N, Chew SY. Mechanotransduction assays for neural regeneration strategies: A focus on glial cells. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:021505. [PMID: 33948526 PMCID: PMC8088332 DOI: 10.1063/5.0037814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cells are mechanosensitive, and thus, engineered systems have taken a step forward to design mechanotransduction platforms in order to impart diverse mechanical stresses to cells. Mechanical strain encountered in the central nervous system can arise from diverse mechanisms, such as tissue reorganization, fluid flow, and axon growth, as well as pathological events including axon swelling or mechanical trauma. Biomechanical relevance of the in vitro mechanical testing requires to be placed in line with the physiological and mechanical changes in central nervous tissues that occur during the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Mechanotransduction signaling utilized by glial cells and the recent approaches intended to model altered microenvironment adapted to pathological context are discussed in this review. New insights in systems merging substrate's stiffness and topography should be considered for further glial mechanotransduction studies, while testing platforms for drug discoveries promise great advancements in pharmacotherapy. Potential leads and strategies for clinical outcomes are expected to be developed following the exploration of these glial mechanosensitive signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Marinval
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459
| | - Sing Yian Chew
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: . Tel.: +65 6316 8812. Fax: +65 6794 7553
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32
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Alibert C, Pereira D, Lardier N, Etienne-Manneville S, Goud B, Asnacios A, Manneville JB. Multiscale rheology of glioma cells. Biomaterials 2021; 275:120903. [PMID: 34102526 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cells tend to soften during cancer progression, suggesting that mechanical phenotyping could be used as a diagnostic or prognostic method. Here we investigate the cell mechanics of gliomas, brain tumors that originate from glial cells or glial progenitors. Using two microrheology techniques, a single-cell parallel plates rheometer to probe whole-cell mechanics and optical tweezers to probe intracellular rheology, we show that cell mechanics discriminates human glioma cells of different grades. When probed globally, grade IV glioblastoma cells are softer than grade III astrocytoma cells, while they are surprisingly stiffer at the intracellular level. We explain this difference between global and local intracellular behaviours by changes in the composition and spatial organization of the cytoskeleton, and by changes in nuclear mechanics. Our study highlights the need to combine rheology techniques for potential diagnostic or prognostic methods based on cancer cell mechanophenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Alibert
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 Rue D'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 Rue D'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - David Pereira
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 Rue D'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France; Laboratoire Matières et Systèmes Complexes, Université de Paris, CNRS, UMR7057, Université Paris-Diderot, 10 Rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Nathan Lardier
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 Rue D'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 Rue D'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Etienne-Manneville
- Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, Institut Pasteur, UMR3691 CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Goud
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 Rue D'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 Rue D'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Atef Asnacios
- Laboratoire Matières et Systèmes Complexes, Université de Paris, CNRS, UMR7057, Université Paris-Diderot, 10 Rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Manneville
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 Rue D'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 Rue D'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France.
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33
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Pogoda K, Cieśluk M, Deptuła P, Tokajuk G, Piktel E, Król G, Reszeć J, Bucki R. Inhomogeneity of stiffness and density of the extracellular matrix within the leukoplakia of human oral mucosa as potential physicochemical factors leading to carcinogenesis. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101105. [PMID: 33946032 PMCID: PMC8111093 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral leukoplakia is a clinical term relating to various morphological lesions, including squamous cell hyperplasia, dysplasia and carcinoma. Leukoplakia morphologically manifested as hyperplasia with epithelial dysplasia is clinically treated as precancerous condition. Nevertheless, there is a lack of good markers indicating the transformation of premalignancies towards cancer. A better understanding of the mechanical environment within the tissues where tumors grow might be beneficial for the development of prevention, diagnostic, and treatment methods in cancer management. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and immunohistology techniques were used to assess changes in the stiffness and morphology of oral mucosa and leukoplakia samples at different stages of their progression towards cancer. The Young's moduli of the tested leukoplakia samples were significantly higher than those of the surrounding mucus. Robust inhomogeneity of stiffness within leukoplakia samples, reflecting an increase in regeneration and collagen accumulation (increasing density) in the extracellular matrix (ECM), was observed. Within the histologically confirmed cancer samples, Young's moduli were significantly lower than those within the precancerous ones. Inhomogeneous stiffness within leukoplakia might act as "a mechanoagonist" that promotes oncogenesis. In contrast, cancer growth might require the reorganization of tissue structure to create a microenvironment with lower and homogenous stiffness. The immunohistology data collected here indicates that changes in tissue stiffness are achieved by increasing cell/ECM density. The recognition of new markers of premalignancy will aid in the development of new therapies and will expand the diagnostic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Pogoda
- Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland
| | - Mateusz Cieśluk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2c, PL-15222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Deptuła
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2c, PL-15222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Grażyna Tokajuk
- Department of Integrated Dentistry, Medical University of Bialystok, PL-15269 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2c, PL-15222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Król
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, PL-25317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Joanna Reszeć
- Department of Medical Pathomorphology, Medical University of Bialystok, PL-15269 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Robert Bucki
- Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, PL-25317 Kielce, Poland.
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34
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Peng Y, Qing X, Lin H, Huang D, Li J, Tian S, Liu S, Lv X, Ma K, Li R, Rao Z, Bai Y, Chen S, Lei M, Quan D, Shao Z. Decellularized Disc Hydrogels for hBMSCs tissue-specific differentiation and tissue regeneration. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:3541-3556. [PMID: 33842740 PMCID: PMC8022111 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue specificity, a key factor in the decellularized tissue matrix (DTM), has shown bioactive functionalities in tuning cell fate-e.g., the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Notably, cell fate is also determined by the living microenvironment, including material composition and spatial characteristics. Herein, two neighboring tissues within intervertebral discs, the nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF), were carefully processed into DTM hydrogels (abbreviated DNP-G and DAF-G, respectively) to determine the tissue-specific effects on stem cell fate, such as specific components and different culturing methods, as well as in vivo regeneration. Distinct differences in their protein compositions were identified by proteomic analysis. Interestingly, the fate of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) also responds to both culturing methods and composition. Generally, hBMSCs cultured with DNP-G (3D) differentiated into NP-like cells, while hBMSCs cultured with DAF-G (2D) underwent AF-like differentiation, indicating a close correlation with the native microenvironments of NP and AF cells, respectively. Furthermore, we found that the integrin-mediated RhoA/LATS/YAP1 signaling pathway was activated in DAF-G (2D)-induced AF-specific differentiation. Additionally, the activation of YAP1 determined the tendency of NP- or AF-specific differentiation and played opposite regulatory effects. Finally, DNP-G and DAF-G specifically promoted tissue regeneration in NP degeneration and AF defect rat models, respectively. In conclusion, DNP-G and DAF-G can specifically determine the fate of stem cells through the integrin-mediated RhoA/LATS/YAP1 signaling pathway, and this tissue specificity is both compositional and spatial, supporting the utilization of tissue-specific DTM in advanced treatments of intervertebral disc degeneration.
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Key Words
- 2D, two-dimensional
- 3D, three-dimensional
- AF, annulus fibrosus
- Col I–S, collagen type I solution
- DAF, decellularized annulus fibrosus
- DAF-G, decellularized annulus fibrosus hydrogel
- DAF-S, decellularized annulus fibrosus solution
- DNP, decellularized nucleus pulposus
- DNP-G, decellularized nucleus pulposus hydrogel
- DNP-S, decellularized nucleus pulposus solution
- DTM, decellularized tissue matrix
- Decellularized tissue matrix
- Differentiation
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- FAF, fresh annulus fibrosus
- FNP, fresh nucleus pulposus
- IDD, intervertebral disc degeneration
- Intervertebral disc
- MSC, mesenchymal stem cell
- NP, nucleus pulposus
- Tissue specificity
- YAP1
- YAP1, yes-associated protein 1
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhong Peng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiangcheng Qing
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Donghua Huang
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinye Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shuo Tian
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiao Lv
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Kaige Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510127, China
| | - Zilong Rao
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510127, China
| | - Ying Bai
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510127, China
| | - Songfeng Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, 450052, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China,Corresponding author.
| | - Daping Quan
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510127, China,School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510127, China,Corresponding author. School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510127, China.
| | - Zengwu Shao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China,Corresponding author.
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Morales X, Cortés-Domínguez I, Ortiz-de-Solorzano C. Modeling the Mechanobiology of Cancer Cell Migration Using 3D Biomimetic Hydrogels. Gels 2021; 7:17. [PMID: 33673091 PMCID: PMC7930983 DOI: 10.3390/gels7010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how cancer cells migrate, and how this migration is affected by the mechanical and chemical composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical to investigate and possibly interfere with the metastatic process, which is responsible for most cancer-related deaths. In this article we review the state of the art about the use of hydrogel-based three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds as artificial platforms to model the mechanobiology of cancer cell migration. We start by briefly reviewing the concept and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the materials commonly used to recreate the cancerous ECM. Then we summarize the most relevant knowledge about the mechanobiology of cancer cell migration that has been obtained using 3D hydrogel scaffolds, and relate those discoveries to what has been observed in the clinical management of solid tumors. Finally, we review some recent methodological developments, specifically the use of novel bioprinting techniques and microfluidics to create realistic hydrogel-based models of the cancer ECM, and some of their applications in the context of the study of cancer cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carlos Ortiz-de-Solorzano
- IDISNA, Ciberonc and Solid Tumors and Biomarkers Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (X.M.); (I.C.-D.)
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Huang Y, Tejero R, Lee VK, Brusco C, Hannah T, Bertucci TB, Junqueira Alves C, Katsyv I, Kluge M, Foty R, Zhang B, Friedel CC, Dai G, Zou H, Friedel RH. Plexin-B2 facilitates glioblastoma infiltration by modulating cell biomechanics. Commun Biol 2021; 4:145. [PMID: 33514835 PMCID: PMC7846610 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01667-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Infiltrative growth is a major cause of high lethality of malignant brain tumors such as glioblastoma (GBM). We show here that GBM cells upregulate guidance receptor Plexin-B2 to gain invasiveness. Deletion of Plexin-B2 in GBM stem cells limited tumor spread and shifted invasion paths from axon fiber tracts to perivascular routes. On a cellular level, Plexin-B2 adjusts cell adhesiveness, migratory responses to different matrix stiffness, and actomyosin dynamics, thus empowering GBM cells to leave stiff tumor bulk and infiltrate softer brain parenchyma. Correspondingly, gene signatures affected by Plexin-B2 were associated with locomotor regulation, matrix interactions, and cellular biomechanics. On a molecular level, the intracellular Ras-GAP domain contributed to Plexin-B2 function, while the signaling relationship with downstream effectors Rap1/2 appeared variable between GBM stem cell lines, reflecting intertumoral heterogeneity. Our studies establish Plexin-B2 as a modulator of cell biomechanics that is usurped by GBM cells to gain invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Huang
- Friedman Brain Institute, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rut Tejero
- Friedman Brain Institute, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vivian K Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Concetta Brusco
- Friedman Brain Institute, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Theodore Hannah
- Friedman Brain Institute, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Taylor B Bertucci
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chrystian Junqueira Alves
- Friedman Brain Institute, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Igor Katsyv
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Kluge
- Institut für Informatik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ramsey Foty
- Department of Surgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caroline C Friedel
- Institut für Informatik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Guohao Dai
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hongyan Zou
- Friedman Brain Institute, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Roland H Friedel
- Friedman Brain Institute, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Pibuel MA, Poodts D, Díaz M, Hajos SE, Lompardía SL. The scrambled story between hyaluronan and glioblastoma. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100549. [PMID: 33744285 PMCID: PMC8050860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in cancer biology are revealing the importance of the cancer cell microenvironment on tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Hyaluronan (HA), the main glycosaminoglycan in the extracellular matrix, has been associated with the progression of glioblastoma (GBM), the most frequent and lethal primary tumor in the central nervous system, for several decades. However, the mechanisms by which HA impacts GBM properties and processes have been difficult to elucidate. In this review, we provide a comprehensive assessment of the current knowledge on HA's effects on GBM biology, introducing its primary receptors CD44 and RHAMM and the plethora of relevant downstream signaling pathways that can scramble efforts to directly link HA activity to biological outcomes. We consider the complexities of studying an extracellular polymer and the different strategies used to try to capture its function, including 2D and 3D in vitro studies, patient samples, and in vivo models. Given that HA affects not only migration and invasion, but also cell proliferation, adherence, and chemoresistance, we highlight the potential role of HA as a therapeutic target. Finally, we review the different existing approaches to diminish its protumor effects, such as the use of 4-methylumbelliferone, HA oligomers, and hyaluronidases and encourage further research along these lines in order to improve the survival and quality of life of GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Arturo Pibuel
- Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU)-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Argentina.
| | - Daniela Poodts
- Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU)-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Argentina
| | - Mariángeles Díaz
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU)-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Argentina
| | - Silvia Elvira Hajos
- Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU)-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Argentina
| | - Silvina Laura Lompardía
- Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU)-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Argentina.
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Barkovskaya A, Buffone A, Žídek M, Weaver VM. Proteoglycans as Mediators of Cancer Tissue Mechanics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:569377. [PMID: 33330449 PMCID: PMC7734320 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.569377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteoglycans are a diverse group of molecules which are characterized by a central protein backbone that is decorated with a variety of linear sulfated glycosaminoglycan side chains. Proteoglycans contribute significantly to the biochemical and mechanical properties of the interstitial extracellular matrix where they modulate cellular behavior by engaging transmembrane receptors. Proteoglycans also comprise a major component of the cellular glycocalyx to influence transmembrane receptor structure/function and mechanosignaling. Through their ability to initiate biochemical and mechanosignaling in cells, proteoglycans elicit profound effects on proliferation, adhesion and migration. Pathologies including cancer and cardiovascular disease are characterized by perturbed expression of proteoglycans where they compromise cell and tissue behavior by stiffening the extracellular matrix and increasing the bulkiness of the glycocalyx. Increasing evidence indicates that a bulky glycocalyx and proteoglycan-enriched extracellular matrix promote malignant transformation, increase cancer aggression and alter anti-tumor therapy response. In this review, we focus on the contribution of proteoglycans to mechanobiology in the context of normal and transformed tissues. We discuss the significance of proteoglycans for therapy response, and the current experimental strategies that target proteoglycans to sensitize cancer cells to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Barkovskaya
- Center for Bioengineering & Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alexander Buffone
- Center for Bioengineering & Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Martin Žídek
- Center for Bioengineering & Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Valerie M. Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering & Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Therapeutic Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Review of PIP2 in Cellular Signaling, Functions and Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218342. [PMID: 33172190 PMCID: PMC7664428 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositides play a crucial role in regulating many cellular functions, such as actin dynamics, signaling, intracellular trafficking, membrane dynamics, and cell-matrix adhesion. Central to this process is phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2). The levels of PIP2 in the membrane are rapidly altered by the activity of phosphoinositide-directed kinases and phosphatases, and it binds to dozens of different intracellular proteins. Despite the vast literature dedicated to understanding the regulation of PIP2 in cells over past 30 years, much remains to be learned about its cellular functions. In this review, we focus on past and recent exciting results on different molecular mechanisms that regulate cellular functions by binding of specific proteins to PIP2 or by stabilizing phosphoinositide pools in different cellular compartments. Moreover, this review summarizes recent findings that implicate dysregulation of PIP2 in many diseases.
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Bacteria Residing at Root Canals Can Induce Cell Proliferation and Alter the Mechanical Properties of Gingival and Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217914. [PMID: 33114460 PMCID: PMC7672538 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the importance of oral microbiota in human health and disease also leads to an expansion of the knowledge on functional, metabolic, and molecular alterations directly contributing to oral and systemic pathologies. To date, a compelling number of studies have documented the crucial role of some oral cavity-occurring microbes in the initiation and progression of cancers. Although this effect was noted primarily for Fusobacterium spp., the potential impact of other oral microbes is also worthy of investigation. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of Enterococcus faecalis, Actinomyces odontolyticus, and Propionibacterium acnes on the proliferation capability and mechanical features of gingival cells and cell lines derived from lung, breast, and ovarian cancers. For this purpose, we incubated selected cell lines with heat-inactivated bacteria and supernatants collected from biofilms, cultured in both anaerobic and aerobic conditions, in the presence of surgically removed teeth and human saliva. The effect of oral bacteria on cell population growth is variable, with the highest growth-promoting abilities observed for E. faecalis in relation to human primary gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and lung cancer A549 cells, and P. acnes in relation to breast cancer MCF-7 and ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells. Notably, this effect seems to depend on a delicate balance between the pro-stimulatory and toxic effects of bacterial-derived products. Regardless of the diverse effect of bacterial products on cellular proliferation capability, we observed significant alterations in stiffness of gingival and lung cancer cells stimulated with E. faecalis bacteria and corresponding biofilm supernatants, suggesting a novel molecular mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of diseases in oral cavities and tooth tissues. Accordingly, it is proposed that analysis of cancerogenic features of oral cavity bacteria should be multivariable and should include investigation of potential alterations in cell mechanical properties. These findings corroborate the important role of oral hygiene and root canal treatment to assure the healthy stage of oral microbiota.
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Cieśluk M, Pogoda K, Deptuła P, Werel P, Kułakowska A, Kochanowicz J, Mariak Z, Łysoń T, Reszeć J, Bucki R. Nanomechanics and Histopathology as Diagnostic Tools to Characterize Freshly Removed Human Brain Tumors. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:7509-7521. [PMID: 33116485 PMCID: PMC7547774 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s270147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The tissue-mechanics environment plays a crucial role in human brain physiological development and the pathogenesis of different diseases, especially cancer. Assessment of alterations in brain mechanical properties during cancer progression might provide important information about possible tissue abnormalities with clinical relevance. Methods With atomic force microscopy (AFM), the stiffness of freshly removed human brain tumor tissue was determined on various regions of the sample and compared to the stiffness of healthy human brain tissue that was removed during neurosurgery to gain access to tumor mass. An advantage of indentation measurement using AFM is the small volume of tissue required and high resolution at the single-cell level. Results Our results showed great heterogeneity of stiffness within metastatic cancer or primary high-grade gliomas compared to healthy tissue. That effect was not clearly visible in lower-grade tumors like meningioma. Conclusion Collected data indicate that AFM might serve as a diagnostic tool in the assessment of human brain tissue stiffness in the process of recognizing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Cieśluk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok PL-15222, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Pogoda
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow PL-31342, Poland
| | - Piotr Deptuła
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok PL-15222, Poland
| | - Paulina Werel
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok PL-15276, Poland
| | - Alina Kułakowska
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok PL-15276, Poland
| | - Jan Kochanowicz
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok PL-15276, Poland
| | - Zenon Mariak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok PL-15276, Poland
| | - Tomasz Łysoń
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok PL-15276, Poland
| | - Joanna Reszeć
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok PL-15269, Poland
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok PL-15222, Poland
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Sengul E, Elitas M. Single-Cell Mechanophenotyping in Microfluidics to Evaluate Behavior of U87 Glioma Cells. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11090845. [PMID: 32932941 PMCID: PMC7569913 DOI: 10.3390/mi11090845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Integration of microfabricated, single-cell resolution and traditional, population-level biological assays will be the future of modern techniques in biology that will enroll in the evolution of biology into a precision scientific discipline. In this study, we developed a microfabricated cell culture platform to investigate the indirect influence of macrophages on glioma cell behavior. We quantified proliferation, morphology, motility, migration, and deformation properties of glioma cells at single-cell level and compared these results with population-level data. Our results showed that glioma cells obtained slightly slower proliferation, higher motility, and extremely significant deformation capability when cultured with 50% regular growth medium and 50% macrophage-depleted medium. When the expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin proteins were measured, it was verified that observed mechanophenotypic alterations in glioma cells were not due to epithelium to mesenchymal transition. Our results were consistent with previously reported enormous heterogeneity of U87 glioma cell line. Herein, for the first time, we quantified the change of deformation indexes of U87 glioma cells using microfluidic devices for single-cells analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Sengul
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey;
| | - Meltem Elitas
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey;
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-538-810-2930
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Bakirci E, Schaefer N, Dahri O, Hrynevich A, Strissel P, Strick R, Dalton PD, Villmann C. Melt Electrowritten In Vitro Radial Device to Study Cell Growth and Migration. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e2000077. [PMID: 32875734 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The development of in vitro assays for 3D microenvironments is essential for understanding cell migration processes. A 3D-printed in vitro competitive radial device is developed to identify preferred Matrigel concentration for glioblastoma migration. Melt electrowriting (MEW) is used to fabricate the structural device with defined and intricate radial structures that are filled with Matrigel. Controlling the printing path is necessary to account for the distance lag in the molten jet, the applied electric field, and the continuous direct-writing nature of MEW. Circular printing below a diameter threshold results in substantial inward tilting of the MEW fiber wall. An eight-chamber radial device with a diameter of 9.4 mm is printed. Four different concentrations of Matrigel are dispensed into the radial chambers. Glioblastoma cells are seeded into the center and grow into all chambers within 8 days. The cell spreading area demonstrates that 6 and 8 mg mL-1 of Matrigel are preferred over 2 and 4 mg mL-1 . Furthermore, topographical cues via the MEW fiber wall are observed to promote migration even further away from the cell seeding depot. Previous studies implement MEW to fabricate cell invasive scaffolds whereas here it is applied to 3D-print in vitro tools to study cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Bakirci
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, Würzburg, 97070, Germany
| | - Natascha Schaefer
- Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 5, Würzburg, 97078, Germany
| | - Ouafa Dahri
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, Würzburg, 97070, Germany
| | - Andrei Hrynevich
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, Würzburg, 97070, Germany
| | - Pamela Strissel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Str. 21-23, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Reiner Strick
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Str. 21-23, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Paul D Dalton
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, Würzburg, 97070, Germany
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 5, Würzburg, 97078, Germany
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Rheinlaender J, Dimitracopoulos A, Wallmeyer B, Kronenberg NM, Chalut KJ, Gather MC, Betz T, Charras G, Franze K. Cortical cell stiffness is independent of substrate mechanics. NATURE MATERIALS 2020; 19:1019-1025. [PMID: 32451510 PMCID: PMC7610513 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-020-0684-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Cortical stiffness is an important cellular property that changes during migration, adhesion and growth. Previous atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation measurements of cells cultured on deformable substrates have suggested that cells adapt their stiffness to that of their surroundings. Here we show that the force applied by AFM to a cell results in a significant deformation of the underlying substrate if this substrate is softer than the cell. This 'soft substrate effect' leads to an underestimation of a cell's elastic modulus when analysing data using a standard Hertz model, as confirmed by finite element modelling and AFM measurements of calibrated polyacrylamide beads, microglial cells and fibroblasts. To account for this substrate deformation, we developed a 'composite cell-substrate model'. Correcting for the substrate indentation revealed that cortical cell stiffness is largely independent of substrate mechanics, which has major implications for our interpretation of many physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Rheinlaender
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Andrea Dimitracopoulos
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bernhard Wallmeyer
- Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, Institute of Cell Biology, Excellence Cluster Cells in Motion, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nils M Kronenberg
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
- Centre for Nanobiophotonics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kevin J Chalut
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Malte C Gather
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
- Centre for Nanobiophotonics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Timo Betz
- Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, Institute of Cell Biology, Excellence Cluster Cells in Motion, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Guillaume Charras
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Charrier EE, Pogoda K, Li R, Park CY, Fredberg JJ, Janmey PA. A novel method to make viscoelastic polyacrylamide gels for cell culture and traction force microscopy. APL Bioeng 2020; 4:036104. [PMID: 32666015 PMCID: PMC7334032 DOI: 10.1063/5.0002750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyacrylamide hydrogels are commonly used in cell biology, notably to cultivate cells on soft surfaces. Polyacrylamide gels are purely elastic and well adapted to cell culture as they are inert and can be conjugated with adhesion proteins. Here, we report a method to make viscoelastic polyacrylamide gels with mechanical properties more closely resembling biological tissues and suitable for cell culture in vitro. We demonstrate that these gels can be used for traction force microscopy experiments. We also show that multiple cell types respond to the viscoelasticity of their substrate and that viscous dissipation has an influence on cell spreading, contractility, and motility. This new material provides new opportunities for investigating how normal or malignant cells sense and respond to viscous dissipation within the extra-cellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robin Li
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Chan Young Park
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Fredberg
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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Rezk R, Jia BZ, Wendler A, Dimov I, Watts C, Markaki AE, Franze K, Kabla AJ. Spatial heterogeneity of cell-matrix adhesive forces predicts human glioblastoma migration. Neurooncol Adv 2020; 2:vdaa081. [PMID: 32793884 PMCID: PMC7415261 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdaa081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive incurable brain tumor. The main cause of mortality in GBM patients is the invasive rim of cells migrating away from the main tumor mass and invading healthy parts of the brain. Although the motion is driven by forces, our current understanding of the physical factors involved in glioma infiltration remains limited. This study aims to investigate the adhesion properties within and between patients' tumors on a cellular level and test whether these properties correlate with cell migration. Methods Six tissue samples were taken from spatially separated sections during 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence-guided surgery. Navigated biopsy samples were collected from strongly fluorescent tumor cores, a weak fluorescent tumor rim, and nonfluorescent tumor margins. A microfluidics device was built to induce controlled shear forces to detach cells from monolayer cultures. Cells were cultured on low modulus polydimethylsiloxane representative of the stiffness of brain tissue. Cell migration and morphology were then obtained using time-lapse microscopy. Results GBM cell populations from different tumor fractions of the same patient exhibited different migratory and adhesive behaviors. These differences were associated with sampling location and amount of 5-ALA fluorescence. Cells derived from weak- and nonfluorescent tumor tissue were smaller, adhered less well, and migrated quicker than cells derived from strongly fluorescent tumor mass. Conclusions GBM tumors are biomechanically heterogeneous. Selecting multiple populations and broad location sampling are therefore important to consider for drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Rezk
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bill Zong Jia
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Astrid Wendler
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ivan Dimov
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Colin Watts
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Athina E Markaki
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Elasticity-dependent response of malignant cells to viscous dissipation. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2020; 20:145-154. [PMID: 32785801 PMCID: PMC7892690 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-020-01374-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The stiffness of the cellular environment controls malignant cell phenotype and proliferation. However, the effect of viscous dissipation on these parameters has not yet been investigated, in part due to the lack of in vitro cell substrates reproducing the mechanical properties of normal tissues and tumors. In this article, we use a newly reported viscoelastic polyacrylamide gel cell substrate, and we characterize the impact of viscous dissipation on three malignant cell lines: DU145 and PC3 derived from prostate and LN229 from brain. The spreading, motility and proliferation rates of these cells were analyzed on 1 kPa and 5 kPa elastic and viscoelastic gels. Surprisingly, the effect of substrate viscous dissipation on cell behavior depended on substrate stiffness for the three cell types tested. We conclude that viscoelasticity controls the spreading, proliferation and migration of malignant cells in vitro. These results highlight the critical role of viscous dissipation in the phenotype and proliferation of malignant cells, especially in stiff tumor environments.
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Amorim S, Reis CA, Reis RL, Pires RA. Extracellular Matrix Mimics Using Hyaluronan-Based Biomaterials. Trends Biotechnol 2020; 39:90-104. [PMID: 32654775 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA) is a critical element of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The regulated synthesis and degradation of HA modulates the ECM chemical and physical properties that, in turn, influence cellular behavior. HA triggers signaling pathways associated with the adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation of cells, mediated by its interaction with specific cellular receptors or by tuning the mechanical properties of the ECM. This review summarizes the recent advances on strategies used to mimic the HA present in the ECM to study healthy or pathological cellular behavior. This includes the development of HA-based 2D and 3D in vitro tissue models for the seeding and encapsulation of cells, respectively, and HA particles as carriers for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Amorim
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs, Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Celso A Reis
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, IPATIMUP, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Pathology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs, Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ricardo A Pires
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs, Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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Li Y, Randriantsilefisoa R, Chen J, Cuellar-Camacho JL, Liang W, Li W. Matrix Stiffness Regulates Chemosensitivity, Stemness Characteristics, and Autophagy in Breast Cancer Cells. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:4474-4485. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free University of Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jie Chen
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free University of Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jose Luis Cuellar-Camacho
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free University of Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wanjun Liang
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free University of Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wenzhong Li
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free University of Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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50
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Miller AE, Hu P, Barker TH. Feeling Things Out: Bidirectional Signaling of the Cell-ECM Interface, Implications in the Mechanobiology of Cell Spreading, Migration, Proliferation, and Differentiation. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901445. [PMID: 32037719 PMCID: PMC7274903 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Biophysical cues stemming from the extracellular environment are rapidly transduced into discernible chemical messages (mechanotransduction) that direct cellular activities-placing the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a potent regulator of cell behavior. Dynamic reciprocity between the cell and its associated matrix is essential to the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and dysregulation of both ECM mechanical signaling, via pathological ECM turnover, and internal mechanotransduction pathways contribute to disease progression. This review covers the current understandings of the key modes of signaling used by both the cell and ECM to coregulate one another. By taking an outside-in approach, the inherent complexities and regulatory processes at each level of signaling (ECM, plasma membrane, focal adhesion, and cytoplasm) are captured to give a comprehensive picture of the internal and external mechanoregulatory environment. Specific emphasis is placed on the focal adhesion complex which acts as a central hub of mechanical signaling, regulating cell spreading, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. In addition, a wealth of available knowledge on mechanotransduction is curated to generate an integrated signaling network encompassing the central components of the focal adhesion, cytoplasm and nucleus that act in concert to promote durotaxis, proliferation, and differentiation in a stiffness-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, 415 Lane Rd. MR5 1225, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Ping Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, 415 Lane Rd. MR5 1225, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Thomas H Barker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, 415 Lane Rd. MR5 1225, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
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