1
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Ryu JR, Ko K, Sun W. Polarization of organoids by bioengineered symmetry breaking. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 17:22-31. [PMID: 38881849 PMCID: PMC11176950 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.05.002] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Symmetry breaking leading to axis formation and spatial patterning is crucial for achieving more accurate recapitulation of human development in organoids. While these processes can occur spontaneously by self-organizing capabilities of pluripotent stem cells, they can often result in variation in structure and composition of cell types within organoids. To address this limitation, bioengineering techniques that utilize geometric, topological and stiffness factors are increasingly employed to enhance control and consistency. Here, we review how spontaneous manners and engineering tools such as micropattern, microfluidics, biomaterials, etc. can facilitate the process of symmetry breaking leading to germ layer patterning and the formation of anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes in blastoids, gastruloids, neuruloids and neural organoids. Furthermore, brain assembloids, which are composed of multiple brain regions through fusion processes are discussed. The overview of organoid polarization in terms of patterning tools can offer valuable insights for enhancing the physiological relevance of organoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Ryun Ryu
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Kahee Ko
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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2
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Liu K, Li L, Li Y, Luo Y, Zhang Z, Wen W, Ding S, Huang Y, Liu M, Zhou C, Luo B. Creating a bionic scaffold via light-curing liquid crystal ink to reveal the role of osteoid-like microenvironment in osteogenesis. Bioact Mater 2024; 40:244-260. [PMID: 38973990 PMCID: PMC11226751 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoid plays a crucial role in directing cell behavior and osteogenesis through its unique characteristics, including viscoelasticity and liquid crystal (LC) state. Thus, integrating osteoid-like features into 3D printing scaffolds proves to be a promising approach for personalized bone repair. Despite extensive research on viscoelasticity, the role of LC state in bone repair has been largely overlooked due to the scarcity of suitable LC materials. Moreover, the intricate interplay between LC state and viscoelasticity in osteogenesis remains poorly understood. Here, we developed innovative hydrogel scaffolds with osteoid-like LC state and viscoelasticity using digital light processing with a custom LC ink. By utilizing these LC scaffolds as 3D research models, we discovered that LC state mediates high protein clustering to expose accessible RGD motifs to trigger cell-protein interactions and osteogenic differentiation, while viscoelasticity operates via mechanotransduction pathways. Additionally, our investigation revealed a synergistic effect between LC state and viscoelasticity, amplifying cell-protein interactions and osteogenic mechanotransduction processes. Furthermore, the interesting mechanochromic response observed in the LC hydrogel scaffolds suggests their potential application in mechanosensing. Our findings shed light on the mechanisms and synergistic effects of LC state and viscoelasticity in osteoid on osteogenesis, offering valuable insights for the biomimetic design of bone repair scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Liu
- Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Lin Li
- Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Yizhi Li
- Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Yiting Luo
- Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Zhaoyu Zhang
- Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Wei Wen
- Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
- Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Shan Ding
- Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
- Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Yadong Huang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Mingxian Liu
- Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
- Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Changren Zhou
- Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
- Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Binghong Luo
- Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
- Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
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3
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Brauer E, Herrera A, Fritsche-Guenther R, Görlitz S, Leemhuis H, Knaus P, Kirwan JA, Duda GN, Petersen A. Mechanical heterogeneity in a soft biomaterial niche controls BMP2 signaling. Biomaterials 2024; 309:122614. [PMID: 38788455 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122614] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is known to impact cell function during regeneration by modulating growth factor signaling. However, how the mechanical properties and structure of biomaterials can be used to optimize the cellular response to growth factors is widely neglected. Here, we engineered a macroporous biomaterial to study cellular signaling in environments that mimic the mechanical stiffness but also the mechanical heterogeneity of native extracellular matrix. We found that the mechanical interaction of cells with the heterogeneous and non-linear deformation properties of soft matrices (E < 5 kPa) enhances BMP-2 growth factor signaling with high relevance for tissue regeneration. In contrast, this effect is absent in homogeneous hydrogels that are often used to study cell responses to mechanical cues. Live cell imaging and in silico finite element modeling further revealed that a subpopulation of highly active, fast migrating cells is responsible for most of the material deformation, while a second, less active population experiences this deformation as an extrinsic mechanical stimulation. At an overall low cell density, the active cell population dominates the process, suggesting that it plays a particularly important role in early tissue healing scenarios where cells invade tissue defects or implanted biomaterials. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the mechanical heterogeneity of the natural extracellular matrix environment plays an important role in triggering regeneration by endogenously acting growth factors. This suggests the inclusion of such mechanical complexity as a design parameter in future biomaterials, in addition to established parameters such as mechanical stiffness and stress relaxation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Brauer
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Berlin School for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Aaron Herrera
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Berlin School for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Raphaela Fritsche-Guenther
- BIH Metabolomics Platform, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sophie Görlitz
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Berlin School for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Petra Knaus
- Berlin School for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Freie Universität Berlin, Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jennifer A Kirwan
- BIH Metabolomics Platform, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg N Duda
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Berlin School for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Ansgar Petersen
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Berlin School for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
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4
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Jafarinia H, Khalilimeybodi A, Barrasa-Fano J, Fraley SI, Rangamani P, Carlier A. Insights gained from computational modeling of YAP/TAZ signaling for cellular mechanotransduction. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2024; 10:90. [PMID: 39147782 PMCID: PMC11327324 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00414-9] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
YAP/TAZ signaling pathway is regulated by a multiplicity of feedback loops, crosstalk with other pathways, and both mechanical and biochemical stimuli. Computational modeling serves as a powerful tool to unravel how these different factors can regulate YAP/TAZ, emphasizing biophysical modeling as an indispensable tool for deciphering mechanotransduction and its regulation of cell fate. We provide a critical review of the current state-of-the-art of computational models focused on YAP/TAZ signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Jafarinia
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ali Khalilimeybodi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0411, USA
| | - Jorge Barrasa-Fano
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics Section, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephanie I Fraley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0411, USA
| | - Padmini Rangamani
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0411, USA.
| | - Aurélie Carlier
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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5
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Wang C, Xu Z, Ma X, Yin Y, Cheng B, Dong Y. Exploration of Curvature and Stiffness Dual-Regulated Breast Cancer Cell Motility by a Motor-Clutch Model and Cell Traction Force Characterization. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 39140610 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c09615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The migration of breast cancer cells is the main cause of death and significantly regulated by physical factors of the extracellular matrix (ECM). To be specific, the curvature and stiffness of the ECM were discovered to effectively guide cell migration in velocity and direction. However, it is not clear what the extent of effect is when these dual-physical factors regulate cell migration. Moreover, the mechanobiology mechanism of breast cancer cell migration in the molecular level and analysis of cell traction force (CTF) are also important, but there is a lack of systematic investigation. Therefore, we employed a microfluidic platform to construct hydrogel microspheres with an independently adjustable curvature and stiffness as a three-dimensional substrate for breast cancer cell migration. We found that the cell migration velocity was negatively correlated to curvature and positively correlated to stiffness. In addition, curvature was investigated to influence the focal adhesion expression as well as the assignment of F-actin at the molecular level. Further, with the help of a motor-clutch mathematical model and hydrogel microsphere stress sensors, it was concluded that cells perceived physical factors (curvature and stiffness) to cause changes in CTF, which ultimately regulated cell motility. In summary, we employed a theoretical model (motor-clutch) and experimental strategy (stress sensors) to understand the mechanism of curvature and stiffness regulating breast cancer cell motility. These results provide evidence of force driven cancer cell migration by ECM physical factors and explain the mechanism from the perspective of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China
| | - Xingquan Ma
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Xi'an University of Technology, Shaanxi 710048, P. R. China
| | - Yuting Yin
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China
| | - Bo Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China
| | - Yuqing Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China
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6
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Saporito S, Panzetta V, Netti PA. Time and Space Modulation of Substrate Curvature to Regulate Cell Mechanical Identity. Acta Biomater 2024:S1742-7061(24)00451-3. [PMID: 39127326 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.08.006] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Recently, a variety of microenvironmental biophysical stimuli have been proved to play a crucial role in regulating cell functions. Among them, morpho-physical cues, like curvature, are emerging as key regulators of cellular behavior. Changes in substrate curvature have been shown to impact the arrangement of Focal Adhesions (FAs), influencing the direction and intensity of cytoskeleton generated forces and resulting in an overall alteration of cell mechanical identity. In their native environment, cells encounter varying degrees of substrate curvature, and in specific organs, they are exposed to dynamic changes of curvature due to periodic tissue deformation. However, the mechanism by which cells perceive substrate curvature remains poorly understood. To this aim, a micro-pneumatic device was designed and implemented. This device enables the controlled application of substrate curvature, both statically and dynamically. Employing a combined experimental and simulative approach, human adipose-derived stem cells were exposed to controlled curvature intensity and frequency. During this exposure, measurements were taken on FAs extension and orientation, cytoskeleton organization and cellular/nuclear alignment. The data clearly indicated a significant influence of the substrate curvature on cell adhesion processes. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms through which cells perceive and respond to substrate curvature signals. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This work is our contribution to the comprehension of substrate curvature's function as a crucial regulator of cell adhesion at the scale of focal adhesions and cell mechanical identity. In recent years, a large body of knowledge is continuously growing providing comprehension of the role of various microenvironmental biophysical stimuli in regulating cell functions. Nevertheless, little is known about the role of substrate curvature, in particular, when cells are exposed to this stimulus in a dynamic manner. To address the role of substrate curvature on cellular behavior, a micro-pneumatic device was designed and implemented. This device enables the controlled application of substrate curvature, both statically and dynamically. The experiment data made it abundantly evident that the substrate curvature had a major impact on the mechanisms involved in cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Saporito
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Italy; Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Italy
| | - Valeria Panzetta
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Italy; Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Italy; Interdisciplinary research Center on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Antonio Netti
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Italy; Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Italy; Interdisciplinary research Center on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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7
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Weißenbruch K, Mayor R. Actomyosin forces in cell migration: Moving beyond cell body retraction. Bioessays 2024:e2400055. [PMID: 39093597 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400055] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
In textbook illustrations of migrating cells, actomyosin contractility is typically depicted as the contraction force necessary for cell body retraction. This dogma has been transformed by the molecular clutch model, which acknowledges that actomyosin traction forces also generate and transmit biomechanical signals at the leading edge, enabling cells to sense and shape their migratory path in mechanically complex environments. To fulfill these complementary functions, the actomyosin system assembles a gradient of contractile energy along the front-rear axis of migratory cells. Here, we highlight the hierarchic assembly and self-regulatory network structure of the actomyosin system and explain how the kinetics of different nonmuscle myosin II (NM II) paralogs synergize during contractile force generation. Our aim is to emphasize how protrusion formation, cell adhesion, contraction, and retraction are spatiotemporally integrated during different modes of migration, including chemotaxis and durotaxis. Finally, we hypothesize how different NM II paralogs might tune aspects of migration in vivo, highlighting future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Weißenbruch
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
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8
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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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9
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Safa BT, Rosenbohm J, Esfahani AM, Minnick G, Moghaddam AO, Lavrik NV, Huang C, Charras G, Kabla A, Yang R. Sustained Strain Applied at High Rates Drives Dynamic Tensioning in Epithelial Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.31.606021. [PMID: 39131373 PMCID: PMC11312595 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.31.606021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial cells experience long lasting loads of different magnitudes and rates. How they adapt to these loads strongly impacts tissue health. Yet, much remains unknown about their stress evolution under sustained strain. Here, by subjecting cell pairs to sustained strain, we report a bimodal stress response, where in addition to the typically observed stress relaxation, a subset of cells exhibits a dynamic tensioning process with significant elevation in stress within 100s, resembling active pulling-back in muscle fibers. Strikingly, the fraction of cells exhibiting tensioning increases with increasing strain rate. The tensioning response is accompanied by actin remodeling, and perturbation to actin abrogates it, supporting cell contractility's role in the response. Collectively, our data show that epithelial cells adjust their tensional states over short timescales in a strain-rate dependent manner to adapt to sustained strains, demonstrating that the active pulling-back behavior could be a common protective mechanism against environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Tajvidi Safa
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Jordan Rosenbohm
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Amir Monemian Esfahani
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Grayson Minnick
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Amir Ostadi Moghaddam
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Nickolay V. Lavrik
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Changjin Huang
- School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Guillaume Charras
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alexandre Kabla
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ruiguo Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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10
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Ren C, Chang Z, Li K, Wang X, Wang D, Xu Y, Li X, Li Q. Impact of uniaxial cyclic stretching on matrix-associated endothelial cell responses. Mater Today Bio 2024; 27:101152. [PMID: 39104901 PMCID: PMC11298614 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101152] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Uniaxial cyclic stretching plays a pivotal role in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, influencing cell behaviors and functionality based on physical properties, including matrix morphology and mechanical stimuli. This study delves into the response of endothelial cells to uniaxial cyclic strain within the geometric constraints of micro-nano fibers. Various structural scaffold forms of poly(l-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL), such as flat membranes, randomly oriented fiber membranes, and aligned fiber membranes, were fabricated through solvent casting and electrospinning methods. Our investigation focuses on the morphological variation of endothelial cells under diverse geometric constraints and the mechanical-dependent release of nitric oxide (NO) on oriented fibrous membranes. Our results indicate that while uniaxial cyclic stretching promotes endothelial cell spreading, the anisotropy of the matrix morphology remains the primary driving factor for cell alignment. Additionally, uniaxial cyclic stretching significantly enhances NO release, with a notably stronger effect correlated to the increasing strain amplitude. Importantly, this study reveals that uniaxial cyclic stretching enhances the mRNA expression of key proteins, including talin, vinculin, rac, and nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihong Ren
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
- National Center for International Research of Micro-Nano Molding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
| | - Zhonghua Chang
- Institute of Laser Manufacturing, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China
| | - Kecheng Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
- National Center for International Research of Micro-Nano Molding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
- National Center for International Research of Micro-Nano Molding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
| | - Dongfang Wang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
- National Center for International Research of Micro-Nano Molding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
| | - Yiyang Xu
- National Center for International Research of Micro-Nano Molding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
- National Center for International Research of Micro-Nano Molding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
- National Center for International Research of Micro-Nano Molding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
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11
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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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12
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D’Urso M, Jorba I, van der Pol A, Bouten CVC, Kurniawan NA. Spatial regulation of substrate adhesion directs fibroblast morphotype and phenotype. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae289. [PMID: 39131910 PMCID: PMC11316223 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
The switching of the fibroblast phenotype to myofibroblast is a hallmark of a wide variety of tissue pathologies. This phenotypical switch is known to be influenced not only by humoral factors such as TGF-β, but also by mechanical and physical cues in the cellular environment, and is accompanied by distinctive changes in cell morphology. However, the causative link between these cues, the concomitant morphological changes, and the resulting phenotypic switch remain elusive. Here, we use protein micropatterning to spatially control dermal fibroblast adhesion without invoking exogenous mechanical changes and demonstrate that varying the spatial configuration of focal adhesions (FAs) is sufficient to direct fibroblast phenotype. We further developed an automated morphometry analysis pipeline, which revealed FA eccentricity as the primary determinant of cell-state positioning along the spectrum of fibroblast phenotype. Moreover, linear fibronectin patterns that constrain the FAs were found to promote a further phenotype transition, characterized by dispersed expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, pointing to an interesting possibility of controlling fibroblast phenotype beyond the canonical fibroblast-myofibroblast axis. Together, our study reveals that the spatial configuration of adhesion to the cellular microenvironment is a key factor governing fibroblast morphotype and phenotype, shedding new light on fibroblast phenotype regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko D’Urso
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ignasi Jorba
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Atze van der Pol
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V C Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas A Kurniawan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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13
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Kandasamy A, Yeh YT, Serrano R, Mercola M, Del Álamo JC. Uncertainty-Aware Traction Force Microscopy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.05.602172. [PMID: 39026786 PMCID: PMC11257441 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.05.602172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Traction Force Microscopy (TFM) is a versatile tool to quantify cell-exerted forces by imaging and tracking fiduciary markers embedded in elastic substrates. The computations involved in TFM are ill-conditioned, and data smoothing or regularization is required to avoid overfitting the noise in the tracked substrate displacements. Most TFM calculations depend critically on the heuristic selection of regularization (hyper)parameters affecting the balance between overfitting and smoothing. However, TFM methods rarely estimate or account for measurement errors in substrate deformation to adjust the regularization level accordingly. Moreover, there is a lack of tools to quantify how these errors propagate to the recovered traction stresses. These limitations make it difficult to interpret TFM readouts and hinder comparing different experiments. This manuscript presents an uncertainty-aware TFM technique that estimates the variability in the magnitude and direction of the traction stress vector recovered at each point in space and time of each experiment. In this technique, substrate deformation and its uncertainty are quantified using a non-parametric bootstrap PIV method by resampling the microscopy image pixels (PIV-UQ). This information is passed to a hierarchical Bayesian framework that automatically selects its hyperparameters to perform spatially adaptive regularization conditioned on image quality and propagates the uncertainty to the traction stress readouts (TFM-UQ). We validate the performance of PIV-UQ and TFM-UQ using synthetic datasets with prescribed image quality variations and demonstrate the application of PIV-UQ and TFM-UQ to experimental datasets. These studies show that TFM-UQ locally adapts the level of smoothing, outperforming traditional regularization methods. They also illustrate how uncertainty-aware TFM tools can be used to objectively choose key image analysis parameters like PIV-UQ interrogation window size. We anticipate that these tools will allow for decoupling biological heterogeneity from measurement variability and facilitate automating the analysis of large datasets by parameter-free, input data-based regularization.
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14
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Qiao E, Fulmore CA, Schaffer DV, Kumar S. Substrate stress relaxation regulates neural stem cell fate commitment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317711121. [PMID: 38968101 PMCID: PMC11252819 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317711121] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) reside in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, and their capacity to generate neurons and glia plays a role in learning and memory. In addition, neurodegenerative diseases are known to be caused by a loss of neurons and glial cells, resulting in a need to better understand stem cell fate commitment processes. We previously showed that NSC fate commitment toward a neuronal or glial lineage is strongly influenced by extracellular matrix stiffness, a property of elastic materials. However, tissues in vivo are not purely elastic and have varying degrees of viscous character. Relatively little is known about how the viscoelastic properties of the substrate impact NSC fate commitment. Here, we introduce a polyacrylamide-based cell culture platform that incorporates mismatched DNA oligonucleotide-based cross-links as well as covalent cross-links. This platform allows for tunable viscous stress relaxation properties via variation in the number of mismatched base pairs. We find that NSCs exhibit increased astrocytic differentiation as the degree of stress relaxation is increased. Furthermore, culturing NSCs on increasingly stress-relaxing substrates impacts cytoskeletal dynamics by decreasing intracellular actin flow rates and stimulating cyclic activation of the mechanosensitive protein RhoA. Additionally, inhibition of motor-clutch model components such as myosin II and focal adhesion kinase partially or completely reverts cells to lineage distributions observed on elastic substrates. Collectively, our results introduce a unique system for controlling matrix stress relaxation properties and offer insight into how NSCs integrate viscoelastic cues to direct fate commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Qiao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Camille A. Fulmore
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - David V. Schaffer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
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15
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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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16
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Cheung BCH, Chen X, Davis HJ, Nordmann CS, Toth J, Hodgson L, Segall JE, Shenoy VB, Wu M. Identification of CD44 as a key mediator of cell traction force generation in hyaluronic acid-rich extracellular matrices. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.24.563860. [PMID: 37961689 PMCID: PMC10634813 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.24.563860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) critically regulate a number of important cell functions including growth, differentiation and migration. Type I collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are two primary components of ECMs that contribute to mammalian tissue mechanics, with the collagen fiber network sustaining tension, and GAGs withstanding compression. The architecture and stiffness of the collagen network are known to be important for cell-ECM mechanical interactions via integrin cell surface adhesion receptors. In contrast, studies of GAGs in modulating cell-ECM interactions are limited. Here, we present experimental studies on the roles of hyaluronic acid (HA, an unsulfated GAG) in single tumor cell traction force generation using a recently developed 3D cell traction force microscopy method. Our work reveals that CD44, a cell surface adhesion receptor to HA, is engaged in cell traction force generation in conjunction with β1-integrin. We find that HA significantly modifies the architecture and mechanics of the collagen fiber network, decreasing tumor cells' propensity to remodel the collagen network, attenuating traction force generation, transmission distance, and tumor invasion. Our findings point to a novel role for CD44 in traction force generation, which can be a potential therapeutic target for diseases involving HA rich ECMs such as breast cancer and glioblastoma.
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17
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Moro-López M, Farré R, Otero J, Sunyer R. Trusting the forces of our cell lines. Cells Dev 2024:203931. [PMID: 38852676 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203931] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Cells isolated from their native tissues and cultured in vitro face different selection pressures than those cultured in vivo. These pressures induce a profound transformation that reshapes the cell, alters its genome, and transforms the way it senses and generates forces. In this perspective, we focus on the evidence that cells cultured on conventional polystyrene substrates display a fundamentally different mechanobiology than their in vivo counterparts. We explore the role of adhesion reinforcement in this transformation and to what extent it is reversible. We argue that this mechanoadaptation is often understood as a mechanical memory. We propose some strategies to mitigate the effects of on-plastic culture on mechanobiology, such as organoid-inspired protocols or mechanical priming. While isolating cells from their native tissues and culturing them on artificial substrates has revolutionized biomedical research, it has also transformed cellular forces. Only by understanding and controlling them, we can improve their truthfulness and validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Moro-López
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Farré
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBER-RES), Barcelona, Spain; Institut Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Otero
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBER-RES), Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raimon Sunyer
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain.
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18
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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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19
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Graziani V, Crosas-Molist E, George SL, Sanz-Moreno V. Organelle adaptations in response to mechanical forces during tumour dissemination. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102345. [PMID: 38479111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102345] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Cell migration plays a pivotal role in various biological processes including cancer dissemination and successful metastasis, where the role of mechanical signals is increasingly acknowledged. This review focuses on the intricate mechanisms through which cancer cells modulate their migratory strategies via organelle adaptations in response to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Specifically, the nucleus and mitochondria emerge as pivotal mediators in this process. These organelles serve as sensors, translating mechanical stimuli into rapid metabolic alterations that sustain cell migration. Importantly, prolonged exposure to such stimuli can induce transcriptional or epigenetic changes, ultimately enhancing metastatic traits. Deciphering the intricate interplay between ECM properties and organelle adaptations not only advances our understanding of cytoskeletal dynamics but also holds promise for the development of innovative anti-metastatic therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Graziani
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Eva Crosas-Molist
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Samantha L George
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Victoria Sanz-Moreno
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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20
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Kunitomi A, Chiba S, Higashitani N, Higashitani A, Sato S, Mizuno K, Ohashi K. Solo regulates the localization and activity of PDZ-RhoGEF for actin cytoskeletal remodeling in response to substrate stiffness. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar87. [PMID: 38656797 PMCID: PMC11238083 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-11-0421] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent findings indicate that Solo, a RhoGEF, is involved in cellular mechanical stress responses. However, the mechanism of actin cytoskeletal remodeling via Solo remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify Solo-interacting proteins using the BioID, a proximal-dependent labeling method, and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of function of Solo. We identified PDZ-RhoGEF (PRG) as a Solo-interacting protein. PRG colocalized with Solo in the basal area of cells, depending on Solo localization, and enhanced actin polymerization at the Solo accumulation sites. Additionally, Solo and PRG interaction was necessary for actin cytoskeletal remodeling. Furthermore, the purified Solo itself had little or negligible GEF activity, even its GEF-inactive mutant directly activated the GEF activity of PRG through interaction. Moreover, overexpression of the Solo and PRG binding domains, respectively, had a dominant-negative effect on actin polymerization and actin stress fiber formation in response to substrate stiffness. Therefore, Solo restricts the localization of PRG and regulates actin cytoskeletal remodeling in synergy with PRG in response to the surrounding mechanical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoi Kunitomi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Shuhei Chiba
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Nahoko Higashitani
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Physiology, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Atsushi Higashitani
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Physiology, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules, Department of Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kensaku Mizuno
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Ohashi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
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21
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Akinpelu A, Akinsipe T, Avila LA, Arnold RD, Mistriotis P. The impact of tumor microenvironment: unraveling the role of physical cues in breast cancer progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:823-844. [PMID: 38238542 PMCID: PMC11156564 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10166-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis accounts for the vast majority of breast cancer-related fatalities. Although the contribution of genetic and epigenetic modifications to breast cancer progression has been widely acknowledged, emerging evidence underscores the pivotal role of physical stimuli in driving breast cancer metastasis. In this review, we summarize the changes in the mechanics of the breast cancer microenvironment and describe the various forces that impact migrating and circulating tumor cells throughout the metastatic process. We also discuss the mechanosensing and mechanotransducing molecules responsible for promoting the malignant phenotype in breast cancer cells. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the mechanobiology of breast cancer carries substantial potential to propel progress in prognosis, diagnosis, and patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayuba Akinpelu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Tosin Akinsipe
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - L Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Robert D Arnold
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Panagiotis Mistriotis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
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22
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Chen YQ, Wu MC, Wei MT, Kuo JC, Yu HW, Chiou A. High-viscosity driven modulation of biomechanical properties of human mesenchymal stem cells promotes osteogenic lineage. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101058. [PMID: 38681057 PMCID: PMC11046220 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101058] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical cues could effectively govern cell gene expression to direct the differentiation of specific stem cell lineage. Recently, the medium viscosity has emerged as a significant mechanical stimulator that regulates the cellular mechanical properties and various physiological functions. However, whether the medium viscosity can regulate the mechanical properties of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to effectively trigger osteogenic differentiation remains uncertain. The mechanism by which cells sense and respond to changes in medium viscosity, and regulate cell mechanical properties to promote osteogenic lineage, remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that hMSCs, cultured in a high-viscosity medium, exhibited larger cell spreading area and higher intracellular tension, correlated with elevated formation of actin stress fibers and focal adhesion maturation. Furthermore, these changes observed in hMSCs were associated with activation of TRPV4 (transient receptor potential vanilloid sub-type 4) channels on the cell membrane. This feedback loop among TRPV4 activation, cell spreading and intracellular tension results in calcium influx, which subsequently promotes the nuclear localization of NFATc1 (nuclear factor of activated T cells 1). Concomitantly, the elevated intracellular tension induced nuclear deformation and promoted the nuclear localization of YAP (YES-associated protein). The concurrent activation of NFATc1 and YAP significantly enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for pre-osteogenic activity. Taken together, these findings provide a more comprehensive view of how viscosity-induced alterations in biomechanical properties of MSCs impact the expression of osteogenesis-related genes, and ultimately promote osteogenic lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Quan Chen
- Cancer Progression Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chung Wu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tzo Wei
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Jean-Cheng Kuo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Helen Wenshin Yu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Arthur Chiou
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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23
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Huo Z, Yang W, Harati J, Nene A, Borghi F, Piazzoni C, Milani P, Guo S, Galluzzi M, Boraschi D. Biomechanics of Macrophages on Disordered Surface Nanotopography. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:27164-27176. [PMID: 38750662 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages are involved in every stage of the innate/inflammatory immune responses in the body tissues, including the resolution of the reaction, and they do so in close collaboration with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Simplified substrates with nanotopographical features attempt to mimic the structural properties of the ECM to clarify the functional features of the interaction of the ECM with macrophages. We still have a limited understanding of the macrophage behavior upon interaction with disordered nanotopography, especially with features smaller than 10 nm. Here, we combine atomic force microscopy (AFM), finite element modeling (FEM), and quantitative biochemical approaches in order to understand the mechanotransduction from the nanostructured surface into cellular responses. AFM experiments show a decrease of macrophage stiffness, measured with the Young's modulus, as a biomechanical response to a nanostructured (ns-) ZrOx surface. FEM experiments suggest that ZrOx surfaces with increasing roughness represent weaker mechanical boundary conditions. The mechanical cues from the substrate are transduced into the cell through the formation of integrin-regulated focal adhesions and cytoskeletal reorganization, which, in turn, modulate cell biomechanics by downregulating cell stiffness. Surface nanotopography and consequent biomechanical response impact the overall behavior of macrophages by increasing movement and phagocytic ability without significantly influencing their inflammatory behavior. Our study suggests a strong potential of surface nanotopography for the regulation of macrophage functions, which implies a prospective application relative to coating technology for biomedical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixin Huo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Sensing and Intelligent Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenjie Yang
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Vaccines, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Javad Harati
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials and Cellular Immunomodulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ajinkya Nene
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Vaccines, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Francesca Borghi
- CIMaINa and Dipartimento di Fisica "Aldo Pontremoli", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Piazzoni
- CIMaINa and Dipartimento di Fisica "Aldo Pontremoli", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Milani
- CIMaINa and Dipartimento di Fisica "Aldo Pontremoli", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Shifeng Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Sensing and Intelligent Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Robotics and Intelligent System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Massimiliano Galluzzi
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Vaccines, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Diana Boraschi
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Vaccines, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- China-Italy Joint Laboratory of Pharmacobiotechnology for Medical Immunomodulation, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80122 Napoli, Italy
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24
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Mendoza-Soto P, Jara C, Torres-Arévalo Á, Oyarzún C, Mardones GA, Quezada-Monrás C, San Martín R. Pharmacological Blockade of the Adenosine A 2B Receptor Is Protective of Proteinuria in Diabetic Rats, through Affecting Focal Adhesion Kinase Activation and the Adhesion Dynamics of Podocytes. Cells 2024; 13:846. [PMID: 38786068 PMCID: PMC11119713 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100846] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Induction of the adenosine receptor A2B (A2BAR) expression in diabetic glomeruli correlates with an increased abundance of its endogenous ligand adenosine and the progression of kidney dysfunction. Remarkably, A2BAR antagonism protects from proteinuria in experimental diabetic nephropathy. We found that A2BAR antagonism preserves the arrangement of podocytes on the glomerular filtration barrier, reduces diabetes-induced focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation, and attenuates podocyte foot processes effacement. In spreading assays using human podocytes in vitro, adenosine enhanced the rate of cell body expansion on laminin-coated glass and promoted peripheral pY397-FAK subcellular distribution, while selective A2BAR antagonism impeded these effects and attenuated the migratory capability of podocytes. Increased phosphorylation of the Myosin2A light chain accompanied the effects of adenosine. Furthermore, when the A2BAR was stimulated, the cells expanded more broadly and more staining of pS19 myosin was detected which co-localized with actin cables, suggesting increased contractility potential in cells planted onto a matrix with a stiffness similar to of the glomerular basement membrane. We conclude that A2BAR is involved in adhesion dynamics and contractile actin bundle formation, leading to podocyte foot processes effacement. The antagonism of this receptor may be an alternative to the intervention of glomerular barrier deterioration and proteinuria in the diabetic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Mendoza-Soto
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science Faculty, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile; (P.M.-S.); (C.J.); (Á.T.-A.); (C.O.)
| | - Claudia Jara
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science Faculty, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile; (P.M.-S.); (C.J.); (Á.T.-A.); (C.O.)
| | - Ángelo Torres-Arévalo
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science Faculty, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile; (P.M.-S.); (C.J.); (Á.T.-A.); (C.O.)
| | - Carlos Oyarzún
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science Faculty, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile; (P.M.-S.); (C.J.); (Á.T.-A.); (C.O.)
| | - Gonzalo A. Mardones
- Institute of Physiology, Medicine Faculty, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
| | - Claudia Quezada-Monrás
- Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science Faculty, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile;
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile
| | - Rody San Martín
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science Faculty, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile; (P.M.-S.); (C.J.); (Á.T.-A.); (C.O.)
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25
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Santinho A, Carpentier M, Lopes Sampaio J, Omrane M, Thiam AR. Giant organelle vesicles to uncover intracellular membrane mechanics and plasticity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3767. [PMID: 38704407 PMCID: PMC11069511 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48086-7] [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: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Tools for accessing and studying organelles remain underdeveloped. Here, we present a method by which giant organelle vesicles (GOVs) are generated by submitting cells to a hypotonic medium followed by plasma membrane breakage. By this means, GOVs ranging from 3 to over 10 µm become available for micromanipulation. GOVs are made from organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, endosomes, lysosomes and mitochondria, or in contact with one another such as giant mitochondria-associated ER membrane vesicles. We measure the mechanical properties of each organelle-derived GOV and find that they have distinct properties. In GOVs procured from Cos7 cells, for example, bending rigidities tend to increase from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane. We also found that the mechanical properties of giant endoplasmic reticulum vesicles (GERVs) vary depending on their interactions with other organelles or the metabolic state of the cell. Lastly, we demonstrate GERVs' biochemical activity through their capacity to synthesize triglycerides and assemble lipid droplets. These findings underscore the potential of GOVs as valuable tools for studying the biophysics and biology of organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Santinho
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'École normale supérieure, ENS, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Carpentier
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'École normale supérieure, ENS, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Julio Lopes Sampaio
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Plateforme de Métabolomique et Lipidomique, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris, France
| | - Mohyeddine Omrane
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'École normale supérieure, ENS, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Abdou Rachid Thiam
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'École normale supérieure, ENS, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, F-75005, Paris, France.
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26
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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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27
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Braeutigam A, Burnet AF, Gompper G, Sabass B. Clutch model for focal adhesions predicts reduced self-stabilization under oblique pulling. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2024; 36:295101. [PMID: 38574682 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ad3ac1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Cell-matrix adhesions connect the cytoskeleton to the extracellular environment and are essential for maintaining the integrity of tissue and whole organisms. Remarkably, cell adhesions can adapt their size and composition to an applied force such that their size and strength increases proportionally to the load. Mathematical models for the clutch-like force transmission at adhesions are frequently based on the assumption that mechanical load is applied tangentially to the adhesion plane. Recently, we suggested a molecular mechanism that can explain adhesion growth under load for planar cell adhesions. The mechanism is based on conformation changes of adhesion molecules that are dynamically exchanged with a reservoir. Tangential loading drives the occupation of some states out of equilibrium, which for thermodynamic reasons, leads to the association of further molecules with the cluster, which we refer to as self-stabilization. Here, we generalize this model to forces that pull at an oblique angle to the plane supporting the cell, and examine if this idealized model also predicts self-stabilization. We also allow for a variable distance between the parallel planes representing cytoskeletal F-actin and transmembrane integrins. Simulation results demonstrate that the binding mechanism and the geometry of the cluster have a strong influence on the response of adhesion clusters to force. For oblique angles smaller than about 40∘, we observe a growth of the adhesion site under force. However this self-stabilization is reduced as the angle between the force and substrate plane increases, with vanishing self-stabilization for normal pulling. Overall, these results highlight the fundamental difference between the assumption of pulling and shearing forces in commonly used models of cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Braeutigam
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80752 Munich, Germany
- Theoretical Physics of Living Matter, Institute for Biological Information Processes, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Anton F Burnet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80752 Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80752 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Gompper
- Theoretical Physics of Living Matter, Institute for Biological Information Processes, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Sabass
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80752 Munich, Germany
- Theoretical Physics of Living Matter, Institute for Biological Information Processes, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80752 Munich, Germany
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28
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Mathieu M, Isomursu A, Ivaska J. Positive and negative durotaxis - mechanisms and emerging concepts. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261919. [PMID: 38647525 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261919] [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: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell migration is controlled by the coordinated action of cell adhesion, cytoskeletal dynamics, contractility and cell extrinsic cues. Integrins are the main adhesion receptors to ligands of the extracellular matrix (ECM), linking the actin cytoskeleton to the ECM and enabling cells to sense matrix rigidity and mount a directional cell migration response to stiffness gradients. Most models studied show preferred migration of single cells or cell clusters towards increasing rigidity. This is referred to as durotaxis, and since its initial discovery in 2000, technical advances and elegant computational models have provided molecular level details of stiffness sensing in cell migration. However, modeling has long predicted that, depending on cell intrinsic factors, such as the balance of cell adhesion molecules (clutches) and the motor proteins pulling on them, cells might also prefer adhesion to intermediate rigidity. Recently, experimental evidence has supported this notion and demonstrated the ability of cells to migrate towards lower rigidity, in a process called negative durotaxis. In this Review, we discuss the significant conceptual advances that have been made in our appreciation of cell plasticity and context dependency in stiffness-guided directional cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Mathieu
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Aleksi Isomursu
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, FI-20520 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, FI-20520 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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29
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Haas AJ, Karakus M, Zihni C, Balda MS, Matter K. ZO-1 Regulates Hippo-Independent YAP Activity and Cell Proliferation via a GEF-H1- and TBK1-Regulated Signalling Network. Cells 2024; 13:640. [PMID: 38607079 PMCID: PMC11011562 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070640] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tight junctions are a barrier-forming cell-cell adhesion complex and have been proposed to regulate cell proliferation. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we used cells deficient in the junction scaffold ZO-1 alone or together with its paralog ZO-2, which disrupts the junctional barrier. We found that ZO-1 knockout increased cell proliferation, induced loss of cell density-dependent proliferation control, and promoted apoptosis and necrosis. These phenotypes were enhanced by double ZO-1/ZO-2 knockout. Increased proliferation was dependent on two transcriptional regulators: YAP and ZONAB. ZO-1 knockout stimulated YAP nuclear translocation and activity without changes in Hippo-dependent phosphorylation. Knockout promoted TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) activation and increased expression of the RhoA activator GEF-H1. Knockdown of ZO-3, another paralog interacting with ZO1, was sufficient to induce GEF-H1 expression and YAP activity. GEF-H1, TBK1, and mechanotransduction at focal adhesions were found to cooperate to activate YAP/TEAD in ZO-1-deficient cells. Thus, ZO-1 controled cell proliferation and Hippo-independent YAP activity by activating a GEF-H1- and TBK1-regulated mechanosensitive signalling network.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maria S. Balda
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK; (A.J.H.); (M.K.); (C.Z.)
| | - Karl Matter
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK; (A.J.H.); (M.K.); (C.Z.)
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30
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Cifuentes LP, Athamneh AIM, Efremov Y, Raman A, Kim T, Suter DM. A modified motor-clutch model reveals that neuronal growth cones respond faster to soft substrates. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar47. [PMID: 38354034 PMCID: PMC11064671 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-09-0364] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuronal growth cones sense a variety of cues including chemical and mechanical ones to establish functional connections during nervous system development. Substrate-cytoskeletal coupling is an established model for adhesion-mediated growth cone advance; however, the detailed molecular and biophysical mechanisms underlying the mechanosensing and mechanotransduction process remain unclear. Here, we adapted a motor-clutch model to better understand the changes in clutch and cytoskeletal dynamics, traction forces, and substrate deformation when a growth cone interacts with adhesive substrates of different stiffnesses. Model parameters were optimized using experimental data from Aplysia growth cones probed with force-calibrated glass microneedles. We included a reinforcement mechanism at both motor and clutch level. Furthermore, we added a threshold for retrograde F-actin flow that indicates when the growth cone is strongly coupled to the substrate. Our modeling results are in strong agreement with experimental data with respect to the substrate deformation and the latency time after which substrate-cytoskeletal coupling is strong enough for the growth cone to advance. Our simulations show that it takes the shortest time to achieve strong coupling when substrate stiffness was low at 4 pN/nm. Taken together, these results suggest that Aplysia growth cones respond faster and more efficiently to soft than stiff substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yuri Efremov
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
- Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Arvind Raman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
- Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Taeyoon Kim
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Daniel M. Suter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
- Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
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31
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Guo Y, Yan J, Goult BT. Mechanotransduction through protein stretching. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 87:102327. [PMID: 38301379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102327] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Cells sense and respond to subtle changes in their physicality, and via a myriad of different mechanosensitive processes, convert these physical cues into chemical and biochemical signals. This process, called mechanotransduction, is possible due to a highly sophisticated machinery within cells. One mechanism by which this can occur is via the stretching of mechanosensitive proteins. Stretching proteins that contain force-dependent regions results in altered geometry and dimensions of the connections, as well as differential spatial organization of signals bound to the stretched protein. The purpose of this mini-review is to discuss some of the intense recent activity in this area of mechanobiology that strives to understand how protein stretching can influence signaling outputs and cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyu Guo
- Department of Physics, Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Physics, Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore 117542, Singapore.
| | - Benjamin T Goult
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NJ, UK; Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
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32
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Linke P, Munding N, Kimmle E, Kaufmann S, Hayashi K, Nakahata M, Takashima Y, Sano M, Bastmeyer M, Holstein T, Dietrich S, Müller-Tidow C, Harada A, Ho AD, Tanaka M. Reversible Host-Guest Crosslinks in Supramolecular Hydrogels for On-Demand Mechanical Stimulation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302607. [PMID: 38118064 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302607] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells are regulated not only by biochemical signals but also by biophysical properties of extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is constantly monitored and remodeled because the fate of stem cells can be misdirected when the mechanical interaction between cells and ECM is imbalanced. A well-defined ECM model for bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) based on supramolecular hydrogels containing reversible host-guest crosslinks is fabricated. The stiffness (Young's modulus E) of the hydrogels can be switched reversibly by altering the concentration of non-cytotoxic, free guest molecules dissolved in the culture medium. Fine-adjustment of substrate stiffness enables the authors to determine the critical stiffness level E* at which hMSCs turn the mechano-sensory machinery on or off. Next, the substrate stiffness across E* is switched and the dynamic adaptation characteristics such as morphology, traction force, and YAP/TAZ signaling of hMSCs are monitored. These data demonstrate the instantaneous switching of traction force, which is followed by YAP/TAZ signaling and morphological adaptation. Periodical switching of the substrate stiffness across E* proves that frequent applications of mechanical stimuli drastically suppress hMSC proliferation. Mechanical stimulation across E* level using dynamic hydrogels is a promising strategy for the on-demand control of hMSC transcription and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Linke
- Physical Chemistry of Biosystems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Natalie Munding
- Physical Chemistry of Biosystems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Esther Kimmle
- Physical Chemistry of Biosystems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kaufmann
- Physical Chemistry of Biosystems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kentaro Hayashi
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Physics, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Masaki Nakahata
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, 560-0043, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Takashima
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, 560-0043, Japan
| | - Masaki Sano
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Martin Bastmeyer
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Physics, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
- Cell and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute for Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76334, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Thomas Holstein
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Physics, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
- Molecular Genetics and Evolution, Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, 69221, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sascha Dietrich
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology, Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, and Clinical Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Carsten Müller-Tidow
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology, Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Akira Harada
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0047, Japan
| | - Anthony D Ho
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Physics, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology, Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit Heidelberg, EMBL and Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Motomu Tanaka
- Physical Chemistry of Biosystems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Physics, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
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33
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Tajvidi Safa B, Huang C, Kabla A, Yang R. Active viscoelastic models for cell and tissue mechanics. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231074. [PMID: 38660600 PMCID: PMC11040246 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Living cells are out of equilibrium active materials. Cell-generated forces are transmitted across the cytoskeleton network and to the extracellular environment. These active force interactions shape cellular mechanical behaviour, trigger mechano-sensing, regulate cell adaptation to the microenvironment and can affect disease outcomes. In recent years, the mechanobiology community has witnessed the emergence of many experimental and theoretical approaches to study cells as mechanically active materials. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in incorporating active characteristics of cellular behaviour at different length scales into classic viscoelastic models by either adding an active tension-generating element or adjusting the resting length of an elastic element in the model. Summarizing the two groups of approaches, we will review the formulation and application of these models to understand cellular adaptation mechanisms in response to various types of mechanical stimuli, such as the effect of extracellular matrix properties and external loadings or deformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Tajvidi Safa
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE68588, USA
| | - Changjin Huang
- School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore639798, Singapore
| | - Alexandre Kabla
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Ruiguo Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE68588, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI48824, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI48824, USA
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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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35
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Cantallops Vilà P, Ravichandra A, Agirre Lizaso A, Perugorria MJ, Affò S. Heterogeneity, crosstalk, and targeting of cancer-associated fibroblasts in cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatology 2024; 79:941-958. [PMID: 37018128 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) comprises diverse tumors of the biliary tree and is characterized by late diagnosis, short-term survival, and chemoresistance. CCAs are mainly classified according to their anatomical location and include diverse molecular subclasses harboring inter-tumoral and intratumoral heterogeneity. Besides the tumor cell component, CCA is also characterized by a complex and dynamic tumor microenvironment where tumor cells and stromal cells crosstalk in an intricate network of interactions. Cancer-associated fibroblasts, one of the most abundant cell types in the tumor stroma of CCA, are actively involved in cholangiocarcinogenesis by participating in multiple aspects of the disease including extracellular matrix remodeling, immunomodulation, neo-angiogenesis, and metastasis. Despite their overall tumor-promoting role, recent evidence indicates the presence of transcriptional and functional heterogeneous CAF subtypes with tumor-promoting and tumor-restricting properties. To elucidate the complexity and potentials of cancer-associated fibroblasts as therapeutic targets in CCA, this review will discuss the origin of cancer-associated fibroblasts, their heterogeneity, crosstalk, and role during tumorigenesis, providing an overall picture of the present and future perspectives toward cancer-associated fibroblasts targeting CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aashreya Ravichandra
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aloña Agirre Lizaso
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Maria J Perugorria
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- CIBERehd, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Silvia Affò
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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36
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Groza R, Schmidt KV, Müller PM, Ronchi P, Schlack-Leigers C, Neu U, Puchkov D, Dimova R, Matthaeus C, Taraska J, Weikl TR, Ewers H. Adhesion energy controls lipid binding-mediated endocytosis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2767. [PMID: 38553473 PMCID: PMC10980822 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47109-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Several bacterial toxins and viruses can deform membranes through multivalent binding to lipids for clathrin-independent endocytosis. However, it remains unclear, how membrane deformation and endocytic internalization are mechanistically linked. Here we show that many lipid-binding virions induce membrane deformation and clathrin-independent endocytosis, suggesting a common mechanism based on multivalent lipid binding by globular particles. We create a synthetic cellular system consisting of a lipid-anchored receptor in the form of GPI-anchored anti-GFP nanobodies and a multivalent globular binder exposing 180 regularly-spaced GFP molecules on its surface. We show that these globular, 40 nm diameter, particles bind to cells expressing the receptor, deform the plasma membrane upon adhesion and become endocytosed in a clathrin-independent manner. We explore the role of the membrane adhesion energy in endocytosis by using receptors with affinities varying over 7 orders of magnitude. Using this system, we find that once a threshold in adhesion energy is overcome to allow for membrane deformation, endocytosis occurs reliably. Multivalent, binding-induced membrane deformation by globular binders is thus sufficient for internalization to occur and we suggest it is the common, purely biophysical mechanism for lipid-binding mediated endocytosis of toxins and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Groza
- Institute of Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kita Valerie Schmidt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam Science Park, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Paul Markus Müller
- Institute of Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paolo Ronchi
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claire Schlack-Leigers
- Institute of Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ursula Neu
- Institute of Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dmytro Puchkov
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam Science Park, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Claudia Matthaeus
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Institute for Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Justin Taraska
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Thomas R Weikl
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam Science Park, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Helge Ewers
- Institute of Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
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Wu S, Tang W, Wang Z, Tang Z, Zheng P, Chen Z, Zhu JJ. High Dynamic Range Probing of Single-Molecule Mechanical Force Transitions at Cell-Matrix Adhesion Bonds by a Plasmonic Tension Nanosensor. JACS AU 2024; 4:1155-1165. [PMID: 38559721 PMCID: PMC10976601 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical signals in animal tissues are complex and rapidly changed, and how the force transduction emerges from the single-cell adhesion bonds remains unclear. DNA-based molecular tension sensors (MTS), albeit successful in cellular force probing, were restricted by their detection range and temporal resolution. Here, we introduced a plasmonic tension nanosensor (PTNS) to make straight progress toward these shortcomings. Contrary to the fluorescence-based MTS that only has specific force response thresholds, PTNS enabled the continuous and reversible force measurement from 1.1 to 48 pN with millisecond temporal resolution. We used the PTNS to visualize the high dynamic range single-molecule force transitions at cell-matrix adhesions during adhesion formation and migration. Time-resolved force traces revealed that the lifetime and duration of stepwise force transitions of molecular clutches are strongly modulated by the traction force through filamentous actin. The force probing technique is sensitive, fast, and robust and constitutes a potential tool for single-molecule and single-cell biophysics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ziyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical
Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Zhuodong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical
Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Peng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical
Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Zixuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical
Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Jun-Jie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical
Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
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Jaudon F, Cingolani LA. Unlocking mechanosensitivity: integrins in neural adaptation. Trends Cell Biol 2024:S0962-8924(24)00046-1. [PMID: 38514304 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2024.02.011] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Mechanosensitivity extends beyond sensory cells to encompass most neurons in the brain. Here, we explore recent research on the role of integrins, a diverse family of adhesion molecules, as crucial biomechanical sensors translating mechanical forces into biochemical and electrical signals in the brain. The varied biomechanical properties of neuronal integrins, including their force-dependent conformational states and ligand interactions, dictate their specific functions. We discuss new findings on how integrins regulate filopodia and dendritic spines, shedding light on their contributions to synaptic plasticity, and explore recent discoveries on how they engage with metabotropic receptors and ion channels, highlighting their direct participation in electromechanical transduction. Finally, to facilitate a deeper understanding of these developments, we present molecular and biophysical models of mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Jaudon
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo A Cingolani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology (NSYN), Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16132 Genoa, Italy.
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Deng Z, Yu L, Kuang Y, Zhou Z, Li X. Highly Ordered Nanotube-Like Microstructure on Titanium Dental Implant Surface Fabricated via Anodization Enhanced Cell Adhesion and Migration of Human Gingival Fibroblasts. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2469-2485. [PMID: 38476279 PMCID: PMC10929655 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s448743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Titanium (Ti) surface with nanotubes array via anodization has been used in dental implants to enhance bone regeneration but little research was carried out to evaluate whether the presence of highly ordered or disorderly distributed nanotubes array on titanium surface would have an effect on cell behaviors of gingival fibroblasts. Methods The present study fabricated nanotubes arrays with varied topography under different constant voltage of electrochemical anodization in fluorine-containing electrolyte. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) from extracted third molar were harvested and co-cultured with titanium disks with different nanotubes topography. Then cell behaviors of gingival fibroblasts including cell proliferation, adhesive morphology and cell migration were estimated to investigate the influence of titanium nanotubes on cell biology. Besides, gene and protein expression of adhesion molecule (integrin β1/β4/α6, fibronectin, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and collagen type I) were detected to evaluate the influence of different surfaces on cell adhesion. Results Highly ordered arrays of nanotubes with pore diameter of 60 nm and 100 nm were fabricated under 30 and 40 V of anodization (TNT-30 and TNT-40) while disorderedly distributed nanotube arrays formed on the titanium surface under 50 V of anodization (TNT-50). Our results demonstrated that compared with raw titanium surface and disorderly nanotubes, surface with orderly nanotubes array increased cell area and aspect ratio, as well as cell migration ability in the early phase of cell adhesion (p<0.05). Besides, compared with raw titanium surface, gene and protein expression of adhesion molecules were upregulated in nanotubes groups to different extents, no matter whether in an orderly or disorderly array. Conclusion Within the limitations of our study, we conclude that compared with raw titanium surface, the presence of nanotubes array on titanium surface could enhance cells adhesion and cell migration in the early phase. And compared with disorderly distributed nanotubes, highly ordered nanotubes array might provide a much more favorable surface for gingival fibroblasts to achieve a tight adhesion on the materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoming Deng
- Department of Stomatology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai City, 519000, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai City, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lerong Yu
- Department of Stomatology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai City, 519000, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai City, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yishen Kuang
- Department of Stomatology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai City, 519000, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai City, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ziyao Zhou
- Department of Stomatology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai City, 519000, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai City, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangwei Li
- Department of Stomatology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai City, 519000, People’s Republic of China
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40
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Liu S, Chen H, Xie H, Liu X, Zhang M. Substrate Stiffness Modulates Stemness and Differentiation of Rabbit Corneal Endothelium Through the Paxillin-YAP Pathway. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:15. [PMID: 38466286 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.3.15] [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: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the role of substrate stiffness and the mechanism beneath corneal endothelial cells' (CECs') stemness maintenance and differentiation. Methods CECs were divided into central zone (8 mm trephined boundary) and peripheral zone (8 mm trephined edge with attached limbal). Two zones were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and scanning electron microscopy for anatomic structure. The elastic modulus of Descemet's membrane (DM) was analyzed by atomic force microscopy. Compressed type I collagen gels with different stiffness were constructed as an in vitro model system to test the role of stiffness on phenotype using cultured rabbit CECs. Cell morphology, expression and intracellular distribution of Yes-associated protein (YAP), differentiation (ZO-1, Na+/K+-ATPase), stemness (FOXD3, CD34, Sox2, Oct3/4), and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EnMT) markers were analyzed by immunofluorescence, quantitative RT-PCR, and Western blot. Results The results showed that the peripheral area of rabbit and human DM is softer than the central area ex vivo. Using the biomimetic extracellular matrix collagen gels in vitro model, we then demonstrated that soft substrate weakens the differentiation and EnMT in the culture of CECs. It was further proved by the inhibitor experiment that soft substrate enhances stemness maintenance via inhibition of paxillin-YAP signaling, which was activated on a stiff substrate. Conclusions Our findings confirm that substrate stiffness modulates the stemness maintenance and differentiation of CECs and suggest a potential strategy for CEC-based corneal tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Chen
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huatao Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingchang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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41
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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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Mishra J, Chakraborty S, Niharika, Roy A, Manna S, Baral T, Nandi P, Patra SK. Mechanotransduction and epigenetic modulations of chromatin: Role of mechanical signals in gene regulation. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30531. [PMID: 38345428 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical forces may be generated within a cell due to tissue stiffness, cytoskeletal reorganization, and the changes (even subtle) in the cell's physical surroundings. These changes of forces impose a mechanical tension within the intracellular protein network (both cytosolic and nuclear). Mechanical tension could be released by a series of protein-protein interactions often facilitated by membrane lipids, lectins and sugar molecules and thus generate a type of signal to drive cellular processes, including cell differentiation, polarity, growth, adhesion, movement, and survival. Recent experimental data have accentuated the molecular mechanism of this mechanical signal transduction pathway, dubbed mechanotransduction. Mechanosensitive proteins in the cell's plasma membrane discern the physical forces and channel the information to the cell interior. Cells respond to the message by altering their cytoskeletal arrangement and directly transmitting the signal to the nucleus through the connection of the cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton before the information despatched to the nucleus by biochemical signaling pathways. Nuclear transmission of the force leads to the activation of chromatin modifiers and modulation of the epigenetic landscape, inducing chromatin reorganization and gene expression regulation; by the time chemical messengers (transcription factors) arrive into the nucleus. While significant research has been done on the role of mechanotransduction in tumor development and cancer progression/metastasis, the mechanistic basis of force-activated carcinogenesis is still enigmatic. Here, in this review, we have discussed the various cues and molecular connections to better comprehend the cellular mechanotransduction pathway, and we also explored the detailed role of some of the multiple players (proteins and macromolecular complexes) involved in mechanotransduction. Thus, we have described an avenue: how mechanical stress directs the epigenetic modifiers to modulate the epigenome of the cells and how aberrant stress leads to the cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagdish Mishra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Subhajit Chakraborty
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Niharika
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Ankan Roy
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Soumen Manna
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Tirthankar Baral
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Piyasa Nandi
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Samir K Patra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
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Pillai EK, Franze K. Mechanics in the nervous system: From development to disease. Neuron 2024; 112:342-361. [PMID: 37967561 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Physical forces are ubiquitous in biological processes across scales and diverse contexts. This review highlights the significance of mechanical forces in nervous system development, homeostasis, and disease. We provide an overview of mechanical signals present in the nervous system and delve into mechanotransduction mechanisms translating these mechanical cues into biochemical signals. During development, mechanical cues regulate a plethora of processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, network formation, and cortex folding. Forces then continue exerting their influence on physiological processes, such as neuronal activity, glial cell function, and the interplay between these different cell types. Notably, changes in tissue mechanics manifest in neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors, potentially offering new diagnostic and therapeutic target opportunities. Understanding the role of cellular forces and tissue mechanics in nervous system physiology and pathology adds a new facet to neurobiology, shedding new light on many processes that remain incompletely understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva K Pillai
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Institute of Medical Physics and Microtissue Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestraße 91, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Kussmaulallee 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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44
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Fan W, Adebowale K, Váncza L, Li Y, Rabbi MF, Kunimoto K, Chen D, Mozes G, Chiu DKC, Li Y, Tao J, Wei Y, Adeniji N, Brunsing RL, Dhanasekaran R, Singhi A, Geller D, Lo SH, Hodgson L, Engleman EG, Charville GW, Charu V, Monga SP, Kim T, Wells RG, Chaudhuri O, Török NJ. Matrix viscoelasticity promotes liver cancer progression in the pre-cirrhotic liver. Nature 2024; 626:635-642. [PMID: 38297127 PMCID: PMC10866704 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06991-9] [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: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanics contribute to cancer development1,2, and increased stiffness is known to promote HCC progression in cirrhotic conditions3,4. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by an accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in the ECM; however, how this affects HCC in non-cirrhotic conditions is unclear. Here we find that, in patients and animal models, AGEs promote changes in collagen architecture and enhance ECM viscoelasticity, with greater viscous dissipation and faster stress relaxation, but not changes in stiffness. High AGEs and viscoelasticity combined with oncogenic β-catenin signalling promote HCC induction, whereas inhibiting AGE production, reconstituting the AGE clearance receptor AGER1 or breaking AGE-mediated collagen cross-links reduces viscoelasticity and HCC growth. Matrix analysis and computational modelling demonstrate that lower interconnectivity of AGE-bundled collagen matrix, marked by shorter fibre length and greater heterogeneity, enhances viscoelasticity. Mechanistically, animal studies and 3D cell cultures show that enhanced viscoelasticity promotes HCC cell proliferation and invasion through an integrin-β1-tensin-1-YAP mechanotransductive pathway. These results reveal that AGE-mediated structural changes enhance ECM viscoelasticity, and that viscoelasticity can promote cancer progression in vivo, independent of stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiguo Fan
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kolade Adebowale
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine for Human Health (ChEM-H), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lóránd Váncza
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Yuan Li
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Md Foysal Rabbi
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Koshi Kunimoto
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Dongning Chen
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Gergely Mozes
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - David Kung-Chun Chiu
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yisi Li
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Junyan Tao
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yi Wei
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Nia Adeniji
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Ryan L Brunsing
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Renumathy Dhanasekaran
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aatur Singhi
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David Geller
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Su Hao Lo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Louis Hodgson
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edgar G Engleman
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Vivek Charu
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Taeyoon Kim
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Rebecca G Wells
- Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine for Human Health (ChEM-H), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Natalie J Török
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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45
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Luciano M, Versaevel M, Kalukula Y, Gabriele S. Mechanoresponse of Curved Epithelial Monolayers Lining Bowl-Shaped 3D Microwells. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2203377. [PMID: 37820698 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203377] [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: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The optimal functioning of many organs relies on the curved architecture of their epithelial tissues. However, the mechanoresponse of epithelia to changes in curvature remains misunderstood. Here, bowl-shaped microwells in hydrogels are designed via photopolymerization to faithfully replicate the shape and dimensions of lobular structures. Leveraging these hydrogel-based microwells, curved epithelial monolayers are engineered, and how in-plane and Gaussian curvatures at the microwell entrance influence epithelial behavior is investigated. Cells and nuclei around the microwell edge display a more pronounced centripetal orientation as the in-plane curvature decreases, and enhanced cell straightness and speed. Moreover, cells reorganize their actin cytoskeleton by forming a supracellular actin cable at the microwell edge, with its size becoming more pronounced as the in-plane curvature decreases. The Gaussian curvature at the microwell entrance enhances the maturation of the supracellular actin cable architecture and leads to a vertical orientation of nuclei toward the bottom of the microwell. Increasing Gaussian curvature results in flattened and elongated nuclear morphologies characterized by highly compacted chromatin states. This approach provides better understanding of the mechanoresponse of curved epithelial monolayers curvatures lining lobular structures. In addition, bowl-shaped microwells offer a powerful platform to study curvature-dependent mechanotransduction pathways in anatomically relevant 3D structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Luciano
- Mechanobiology & Biomaterials Group, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, Mons, B-7000, Belgium
| | - Marie Versaevel
- Mechanobiology & Biomaterials Group, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, Mons, B-7000, Belgium
| | - Yohalie Kalukula
- Mechanobiology & Biomaterials Group, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, Mons, B-7000, Belgium
| | - Sylvain Gabriele
- Mechanobiology & Biomaterials Group, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, Mons, B-7000, Belgium
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46
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Madir A, Grgurevic I, Tsochatzis EA, Pinzani M. Portal hypertension in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Current knowledge and challenges. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:290-307. [PMID: 38313235 PMCID: PMC10835535 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i4.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PH) has traditionally been observed as a consequence of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, recent studies have provided evidence that PH may develop in earlier stages of NAFLD, suggesting that there are additional pathogenetic mechanisms at work in addition to liver fibrosis. The early development of PH in NAFLD is associated with hepatocellular lipid accumulation and ballooning, leading to the compression of liver sinusoids. External compression and intra-luminal obstacles cause mechanical forces such as strain, shear stress and elevated hydrostatic pressure that in turn activate mechanotransduction pathways, resulting in endothelial dysfunction and the development of fibrosis. The spatial distribution of histological and functional changes in the periportal and perisinusoidal areas of the liver lobule are considered responsible for the pre-sinusoidal component of PH in patients with NAFLD. Thus, current diagnostic methods such as hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement tend to underestimate portal pressure (PP) in NAFLD patients, who might decompensate below the HVPG threshold of 10 mmHg, which is traditionally considered the most relevant indicator of clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). This creates further challenges in finding a reliable diagnostic method to stratify the prognostic risk in this population of patients. In theory, the measurement of the portal pressure gradient guided by endoscopic ultrasound might overcome the limitations of HVPG measurement by avoiding the influence of the pre-sinusoidal component, but more investigations are needed to test its clinical utility for this indication. Liver and spleen stiffness measurement in combination with platelet count is currently the best-validated non-invasive approach for diagnosing CSPH and varices needing treatment. Lifestyle change remains the cornerstone of the treatment of PH in NAFLD, together with correcting the components of metabolic syndrome, using nonselective beta blockers, whereas emerging candidate drugs require more robust confirmation from clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Madir
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Ivica Grgurevic
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Emmanuel A Tsochatzis
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
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47
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Chanduri MVL, Kumar A, Weiss D, Emuna N, Barsukov I, Shi M, Tanaka K, Wang X, Datye A, Kanyo J, Collin F, Lam T, Schwarz UD, Bai S, Nottoli T, Goult BT, Humphrey JD, Schwartz MA. Mechanosensing through talin 1 contributes to tissue mechanical homeostasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.03.556084. [PMID: 38328095 PMCID: PMC10849504 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.03.556084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
It is widely believed that tissue mechanical properties, determined mainly by the extracellular matrix (ECM), are actively maintained. However, despite its broad importance to biology and medicine, tissue mechanical homeostasis is poorly understood. To explore this hypothesis, we developed mutations in the mechanosensitive protein talin1 that alter cellular sensing of ECM stiffness. Mutation of a novel mechanosensitive site between talin1 rod domain helix bundles 1 and 2 (R1 and R2) shifted cellular stiffness sensing curves, enabling cells to spread and exert tension on compliant substrates. Opening of the R1-R2 interface promotes binding of the ARP2/3 complex subunit ARPC5L, which mediates the altered stiffness sensing. Ascending aortas from mice bearing these mutations show increased compliance, less fibrillar collagen, and rupture at lower pressure. Together, these results demonstrate that cellular stiffness sensing regulates ECM mechanical properties. These data thus directly support the mechanical homeostasis hypothesis and identify a novel mechanosensitive interaction within talin that contributes to this mechanism.
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48
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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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49
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Chen Y, Li Z, Kong F, Ju LA, Zhu C. Force-Regulated Spontaneous Conformational Changes of Integrins α 5β 1 and α Vβ 3. ACS NANO 2024; 18:299-313. [PMID: 38105535 PMCID: PMC10786158 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Integrins are cell surface nanosized receptors crucial for cell motility and mechanosensing of the extracellular environment, which are often targeted for the development of biomaterials and nanomedicines. As a key feature of integrins, their activity, structure and behavior are highly mechanosensitive, which are regulated by mechanical forces down to pico-Newton scale. Using single-molecule biomechanical approaches, we compared the force-modulated ectodomain bending/unbending conformational changes of two integrin species, α5β1 and αVβ3. It was found that the conformation of integrin α5β1 is determined by a threshold head-to-tail tension. By comparison, integrin αVβ3 exhibits bistability even without force and can spontaneously transition between the bent and extended conformations with an apparent transition time under a wide range of forces. Molecular dynamics simulations observed almost concurrent disruption of ∼2 hydrogen bonds during integrin α5β1 unbending, but consecutive disruption of ∼7 hydrogen bonds during integrin αVβ3 unbending. Accordingly, we constructed a canonical energy landscape for integrin α5β1 with a single energy well that traps the integrin in the bent state until sufficient force tilts the energy landscape to allow the conformational transition. In contrast, the energy landscape of integrin αVβ3 conformational changes was constructed with hexa-stable intermediate states and intermediate energy barriers that segregate the conformational change process into multiple small steps. Our study elucidates the different biomechanical inner workings of integrins α5β1 and αVβ3 at the submolecular level, helps understand their mechanosignaling processes and how their respective functions are facilitated by their distinctive mechanosensitivities, and provides useful design principles for the engineering of protein-based biomechanical nanomachines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Chen
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Petit Institute
for Bioengineering
and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Zhenhai Li
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory of Mechanics in Energy Engineering, Shanghai Institute
of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, School of Mechanics and Engineering
Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Fang Kong
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Petit Institute
for Bioengineering
and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- Coulter
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia
Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- School of
Biological Science, Nanyang Technological
University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Lining Arnold Ju
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Petit Institute
for Bioengineering
and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- Coulter
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia
Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, The University
of Sydney, Darlington, New South Wales 2008, Australia
- Charles
Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Petit Institute
for Bioengineering
and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- Coulter
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia
Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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50
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Mierke CT. Extracellular Matrix Cues Regulate Mechanosensing and Mechanotransduction of Cancer Cells. Cells 2024; 13:96. [PMID: 38201302 PMCID: PMC10777970 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010096] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular biophysical properties have particular implications for a wide spectrum of cellular behaviors and functions, including growth, motility, differentiation, apoptosis, gene expression, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion, and signal transduction including mechanotransduction. Cells not only react to unambiguously mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM), but can occasionally manipulate the mechanical features of the matrix in parallel with biological characteristics, thus interfering with downstream matrix-based cues in both physiological and pathological processes. Bidirectional interactions between cells and (bio)materials in vitro can alter cell phenotype and mechanotransduction, as well as ECM structure, intentionally or unintentionally. Interactions between cell and matrix mechanics in vivo are of particular importance in a variety of diseases, including primarily cancer. Stiffness values between normal and cancerous tissue can range between 500 Pa (soft) and 48 kPa (stiff), respectively. Even the shear flow can increase from 0.1-1 dyn/cm2 (normal tissue) to 1-10 dyn/cm2 (cancerous tissue). There are currently many new areas of activity in tumor research on various biological length scales, which are highlighted in this review. Moreover, the complexity of interactions between ECM and cancer cells is reduced to common features of different tumors and the characteristics are highlighted to identify the main pathways of interaction. This all contributes to the standardization of mechanotransduction models and approaches, which, ultimately, increases the understanding of the complex interaction. Finally, both the in vitro and in vivo effects of this mechanics-biology pairing have key insights and implications for clinical practice in tumor treatment and, consequently, clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Biological Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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