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Riffe MB, Davidson MD, Seymour G, Dhand AP, Cooke ME, Zlotnick HM, McLeod RR, Burdick JA. Multi-Material Volumetric Additive Manufacturing of Hydrogels using Gelatin as a Sacrificial Network and 3D Suspension Bath. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309026. [PMID: 38243918 PMCID: PMC11259577 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Volumetric additive manufacturing (VAM) is an emerging layerless method for the rapid processing of reactive resins into 3D structures, where printing is much faster (seconds) than other lithography and direct ink writing methods (minutes to hours). As a vial of resin rotates in the VAM process, patterned light exposure defines a 3D object and then resin that has not undergone gelation can be washed away. Despite the promise of VAM, there are challenges with the printing of soft hydrogel materials from non-viscous precursors, including multi-material constructs. To address this, sacrificial gelatin is used to modulate resin viscosity to support the cytocompatible VAM printing of macromers based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), hyaluronic acid (HA), and polyacrylamide (PA). After printing, gelatin is removed by washing at an elevated temperature. To print multi-material constructs, the gelatin-containing resin is used as a shear-yielding suspension bath (including HA to further modulate bath properties) where ink can be extruded into the bath to define a multi-material resin that can then be processed with VAM into a defined object. Multi-material constructs of methacrylated HA (MeHA) and gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA) are printed (as proof-of-concept) with encapsulated mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), where the local hydrogel properties guide cell spreading behavior with culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan B Riffe
- Material Science and Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Matthew D Davidson
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Gabriel Seymour
- Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Abhishek P Dhand
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Megan E Cooke
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Hannah M Zlotnick
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Robert R McLeod
- Material Science and Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jason A Burdick
- Material Science and Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
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2
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Iqbal MH, Kerdjoudj H, Boulmedais F. Protein-based layer-by-layer films for biomedical applications. Chem Sci 2024; 15:9408-9437. [PMID: 38939139 PMCID: PMC11206333 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc06549a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The surface engineering of biomaterials is crucial for their successful (bio)integration by the body, i.e. the colonization by the tissue-specific cell, and the prevention of fibrosis and/or bacterial colonization. Performed at room temperature in an aqueous medium, the layer-by-layer (LbL) coating method is based on the alternating deposition of macromolecules. Versatile and simple, this method allows the functionalization of surfaces with proteins, which play a crucial role in several biological mechanisms. Possessing intrinsic properties (cell adhesion, antibacterial, degradable, etc.), protein-based LbL films represent a powerful tool to control bacterial and mammalian cell fate. In this article, after a general introduction to the LbL technique, we will focus on protein-based LbL films addressing different biomedical issues/domains, such as bacterial infection, blood contacting surfaces, mammalian cell adhesion, drug and gene delivery, and bone and neural tissue engineering. We do not consider biosensing applications or electrochemical aspects using specific proteins such as enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Haseeb Iqbal
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Institut Charles Sadron UPR 22, Strasbourg Cedex 2 67034 France
| | | | - Fouzia Boulmedais
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Institut Charles Sadron UPR 22, Strasbourg Cedex 2 67034 France
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3
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Wiedenmann CJ, Gottwald C, Zeqiri K, Frömmichen J, Bungert E, Gläser M, Ströble J, Lohmüller R, Reinhard T, Lübke J, Schlunck G. Slow Interstitial Fluid Flow Activates TGF-β Signaling and Drives Fibrotic Responses in Human Tenon Fibroblasts. Cells 2023; 12:2205. [PMID: 37681937 PMCID: PMC10486805 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis limits the success of filtering glaucoma surgery. We employed 2D and 3D in vitro models to assess the effects of fluid flow on human tenon fibroblasts (HTF). METHODS HTF were exposed to continuous or pulsatile fluid flow for 48 or 72 h, at rates expected at the transscleral outflow site after filtering surgery. In the 2D model, the F-actin cytoskeleton and fibronectin 1 (FN1) were visualized by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. In the 3D model, mRNA and whole cell lysates were extracted to analyze the expression of fibrosis-associated genes by qPCR and Western blot. The effects of a small-molecule inhibitor of the TGF-β receptor ALK5 were studied. RESULTS Slow, continuous fluid flow induced fibrotic responses in the 2D and 3D models. It elicited changes in cell shape, the F-actin cytoskeleton, the deposition of FN1 and activated the intracellular TGF-β signaling pathway to induce expression of fibrosis-related genes, such as CTGF, FN1 and COL1A1. ALK5-inhibition reduced this effect. Intermittent fluid flow also induced fibrotic changes, which decreased with increasing pause duration. CONCLUSIONS Slow interstitial fluid flow is sufficient to induce fibrosis, could underlie the intractable nature of fibrosis following filtering glaucoma surgery and might be a target for antifibrotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius Jakob Wiedenmann
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany (E.B.); (R.L.); (J.L.); (G.S.)
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4
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Chen G, Deng Y, Xia B, Lv Y. In Situ Regulation and Mechanisms of 3D Matrix Stiffness on the Activation and Reversion of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 12:e2202560. [PMID: 36519640 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key event in the progression of liver fibrosis. HSCs transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts and secrete large amounts of extracellular matrix, resulting in increased liver stiffness. It is difficult for platforms constructed in vitro to simulate the structure, composition, and stiffness of the 3D microenvironment of HSCs in vivo. Here, 3D scaffolds with different stiffness are constructed by decellularizing rat livers at different stages of fibrosis. The effects of matrix stiffness on the proliferation, activation, and reversion of HSCs are studied. The results demonstrate these scaffolds have good cytocompatibility. It is also found that the high stiffness can significantly promote the activation of HSCs, and this process is accompanied by the activation of integrin β1 as well as the nucleation and activation of Yes-associated protein (YAP). Moreover, the low stiffness of the scaffold can promote the reversion of activated HSCs, which is associated with cell apoptosis and accompanied by the inactivation of integrin β1 and YAP. These results suggest that YAP may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis and the theoretical feasibility of inducing activated HSCs reversion to the resting state by regulating matrix stiffness of liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobao Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, P. R. China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Yaxin Deng
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, P. R. China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, P. R. China
| | - Bin Xia
- Engineering Research Center for Waste Oil Recovery Technology and Equipment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, 400067, P. R. China
| | - Yonggang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, P. R. China
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5
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Dooling LJ, Saini K, Anlaş AA, Discher DE. Tissue mechanics coevolves with fibrillar matrisomes in healthy and fibrotic tissues. Matrix Biol 2022; 111:153-188. [PMID: 35764212 PMCID: PMC9990088 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrillar proteins are principal components of extracellular matrix (ECM) that confer mechanical properties to tissues. Fibrosis can result from wound repair in nearly every tissue in adults, and it associates with increased ECM density and crosslinking as well as increased tissue stiffness. Such fibrotic tissues are a major biomedical challenge, and an emerging view posits that the altered mechanical environment supports both synthetic and contractile myofibroblasts in a state of persistent activation. Here, we review the matrisome in several fibrotic diseases, as well as normal tissues, with a focus on physicochemical properties. Stiffness generally increases with the abundance of fibrillar collagens, the major constituent of ECM, with similar mathematical trends for fibrosis as well as adult tissues from soft brain to stiff bone and heart development. Changes in expression of other core matrisome and matrisome-associated proteins or proteoglycans contribute to tissue stiffening in fibrosis by organizing collagen, crosslinking ECM, and facilitating adhesion of myofibroblasts. Understanding how ECM composition and mechanics coevolve during fibrosis can lead to better models and help with antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence J Dooling
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Karanvir Saini
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alişya A Anlaş
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dennis E Discher
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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6
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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: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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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7
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Walker M, Godin M, Pelling AE. Mechanical stretch sustains myofibroblast phenotype and function in microtissues through latent TGF-β1 activation. Integr Biol (Camb) 2021; 12:199-210. [PMID: 32877929 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyaa015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Developing methods to study tissue mechanics and myofibroblast activation may lead to new targets for therapeutic treatments that are urgently needed for fibrotic disease. Microtissue arrays are a promising approach to conduct relatively high-throughput research into fibrosis as they recapitulate key biomechanical aspects of the disease through a relevant 3D extracellular environment. In early work, our group developed a device called the MVAS-force to stretch microtissues while enabling simultaneous assessment of their dynamic mechanical behavior. Here, we investigated TGF-β1-induced fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation in microtissue cultures using our MVAS-force device through assessing α-SMA expression, contractility and stiffness. In doing so, we linked cell-level phenotypic changes to functional changes that characterize the clinical manifestation of fibrotic disease. As expected, TGF-β1 treatment promoted a myofibroblastic phenotype and microtissues became stiffer and possessed increased contractility. These changes were partially reversible upon TGF-β1 withdrawal under a static condition, while, in contrast, long-term cyclic stretching maintained myofibroblast activation. This pro-fibrotic effect of mechanical stretching was absent when TGF-β1 receptors were inhibited. Furthermore, stretching promoted myofibroblast differentiation when microtissues were given latent TGF-β1. Altogether, these results suggest that external mechanical stretch may activate latent TGF-β1 and, accordingly, might be a powerful stimulus for continued myofibroblast activation to progress fibrosis. Further exploration of this pathway with our approach may yield new insights into myofibroblast activation and more effective therapeutic treatments for fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Walker
- Department of Biology, Gendron Hall, 30 Marie Curie, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N5N5, Canada
| | - Michel Godin
- Department of Physics, 150 Louis Pasteur pvt., STEM Complex, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colonel By Hall, 161 Louis Pasteur, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N6N5, Canada.,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Colonel By Hall, 161 Louis Pasteur, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N6N5, Canada
| | - Andrew E Pelling
- Department of Biology, Gendron Hall, 30 Marie Curie, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N5N5, Canada.,Department of Physics, 150 Louis Pasteur pvt., STEM Complex, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.,Institute for Science Society and Policy, Simard Hall, 60 University, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N5N5, Canada.,SymbioticA, School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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8
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Roy HS, Singh R, Ghosh D. SARS-CoV-2 and tissue damage: current insights and biomaterial-based therapeutic strategies. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:2804-2824. [PMID: 33666206 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm02077j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on humanity has gained worldwide attention and importance due to the rapid transmission, lack of treatment options and high mortality rate of the virus. While scientists across the world are searching for vaccines/drugs that can control the spread of the virus and/or reduce the risks associated with infection, patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 have been reported to have tissue/organ damage. With most tissues/organs having limited regenerative potential, interventions that prevent further damage or facilitate healing would be helpful. In the past few decades, biomaterials have gained prominence in the field of tissue engineering, in view of their major role in the regenerative process. Here we describe the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on multiple tissues/organs, and provide evidence for the positive role of biomaterials in aiding tissue repair. These findings are further extrapolated to explore their prospects as a therapeutic platform to address the tissue/organ damage that is frequently observed during this viral outbreak. This study suggests that the biomaterial-based approach could be an effective strategy for regenerating tissues/organs damaged by SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himadri Shekhar Roy
- Department of Biological Science, Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (INST), Habitat Centre, Sector 64, Phase 10, Mohali-160062, Punjab, India.
| | - Rupali Singh
- Department of Biological Science, Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (INST), Habitat Centre, Sector 64, Phase 10, Mohali-160062, Punjab, India.
| | - Deepa Ghosh
- Department of Biological Science, Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (INST), Habitat Centre, Sector 64, Phase 10, Mohali-160062, Punjab, India.
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9
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Cabriales L, Hautefeuille M, Vázquez‐Victorio G, Martinez‐Pastor D, Carretero‐Ortega J, Jiménez‐Escobar A, Macias‐Silva M. Hepatic C9 cells switch their behaviour in short or long exposure to soft substrates. Biol Cell 2020; 112:265-279. [DOI: 10.1111/boc.201900115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cabriales
- LaNSBioDyT, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
- Departamento de Física Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
| | - Mathieu Hautefeuille
- LaNSBioDyT, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
- Departamento de Física Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
| | - Genaro Vázquez‐Victorio
- LaNSBioDyT, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
- Departamento de Física Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
| | - David Martinez‐Pastor
- LaNSBioDyT, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
| | - Jorge Carretero‐Ortega
- LaNSBioDyT, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
| | - Alejandra Jiménez‐Escobar
- LaNSBioDyT, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
| | - Marina Macias‐Silva
- LaNSBioDyT, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
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10
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Davidson MD, Burdick JA, Wells RG. Engineered Biomaterial Platforms to Study Fibrosis. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901682. [PMID: 32181987 PMCID: PMC7274888 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many pathologic conditions lead to the development of tissue scarring and fibrosis, which are characterized by the accumulation of abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) and changes in tissue mechanical properties. Cells within fibrotic tissues are exposed to dynamic microenvironments that may promote or prolong fibrosis, which makes it difficult to treat. Biomaterials have proved indispensable to better understand how cells sense their extracellular environment and are now being employed to study fibrosis in many tissues. As mechanical testing of tissues becomes more routine and biomaterial tools become more advanced, the impact of biophysical factors in fibrosis are beginning to be understood. Herein, fibrosis from a materials perspective is reviewed, including the role and mechanical properties of ECM components, the spatiotemporal mechanical changes that occur during fibrosis, current biomaterial systems to study fibrosis, and emerging biomaterial systems and tools that can further the understanding of fibrosis initiation and progression. This review concludes by highlighting considerations in promoting wide-spread use of biomaterials for fibrosis investigations and by suggesting future in vivo studies that it is hoped will inspire the development of even more advanced biomaterial systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Davidson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jason A Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rebecca G Wells
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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11
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Vania V, Wang L, Tjakra M, Zhang T, Qiu J, Tan Y, Wang G. The interplay of signaling pathway in endothelial cells-matrix stiffness dependency with targeted-therapeutic drugs. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165645. [PMID: 31866415 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been one of the major causes of human deaths in the world. The study of CVDs has focused on cell chemotaxis for decades. With the advances in mechanobiology, accumulating evidence has demonstrated the influence of mechanical stimuli on arterial pathophysiology and endothelial dysfunction that is a hallmark of atherosclerosis development. An increasing number of drugs have been exploited to decrease the stiffness of vascular tissue for CVDs therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be explored. This review aims to summarize how matrix stiffness mediates atherogenesis through various important signaling pathways in endothelial cells and cellular mechanophenotype, including RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Hippo pathways. We also highlight the roles of putative mechanosensitive non-coding RNAs in matrix stiffness-mediated atherogenesis. Finally, we describe the usage of tunable hydrogel and its future strategy to improve our knowledge underlying matrix stiffness-mediated CVDs mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Vania
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Marco Tjakra
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Juhui Qiu
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Youhua Tan
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Guixue Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
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12
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Chen G, Xia B, Fu Q, Huang X, Wang F, Chen Z, Lv Y. Matrix Mechanics as Regulatory Factors and Therapeutic Targets in Hepatic Fibrosis. Int J Biol Sci 2019; 15:2509-2521. [PMID: 31754325 PMCID: PMC6854372 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.37500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The hallmark of liver fibrosis is excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and deposition that improve liver matrix remodeling and stiffening. Increased matrix stiffness is not only a pathological consequence of liver fibrosis in traditional view, but also recognized as a key driver in pathological progression of hepatic fibrosis. Cells can perceive changes in the mechanical characteristics of hepatic matrix and respond by means of mechanical signal transduction pathways to regulate cell behavior. In this review, the authors first classify causes of liver matrix stiffening during fibrotic progression, such as higher degree of collagen cross-linking. The latest advances of the research on the matrix mechanics in regulating activation of HSCs or fibroblasts under two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment is also classified and summarized. The mechanical signaling pathways involved in the process of hepatic matrix stiffening, such as YAP-TAZ signaling pathway, are further summarized. Finally, some potential therapeutic concepts and strategies based on matrix mechanics will be detailed. Collectively, these findings reinforce the importance of matrix mechanics in hepatic fibrosis, and underscore the value of clarifying its modulation in hopes of advancing the development of novel therapeutic targets and strategies for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobao Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, P. R. China
| | - Bin Xia
- Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Fu
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Huang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, P. R. China
| | - Fuping Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, P. R. China
| | - Zhongmin Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, P. R. China
| | - Yonggang Lv
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
- Mechanobiology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
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Agarwal T, Subramanian B, Maiti TK. Liver Tissue Engineering: Challenges and Opportunities. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:4167-4182. [PMID: 33417776 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver tissue engineering aims at the possibility of reproducing a fully functional organ for the treatment of acute and chronic liver disorders. Approaches in this field endeavor to replace organ transplantation (gold standard treatment for liver diseases in a clinical setting) with in vitro developed liver tissue constructs. However, the complexity of the liver microarchitecture and functionality along with the limited supply of cellular components of the liver pose numerous challenges. This review provides a comprehensive outlook onto how the physicochemical, mechanobiological, and spatiotemporal aspects of the substrates could be tuned to address current challenges in the field. We also highlight the strategic advancements made in the field so far for the development of artificial liver tissue. We further showcase the currently available prototypes in research and clinical trials, which shows the hope for the future of liver tissue engineering.
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14
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Layer-by-layer assembly as a robust method to construct extracellular matrix mimic surfaces to modulate cell behavior. Prog Polym Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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15
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Monaghan-Benson E, Wittchen ES, Doerschuk CM, Burridge K. A Rnd3/p190RhoGAP pathway regulates RhoA activity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis fibroblasts. Mol Biol Cell 2018; 29:2165-2175. [PMID: 29995590 PMCID: PMC6249798 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e17-11-0642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an incurable disease of the lung that is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in disruption of normal lung function. The signals regulating fibrosis include both transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and tissue rigidity and a major signaling pathway implicated in fibrosis involves activation of the GTPase RhoA. During studies exploring how elevated RhoA activity is sustained in IPF, we discovered that not only is RhoA activated by profibrotic stimuli but also that the expression of Rnd3, a major antagonist of RhoA activity, and the activity of p190RhoGAP (p190), a Rnd3 effector, are both suppressed in IPF fibroblasts. Restoration of Rnd3 levels in IPF fibroblasts results in an increase in p190 activity, a decrease in RhoA activity and a decrease in the overall fibrotic phenotype. We also find that treatment with IPF drugs nintedanib and pirfenidone decreases the fibrotic phenotype and RhoA activity through up-regulation of Rnd3 expression and p190 activity. These data provide evidence for a pathway in IPF where fibroblasts down-regulate Rnd3 levels and p190 activity to enhance RhoA activity and drive the fibrotic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Monaghan-Benson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Erika S Wittchen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Claire M Doerschuk
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.,Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Keith Burridge
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.,McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
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16
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Burgstaller G, Oehrle B, Gerckens M, White ES, Schiller HB, Eickelberg O. The instructive extracellular matrix of the lung: basic composition and alterations in chronic lung disease. Eur Respir J 2017; 50:50/1/1601805. [PMID: 28679607 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01805-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The pulmonary extracellular matrix (ECM) determines the tissue architecture of the lung, and provides mechanical stability and elastic recoil, which are essential for physiological lung function. Biochemical and biomechanical signals initiated by the ECM direct cellular function and differentiation, and thus play a decisive role in lung development, tissue remodelling processes and maintenance of adult homeostasis. Recent proteomic studies have demonstrated that at least 150 different ECM proteins, glycosaminoglycans and modifying enzymes are expressed in the lung, and these assemble into intricate composite biomaterials. These highly insoluble assemblies of interacting ECM proteins and their glycan modifications can act as a solid phase-binding interface for hundreds of secreted proteins, which creates an information-rich signalling template for cell function and differentiation. Dynamic changes within the ECM that occur upon injury or with ageing are associated with several chronic lung diseases. In this review, we summarise the available data about the structure and function of the pulmonary ECM, and highlight changes that occur in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and lung cancer. We discuss potential mechanisms of ECM remodelling and modification, which we believe are relevant for future diagnosis and treatment of chronic lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Burgstaller
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Oehrle
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Gerckens
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Eric S White
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Herbert B Schiller
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Eickelberg
- Division of Respiratory Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
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17
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Schöne AC, Roch T, Schulz B, Lendlein A. Evaluating polymeric biomaterial-environment interfaces by Langmuir monolayer techniques. J R Soc Interface 2017; 14:20161028. [PMID: 28468918 PMCID: PMC5454283 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2016.1028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymeric biomaterials are of specific relevance in medical and pharmaceutical applications due to their wide range of tailorable properties and functionalities. The knowledge about interactions of biomaterials with their biological environment is of crucial importance for developing highly sophisticated medical devices. To achieve optimal in vivo performance, a description at the molecular level is required to gain better understanding about the surface of synthetic materials for tailoring their properties. This is still challenging and requires the comprehensive characterization of morphological structures, polymer chain arrangements and degradation behaviour. The review discusses selected aspects for evaluating polymeric biomaterial-environment interfaces by Langmuir monolayer methods as powerful techniques for studying interfacial properties, such as morphological and degradation processes. The combination of spectroscopic, microscopic and scattering methods with the Langmuir techniques adapted to polymers can substantially improve the understanding of their in vivo behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Christin Schöne
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Biomaterial Science and Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Kantstrasse 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany
| | - Toralf Roch
- Institute of Biomaterial Science and Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Kantstrasse 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany
- Helmholtz Virtual Institute-Multifunctional Biomaterials for Medicine, Kantstrasse 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany
| | - Burkhard Schulz
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Biomaterial Science and Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Kantstrasse 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany
| | - Andreas Lendlein
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Biomaterial Science and Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Kantstrasse 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany
- Helmholtz Virtual Institute-Multifunctional Biomaterials for Medicine, Kantstrasse 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany
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18
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Silva JM, Reis RL, Mano JF. Biomimetic Extracellular Environment Based on Natural Origin Polyelectrolyte Multilayers. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2016; 12:4308-42. [PMID: 27435905 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201601355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Surface modification of biomaterials is a well-known approach to enable an adequate biointerface between the implant and the surrounding tissue, dictating the initial acceptance or rejection of the implantable device. Since its discovery in early 1990s layer-by-layer (LbL) approaches have become a popular and attractive technique to functionalize the biomaterials surface and also engineering various types of objects such as capsules, hollow tubes, and freestanding membranes in a controllable and versatile manner. Such versatility enables the incorporation of different nanostructured building blocks, including natural biopolymers, which appear as promising biomimetic multilayered systems due to their similarity to human tissues. In this review, the potential of natural origin polymer-based multilayers is highlighted in hopes of a better understanding of the mechanisms behind its use as building blocks of LbL assembly. A deep overview on the recent progresses achieved in the design, fabrication, and applications of natural origin multilayered films is provided. Such films may lead to novel biomimetic approaches for various biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, implantable devices, cell-based biosensors, diagnostic systems, and basic cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana M Silva
- 3Bs Research Group-Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark - Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3Bs Research Group-Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark - Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- 3Bs Research Group-Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark - Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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19
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Caliari SR, Perepelyuk M, Soulas EM, Lee GY, Wells RG, Burdick JA. Gradually softening hydrogels for modeling hepatic stellate cell behavior during fibrosis regression. Integr Biol (Camb) 2016; 8:720-8. [PMID: 27162057 DOI: 10.1039/c6ib00027d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) presents an evolving set of mechanical cues to resident cells. We developed methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) hydrogels containing both stable and hydrolytically degradable crosslinks to provide cells with a gradually softening (but not fully degradable) milieu, mimicking physiological events such as fibrosis regression. To demonstrate the utility of this cell culture system, we studied the phenotype of rat hepatic stellate cells, the major liver precursors of fibrogenic myofibroblasts, within this softening environment. Stellate cells that were mechanically primed on tissue culture plastic attained a myofibroblast phenotype, which persisted when seeded onto stiff (∼20 kPa) hydrogels. However, mechanically primed stellate cells on stiff-to-soft (∼20 to ∼3 kPa) hydrogels showed reversion of the myofibroblast phenotype over 14 days, with reductions in cell area, expression of the myofibroblast marker alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Yes-associated protein/Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) nuclear localization when compared to stellate cells on stiff hydrogels. Cells on stiff-to-soft hydrogels did not fully revert, however. They displayed reduced expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and underwent abnormally rapid re-activation to myofibroblasts in response to re-stiffening of the hydrogels through introduction of additional crosslinks. These features are typical of stellate cells with an intermediate phenotype, reported to occur in vivo with fibrosis regression and re-injury. Together, these data suggest that mechanics play an important role in fibrosis regression and that integrating dynamic mechanical cues into model systems helps capture cell behaviors observed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R Caliari
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Pennsylvania, USA
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20
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Stiffening hydrogels for investigating the dynamics of hepatic stellate cell mechanotransduction during myofibroblast activation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21387. [PMID: 26906177 PMCID: PMC4764908 DOI: 10.1038/srep21387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis contributes to nearly half of all deaths in the developed world and is characterized by progressive matrix stiffening. Despite this, nearly all in vitro disease models are mechanically static. Here, we used visible light-mediated stiffening hydrogels to investigate cell mechanotransduction in a disease-relevant system. Primary hepatic stellate cell-seeded hydrogels stiffened in situ at later time points (following a recovery phase post-isolation) displayed accelerated signaling kinetics of both early (Yes-associated protein/Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif, YAP/TAZ) and late (alpha-smooth muscle actin, α-SMA) markers of myofibroblast differentiation, resulting in a time course similar to observed in vivo activation dynamics. We further validated this system by showing that α-SMA inhibition following substrate stiffening resulted in attenuated stellate cell activation, with reduced YAP/TAZ nuclear shuttling and traction force generation. Together, these data suggest that stiffening hydrogels may be more faithful models for studying myofibroblast activation than static substrates and could inform the development of disease therapeutics.
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Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a tissue-specific macromolecular structure that provides physical support to tissues and is essential for normal organ function. In the lung, ECM plays an active role in shaping cell behavior both in health and disease by virtue of the contextual clues it imparts to cells. Qualities including dimensionality, molecular composition, and intrinsic stiffness all promote normal function of the lung ECM. Alterations in composition and/or modulation of stiffness of the focally injured or diseased lung ECM microenvironment plays a part in reparative processes performed by fibroblasts. Under conditions of remodeling or in disease states, inhomogeneous stiffening (or softening) of the pathologic ECM may both precede modifications in cell behavior and be a result of disease progression. The ability of ECM to stimulate further ECM production by fibroblasts and drive disease progression has potentially significant implications for mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapies; in the setting of pathologic ECM stiffness or composition, the therapeutic intent of progenitor cells may be subverted. Taken together, current data suggest that lung ECM actively contributes to health and disease; thus, mediators of cell-ECM signaling or factors that influence ECM stiffness may represent viable therapeutic targets in many lung disorders.
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22
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Stylianou A, Stylianopoulos T. Atomic Force Microscopy Probing of Cancer Cells and Tumor Microenvironment Components. BIONANOSCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s12668-015-0187-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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23
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Duan Y, An Q, Zhang Q, Zhang Y. Smoothing of fast assembled layer-by-layer films by adjusting assembly conditions. Chem Res Chin Univ 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40242-015-4414-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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24
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Abstract
Myofibroblasts are activated in response to tissue injury with the primary task to repair lost or damaged extracellular matrix. Enhanced collagen secretion and subsequent contraction - scarring - are part of the normal wound healing response and crucial to restore tissue integrity. Due to myofibroblasts ability to repair but not regenerate, accumulation of scar tissue is always associated with reduced organ performance. This is a fair price to pay by the body for not falling apart. Whereas myofibroblasts typically vanish after successful repair, dysregulation of the normal repair process can lead to persistent myofibroblast activation, for instance by chronic inflammation or mechanical stress in the tissue. Excessive repair leads to the accumulation of stiff collagenous ECM contractures - fibrosis - with dramatic consequences for organ function. The clinical need to terminate detrimental myofibroblast activities has stimulated researchers to answer a number of essential questions: where do myofibroblasts come from, what are the factors leading to their activation, how do we discriminate myofibroblasts from other cells, what is the molecular basis for their contractile activity, and how can we stop or at least control them? This article reviews the current state of the myofibroblast literature by emphasizing their role in ocular repair and fibrosis. It appears that although the eye is quite an extraordinary organ, ocular myofibroblasts behave or misbehave just like their siblings in other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Matrix Dynamics Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, 150 College Street, FitzGerald Building, Room 234, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.
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25
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Lü S, Gao C, Xu X, Bai X, Duan H, Gao N, Feng C, Xiong Y, Liu M. Injectable and Self-Healing Carbohydrate-Based Hydrogel for Cell Encapsulation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2015; 7:13029-13037. [PMID: 26016388 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b03143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
With the fast development of cell therapy, there has been a shift toward the development of injectable hydrogels as cell carriers that can overcome current limitations in cell therapy. However, the hydrogels are prone to damage during use, inducing cell apoptosis. Therefore, this study was carried out to develop an injectable and self-healing hydrogel based on chondroitin sulfate multiple aldehyde (CSMA) and N-succinyl-chitosan (SC). By varying the CSMA to SC ratio, the hydrogel stiffness, water content, and kinetics of gelation could be controlled. Gelation readily occurred at physiological conditions, predominantly due to a Schiff base reaction between the aldehyde groups on CSMA and amino groups on SC. Meanwhile, because of the dynamic equilibrium of Schiff base linkage, the hydrogel was found to be self-healing. Cells encapsulated in the hydrogel remained viable and metabolically active. In addition, the hydrogel produced minimal inflammatory response when injected subcutaneously in a rat model and showed biodegradability in vivo. This work establishes an injectable and self-healing hydrogel derived from carbohydrates with potential applications as a cell carrier and in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyu Lü
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunmei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiubin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Haogang Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Nannan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingzhu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
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Hinz B. The extracellular matrix and transforming growth factor-β1: Tale of a strained relationship. Matrix Biol 2015; 47:54-65. [PMID: 25960420 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 414] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Revised: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Physiological tissue repair aims at restoring the mechano-protective properties of the extracellular matrix. Consequently, redundant regulatory mechanisms are in place ensuring that tissue remodeling terminates once matrix homeostasis is re-established. If these mechanisms fail, stromal cells become continuously activated, accumulate excessive amounts of stiff matrix, and fibrosis develops. In this mini-review, I develop the hypothesis that the mechanical state of the extracellular matrix and the pro-fibrotic transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 cooperate to regulate the remodeling activities of stromal cells. TGF-β1 is stored in the matrix as part of a large latent complex and can be activated by cell contractile force that is transmitted by integrins. Matrix straining and stiffening lower the threshold for TGF-β1 activation by increasing the mechanical resistance to cell pulling. Different elements of this mechanism can be pharmacologically targeted to interrupt the mechanical positive feedback loop of fibrosis, including specific integrins and matrix protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Matrix Dynamics Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, 150 College Street, FitzGerald Building, Room 234, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E2, Canada.
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