1
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Caillier A, Oleksyn D, Fowell DJ, Miller J, Oakes PW. T cells use focal adhesions to pull themselves through confined environments. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202310067. [PMID: 38889096 PMCID: PMC11187980 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202310067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune cells are highly dynamic and able to migrate through environments with diverse biochemical and mechanical compositions. Their migration has classically been defined as amoeboid under the assumption that it is integrin independent. Here, we show that activated primary Th1 T cells require both confinement and extracellular matrix proteins to migrate efficiently. This migration is mediated through small and dynamic focal adhesions that are composed of the same proteins associated with canonical mesenchymal cell focal adhesions, such as integrins, talin, and vinculin. These focal adhesions, furthermore, localize to sites of contractile traction stresses, enabling T cells to pull themselves through confined spaces. Finally, we show that Th1 T cells preferentially follow tracks of other T cells, suggesting that these adhesions modify the extracellular matrix to provide additional environmental guidance cues. These results demonstrate not only that the boundaries between amoeboid and mesenchymal migration modes are ambiguous, but that integrin-mediated focal adhesions play a key role in T cell motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Caillier
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - David Oleksyn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, Aab Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Deborah J. Fowell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jim Miller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, Aab Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Patrick W. Oakes
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
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2
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Xue R, Chen Y, Gong Z, Jiang H. Superposition of Substrate Deformation Fields Induced by Molecular Clutches Explains Cell Spatial Sensing of Ligands. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 39088555 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c03667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Cells can sense the physical properties of the extracellular matrices (ECMs), such as stiffness and ligand density, through cell adhesions to actively regulate their behaviors. Recent studies have shown that varying ligand spacing of ECMs can influence adhesion size, cell spreading, and even stem cell differentiation, indicating that cells have the spatial sensing ability of ECM ligands. However, the mechanism of the cells' spatial sensing remains unclear. In this study, we have developed a lattice-spring motor-clutch model by integrating cell membrane deformation, the talin unfolding mechanism, and the lattice spring for substrate ligand distribution to explore how the spatial distribution of integrin ligands and substrate stiffness influence cell spreading and adhesion dynamics. By applying the Gillespie algorithm, we found that large ligand spacing reduces the superposition effect of the substrate's displacement fields generated by pulling force from motor-clutch units, increasing the effective stiffness probed by the force-sensitive receptors; this finding explains a series of previous experiments. Furthermore, using the mean-field theory, we obtain the effective stiffness sensed by bound clutches analytically; our analysis shows that the bound clutch number and ligand spacing are the two key factors that affect the superposition effects of deformation fields and, hence, the effective stiffness. Overall, our study reveals the mechanism of cells' spatial sensing, i.e., ligand spacing changes the effective stiffness sensed by cells due to the superposition effect of deformation fields, which provides a physical clue for designing and developing biological materials that effectively control cell behavior and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihao Xue
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Yonggang Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Ze Gong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Beisihuan West Road, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Hongyuan Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
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3
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Kusumi A, Tsunoyama TA, Suzuki KGN, Fujiwara TK, Aladag A. Transient, nano-scale, liquid-like molecular assemblies coming of age. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 89:102394. [PMID: 38963953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
This review examines the dynamic mechanisms underlying cellular signaling, communication, and adhesion via transient, nano-scale, liquid-like molecular assemblies on the plasma membrane (PM). Traditional views posit that stable, solid-like molecular complexes perform these functions. However, advanced imaging reveals that many signaling and scaffolding proteins only briefly reside in these molecular complexes and that micron-scale protein assemblies on the PM, including cell adhesion structures and synapses, are likely made of archipelagoes of nanoliquid protein islands. Borrowing the concept of liquid-liquid phase separation to form micron-scale biocondensates, we propose that these nano-scale oligomers and assemblies are enabled by multiple weak but specific molecular interactions often involving intrinsically disordered regions. The signals from individual nanoliquid signaling complexes would occur as pulses. Single-molecule imaging emerges as a crucial technique for characterizing these transient nanoliquid assemblies on the PM, suggesting a shift toward a model where the fluidity of interactions underpins signal regulation and integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Kusumi
- Membrane Cooperativity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Taka A Tsunoyama
- Membrane Cooperativity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Kenichi G N Suzuki
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Takahiro K Fujiwara
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Amine Aladag
- Membrane Cooperativity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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4
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Miao MZ, Lee JS, Yamada KM, Loeser RF. Integrin signalling in joint development, homeostasis and osteoarthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024; 20:492-509. [PMID: 39014254 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-024-01130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Integrins are key regulators of cell-matrix interactions during joint development and joint tissue homeostasis, as well as in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). The signalling cascades initiated by the interactions of integrins with a complex network of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and intracellular adaptor proteins orchestrate cellular responses necessary for maintaining joint tissue integrity. Dysregulated integrin signalling, triggered by matrix degradation products such as matrikines, disrupts this delicate balance, tipping the scales towards an environment conducive to OA pathogenesis. The interplay between integrin signalling and growth factor pathways further underscores the multifaceted nature of OA. Moreover, emerging insights into the role of endocytic trafficking in regulating integrin signalling add a new layer of complexity to the understanding of OA development. To harness the therapeutic potential of targeting integrins for mitigation of OA, comprehensive understanding of their molecular mechanisms across joint tissues is imperative. Ultimately, deciphering the complexities of integrin signalling will advance the ability to treat OA and alleviate its global burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Z Miao
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Craniofacial Anomalies and Regeneration Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology and the Thurston Arthritis Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Janice S Lee
- Craniofacial Anomalies and Regeneration Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth M Yamada
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Richard F Loeser
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology and the Thurston Arthritis Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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5
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Niraula G, Pyne A, Wang X. Develop Tandem Tension Sensor to Gauge Integrin-Transmitted Molecular Forces. ACS Sens 2024; 9:3660-3670. [PMID: 38968930 PMCID: PMC11287754 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c00756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
DNA-based tension sensors have innovated the imaging and calibration of mechanosensitive receptor-transmitted molecular forces, such as integrin tensions. However, these sensors mainly serve as binary reporters, only indicating if molecular forces exceed one predefined threshold. Here, we have developed tandem tension sensor (TTS), which comprises two consecutive force-sensing units, each with unique force detection thresholds and distinct fluorescence spectra, thereby enabling the quantification of molecular forces with dual reference levels. With TTS, we revealed that vinculin is not required for transmitting integrin tensions at approximately 10 pN (piconewtons) but is essential for elevating integrin tensions beyond 20 pN in focal adhesions (FAs). Such high tensions have emerged during the early stage of FA formation. TTS also successfully detected changes in integrin tensions in response to disrupted actin formation, inhibited myosin activity, and tuned substrate elasticity. We also applied TTS to examine integrin tensions in platelets and revealed two force regimes, with integrin tensions surpassing 20 pN at cell central regions and 13-20 pN integrin tensions at the cell edge. Overall, TTS, especially the construct consisting of a hairpin DNA (13 pN opening force) and a shearing DNA (20 pN opening force), stands as a valuable tool for the quantification of receptor-transmitted molecular forces within living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Niraula
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Arghajit Pyne
- Research
Division in Hoxworth Center, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219, United States
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Research
Division in Hoxworth Center, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219, United States
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6
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Zhong BL, Elliot JM, Wang P, Li H, Hall RN, Wang B, Prakash M, Dunn AR. Split Luciferase Molecular Tension Sensors for Bioluminescent Readout of Mechanical Forces in Biological Systems. ACS Sens 2024; 9:3489-3495. [PMID: 38973210 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02664] [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] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The ability of proteins to sense and transmit mechanical forces underlies many biological processes, but characterizing these forces in biological systems remains a challenge. Existing genetically encoded force sensors typically rely on fluorescence or bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (FRET or BRET) to visualize tension. However, these force sensing modules are relatively large, and interpreting measurements requires specialized image analysis and careful control experiments. Here, we report a compact molecular tension sensor that generates a bioluminescent signal in response to tension. This sensor (termed PILATeS) makes use of the split NanoLuc luciferase and consists of the H. sapiens titin I10 domain with the insertion of a 10-15 amino acid tag derived from the C-terminal β-strand of NanoLuc. Mechanical load across PILATeS mediates exposure of this tag to recruit the complementary split NanoLuc fragment, resulting in force-dependent bioluminescence. We demonstrate the ability of PILATeS to report biologically meaningful forces by visualizing forces at the interface between integrins and extracellular matrix substrates. We further use PILATeS as a genetically encoded sensor of tension experienced by the mechanosensing protein vinculin. We anticipate that PILATeS will provide an accessible means of visualizing molecular-scale forces in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Zhong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Jeandele M Elliot
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Pengli Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Hongquan Li
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - R Nelson Hall
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Manu Prakash
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Alexander R Dunn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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7
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Holland EN, Fernández-Yagüe MA, Zhou DW, O'Neill EB, Woodfolk AU, Mora-Boza A, Fu J, Schlaepfer DD, García AJ. FAK, vinculin, and talin control mechanosensitive YAP nuclear localization. Biomaterials 2024; 308:122542. [PMID: 38547833 PMCID: PMC11065566 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) are nanoscale complexes containing clustered integrin receptors and intracellular structural and signaling proteins that function as principal sites of mechanotransduction in part via promoting the nuclear translocation and activation of the transcriptional coactivator yes-associated protein (YAP). Knockdown of FA proteins such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK), talin, and vinculin can prevent YAP nuclear localization. However, the mechanism(s) of action remain poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the role of different functional domains in vinculin, talin, and FAK in regulating YAP nuclear localization. Using genetic or pharmacological inhibition of fibroblasts and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) adhering to deformable substrates, we find that disruption of vinculin-talin binding versus talin-FAK binding reduces YAP nuclear localization and transcriptional activity via different mechanisms. Disruption of vinculin-talin binding or knockdown of talin-1 reduces nuclear size, traction forces, and YAP nuclear localization. In contrast, disruption of the talin binding site on FAK or elimination of FAK catalytic activity did not alter nuclear size yet still prevented YAP nuclear localization and activity. These data support both nuclear tension-dependent and independent models for matrix stiffness-regulated YAP nuclear localization. Our results highlight the importance of vinculin-talin-FAK interactions at FAs of adherent cells, controlling YAP nuclear localization and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah N Holland
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA; School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marc A Fernández-Yagüe
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA; Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Dennis W Zhou
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA; Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eric B O'Neill
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA; Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ayanna U Woodfolk
- Mathematics Department, Spelman College, Atlanta, GA, USA; Bioengineering Department, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Ana Mora-Boza
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA; Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David D Schlaepfer
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrés J García
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA; Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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8
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Wang X, Xu H, Ning F, Duan S, Hu Y, Ding X, Xu FJ. Improved Cell Adhesion on Self-Assembled Chiral Nematic Cellulose Nanocrystal Films. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2400339. [PMID: 38925556 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Chirality is ubiquitous in nature, and closely related to biological phenomena. Nature-originated nanomaterials such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are able to self-assemble into hierarchical chiral nematic CNC films and impart handedness to nano and micro scale. However, the effects of the chiral nematic surfaces on cell adhesion are still unknown. Herein, this work presents evidence that the left-handed self-assembled chiral nematic CNC films (L-CNC) significantly improve the adhesion of L929 fibroblasts compared to randomly arranged isotropic CNC films (I-CNC). The fluidic force microscopy-based single-cell force spectroscopy is introduced to assess the cell adhesion forces on the substrates of L-CNC and I-CNC, respectively. With this method, a maximum adhesion force of 133.2 nN is quantified for mature L929 fibroblasts after culturing for 24 h on L-CNC, whereas the L929 fibroblasts exert a maximum adhesion force of 78.4 nN on I-CNC under the same condition. Moreover, the instant SCFS reveals that the integrin pathways are involved in sensing the chirality of substrate surfaces. Overall, this work offers a starting point for the regulation of cell adhesion via the self-assembled nano and micro architecture of chiral nematic CNC films, with potential practical applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Haifeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Fanghui Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Shun Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Yang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Xiaokang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Fu-Jian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
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9
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Liu J, Tan YY, Zheng W, Wang Y, Ju LA, Su QP. Nanoscale insights into hematology: super-resolved imaging on blood cell structure, function, and pathology. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:363. [PMID: 38910248 PMCID: PMC11194919 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02605-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluorescence nanoscopy, also known as super-resolution microscopy, has transcended the conventional resolution barriers and enabled visualization of biological samples at nanometric resolutions. A series of super-resolution techniques have been developed and applied to investigate the molecular distribution, organization, and interactions in blood cells, as well as the underlying mechanisms of blood-cell-associated diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of various fluorescence nanoscopy technologies, outlining their current development stage and the challenges they are facing in terms of functionality and practicality. We specifically explore how these innovations have propelled forward the analysis of thrombocytes (platelets), erythrocytes (red blood cells) and leukocytes (white blood cells), shedding light on the nanoscale arrangement of subcellular components and molecular interactions. We spotlight novel biomarkers uncovered by fluorescence nanoscopy for disease diagnosis, such as thrombocytopathies, malignancies, and infectious diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the technological hurdles and chart out prospective avenues for future research directions. This review aims to underscore the significant contributions of fluorescence nanoscopy to the field of blood cell analysis and disease diagnosis, poised to revolutionize our approach to exploring, understanding, and managing disease at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghan Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Yuping Yolanda Tan
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Wen Zheng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Yao Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia
| | - Lining Arnold Ju
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Qian Peter Su
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
- Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia.
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10
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Aono Y, Nakajima T, Ichimiya W, Yoshida M, Sato M. Highly Efficient Fluorescent Probe to Visualize Protein Interactions at the Superresolution. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1271-1279. [PMID: 38835147 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Superresolution microscopy (SR microscopy) of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) occurring in subcellular structures is essential for understanding cellular functions. However, a powerful and useful technology for SR microscopy of PPIs remains elusive. Here, we develop a highly efficient photoconvertible fluorescent probe, named split-Dendra2, for SR microscopy of PPIs in the cell. We found that split-Dendra2 enables a highly efficient detection of PPIs, making it possible to perform SR microscopy of PPIs with high spatial resolution and high image reconstruction fidelity. We demonstrate the utility of split-Dendra2 by visualizing PPIs occurring in small subcellular structures at the superresolution, such as clathrin-coated pits and focal adhesions, which cannot be visualized by the existing tools. Split-Dendra2 offers a powerful and useful tool that greatly expands the possibility of SR microscopy and can contribute to revealing the function of PPIs at the nanoscale resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Aono
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nakajima
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kanagawa 243-0435, Japan
| | - Wataru Ichimiya
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Mayumi Yoshida
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Moritoshi Sato
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kanagawa 243-0435, Japan
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11
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Litschel T, Kelley CF, Cheng X, Babl L, Mizuno N, Case LB, Schwille P. Membrane-induced 2D phase separation of the focal adhesion protein talin. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4986. [PMID: 38862544 PMCID: PMC11166923 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49222-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions form liquid-like assemblies around activated integrin receptors at the plasma membrane. How they achieve their flexible properties is not well understood. Here, we use recombinant focal adhesion proteins to reconstitute the core structural machinery in vitro. We observe liquid-liquid phase separation of the core focal adhesion proteins talin and vinculin for a spectrum of conditions and interaction partners. Intriguingly, we show that binding to PI(4,5)P2-containing membranes triggers phase separation of these proteins on the membrane surface, which in turn induces the enrichment of integrin in the clusters. We suggest a mechanism by which 2-dimensional biomolecular condensates assemble on membranes from soluble proteins in the cytoplasm: lipid-binding triggers protein activation and thus, liquid-liquid phase separation of these membrane-bound proteins. This could explain how early focal adhesions maintain a structured and force-resistant organization into the cytoplasm, while still being highly dynamic and able to quickly assemble and disassemble.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Litschel
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Charlotte F Kelley
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Xiaohang Cheng
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Leon Babl
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Naoko Mizuno
- Department of Structural Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
- Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lindsay B Case
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Petra Schwille
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
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12
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Ferrai C, Schulte C. Mechanotransduction in stem cells. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151417. [PMID: 38729084 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, it is an established concept that the capability to reach a specialised cell identity via differentiation, as in the case of multi- and pluripotent stem cells, is not only determined by biochemical factors, but that also physical aspects of the microenvironment play a key role; interpreted by the cell through a force-based signalling pathway called mechanotransduction. However, the intricate ties between the elements involved in mechanotransduction, such as the extracellular matrix, the glycocalyx, the cell membrane, Integrin adhesion complexes, Cadherin-mediated cell/cell adhesion, the cytoskeleton, and the nucleus, are still far from being understood in detail. Here we report what is currently known about these elements in general and their specific interplay in the context of multi- and pluripotent stem cells. We furthermore merge this overview to a more comprehensive picture, that aims to cover the whole mechanotransductive pathway from the cell/microenvironment interface to the regulation of the chromatin structure in the nucleus. Ultimately, with this review we outline the current picture of the interplay between mechanotransductive cues and epigenetic regulation and how these processes might contribute to stem cell dynamics and fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Ferrai
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Carsten Schulte
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences and Department of Physics "Aldo Pontremoli", University of Milan, Italy.
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13
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Dibus M, Joshi O, Ivaska J. Novel tools to study cell-ECM interactions, cell adhesion dynamics and migration. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102355. [PMID: 38631101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Integrin-mediated cell adhesion is essential for cell migration, mechanotransduction and tissue integrity. In vivo, these processes are regulated by complex physicochemical signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM). These nuanced cues, including molecular composition, rigidity and topology, call for sophisticated systems to faithfully explore cell behaviour. Here, we discuss recent methodological advances in cell-ECM adhesion research and compile a toolbox of techniques that we expect to shape this field in future. We outline methodological breakthroughs facilitating the transition from rigid 2D substrates to more complex and dynamic 3D systems, as well as advances in super-resolution imaging for an in-depth understanding of adhesion nanostructure. Selected methods are exemplified with relevant biological findings to underscore their applicability in cell adhesion research. We expect this new "toolbox" of methods will allow for a closer approximation of in vitro experimental setups to in vivo conditions, providing deeper insights into physiological and pathophysiological processes associated with cell-ECM adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Dibus
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Omkar Joshi
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; Western Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN West), University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Tukholmankatu 8, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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14
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Chen T, Giannone G. Single molecule imaging unveils cellular architecture, dynamics and mechanobiology. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102369. [PMID: 38759257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The biomechanical regulation of the cytoskeleton and cell adhesions underlies various essential cellular functions. Studying them requires visualizing their nanostructure and molecular dynamics with evermore precise spatio-temporal resolution. In this review we will focus on the recent advances in single molecule fluorescence imaging techniques and discuss how they improve our understanding of mechanically sensitive cellular structures such as adhesions and the cytoskeleton. We will also discuss future directions for research, emphasizing on the 3D nature of cellular structures and tissues, their mechanical regulation at the molecule level, as well as how super-resolution microscopy will enhance our knowledge on protein structure and conformational changes in the cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchi Chen
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, Université Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Grégory Giannone
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, Université Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
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15
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Galbraith CG, English BP, Boehm U, Galbraith JA. Compartmentalized Cytoplasmic Flows Direct Protein Transport to the Cell's Leading Edge. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.12.593794. [PMID: 38798549 PMCID: PMC11118383 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.12.593794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Inside the cell, proteins essential for signaling, morphogenesis, and migration navigate complex pathways, typically via vesicular trafficking or microtubule-driven mechanisms 1-3 . However, the process by which soluble cytoskeletal monomers maneuver through the cytoplasm's ever-changing environment to reach their destinations without using these pathways remains unknown. 4-6 Here, we show that actin cytoskeletal treadmilling leads to the formation of a semi-permeable actin-myosin barrier, creating a specialized compartment separated from the rest of the cell body that directs proteins toward the cell edge by advection, diffusion facilitated by fluid flow. Contraction at this barrier generates a molecularly non-specific fluid flow that transports actin, actin-binding proteins, adhesion proteins, and even inert proteins forward. The local curvature of the barrier specifically targets these proteins toward protruding edges of the leading edge, sites of new filament growth, effectively coordinating protein distribution with cellular dynamics. Outside this compartment, diffusion remains the primary mode of protein transport, contrasting sharply with the directed advection within. This discovery reveals a novel protein transport mechanism that redefines the front of the cell as a pseudo-organelle, actively orchestrating protein mobilization for cellular front activities such as protrusion and adhesion. By elucidating a new model of protein dynamics at the cellular front, this work contributes a critical piece to the puzzle of how cells adapt their internal structures for targeted and rapid response to extracellular cues. The findings challenge the current understanding of intracellular transport, suggesting that cells possess highly specialized and previously unrecognized organizational strategies for managing protein distribution efficiently, providing a new framework for understanding the cellular architecture's role in rapid response and adaptation to environmental changes.
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16
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Jain K, Pandey A, Wang H, Chung T, Nemati A, Kanchanawong P, Sheetz MP, Cai H, Changede R. TiO 2 Nano-Biopatterning Reveals Optimal Ligand Presentation for Cell-Matrix Adhesion Formation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309284. [PMID: 38340044 PMCID: PMC11126362 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Nanoscale organization of transmembrane receptors is critical for cellular functions, enabled by the nanoscale engineering of bioligand presentation. Previously, a spatial threshold of ≤60 nm for integrin binding ligands in cell-matrix adhesion is demonstrated using monoliganded gold nanoparticles. However, the ligand geometric arrangement is limited to hexagonal arrays of monoligands, while plasmonic quenching limits further investigation by fluorescence-based high-resolution imaging. Here, these limitations are overcome with dielectric TiO2 nanopatterns, eliminating fluorescence quenching, thus enabling super-resolution fluorescence microscopy on nanopatterns. By dual-color super-resolution imaging, high precision and consistency among nanopatterns, bioligands, and integrin nanoclusters are observed, validating the high quality and integrity of both nanopattern functionalization and passivation. By screening TiO2 nanodiscs with various diameters, an increase in fibroblast cell adhesion, spreading area, and Yes-associated protein (YAP) nuclear localization on 100 nm diameter compared with smaller diameters was observed. Focal adhesion kinase is identified as the regulatory signal. These findings explore the optimal ligand presentation when the minimal requirements are sufficiently fulfilled in the heterogenous extracellular matrix network of isolated binding regions with abundant ligands. Integration of high-fidelity nano-biopatterning with super-resolution imaging allows precise quantitative studies to address early signaling events in response to receptor clustering and their nanoscale organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashish Jain
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ashish Pandey
- Tech4Health Institute and Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hao Wang
- Tech4Health Institute and Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Taerin Chung
- Tech4Health Institute and Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arash Nemati
- Tech4Health Institute and Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pakorn Kanchanawong
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael P. Sheetz
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Molecular Mechanomedicine Program, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Haogang Cai
- Tech4Health Institute and Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Rishita Changede
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- TeOra Pte. Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
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17
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Polak M, Ura DP, Berniak K, Szewczyk PK, Marzec MM, Stachewicz U. Interfacial blending in co-axially electrospun polymer core-shell fibers and their interaction with cells via focal adhesion point analysis. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 237:113864. [PMID: 38522283 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Electrospun polymer scaffolds have gained prominence in biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound dressings, due to their customizable properties. As the interplay between cells and materials assumes fundamental significance in biomaterials research, understanding the relationship between fiber properties and cell behaviour is imperative. Nevertheless, altering fiber properties introduces complexity by intertwining mechanical and surface chemistry effects, challenging the differentiation of their individual impacts on cell behaviour. Core-shell fibers present an appealing solution, enabling the control of mechanical properties of scaffolds, flexibility in material and drug selection, efficient encapsulation, strong protection of bioactive drugs against harsh environments, and controlled, prolonged drug release. This study addresses a key challenge in core-shell fiber design related to the blending effect between core and shell polymers. Two types of fibers, PMMA and core-shell PC-PMMA, were electrospun, and thorough analyses confirmed the desired core-shell structure in PC-PMMA fibers. Surface chemistry analysis revealed PC diffusion to the PMMA shell of the core-shell fiber during electrospinning, subsequently prompting an investigation of the fiber's surface potential. Conducting cellular studies on osteoblasts by super-resolution confocal microscopy provided insights into the direct influence of interfacial polymer blending and, consequently, altered fiber surface and mechanical properties on cell focal adhesion points, bridging the gap between material attributes and cell responses in core-shell fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Polak
- Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Kraków 30-059, Poland
| | - Daniel P Ura
- Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Kraków 30-059, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Berniak
- Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Kraków 30-059, Poland
| | - Piotr K Szewczyk
- Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Kraków 30-059, Poland
| | - Mateusz M Marzec
- Academic Centre for Materials and Nanotechnology, AGH University of Krakow, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Kraków 30-059, Poland
| | - Urszula Stachewicz
- Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Kraków 30-059, Poland.
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18
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Kang M, Senatore AJ, Naughton H, McTigue M, Beltman RJ, Herppich AA, Pflum MKH, Howe AK. Protein kinase A is a functional component of focal adhesions. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107234. [PMID: 38552737 PMCID: PMC11044056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107234] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) form the junction between extracellular matrix (ECM)-bound integrins and the actin cytoskeleton and also transmit signals that regulate cell adhesion, cytoskeletal dynamics, and cell migration. While many of these signals are rooted in reversible tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphorylation of FA proteins on Ser/Thr residues is far more abundant yet its mechanisms and consequences are far less understood. The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A; PKA) has important roles in cell adhesion and cell migration and is both an effector and regulator of integrin-mediated adhesion to the ECM. Importantly, subcellular localization plays a critically important role in specifying PKA function. Here, we show that PKA is present in isolated FA-cytoskeleton complexes and active within FAs in live cells. Furthermore, using kinase-catalyzed biotinylation of isolated FA-cytoskeleton complexes, we identify 53 high-stringency candidate PKA substrates within FAs. From this list, we validate tensin-3 (Tns3)-a well-established molecular scaffold, regulator of cell migration, and a component of focal and fibrillar adhesions-as a novel direct substrate for PKA. These observations identify a new pathway for phospho-regulation of Tns3 and, importantly, establish a new and important niche for localized PKA signaling and thus provide a foundation for further investigation of the role of PKA in the regulation of FA dynamics and signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingu Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Amanda J Senatore
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Hannah Naughton
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Madeline McTigue
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Rachel J Beltman
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Andrew A Herppich
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Mary Kay H Pflum
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Alan K Howe
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA.
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19
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Nelson T, Vargas-Hernández S, Freire M, Cheng S, Gustavsson AK. Multimodal illumination platform for 3D single-molecule super-resolution imaging throughout mammalian cells. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:3050-3063. [PMID: 38855669 PMCID: PMC11161355 DOI: 10.1364/boe.521362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Single-molecule super-resolution imaging is instrumental in investigating cellular architecture and organization at the nanoscale. Achieving precise 3D nanometric localization when imaging structures throughout mammalian cells, which can be multiple microns thick, requires careful selection of the illumination scheme in order to optimize the fluorescence signal to background ratio (SBR). Thus, an optical platform that combines different wide-field illumination schemes for target-specific SBR optimization would facilitate more precise 3D nanoscale studies of a wide range of cellular structures. Here, we demonstrate a versatile multimodal illumination platform that integrates the sectioning and background reduction capabilities of light sheet illumination with homogeneous, flat-field epi- and TIRF illumination. Using primarily commercially available parts, we combine the fast and convenient switching between illumination modalities with point spread function engineering to enable 3D single-molecule super-resolution imaging throughout mammalian cells. For targets directly at the coverslip, the homogenous intensity profile and excellent sectioning of our flat-field TIRF illumination scheme improves single-molecule data quality by providing low fluorescence background and uniform fluorophore blinking kinetics, fluorescence signal, and localization precision across the entire field of view. The increased contrast achieved with LS illumination, when compared with epi-illumination, makes this illumination modality an excellent alternative when imaging targets that extend throughout the cell. We validate our microscopy platform for improved 3D super-resolution imaging by two-color imaging of paxillin - a protein located in the focal adhesion complex - and actin in human osteosarcoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Nelson
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Applied Physics Program, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Sofía Vargas-Hernández
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Institute of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Margareth Freire
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Siyang Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Applied Physics Program, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Anna-Karin Gustavsson
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Institute of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Center for Nanoscale Imaging Sciences, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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20
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Ramella M, Ribolla LM, Surini S, Sala K, Tonoli D, Cioni JM, Rai AK, Pelkmans L, de Curtis I. Dual specificity kinase DYRK3 regulates cell migration by influencing the stability of protrusions. iScience 2024; 27:109440. [PMID: 38510137 PMCID: PMC10952033 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109440] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasma membrane-associated platforms (PMAPs) form at specific sites of plasma membrane by scaffolds including ERC1 and Liprin-α1. We identify a mechanism regulating PMAPs assembly, with consequences on motility/invasion. Silencing Ser/Thr kinase DYRK3 in invasive breast cancer cells inhibits their motility and invasive capacity. Similar effects on motility were observed by increasing DYRK3 levels, while kinase-dead DYRK3 had limited effects. DYRK3 overexpression inhibits PMAPs formation and has negative effects on stability of lamellipodia and adhesions in migrating cells. Liprin-α1 depletion results in unstable lamellipodia and impaired cell motility. DYRK3 causes increased Liprin-α1 phosphorylation. Increasing levels of Liprin-α1 rescue the inhibitory effects of DYRK3 on cell spreading, suggesting that an equilibrium between Liprin-α1 and DYRK3 levels is required for lamellipodia stability and tumor cell motility. Our results show that DYRK3 is relevant to tumor cell motility, and identify a PMAP target of the kinase, highlighting a new mechanism regulating cell edge dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ramella
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Cell Adhesion Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Maria Ribolla
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Cell Adhesion Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Surini
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Cell Adhesion Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Kristyna Sala
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Cell Adhesion Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Diletta Tonoli
- Cell Adhesion Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Jean-Michel Cioni
- RNA Biology of the Neuron Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Arpan Kumar Rai
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Pelkmans
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ivan de Curtis
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Cell Adhesion Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
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21
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Xu J, Liu X, Liang P, Yuan H, Yang T. In Situ Preparation of Tannic Acid-Modified Poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogel Coatings for Boosting Cell Response. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:538. [PMID: 38675199 PMCID: PMC11054217 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040538] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The improvement of the capability of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogel coating in cell adhesion and detachment is critical to efficiently prepare cell sheets applied in cellular therapies and tissue engineering. To enhance cell response on the surface, the amine group-modified PNIPAAm (PNIPAAm-APTES) nanohydrogels were synthesized and deposited spontaneously on tannic acid (TA)-modified polyethylene (PE) plates. Subsequently, TA was introduced onto PNIPAAm-APTES nanohydrogels to fabricate coatings composed of TA-modified PNIPAAm-APTES (PNIPAAm-APTES-TA). Characterization techniques, including TEM, SEM, XPS, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, confirmed the effective deposition of hydrogels of PNIPAAm as well as the morphologies, content of chemical bonding-TA, and stability of various coatings. Importantly, the porous hydrogel coatings exhibited superhydrophilicity at 20 °C and thermo-responsive behavior. The fluorescence measurement demonstrated that the coating's stability effectively regulated protein behavior, influencing cell response. Notably, cell response tests revealed that even without precise control over the chain length/thickness of PNIPAAm during synthesis, the coatings enhanced cell adhesion and detachment, facilitating efficient cell culture. This work represented a novel and facile approach to preparing bioactive PNIPAAm for cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jufei Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical Center, PLA, Air Force Medical University, Beijing 100142, China;
- School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China;
| | - Xiangzhe Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Pengpeng Liang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
| | - Hailong Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical Center, PLA, Air Force Medical University, Beijing 100142, China;
| | - Tianyou Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China;
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22
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Noom A, Sawitzki B, Knaus P, Duda GN. A two-way street - cellular metabolism and myofibroblast contraction. NPJ Regen Med 2024; 9:15. [PMID: 38570493 PMCID: PMC10991391 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-024-00359-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis is characterised by the high-energy consumption associated with myofibroblast contraction. Although myofibroblast contraction relies on ATP production, the role of cellular metabolism in myofibroblast contraction has not yet been elucidated. Studies have so far only focused on myofibroblast contraction regulators, such as integrin receptors, TGF-β and their shared transcription factor YAP/TAZ, in a fibroblast-myofibroblast transition setting. Additionally, the influence of the regulators on metabolism and vice versa have been described in this context. However, this has so far not yet been connected to myofibroblast contraction. This review focuses on the known and unknown of how cellular metabolism influences the processes leading to myofibroblast contraction and vice versa. We elucidate the signalling cascades responsible for myofibroblast contraction by looking at FMT regulators, mechanical cues, biochemical signalling, ECM properties and how they can influence and be influenced by cellular metabolism. By reviewing the existing knowledge on the link between cellular metabolism and the regulation of myofibroblast contraction, we aim to pinpoint gaps of knowledge and eventually help identify potential research targets to identify strategies that would allow switching tissue fibrosis towards tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Noom
- Julius Wolff Institute (JWI), Berlin Institute of Health and Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Sawitzki
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt University of Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Center of Immunomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Knaus
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry - Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg N Duda
- Julius Wolff Institute (JWI), Berlin Institute of Health and Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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23
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Stock C. pH-regulated single cell migration. Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:639-658. [PMID: 38214759 PMCID: PMC11006768 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-02907-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Over the last two decades, extra- and intracellular pH have emerged as fundamental regulators of cell motility. Fundamental physiological and pathological processes relying on appropriate cell migration, such as embryonic development, wound healing, and a proper immune defense on the one hand, and autoimmune diseases, metastatic cancer, and the progression of certain parasitic diseases on the other, depend on surrounding pH. In addition, migrating single cells create their own localized pH nanodomains at their surface and in the cytosol. By this means, the migrating cells locally modulate their adhesion to, and the re-arrangement and digestion of, the extracellular matrix. At the same time, the cytosolic nanodomains tune cytoskeletal dynamics along the direction of movement resulting in concerted lamellipodia protrusion and rear end retraction. Extracellular pH gradients as found in wounds, inflamed tissues, or the periphery of tumors stimulate directed cell migration, and long-term exposure to acidic conditions can engender a more migratory and invasive phenotype persisting for hours up to several generations of cells after they have left the acidic milieu. In the present review, the different variants of pH-dependent single cell migration are described. The underlying pH-dependent molecular mechanisms such as conformational changes of adhesion molecules, matrix protease activity, actin (de-)polymerization, and signaling events are explained, and molecular pH sensors stimulated by H+ signaling are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Stock
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectiology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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24
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Han S, Lee G, Kim D, Kim J, Kim I, Kim H, Kim D. Selective Suppression of Integrin-Ligand Binding by Single Molecular Tension Probes Mediates Directional Cell Migration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306497. [PMID: 38311584 PMCID: PMC11005741 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Cell migration interacting with continuously changing microenvironment, is one of the most essential cellular functions, participating in embryonic development, wound repair, immune response, and cancer metastasis. The migration process is finely tuned by integrin-mediated binding to ligand molecules. Although numerous biochemical pathways orchestrating cell adhesion and motility are identified, how subcellular forces between the cell and extracellular matrix regulate intracellular signaling for cell migration remains unclear. Here, it is showed that a molecular binding force across integrin subunits determines directional migration by regulating tension-dependent focal contact formation and focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation. Molecular binding strength between integrin αvβ3 and fibronectin is precisely manipulated by developing molecular tension probes that control the mechanical tolerance applied to cell-substrate interfaces. This data reveals that integrin-mediated molecular binding force reduction suppresses cell spreading and focal adhesion formation, attenuating the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation that regulates the persistence of cell migration. These results further demonstrate that manipulating subcellular binding forces at the molecular level can recapitulate differential cell migration in response to changes of substrate rigidity that determines the physical condition of extracellular microenvironment. Novel insights is provided into the subcellular mechanics behind global mechanical adaptation of the cell to surrounding tissue environments featuring distinct biophysical signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong‐Beom Han
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and TechnologyKorea UniversitySeoul02841Republic of Korea
| | - Geonhui Lee
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and TechnologyKorea UniversitySeoul02841Republic of Korea
| | - Daesan Kim
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and TechnologyKorea UniversitySeoul02841Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong‐Ki Kim
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and TechnologyKorea UniversitySeoul02841Republic of Korea
| | - In‐San Kim
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and TechnologyKorea UniversitySeoul02841Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research CenterKorea Institute of Science and TechnologySeoul02792Republic of Korea
| | - Hae‐Won Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN)Dankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomaterials Science in College of Dentistry & Department of Nanobiomedical Science in Graduate SchoolDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
| | - Dong‐Hwee Kim
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and TechnologyKorea UniversitySeoul02841Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research CenterKorea Institute of Science and TechnologySeoul02792Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrative Energy EngineeringCollege of EngineeringKorea UniversitySeoul02841Republic of Korea
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25
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Liang P, Wu Y, Zheng S, Zhang J, Yang S, Wang J, Ma S, Zhang M, Gu Z, Liu Q, Jiang W, Xing Q, Wang B. Paxillin phase separation promotes focal adhesion assembly and integrin signaling. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202209027. [PMID: 38466167 PMCID: PMC10926639 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202209027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) are transmembrane protein assemblies mediating cell-matrix connection. Although protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has been tied to the organization and dynamics of FAs, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we experimentally tune the LLPS of PXN/Paxillin, an essential scaffold protein of FAs, by utilizing a light-inducible Cry2 system in different cell types. In addition to nucleating FA components, light-triggered PXN LLPS potently activates integrin signaling and subsequently accelerates cell spreading. In contrast to the homotypic interaction-driven LLPS of PXN in vitro, PXN condensates in cells are associated with the plasma membrane and modulated by actomyosin contraction and client proteins of FAs. Interestingly, non-specific weak intermolecular interactions synergize with specific molecular interactions to mediate the multicomponent condensation of PXN and are efficient in promoting FA assembly and integrin signaling. Thus, our data establish an active role of the PXN phase transition into a condensed membrane-associated compartment in promoting the assembly/maturation of FAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuchen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shanyuan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinfang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Suibin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Mengjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhuang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qingfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wenxue Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiong Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Shenzhen, China
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26
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Yang Y, Han K, Huang S, Wang K, Wang Y, Ding S, Zhang L, Zhang M, Xu B, Ma S, Wang Y, Wu S, Wang X. Revelation of adhesive proteins affecting cellular contractility through reference-free traction force microscopy. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:3249-3261. [PMID: 38466580 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00065j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the critical role played by cellular contractility associated mechanotransduction in the regulation of cell functions has been revealed. In this case, numerous biomaterials have been chemically or structurally designed to manipulate cell behaviors through the regulation of cellular contractility. In particular, adhesive proteins including fibronectin, poly-L-lysine and collagen type I have been widely applied in various biomaterials to improve cell adhesion. Therefore, clarifying the effects of adhesive proteins on cellular contractility has been valuable for the development of biomaterial design. In this study, reference-free traction force microscopy with a well-organized microdot array was designed and prepared to investigate the relationship between adhesive proteins, cellular contractility, and mechanotransduction. The results showed that fibronectin and collagen type I were able to promote the assembly of focal adhesions and further enhance cellular contraction and YAP activity. In contrast, although poly-L-lysine supported cell spreading and elongation, it was inefficient at inducing cell contractility and activating YAP. Additionally, compared with cellular morphogenesis, cellular contraction was essential for YAP activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Yang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan, P. R. China
| | - Kuankuan Han
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Siyuan Huang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Sichuan Vocational College of Health and Rehabilitation, Zigong, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Shukai Ding
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Le Zhang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Bingshe Xu
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Interface Science and Engineering in Advanced Materials, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shufang Ma
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Yongtao Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shengli Wu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xinlong Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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27
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Fierro Morales JC, Redfearn C, Titus MA, Roh-Johnson M. Reduced PaxillinB localization to cell-substrate adhesions promotes cell migration in Dictyostelium. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.19.585764. [PMID: 38562712 PMCID: PMC10983970 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.19.585764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Many cells adhere to extracellular matrix for efficient cell migration. This adhesion is mediated by focal adhesions, a protein complex linking the extracellular matrix to the intracellular cytoskeleton. Focal adhesions have been studied extensively in mesenchymal cells, but recent research in physiological contexts and amoeboid cells suggest focal adhesion regulation differs from the mesenchymal focal adhesion paradigm. We used Dictyostelium discoideum to uncover new mechanisms of focal adhesion regulation, as Dictyostelium are amoeboid cells that form focal adhesion-like structures for migration. We show that PaxillinB, the Dictyostelium homologue of Paxillin, localizes to dynamic focal adhesion-like structures during Dictyostelium migration. Unexpectedly, reduced PaxillinB recruitment to these structures increases Dictyostelium cell migration. Quantitative analysis of focal adhesion size and dynamics show that lack of PaxillinB recruitment to focal adhesions does not alter focal adhesion size, but rather increases focal adhesion turnover. These findings are in direct contrast to Paxillin function at focal adhesions during mesenchymal migration, challenging the established focal adhesion model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chandler Redfearn
- Department of Kinesiology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Margaret A Titus
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Minna Roh-Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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28
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Kumari R, Ven K, Chastney M, Kokate SB, Peränen J, Aaron J, Kogan K, Almeida-Souza L, Kremneva E, Poincloux R, Chew TL, Gunning PW, Ivaska J, Lappalainen P. Focal adhesions contain three specialized actin nanoscale layers. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2547. [PMID: 38514695 PMCID: PMC10957975 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46868-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) connect inner workings of cell to the extracellular matrix to control cell adhesion, migration and mechanosensing. Previous studies demonstrated that FAs contain three vertical layers, which connect extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton. By using super-resolution iPALM microscopy, we identify two additional nanoscale layers within FAs, specified by actin filaments bound to tropomyosin isoforms Tpm1.6 and Tpm3.2. The Tpm1.6-actin filaments, beneath the previously identified α-actinin cross-linked actin filaments, appear critical for adhesion maturation and controlled cell motility, whereas the adjacent Tpm3.2-actin filament layer beneath seems to facilitate adhesion disassembly. Mechanistically, Tpm3.2 stabilizes ACF-7/MACF1 and KANK-family proteins at adhesions, and hence targets microtubule plus-ends to FAs to catalyse their disassembly. Tpm3.2 depletion leads to disorganized microtubule network, abnormally stable FAs, and defects in tail retraction during migration. Thus, FAs are composed of distinct actin filament layers, and each may have specific roles in coupling adhesions to the cytoskeleton, or in controlling adhesion dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Kumari
- HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katharina Ven
- HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Megan Chastney
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Shrikant B Kokate
- HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johan Peränen
- HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jesse Aaron
- Advanced Imaging Center, HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, 20147, USA
| | - Konstantin Kogan
- HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leonardo Almeida-Souza
- HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elena Kremneva
- HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Renaud Poincloux
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Teng-Leong Chew
- Advanced Imaging Center, HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, 20147, USA
| | - Peter W Gunning
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
- Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Tukholmankatu 8, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pekka Lappalainen
- HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland.
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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29
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Kang M, Senatore AJ, Naughton H, McTigue M, Beltman RJ, Herppich AA, Pflum MKH, Howe AK. Protein Kinase A is a Functional Component of Focal Adhesions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.18.553932. [PMID: 37645771 PMCID: PMC10462105 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.18.553932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) form the junction between extracellular matrix (ECM)-bound integrins and the actin cytoskeleton and also transmit signals that regulate cell adhesion, cytoskeletal dynamics, and cell migration. While many of these signals are rooted in reversible tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphorylation of FA proteins on Ser/Thr residues is far more abundant yet its mechanisms and consequences are far less understood. The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A; PKA) has important roles in cell adhesion and cell migration and is both an effector and regulator of integrin-mediated adhesion to the ECM. Importantly, subcellular localization plays a critically important role in specifying PKA function. Here, we show that PKA is present in isolated FA-cytoskeleton complexes and active within FAs in live cells. Furthermore, using kinase-catalyzed biotinylation of isolated FA-cytoskeleton complexes, we identify fifty-three high-stringency candidate PKA substrates within FAs. From this list, we validate tensin-3 (Tns3) - a well-established molecular scaffold, regulator of cell migration, and component of focal and fibrillar adhesions - as a novel direct substrate for PKA. These observations identify a new pathway for phospho-regulation of Tns3 and, importantly, establish a new and important niche for localized PKA signaling and thus provide a foundation for further investigation of the role of PKA in the regulation of FA dynamics and signaling.
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30
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Cao R, Tian H, Tian Y, Fu X. A Hierarchical Mechanotransduction System: From Macro to Micro. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302327. [PMID: 38145330 PMCID: PMC10953595 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction is a strictly regulated process whereby mechanical stimuli, including mechanical forces and properties, are sensed and translated into biochemical signals. Increasing data demonstrate that mechanotransduction is crucial for regulating macroscopic and microscopic dynamics and functionalities. However, the actions and mechanisms of mechanotransduction across multiple hierarchies, from molecules, subcellular structures, cells, tissues/organs, to the whole-body level, have not been yet comprehensively documented. Herein, the biological roles and operational mechanisms of mechanotransduction from macro to micro are revisited, with a focus on the orchestrations across diverse hierarchies. The implications, applications, and challenges of mechanotransduction in human diseases are also summarized and discussed. Together, this knowledge from a hierarchical perspective has the potential to refresh insights into mechanotransduction regulation and disease pathogenesis and therapy, and ultimately revolutionize the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Cao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismCenter for Diabetes Metabolism ResearchState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Medical SchoolWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation CenterChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Huimin Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismCenter for Diabetes Metabolism ResearchState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Medical SchoolWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation CenterChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Yan Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismCenter for Diabetes Metabolism ResearchState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Medical SchoolWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation CenterChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismCenter for Diabetes Metabolism ResearchState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Medical SchoolWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation CenterChengduSichuan610041China
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31
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Berniak K, Ura DP, Piórkowski A, Stachewicz U. Cell-Material Interplay in Focal Adhesion Points. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:9944-9955. [PMID: 38354103 PMCID: PMC10910443 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c19035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The complex interplay between cells and materials is a key focus of this research, aiming to develop optimal scaffolds for regenerative medicine. The need for tissue regeneration underscores understanding cellular behavior on scaffolds, especially cell adhesion to polymer fibers forming focal adhesions. Key proteins, paxillin and vinculin, regulate cell signaling, migration, and mechanotransduction in response to the extracellular environment. This study utilizes advanced microscopy, specifically the AiryScan technique, along with advanced image analysis employing the Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) cluster algorithm, to investigate protein distribution during osteoblast cell adhesion to polymer fibers and glass substrates. During cell attachment to both glass and polymer fibers, a noticeable shift in the local maxima of paxillin and vinculin signals is observed at the adhesion sites. The focal adhesion sites on polymer fibers are smaller and elliptical but exhibit higher protein density than on the typical glass surface. The characteristics of focal adhesions, influenced by paxillin and vinculin, such as size and density, can potentially reflect the strength and stability of cell adhesion. Efficient adhesion correlates with well-organized, larger focal adhesions characterized by increased accumulation of paxillin and vinculin. These findings offer promising implications for enhancing scaffold design, evaluating adhesion to various substrates, and refining cellular interactions in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Berniak
- Faculty
of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Krakow 30-059, Poland
| | - Daniel P. Ura
- Faculty
of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Krakow 30-059, Poland
| | - Adam Piórkowski
- Department
of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Krakow 30-059, Poland
| | - Urszula Stachewicz
- Faculty
of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Krakow 30-059, Poland
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32
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Jain K, Minhaj RF, Kanchanawong P, Sheetz MP, Changede R. Nano-clusters of ligand-activated integrins organize immobile, signalling active, nano-clusters of phosphorylated FAK required for mechanosignaling in focal adhesions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.25.581925. [PMID: 38464288 PMCID: PMC10925161 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.25.581925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Transmembrane signalling receptors, such as integrins, organise as nanoclusters that are thought to provide several advantages including, increasing avidity, sensitivity (increasing the signal-to-noise ratio) and robustness (signalling above a threshold rather than activation by a single receptor) of the signal compared to signalling by single receptors. Compared to large micron-sized clusters, nanoclusters offer the advantage of rapid turnover for the disassembly of the signal. However, if nanoclusters function as signalling hubs remains poorly understood. Here, we employ fluorescence nanoscopy combined with photoactivation and photobleaching at sub-diffraction limited resolution of ~100nm length scale within a focal adhesion to examine the dynamics of diverse focal adhesion proteins. We show that (i) subregions of focal adhesions are enriched in immobile population of integrin β3 organised as nanoclusters, which (ii) in turn serve to organise nanoclusters of associated key adhesome proteins- vinculin, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin, demonstrating that signalling proceeds by formation of nanoclusters rather than through individual proteins. (iii) Distinct focal adhesion protein nanoclusters exhibit distinct dynamics dependent on function. (iv) long-lived nanoclusters function as signalling hubs- wherein phosphorylated FAK and paxillin formed stable nanoclusters in close proximity to immobile integrin nanoclusters which are disassembled in response to inactivation signal by phosphatase PTPN12 (v) signalling takes place in response to an external signal such as force or geometric arrangement of the nanoclusters and when the signal is removed, these nanoclusters disassemble. Taken together, these results demonstrate that signalling downstream of transmembrane receptors is organised as hubs of signalling proteins (FAK, paxillin, vinculin) seeded by nanoclusters of the transmembrane receptor (integrin).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashish Jain
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rida F Minhaj
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pakorn Kanchanawong
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael P Sheetz
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Molecular Mechanomedicine Program, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rishita Changede
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- TeOra Pte. Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
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33
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Li W, Li A, Yu B, Zhang X, Liu X, White KL, Stevens RC, Baumeister W, Sali A, Jasnin M, Sun L. In situ structure of actin remodeling during glucose-stimulated insulin secretion using cryo-electron tomography. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1311. [PMID: 38346988 PMCID: PMC10861521 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45648-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Actin mediates insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells through remodeling. Hampered by limited resolution, previous studies have offered an ambiguous depiction as depolymerization and repolymerization. We report the in situ structure of actin remodeling in INS-1E β-cells during glucose-stimulated insulin secretion at nanoscale resolution. After remodeling, the actin filament network at the cell periphery exhibits three marked differences: 12% of actin filaments reorient quasi-orthogonally to the ventral membrane; the filament network mainly remains as cell-stabilizing bundles but partially reconfigures into a less compact arrangement; actin filaments anchored to the ventral membrane reorganize from a "netlike" to a "blooming" architecture. Furthermore, the density of actin filaments and microtubules around insulin secretory granules decreases, while actin filaments and microtubules become more densely packed. The actin filament network after remodeling potentially precedes the transport and release of insulin secretory granules. These findings advance our understanding of actin remodeling and its role in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Angdi Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Bing Yu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Kate L White
- Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Raymond C Stevens
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wolfgang Baumeister
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152, Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Andrej Sali
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Marion Jasnin
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany.
| | - Liping Sun
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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Nelson T, Vargas-Hernández S, freire M, Cheng S, Gustavsson AK. Multimodal illumination platform for 3D single-molecule super-resolution imaging throughout mammalian cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.08.579549. [PMID: 38405960 PMCID: PMC10888752 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.08.579549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Single-molecule super-resolution imaging is instrumental for investigating cellular architecture and organization at the nanoscale. Achieving precise 3D nanometric localization when imaging structures throughout mammalian cells, which can be multiple microns thick, requires careful selection of the illumination scheme in order to optimize the fluorescence signal to background ratio (SBR). Thus, an optical platform that combines different wide-field illumination schemes for target-specific SBR optimization would facilitate more precise, 3D nanoscale studies of a wide range of cellular structures. Here we demonstrate a versatile multimodal illumination platform that integrates the sectioning and background reduction capabilities of light sheet illumination with homogeneous, flat-field epi-and TIRF illumination. Using primarily commercially available parts, we combine the fast and convenient switching between illumination modalities with point spread function engineering to enable 3D single-molecule super-resolution imaging throughout mammalian cells. For targets directly at the coverslip, the homogenous intensity profile and excellent sectioning of our flat-field TIRF illumination scheme improves single-molecule data quality by providing low fluorescence background and uniform fluorophore blinking kinetics, fluorescence signal, and localization precision across the entire field of view. The increased contrast achieved with LS illumination, when compared with epi-illumination, makes this illumination modality an excellent alternative when imaging targets that extend throughout the cell. We validate our microscopy platform for improved 3D super-resolution imaging by two-color imaging of paxillin - a protein located in the focal adhesion complex - and actin in human osteosarcoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Nelson
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Applied Physics Program, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Sofía Vargas-Hernández
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Institute of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Margareth freire
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Siyang Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Applied Physics Program, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Anna-Karin Gustavsson
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Institute of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Center for Nanoscale Imaging Sciences, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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35
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Garcia-Parajo MF, Mayor S. The ubiquitous nanocluster: A molecular scale organizing principle that governs cellular information flow. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102285. [PMID: 38056142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The language of biology at the scale of the cell is constituted of alphabets represented by biomolecules. These are stitched together in a variety of ways to create meaning. We argue that the phrases of this language are nanoscale molecular assemblies or nano-hubs for the purpose of information flow. At the cell surface information is sensed and processed via membrane receptors, often configured as multimers. These nano-assemblies serve as receiver nano-hubs, which are flexibly configured with additional nano-hubs that we term modifiers and transducers. This framework serves to process information that is transmitted for execution inside the cell. Here, we explore some examples about how nano-hubs are built and how they may contribute to cellular information flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Garcia-Parajo
- ICFO - Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860 Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Satyajit Mayor
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, 560065 Bangalore, India.
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罗 国, 周 陈. [Latest Findings on Phase Separation of Cytomechanical Proteins]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2024; 55:19-23. [PMID: 38322526 PMCID: PMC10839485 DOI: 10.12182/20240160206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The cellular response to mechanical stimuli depends largely on the structure of the cell itself and the abundance of intracellular cytomechanical proteins also plays a key role in the response to the stimulation of external mechanical signals. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is the process by which proteins or protein-RNA complexes spontaneously separate and form two distinct "phases", ie, a low-concentration phase coexisting with a high-concentration phase. According to published findings, membrane-free organelles form and maintain their structures and regulate their internal biochemical activities through LLPS. LLPS, a novel mechanism for intracellular regulation of the biochemical reactions of biomacromolecules, plays a crucial role in modulating the responses of cytomechanical proteins. LLPS leads to the formation of highly concentrated liquid-phase condensates through multivalent interactions between biomacromolecules, thereby regulating a series of intracellular life activities. It has been reported that a variety of cytomechanical proteins respond to external mechanical signals through LLPS, which in turn affects biological behaviors such as cell growth, proliferation, spreading, migration, and apoptosis. Herein, we introduced the mechanisms of cytomechanics and LLPS. In addition, we presented the latest findings on cytomechanical protein phase separation, covering such issues as the regulation of focal adhesion maturation and mechanical signal transduction by LIM domain-containing protein 1 (LIMD1) phase separation, the regulation of intercellular tight junctions by zonula occludens (ZO) phase separation, and the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis by cytomechanical protein phase separation of the Hippo signaling pathway. The proposition of LLPS provides an explanation for the formation mechanism of intracellular membraneless organelles and supplies new approaches to understanding the biological functions of intracellular physiology or pathology. However, the molecular mechanisms by which LLPS drives focal adhesions and cell-edge dynamics are still not fully understood. It is not clear whether LLPS under in vitro conditions can occur under physiological conditions of organisms. There are still difficulties to be overcome in using LLPS to explain the interactions of multiple intracellular molecules. Researchers should pursue answers to these questions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- 国文 罗
- 口腔疾病研究国家重点实验室 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 陈晨 周
- 口腔疾病研究国家重点实验室 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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37
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Jühlen R, Grauer L, Martinelli V, Rencurel C, Fahrenkrog B. Alteration of actin cytoskeletal organisation in fetal akinesia deformation sequence. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1742. [PMID: 38242956 PMCID: PMC10799014 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50615-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal akinesia deformation sequence (FADS) represents the severest form of congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS), a diverse group of inherited disorders characterised by impaired neuromuscular transmission. Most CMS originate from defects in the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, but the underlying molecular pathogenesis is only poorly understood. Here we show that RNAi-mediated silencing of FADS-related proteins rapsyn and NUP88 in foetal fibroblasts alters organisation of the actin cytoskeleton. We show that fibroblasts from two independent FADS individuals have enhanced and shorter actin stress fibre bundles, alongside with an increased number and size of focal adhesions, with an otherwise normal overall connectivity and integrity of the actin-myosin cytoskeleton network. By proximity ligation assays and bimolecular fluorescence complementation, we show that rapsyn and NUP88 localise nearby adhesion plaques and that they interact with the focal adhesion protein paxillin. Based on these findings we propose that a respective deficiency in rapsyn and NUP88 in FADS alters the regulation of actin dynamics at focal adhesions, and thereby may also plausibly dictate myofibril contraction in skeletal muscle of FADS individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Jühlen
- Laboratory Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041, Gosselies, Belgium.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Lukas Grauer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Valérie Martinelli
- Laboratory Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041, Gosselies, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Signaling, Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041, Gosselies, Belgium
| | | | - Birthe Fahrenkrog
- Laboratory Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041, Gosselies, Belgium.
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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38
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Schmitt MS, Colen J, Sala S, Devany J, Seetharaman S, Caillier A, Gardel ML, Oakes PW, Vitelli V. Machine learning interpretable models of cell mechanics from protein images. Cell 2024; 187:481-494.e24. [PMID: 38194965 PMCID: PMC11225795 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Cellular form and function emerge from complex mechanochemical systems within the cytoplasm. Currently, no systematic strategy exists to infer large-scale physical properties of a cell from its molecular components. This is an obstacle to understanding processes such as cell adhesion and migration. Here, we develop a data-driven modeling pipeline to learn the mechanical behavior of adherent cells. We first train neural networks to predict cellular forces from images of cytoskeletal proteins. Strikingly, experimental images of a single focal adhesion (FA) protein, such as zyxin, are sufficient to predict forces and can generalize to unseen biological regimes. Using this observation, we develop two approaches-one constrained by physics and the other agnostic-to construct data-driven continuum models of cellular forces. Both reveal how cellular forces are encoded by two distinct length scales. Beyond adherent cell mechanics, our work serves as a case study for integrating neural networks into predictive models for cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Schmitt
- James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Kadanoff Center for Theoretical Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jonathan Colen
- James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Kadanoff Center for Theoretical Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Stefano Sala
- Department of Cell & Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - John Devany
- James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Shailaja Seetharaman
- James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Alexia Caillier
- Department of Cell & Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Margaret L Gardel
- James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Patrick W Oakes
- Department of Cell & Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
| | - Vincenzo Vitelli
- James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Kadanoff Center for Theoretical Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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39
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Mittal N, Michels EB, Massey AE, Qiu Y, Royer-Weeden SP, Smith BR, Cartagena-Rivera AX, Han SJ. Myosin-independent stiffness sensing by fibroblasts is regulated by the viscoelasticity of flowing actin. COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS 2024; 5:6. [PMID: 38741699 PMCID: PMC11090405 DOI: 10.1038/s43246-024-00444-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The stiffness of the extracellular matrix induces differential tension within integrin-based adhesions, triggering differential mechanoresponses. However, it has been unclear if the stiffness-dependent differential tension is induced solely by myosin activity. Here, we report that in the absence of myosin contractility, 3T3 fibroblasts still transmit stiffness-dependent differential levels of traction. This myosin-independent differential traction is regulated by polymerizing actin assisted by actin nucleators Arp2/3 and formin where formin has a stronger contribution than Arp2/3 to both traction and actin flow. Intriguingly, despite only slight changes in F-actin flow speed observed in cells with the combined inhibition of Arp2/3 and myosin compared to cells with sole myosin inhibition, they show a 4-times reduction in traction than cells with myosin-only inhibition. Our analyses indicate that traditional models based on rigid F-actin are inadequate for capturing such dramatic force reduction with similar actin flow. Instead, incorporating the F-actin network's viscoelastic properties is crucial. Our new model including the F-actin viscoelasticity reveals that Arp2/3 and formin enhance stiffness sensitivity by mechanically reinforcing the F-actin network, thereby facilitating more effective transmission of flow-induced forces. This model is validated by cell stiffness measurement with atomic force microscopy and experimental observation of model-predicted stiffness-dependent actin flow fluctuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Mittal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Etienne B. Michels
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Andrew E. Massey
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yunxiu Qiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Shaina P. Royer-Weeden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Bryan R. Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Alexander X. Cartagena-Rivera
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sangyoon J. Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
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40
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Mierke CT. Magnetic tweezers in cell mechanics. Methods Enzymol 2024; 694:321-354. [PMID: 38492957 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.12.007] [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] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The chapter provides an overview of the applications of magnetic tweezers in living cells. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of magnetic tweezers technology with a focus on individual magnetic tweezers configurations, such as electromagnetic tweezers. Solutions to the disadvantages identified are also outlined. The specific role of magnetic tweezers in the field of mechanobiology, such as mechanosensitivity, mechano-allostery and mechanotransduction are also emphasized. The specific usage of magnetic tweezers in mechanically probing cells via specific cell surface receptors, such as mechanosensitive channels is discussed and why mechanical probing has revealed the opening and closing of the channels. Finally, the future direction of magnetic tweezers is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth System Sciences, Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
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41
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Hsu MF, Ito Y, Singh JP, Hsu SF, Wells A, Jen KY, Meng TC, Haj FG. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B is a regulator of alpha-actinin4 in the glomerular podocyte. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119590. [PMID: 37730132 PMCID: PMC11060668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Glomerular podocytes are instrumental for the barrier function of the kidney, and podocyte injury contributes to proteinuria and the deterioration of renal function. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is an established metabolic regulator, and the inactivation of this phosphatase mitigates podocyte injury. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the substrates that mediate PTP1B actions in podocytes. This study aims to uncover novel substrates of PTP1B in podocytes and validate a leading candidate. To this end, using substrate-trapping and mass spectroscopy, we identified putative substrates of this phosphatase and investigated the actin cross-linking cytoskeletal protein alpha-actinin4. PTP1B and alpha-actinin4 co-localized in murine and human glomeruli and transiently transfected E11 podocyte cells. Additionally, podocyte PTP1B deficiency in vivo and culture was associated with elevated tyrosine phosphorylation of alpha-actinin4. Conversely, reconstitution of the knockdown cells with PTP1B attenuated alpha-actinin4 tyrosine phosphorylation. We demonstrated co-association between alpha-actinin4 and the PTP1B substrate-trapping mutant, which was enhanced upon insulin stimulation and disrupted by vanadate, consistent with an enzyme-substrate interaction. Moreover, we identified alpha-actinin4 tandem tyrosine residues 486/487 as mediators of its interaction with PTP1B. Furthermore, knockdown studies in E11 cells suggest that PTP1B and alpha-actinin4 are modulators of podocyte motility. These observations indicate that PTP1B and alpha-actinin4 are likely interacting partners in a signaling node that modulates podocyte function. Targeting PTP1B and plausibly this one of its substrates may represent a new therapeutic approach for podocyte injury that warrants additional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Fo Hsu
- Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Ito
- Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jai Prakash Singh
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fang Hsu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Alan Wells
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kuang-Yu Jen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Tzu-Ching Meng
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fawaz G Haj
- Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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42
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Shibue T. Visualizing the Cell-Matrix Interactions and Cytoskeleton of Disseminated Tumor Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2811:207-220. [PMID: 39037661 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3882-8_16] [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] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells often leave the primary tumor mass and get settled in a foreign tissue years before the development of overt metastases, exhibiting the highly inefficient nature of metastatic colony formation. In fact, the tumor cells that disseminate into distant organs and subsequently invade the parenchyma of these organs rarely proceed to found actively growing metastatic colonies. Instead, the majority of these tumor cells undergo prolonged proliferative arrest unless they are swiftly eliminated by the immune system. Together, these observations indicate that the proliferative capacity of the disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) serves as a key determinant of the efficiency of metastasis, highlighting the need to better understand the mechanism governing the proliferation of these cells. Recent studies are unveiling the importance of the interactions between DTCs and the microenvironment of the host tissue in regulating the proliferation of DTCs. However, the details of such interactions remain to be fully delineated. Here I describe the methods for visualizing and analyzing the interactions between DTCs and the extracellular matrix (ECM) components of the host tissue as well as the cytoskeleton of the DTCs that support these interactions. The methods described here will facilitate the study of how DTCs interact with the ECM of their host tissue, which will be crucial for elucidating the mechanism that underlies the regulation of DTC proliferation by the DTC-ECM interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Shibue
- Target Discovery and Advancement, Cancer Dependency Map, Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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43
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Wu J, Zhou L, Peng H, Wang Z, Wang Z, Keasling JD, Liu S, Zhou G, Ding S, Wang Q, Wang X, Chen X, Lang Y, Xia M, Guan X, Dong M, Zhou J, Chen J. A General and Convenient Peptide Self-Assembling Mechanism for Developing Supramolecular Versatile Nanomaterials Based on The Biosynthetic Hybrid Amyloid-Resilin Protein. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2304364. [PMID: 37885340 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembling peptides are valuable building blocks to fabricate supramolecular biomaterials, which have broad applications from biomedicine to biotechnology. However, limited choices to induce different globular proteins into hydrogels hinder these designs. Here, an easy-to-implement and tunable self-assembling strategy, which employs Ure2 amyloidogenic peptide, are described to induce any target proteins to assemble into supramolecular hydrogels alone or in combination with notable compositional control. Furthermore, the collective effect of nanoscale interactions among amyloid nanofibrils and partially disordered elastomeric polypeptides are investigated. This led to many useful macroscopic material properties simultaneously emerging from one pure protein material, i.e. strong adhesion to any substrates under wet conditions, rapidly self--assembling into robust and porous hydrogels, adaptation to remodeling processes, strongly promoting cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, he demonstrated this supramolecular material's robust performance in vitro and vivo for tissue engineering, cosmetic and hemostasis applications and exhibited superior performance compared to corresponding commercial counterparts. To the best of his knowledge, few pure protein-based materials could meet such seemingly mutually exclusive properties simultaneously. Such versatility renders this novel supramolecular nanomaterial as next-generation functional protein-based materials, and he demonstrated the sequence level modulation of structural order and disorder as an untapped principle to design new proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Wu
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Hu Peng
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Zhaojun Wang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Zhaoshi Wang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Jay D Keasling
- Departments of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Shike Liu
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Guanghong Zhou
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Shijie Ding
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Xuejian Wang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Xinxiu Chen
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Yifei Lang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Mo Xia
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Xin Guan
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Mingsheng Dong
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
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44
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Newman D, Young LE, Waring T, Brown L, Wolanska KI, MacDonald E, Charles-Orszag A, Goult BT, Caswell PT, Sakuma T, Yamamoto T, Machesky LM, Morgan MR, Zech T. 3D matrix adhesion feedback controls nuclear force coupling to drive invasive cell migration. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113554. [PMID: 38100355 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell invasion is a multi-step process, initiated by the acquisition of a migratory phenotype and the ability to move through complex 3D extracellular environments. We determine the composition of cell-matrix adhesion complexes of invasive breast cancer cells in 3D matrices and identify an interaction complex required for invasive migration. βPix and myosin18A (Myo18A) drive polarized recruitment of non-muscle myosin 2A (NM2A) to adhesion complexes at the tips of protrusions. Actomyosin force engagement then displaces the Git1-βPix complex from paxillin, establishing a feedback loop for adhesion maturation. We observe active force transmission to the nucleus during invasive migration that is needed to pull the nucleus forward. The recruitment of NM2A to adhesions creates a non-muscle myosin isoform gradient, which extends from the protrusion to the nucleus. We postulate that this gradient facilitates coupling of cell-matrix interactions at the protrusive cell front with nuclear movement, enabling effective invasive migration and front-rear cell polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Newman
- Institute of Systems, Molecular, and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lorna E Young
- Institute of Systems, Molecular, and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Thomas Waring
- Institute of Systems, Molecular, and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Louise Brown
- Institute of Systems, Molecular, and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Katarzyna I Wolanska
- Institute of Systems, Molecular, and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ewan MacDonald
- Institute of Systems, Molecular, and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Patrick T Caswell
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Tetsushi Sakuma
- Division of Integrated Sciences for Life, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamamoto
- Division of Integrated Sciences for Life, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Laura M Machesky
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, UK; Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark R Morgan
- Institute of Systems, Molecular, and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Tobias Zech
- Institute of Systems, Molecular, and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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45
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Wei J, Yang Y, Li M. Single-cell force spectroscopy of fluid flow-tuned cell adhesion for dissecting hemodynamics in tumor metastasis. NANOSCALE 2023; 16:360-372. [PMID: 38063483 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr04439d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Cell adhesion plays an important role in regulating the metastasis of cancer cells, and atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS) has become an important method to directly measure the adhesion forces of individual cells. Particularly, bodily fluid flow environments strongly affect the functions and behaviors of metastatic cells for successful dissemination. Nevertheless, the interactions between fluidic flow medium environment and cell adhesion remain poorly understood. In this work, AFM-based SCFS was exploited to examine the effects of fluidic flow environment on cellular adhesion. A fluidic cell culture medium device was used to simulate the fluidic flow environment experienced by cancer cells during metastasis, which was combined with AFM-based SCFS assay. A single living cancer cell was attached to the AFM tipless cantilever to prepare the single-cell probe for performing SCFS experiments on the mesothelial cells grown under the fluidic flow medium conditions, and the effects of experimental parameters (retraction speed, contact time, loading force) on the measured cellular adhesion forces were analyzed. Experimental results of SCFS assay show that cellular adhesion forces significantly decrease after growth in fluidic flow medium, whereas cellular adhesion forces increase after growth in static culture medium. Experiments performed with the use of spherical probes coated with cell adhesion-associated biomolecules also show the weakening of cell adhesion after growth in fluidic flow cell culture medium, which was subsequently confirmed by the confocal fluorescence microscopy experiments of cell adhesion molecules, vividly illustrating the remarkable effects of fluidic flow environment on cellular adhesion. The study provides a new approach to detect adhesion force dynamics involved in the interactions between cells and the fluidic flow environment at the single-cell level, which will facilitate dissecting the role of hemodynamics in tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China.
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanqi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China.
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China.
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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46
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Yamashiro S, Rutkowski DM, Lynch KA, Liu Y, Vavylonis D, Watanabe N. Force transmission by retrograde actin flow-induced dynamic molecular stretching of Talin. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8468. [PMID: 38123541 PMCID: PMC10733299 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44018-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Force transmission at integrin-based adhesions is important for cell migration and mechanosensing. Talin is an essential focal adhesion (FA) protein that links F-actin to integrins. F-actin constantly moves on FAs, yet how Talin simultaneously maintains the connection to F-actin and transmits forces to integrins remains unclear. Here we show a critical role of dynamic Talin unfolding in force transmission. Using single-molecule speckle microscopy, we found that the majority of Talin are bound only to either F-actin or the substrate, whereas 4.1% of Talin is linked to both structures via elastic transient clutch. By reconstituting Talin knockdown cells with Talin chimeric mutants, in which the Talin rod subdomains are replaced with the stretchable β-spectrin repeats, we show that the stretchable property is critical for force transmission. Simulations suggest that unfolding of the Talin rod subdomains increases in the linkage duration and work at FAs. This study elucidates a force transmission mechanism, in which stochastic molecular stretching bridges two cellular structures moving at different speeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawako Yamashiro
- Laboratory of Single-Molecule Cell Biology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto, Japan.
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
| | | | - Kelli Ann Lynch
- Department of Physics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
- University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Laboratory of Single-Molecule Cell Biology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Naoki Watanabe
- Laboratory of Single-Molecule Cell Biology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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47
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Chirasani VR, Khan MAI, Malavade JN, Dokholyan NV, Hoffman BD, Campbell SL. Molecular basis and cellular functions of vinculin-actin directional catch bonding. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8300. [PMID: 38097542 PMCID: PMC10721916 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43779-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of cells and tissues to respond differentially to mechanical forces applied in distinct directions is mediated by the ability of load-bearing proteins to preferentially maintain physical linkages in certain directions. However, the molecular basis and biological consequences of directional force-sensitive binding remain unclear. Vinculin (Vcn) is a load-bearing linker protein that exhibits directional catch bonding due to interactions between the Vcn tail domain (Vt) and filamentous (F)-actin. We developed a computational approach to predict Vcn residues involved in directional catch bonding and produced a set of associated Vcn variants with unaltered Vt structure, actin binding, or phospholipid interactions. Incorporation of the variants did not affect Vcn activation but reduced Vcn loading and altered exchange dynamics, consistent with the loss of directional catch bonding. Expression of Vcn variants perturbed the coordination of subcellular structures and cell migration, establishing key cellular functions for Vcn directional catch bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkat R Chirasani
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mohammad Ashhar I Khan
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Juilee N Malavade
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Brenton D Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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48
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Xu H, Duan S, Hu Y, Ding X, Xu FJ. Rapid Regulation of Cardiomyocytes Adhesion on Substrates with Varied Modulus via Mechanical Cues. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5847-5858. [PMID: 37956199 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
In-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying the adhesion of myocardial cells holds significant importance for the development of effective therapeutic biomaterials aimed at repairing damaged or pathological myocardial tissues. Herein, we present evidence that myocardial cells (H9C2) exhibit integrin-based mechanosensing during the initial stage of adhesion (within the first 2 h), enabling them to recognize and respond to variations in substrate stiffnesses. Moreover, the bioinformatics analysis of RNA transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) reveals that the gene expressions associated with initial stage focal adhesion (Ctgf, Cyr61, Amotl2, Prickle1, Serpine1, Akap12, Hbegf, and Nedd9) are up-regulated on substrates with elevated Young's modulus. The fluorescent immunostaining results also suggest that increased substrate stiffness enhances the expression of Y397-phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK Y397), talin, and vinculin and the assembly of F-actin in H9C2 cells, thereby facilitating the adhesion of myocardial cells on the substrate. Next, we utilize fluidic force microscopy (FluidFM)-based single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS) to quantitatively evaluate the impact of substrate stiffness on the cell adhesion force and adhesion work, thus providing novel insights into the biomechanical regulation of initial cell adhesion. Our findings demonstrate that the maximum adhesion forces of myocardial cells exhibit a rise from 23.6 to 248.0 nN when exposed to substrates with different moduli. It is worth noting that once the αvβ3 integrins are blocked, the disparities in the adhesion forces of myocardial cells on these substrates become negligible. These results exhibit remarkable sensitivity of myocardial cells to mechanical cues of the substrate, highlighting the role of αvβ3 integrin as a biomechanical sensor for the regulation of cell adhesion. Overall, this work offers a prospective approach for the regulation of cell adhesion via integrin mechanosensing with potential practical applications in the areas of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Xu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Shun Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Yang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Xiaokang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Fu-Jian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
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49
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Shimpi AA, Williams ED, Ling L, Tamir T, White FM, Fischbach C. Phosphoproteomic Changes Induced by Cell-Derived Matrix and Their Effect on Tumor Cell Migration and Cytoskeleton Remodeling. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:6835-6848. [PMID: 38015076 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Increased fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition promotes tumor invasion, which is the first step of the metastatic cascade. Yet, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood as conventional studies of tumor cell migration are often performed in 2D cultures lacking the compositional and structural complexity of native ECM. Moreover, these studies frequently focus on select candidate pathways potentially overlooking other relevant changes in cell signaling. Here, we combine a cell-derived matrix (CDM) model with phosphotyrosine phosphoproteomic analysis to investigate tumor cell migration on fibrotic ECM relative to standard tissue culture plastic (TCP). Our results suggest that tumor cells cultured on CDMs migrate faster and in a more directional manner than their counterparts on TCP. These changes in migration correlate with decreased cell spreading and increased cell elongation. While the formation of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (pFAK)+ adhesion complexes did not vary between TCP and CDMs, time-dependent phosphoproteomic analysis identified that the SRC family kinase LYN may be differentially regulated. Pharmacological inhibition of LYN decreased tumor cell migration and cytoskeletal rearrangement on CDMs and also on TCP, suggesting that LYN regulates tumor cell migration on CDMs in combination with other mechanisms. These data highlight how the combination of physicochemically complex in vitro systems with phosphoproteomics can help identify signaling mechanisms by which the fibrotic ECM regulates tumor cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian A Shimpi
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Erik D Williams
- Department of Information Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Lu Ling
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Tigist Tamir
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 023139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 023139, United States
| | - Forest M White
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 023139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 023139, United States
| | - Claudia Fischbach
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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50
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Cammarata LV, Uhler C, Shivashankar GV. Adhesome Receptor Clustering is Accompanied by the Colocalization of the Associated Genes in the Cell Nucleus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.07.570697. [PMID: 38106037 PMCID: PMC10723460 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.07.570697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Proteins on the cell membrane cluster to respond to extracellular signals; for example, adhesion proteins cluster to enhance extracellular matrix sensing; or T-cell receptors cluster to enhance antigen sensing. Importantly, the maturation of such receptor clusters requires transcriptional control to adapt and reinforce the extracellular signal sensing. However, it has been unclear how such efficient clustering mechanisms are encoded at the level of the genes that code for these receptor proteins. Using the adhesome as an example, we show that genes that code for adhesome receptor proteins are spatially co-localized and co-regulated within the cell nucleus. Towards this, we use Hi-C maps combined with RNA-seq data of adherent cells to map the correspondence between adhesome receptor proteins and their associated genes. Interestingly, we find that the transcription factors that regulate these genes are also co-localized with the adhesome gene loci, thereby potentially facilitating a transcriptional reinforcement of the extracellular matrix sensing machinery. Collectively, our results highlight an important layer of transcriptional control of cellular signal sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis V. Cammarata
- Department of Statistics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Caroline Uhler
- Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - G. V. Shivashankar
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich; Zurich, Switzerland
- Paul Scherrer Institute; Villigen, Switzerland
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