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Soliman BG, Nguyen AK, Gooding JJ, Kilian KA. Advancing Synthetic Hydrogels through Nature-Inspired Materials Chemistry. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2404235. [PMID: 38896849 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) mimics that can recapitulate the complex biochemical and mechanical nature of native tissues are needed for advanced models of development and disease. Biomedical research has heavily relied on the use of animal-derived biomaterials, which is now impeding their translational potential and convoluting the biological insights gleaned from in vitro tissue models. Natural hydrogels have long served as a convenient and effective cell culture tool, but advances in materials chemistry and fabrication techniques now present promising new avenues for creating xenogenic-free ECM substitutes appropriate for organotypic models and microphysiological systems. However, significant challenges remain in creating synthetic matrices that can approximate the structural sophistication, biochemical complexity, and dynamic functionality of native tissues. This review summarizes key properties of the native ECM, and discusses recent approaches used to systematically decouple and tune these properties in synthetic matrices. The importance of dynamic ECM mechanics, such as viscoelasticity and matrix plasticity, is also discussed, particularly within the context of organoid and engineered tissue matrices. Emerging design strategies to mimic these dynamic mechanical properties are reviewed, such as multi-network hydrogels, supramolecular chemistry, and hydrogels assembled from biological monomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram G Soliman
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Ashley K Nguyen
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - J Justin Gooding
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Kristopher A Kilian
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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2
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Mercer IG, Yu K, Devanny AJ, Gordon MB, Kaufman LJ. Plasticity variable collagen-PEG interpenetrating networks modulate cell spreading. Acta Biomater 2024; 187:242-252. [PMID: 39218279 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.08.040] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix protein collagen I has been used extensively in the field of biomaterials due to its inherent biocompatibility and unique viscoelastic and mechanical properties. Collagen I self-assembly into fibers and networks is environmentally sensitive to gelation conditions such as temperature, resulting in gels with distinct network architectures and mechanical properties. Despite this, collagen gels are not suitable for many applications given their relatively low storage modulus. We have prepared collagen-poly(ethylene glycol) [PEG] interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogels to reinforce the collagen network, which also induces changes to network plasticity, a recent focus of study in cell-matrix interactions. Here, we prepare collagen/PEG IPNs, varying collagen concentration and collagen gelation temperature to assess changes in microarchitecture and mechanical properties of these networks. By tuning these parameters, IPNs with a range of stiffness, plasticity and pore size are obtained. Cell studies suggest that matrix plasticity is a key determinant of cell behavior, including cell elongation, on these gels. This work presents a natural/synthetic biocompatible matrix that retains the unique structural properties of collagen networks with increased storage modulus and tunable plasticity. The described IPN materials will be of use for applications in which control of cell spreading is desirable, as only minimal changes in sample preparation lead to changes in cell spreading and circularity. Additionally, this study contributes to our understanding of the connection between collagen self-assembly conditions and matrix structural and mechanical properties and presents them as useful tools for the design of other collagen based biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We developed a collagen-poly(ethylene glycol) interpenetrating network (IPN) platform that retains native collagen architecture and biocompatibility but provides higher stiffness and tunable plasticity. With minor changes in collagen gelation temperature or concentration, IPN gels with a range of plasticity, storage modulus, and pore size can be obtained. The tunable plasticity of the gels is shown to modulate cell spreading, with a greater proportion of elongated cells on the most plastic of IPNs, supporting the assertion that matrix plasticity is a key determinant of cell spreading. The material can be of use for situations where control of cell spreading is desired with minimal intervention, and the findings herein may be used to develop similar collagen based IPN platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris G Mercer
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States
| | - Karen Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States
| | - Alexander J Devanny
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States
| | - Melissa B Gordon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042, United States
| | - Laura J Kaufman
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States.
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3
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Alshehri AM, Wilson OC. Biomimetic Hydrogel Strategies for Cancer Therapy. Gels 2024; 10:437. [PMID: 39057460 PMCID: PMC11275631 DOI: 10.3390/gels10070437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in biomimetic hydrogel research have expanded the scope of biomedical technologies that can be used to model, diagnose, and treat a wide range of medical conditions. Cancer presents one of the most intractable challenges in this arena due to the surreptitious mechanisms that it employs to evade detection and treatment. In order to address these challenges, biomimetic design principles can be adapted to beat cancer at its own game. Biomimetic design strategies are inspired by natural biological systems and offer promising opportunities for developing life-changing methods to model, detect, diagnose, treat, and cure various types of static and metastatic cancers. In particular, focusing on the cellular and subcellular phenomena that serve as fundamental drivers for the peculiar behavioral traits of cancer can provide rich insights into eradicating cancer in all of its manifestations. This review highlights promising developments in biomimetic nanocomposite hydrogels that contribute to cancer therapies via enhanced drug delivery strategies and modeling cancer mechanobiology phenomena in relation to metastasis and synergistic sensing systems. Creative efforts to amplify biomimetic design research to advance the development of more effective cancer therapies will be discussed in alignment with international collaborative goals to cure cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awatef M. Alshehri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA
- Department of Nanomedicine, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdelaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Otto C. Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA
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4
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Goren S, Ergaz B, Barak D, Sorkin R, Lesman A. Micro-tensile rheology of fibrous gels quantifies strain-dependent anisotropy. Acta Biomater 2024; 181:272-281. [PMID: 38685460 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.03.028] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Semiflexible fiber gels such as collagen and fibrin have unique nonlinear mechanical properties that play an important role in tissue morphogenesis, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. Optical tweezers microrheology has greatly contributed to the understanding of the mechanics of fibrous gels at the microscale, including its heterogeneity and anisotropy. However, the explicit relationship between micromechanical properties and gel deformation has been largely overlooked. We introduce a unique gel-stretching apparatus and employ it to study the relationship between microscale strain and stiffening in fibrin and collagen gels, focusing on the development of anisotropy in the gel. We find that gels stretched by as much as 15 % stiffen significantly both in parallel and perpendicular to the stretching axis, and that the parallel axis is 2-3 times stiffer than the transverse axis. We also measure the stiffening and anisotropy along bands of aligned fibers created by aggregates of cancer cells, and find similar effects as in gels stretched with the tensile apparatus. Our results illustrate that the extracellular microenvironment is highly sensitive to deformation, with implications for tissue homeostasis and pathology. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The inherent fibrous architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM) gives rise to unique strain-stiffening mechanics. The micromechanics of fibrous networks has been studied extensively, but the deformations involved in its stiffening at the microscale were not quantified. Here we introduce an apparatus that enables measuring the deformations in the gel as it is being stretched while simultaneously using optical tweezers to measure its microscale anisotropic stiffness. We reveal that fibrin and collagen both stiffen dramatically already at ∼10 % deformation, accompanied by the emergence of significant, yet moderate anisotropy. We measure similar stiffening and anisotropy in the matrix remodeled by the tensile apparatus to those found between cancer cell aggregates. Our results emphasize that small strains are enough to introduce substantial stiffening and anisotropy. These have been shown to result in directional cell migration and enhanced force propagation, and possibly control processes like morphogenesis and cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahar Goren
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Israel; School of Mechanical Engineering, the Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Bar Ergaz
- School of Mechanical Engineering, the Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Daniel Barak
- School of Mechanical Engineering, the Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Raya Sorkin
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
| | - Ayelet Lesman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, the Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
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5
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Skillin NP, Kirkpatrick BE, Herbert KM, Nelson BR, Hach GK, Günay KA, Khan RM, DelRio FW, White TJ, Anseth KS. Stiffness anisotropy coordinates supracellular contractility driving long-range myotube-ECM alignment. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn0235. [PMID: 38820155 PMCID: PMC11141631 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn0235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The ability of cells to organize into tissues with proper structure and function requires the effective coordination of proliferation, migration, polarization, and differentiation across length scales. Skeletal muscle is innately anisotropic; however, few biomaterials can emulate mechanical anisotropy to determine its influence on tissue patterning without introducing confounding topography. Here, we demonstrate that substrate stiffness anisotropy coordinates contractility-driven collective cellular dynamics resulting in C2C12 myotube alignment over millimeter-scale distances. When cultured on mechanically anisotropic liquid crystalline polymer networks (LCNs) lacking topography, C2C12 myoblasts collectively polarize in the stiffest direction. Cellular coordination is amplified through reciprocal cell-ECM dynamics that emerge during fusion, driving global myotube-ECM ordering. Conversely, myotube alignment was restricted to small local domains with no directional preference on mechanically isotropic LCNs of the same chemical formulation. These findings provide valuable insights for designing biomaterials that mimic anisotropic microenvironments and underscore the importance of stiffness anisotropy in orchestrating tissue morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel P. Skillin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Bruce E. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Katie M. Herbert
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Benjamin R. Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Grace K. Hach
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Kemal Arda Günay
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Ryan M. Khan
- Material, Physical, and Chemical Sciences Center, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185, USA
| | - Frank W. DelRio
- Material, Physical, and Chemical Sciences Center, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185, USA
| | - Timothy J. White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
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6
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Crossley RM, Johnson S, Tsingos E, Bell Z, Berardi M, Botticelli M, Braat QJS, Metzcar J, Ruscone M, Yin Y, Shuttleworth R. Modeling the extracellular matrix in cell migration and morphogenesis: a guide for the curious biologist. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1354132. [PMID: 38495620 PMCID: PMC10940354 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1354132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly complex structure through which biochemical and mechanical signals are transmitted. In processes of cell migration, the ECM also acts as a scaffold, providing structural support to cells as well as points of potential attachment. Although the ECM is a well-studied structure, its role in many biological processes remains difficult to investigate comprehensively due to its complexity and structural variation within an organism. In tandem with experiments, mathematical models are helpful in refining and testing hypotheses, generating predictions, and exploring conditions outside the scope of experiments. Such models can be combined and calibrated with in vivo and in vitro data to identify critical cell-ECM interactions that drive developmental and homeostatic processes, or the progression of diseases. In this review, we focus on mathematical and computational models of the ECM in processes such as cell migration including cancer metastasis, and in tissue structure and morphogenesis. By highlighting the predictive power of these models, we aim to help bridge the gap between experimental and computational approaches to studying the ECM and to provide guidance on selecting an appropriate model framework to complement corresponding experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M. Crossley
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Johnson
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Erika Tsingos
- Computational Developmental Biology Group, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Zoe Bell
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Massimiliano Berardi
- LaserLab, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Optics11 life, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Quirine J. S. Braat
- Department of Applied Physics and Science Education, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - John Metzcar
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Department of Informatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | | | - Yuan Yin
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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7
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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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8
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Murugan NJ, Cariba S, Abeygunawardena S, Rouleau N, Payne SL. Biophysical control of plasticity and patterning in regeneration and cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 81:9. [PMID: 38099951 PMCID: PMC10724343 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05054-6] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Cells and tissues display a remarkable range of plasticity and tissue-patterning activities that are emergent of complex signaling dynamics within their microenvironments. These properties, which when operating normally guide embryogenesis and regeneration, become highly disordered in diseases such as cancer. While morphogens and other molecular factors help determine the shapes of tissues and their patterned cellular organization, the parallel contributions of biophysical control mechanisms must be considered to accurately predict and model important processes such as growth, maturation, injury, repair, and senescence. We now know that mechanical, optical, electric, and electromagnetic signals are integral to cellular plasticity and tissue patterning. Because biophysical modalities underly interactions between cells and their extracellular matrices, including cell cycle, metabolism, migration, and differentiation, their applications as tuning dials for regenerative and anti-cancer therapies are being rapidly exploited. Despite this, the importance of cellular communication through biophysical signaling remains disproportionately underrepresented in the literature. Here, we provide a review of biophysical signaling modalities and known mechanisms that initiate, modulate, or inhibit plasticity and tissue patterning in models of regeneration and cancer. We also discuss current approaches in biomedical engineering that harness biophysical control mechanisms to model, characterize, diagnose, and treat disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirosha J Murugan
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.
| | - Solsa Cariba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Samantha L Payne
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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9
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Ergaz B, Goren S, Lesman A. Micropatterning the organization of multicellular structures in 3D biological hydrogels; insights into collective cellular mechanical interactions. Biofabrication 2023; 16:015012. [PMID: 37906963 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad0849] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Control over the organization of cells at the microscale level within supporting biomaterials can push forward the construction of complex tissue architectures for tissue engineering applications and enable fundamental studies of how tissue structure relates to its function. While cells patterning on 2D substrates is a relatively established and available procedure, micropatterning cells in biomimetic 3D hydrogels has been more challenging, especially with micro-scale resolution, and currently relies on sophisticated tools and protocols. We present a robust and accessible 'peel-off' method to micropattern large arrays of individual cells or cell-clusters of precise sizes in biological 3D hydrogels, such as fibrin and collagen gels, with control over cell-cell separation distance and neighboring cells position. We further demonstrate partial control over cell position in thez-dimension by stacking two layers in varying distances between the layers. To demonstrate the potential of the micropatterning gel platform, we study the matrix-mediated mechanical interaction between array of cells that are accurately separated in defined distances. A collective process of intense cell-generated densified bands emerging in the gel between near neighbors was identified, along which cells preferentially migrate, a process relevant to tissue morphogenesis. The presented 3D gel micropatterning method can be used to reveal fundamental morphogenetic processes, and to reconstruct any tissue geometry with micrometer resolution in 3D biomimetic gel environments, leveraging the engineering of tissues in complex architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bar Ergaz
- School of Mechanical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Shahar Goren
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Center for Chemistry and Physics of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ayelet Lesman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Center for Chemistry and Physics of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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10
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Bril M, Saberi A, Jorba I, van Turnhout MC, Sahlgren CM, Bouten CV, Schenning AP, Kurniawan NA. Shape-Morphing Photoresponsive Hydrogels Reveal Dynamic Topographical Conditioning of Fibroblasts. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303136. [PMID: 37740666 PMCID: PMC10625123 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular environment defines a physical boundary condition with which cells interact. However, to date, cell response to geometrical environmental cues is largely studied in static settings, which fails to capture the spatiotemporally varying cues cells receive in native tissues. Here, a photoresponsive spiropyran-based hydrogel is presented as a dynamic, cell-compatible, and reconfigurable substrate. Local stimulation with blue light (455 nm) alters hydrogel swelling, resulting in on-demand reversible micrometer-scale changes in surface topography within 15 min, allowing investigation into cell response to controlled geometry actuations. At short term (1 h after actuation), fibroblasts respond to multiple rounds of recurring topographical changes by reorganizing their nucleus and focal adhesions (FA). FAs form primarily at the dynamic regions of the hydrogel; however, this propensity is abolished when the topography is reconfigured from grooves to pits, demonstrating that topographical changes dynamically condition fibroblasts. Further, this dynamic conditioning is found to be associated with long-term (72 h) maintenance of focal adhesions and epigenetic modifications. Overall, this study offers a new approach to dissect the dynamic interplay between cells and their microenvironment and shines a new light on the cell's ability to adapt to topographical changes through FA-based mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Bril
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
| | - Aref Saberi
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
| | - Ignasi Jorba
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
| | - Mark C. van Turnhout
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
| | - Cecilia M. Sahlgren
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringÅbo Akademi UniversityTurkuFI‐20520Finland
| | - Carlijn V.C. Bouten
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
| | - Albert P.H.J. Schenning
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Department of Chemical Engineering & ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5612 AEThe Netherlands
| | - Nicholas A. Kurniawan
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
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11
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Gong X, Nguyen R, Chen Z, Wen Z, Zhang X, Mak M. Volumetric Compression Shifts Rho GTPase Balance and Induces Mechanobiological Cell State Transition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.08.561452. [PMID: 37873466 PMCID: PMC10592676 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.08.561452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
During development and disease progression, cells are subject to osmotic and mechanical stresses that modulate cell volume, which fundamentally influences cell homeostasis and has been linked to a variety of cellular functions. It is not well understood how the mechanobiological state of cells is programmed by the interplay of intracellular organization and complex extracellular mechanics when stimulated by cell volume modulation. Here, by controlling cell volume via osmotic pressure, we evaluate physical phenotypes (including cell shape, morphodynamics, traction force, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling) and molecular signaling (YAP), and we uncover fundamental transitions in active biophysical states. We demonstrate that volumetric compression shifts the ratiometric balance of Rho GTPase activities, thereby altering mechanosensing and cytoskeletal organization in a reversible manner. Specifically, volumetric compression controls cell spreading, adhesion formation, and YAP nuclear translocation, while maintaining cell contractile activity. Furthermore, we show that on physiologically relevant fibrillar collagen I matrices, which are highly non-elastic, cells exhibit additional modes of cell volume-dependent mechanosensing that are not observable on elastic substrates. Notably, volumetric compression regulates the dynamics of cell-ECM interactions and irreversible ECM remodeling via Rac-directed protrusion dynamics, at both the single-cell level and the multicellular level. Our findings support that cell volume is a master biophysical regulator and reveal its roles in cell mechanical state transition, cell-ECM interactions, and biophysical tissue programming.
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12
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Alonso-Matilla R, Provenzano PP, Odde DJ. Optimal cell traction forces in a generalized motor-clutch model. Biophys J 2023; 122:3369-3385. [PMID: 37475213 PMCID: PMC10465728 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells exert forces on mechanically compliant environments to sense stiffness, migrate, and remodel tissue. Cells can sense environmental stiffness via myosin-generated pulling forces acting on F-actin, which is in turn mechanically coupled to the environment via adhesive proteins, akin to a clutch in a drivetrain. In this "motor-clutch" framework, the force transmitted depends on the complex interplay of motor, clutch, and environmental properties. Previous mean-field analysis of the motor-clutch model identified the conditions for optimal stiffness for maximal force transmission via a dimensionless number that combines motor-clutch parameters. However, in this and other previous mean-field analyses, the motor-clutch system is assumed to have balanced motors and clutches and did not consider force-dependent clutch reinforcement and catch bond behavior. Here, we generalize the motor-clutch analytical framework to include imbalanced motor-clutch regimes, with clutch reinforcement and catch bonding, and investigate optimality with respect to all parameters. We found that traction force is strongly influenced by clutch stiffness, and we discovered an optimal clutch stiffness that maximizes traction force, suggesting that cells could tune their clutch mechanical properties to perform a specific function. The results provide guidance for maximizing the accuracy of cell-generated force measurements via molecular tension sensors by designing their mechanosensitive linker peptide to be as stiff as possible. In addition, we found that, on rigid substrates, the mean-field analysis identifies optimal motor properties, suggesting that cells could regulate their myosin repertoire and activity to maximize force transmission. Finally, we found that clutch reinforcement shifts the optimum substrate stiffness to larger values, whereas the optimum substrate stiffness is insensitive to clutch catch bond properties. Overall, our work reveals novel features of the motor-clutch model that can affect the design of molecular tension sensors and provide a generalized analytical framework for predicting and controlling cell adhesion and migration in immunotherapy and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Alonso-Matilla
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Paolo P Provenzano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - David J Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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13
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Skillin NP, Kirkpatrick BE, Herbert KM, Nelson BR, Hach GK, Günay KA, Khan RM, DelRio FW, White TJ, Anseth KS. Stiffness anisotropy coordinates supracellular contractility driving long-range myotube-ECM alignment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.08.552197. [PMID: 37609145 PMCID: PMC10441277 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.08.552197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
In skeletal muscle tissue, injury-related changes in stiffness activate muscle stem cells through mechanosensitive signaling pathways. Functional muscle tissue regeneration also requires the effective coordination of myoblast proliferation, migration, polarization, differentiation, and fusion across multiple length scales. Here, we demonstrate that substrate stiffness anisotropy coordinates contractility-driven collective cellular dynamics resulting in C2C12 myotube alignment over millimeter-scale distances. When cultured on mechanically anisotropic liquid crystalline polymer networks (LCNs) lacking topographic features that could confer contact guidance, C2C12 myoblasts collectively polarize in the stiffest direction of the substrate. Cellular coordination is amplified through reciprocal cell-ECM dynamics that emerge during fusion, driving global myotube-ECM ordering. Conversely, myotube alignment was restricted to small local domains with no directional preference on mechanically isotropic LCNs of same chemical formulation. These findings reveal a role for stiffness anisotropy in coordinating emergent collective cellular dynamics, with implications for understanding skeletal muscle tissue development and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel P. Skillin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Bruce E. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Katie M. Herbert
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Benjamin R. Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Grace K. Hach
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Kemal Arda Günay
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Ryan M. Khan
- Material, Physical, and Chemical Sciences Center, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, 87185, USA
| | - Frank W. DelRio
- Material, Physical, and Chemical Sciences Center, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, 87185, USA
| | - Timothy J. White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Lead contact
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14
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Nahum A, Koren Y, Ergaz B, Natan S, Miller G, Tamir Y, Goren S, Kolel A, Jagadeeshan S, Elkabets M, Lesman A, Zaritsky A. Inference of long-range cell-cell force transmission from ECM remodeling fluctuations. Commun Biol 2023; 6:811. [PMID: 37537232 PMCID: PMC10400639 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05179-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells sense, manipulate and respond to their mechanical microenvironment in a plethora of physiological processes, yet the understanding of how cells transmit, receive and interpret environmental cues to communicate with distant cells is severely limited due to lack of tools to quantitatively infer the complex tangle of dynamic cell-cell interactions in complicated environments. We present a computational method to systematically infer and quantify long-range cell-cell force transmission through the extracellular matrix (cell-ECM-cell communication) by correlating ECM remodeling fluctuations in between communicating cells and demonstrating that these fluctuations contain sufficient information to define unique signatures that robustly distinguish between different pairs of communicating cells. We demonstrate our method with finite element simulations and live 3D imaging of fibroblasts and cancer cells embedded in fibrin gels. While previous studies relied on the formation of a visible fibrous 'band' extending between cells to inform on mechanical communication, our method detected mechanical propagation even in cases where visible bands never formed. We revealed that while contractility is required, band formation is not necessary, for cell-ECM-cell communication, and that mechanical signals propagate from one cell to another even upon massive reduction in their contractility. Our method sets the stage to measure the fundamental aspects of intercellular long-range mechanical communication in physiological contexts and may provide a new functional readout for high content 3D image-based screening. The ability to infer cell-ECM-cell communication using standard confocal microscopy holds the promise for wide use and democratizing the method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Nahum
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Yoni Koren
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Bar Ergaz
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Sari Natan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Gad Miller
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Yuval Tamir
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Shahar Goren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Avraham Kolel
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Sankar Jagadeeshan
- The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Ayelet Lesman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel.
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
| | - Assaf Zaritsky
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
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15
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Cacheux J, Ordonez-Miranda J, Bancaud A, Jalabert L, Alcaide D, Nomura M, Matsunaga YT. Asymmetry of tensile versus compressive elasticity and permeability contributes to the regulation of exchanges in collagen gels. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf9775. [PMID: 37531440 PMCID: PMC10396291 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf9775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The Starling principle describes exchanges between blood and tissues based on the balance of hydrostatic and osmotic flows. However, the permeation properties of the main constituent of tissues, namely, collagen, in response to the stress exerted by blood pressure remain poorly characterized. Here, we develop an instrument to determine the elasticity and permeability of collagen gels under tensile and compressive stress based on measuring the temporal change in pressure in an air cavity sealed at the outlet of a collagen slab. Data analysis with an analytical model reveals a drop in the permeability and enhanced strain stiffening of native collagen gels under compression versus tension, both effects being essentially lost after chemical cross-linking. Furthermore, we report the control of the permeability of native collagen gels using sinusoidal fluid injection, an effect explained by the asymmetric response in tension and compression. We lastly suggest that blood-associated pulsations could contribute to exchanges within tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Cacheux
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
- LIMMS, CNRS-IIS IRL 2820, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Jose Ordonez-Miranda
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
- LIMMS, CNRS-IIS IRL 2820, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Aurélien Bancaud
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
- LIMMS, CNRS-IIS IRL 2820, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurent Jalabert
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
- LIMMS, CNRS-IIS IRL 2820, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Daniel Alcaide
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nomura
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
- LIMMS, CNRS-IIS IRL 2820, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Yukiko T. Matsunaga
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
- LIMMS, CNRS-IIS IRL 2820, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
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16
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Yang H, Berthier E, Li C, Ronceray P, Han YL, Broedersz CP, Cai S, Guo M. Local response and emerging nonlinear elastic length scale in biopolymer matrices. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304666120. [PMID: 37252962 PMCID: PMC10265995 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304666120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonlinear stiffening is a ubiquitous property of major types of biopolymers that make up the extracellular matrices (ECM) including collagen, fibrin, and basement membrane. Within the ECM, many types of cells such as fibroblasts and cancer cells have a spindle-like shape that acts like two equal and opposite force monopoles, which anisotropically stretch their surroundings and locally stiffen the matrix. Here, we first use optical tweezers to study the nonlinear force-displacement response to localized monopole forces. We then propose an effective-probe scaling argument that a local point force application can induce a stiffened region in the matrix, which can be characterized by a nonlinear length scale R* that increases with the increasing force magnitude; the local nonlinear force-displacement response is a result of the nonlinear growth of this effective probe that linearly deforms an increasing portion of the surrounding matrix. Furthermore, we show that this emerging nonlinear length scale R* can be observed around living cells and can be perturbed by varying matrix concentration or inhibiting cell contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqian Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Estelle Berthier
- Arnold-Sommerfeld-Center for Theoretical Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, MünchenD-80333, Germany
| | - Chenghai Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Pierre Ronceray
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, CINAM, Turing Center for Living Systems, 13288Marseille, France
| | - Yu Long Han
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Chase P. Broedersz
- Arnold-Sommerfeld-Center for Theoretical Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, MünchenD-80333, Germany
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Shengqiang Cai
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
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17
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Sabio L, Dominguez-Vera JM, de Vicente J, Delgado-López JM. Living Cellulose Materials with Tunable Viscoelasticity through Probiotic Proliferation. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:157-163. [PMID: 36520018 PMCID: PMC9846690 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Probiotic cellulose (PC), a living material (LM) consisting of probiotics integrated into bacterial cellulose, is the first example where life (probiotic proliferation) is the input to tune the viscoelasticity of the biomaterial. The gradual proliferation of probiotics within the matrix acts as a key modulator of the cellulose viscoelasticity, providing from celluloses with lower-than-matrix viscoelasticity to celluloses with viscoelastic moduli closer to those of elastic solids. This concept is a promising approach to producing living bio-ink with tunable viscoelastic response of special interest for specific applications such as 3D printing. In contrast to the most common hydrogels with stimuli-tunable mechanical properties, which require external stimuli such as mechanical stress, UV radiation, or heat, this living bio-ink only requires time to tune from a fluid-like into a solid-like biomaterial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sabio
- Department
of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Av. Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Jose M. Dominguez-Vera
- Department
of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Av. Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan de Vicente
- F2N2Lab,
Magnetic Soft Matter Group and Excellence Research Unit ‘Modeling
Nature’ (MNat), Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Av. Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - José M. Delgado-López
- Department
of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Av. Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
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18
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Naylor A, Zheng Y, Jiao Y, Sun B. Micromechanical remodeling of the extracellular matrix by invading tumors: anisotropy and heterogeneity. SOFT MATTER 2022; 19:9-16. [PMID: 36503977 PMCID: PMC9867555 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01100j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Altered tissue mechanics is an important signature of invasive solid tumors. While the phenomena have been extensively studied by measuring the bulk rheology of the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding tumors, micromechanical remodeling at the cellular scale remains poorly understood. By combining holographic optical tweezers and confocal microscopy on in vitro tumor models, we show that the micromechanics of collagen ECM surrounding an invading tumor demonstrate directional anisotropy, spatial heterogeneity and significant variations in time as tumors invade. To test the cellular mechanisms of ECM micromechanical remodeling, we construct a simple computational model and verify its predictions with experiments. We find that collective force generation of a tumor stiffens the ECM and leads to anisotropic local mechanics such that the extension direction is more rigid than the compression direction. ECM degradation by cell-secreted matrix metalloproteinase softens the ECM, and active traction forces from individual disseminated cells re-stiffen the matrix. Together, these results identify plausible biophysical mechanisms responsible for the remodeled ECM micromechanics surrounding an invading tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Naylor
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
| | - Yu Zheng
- Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- Materials Science and Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
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19
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Panchenko AY, Tchaicheeyan O, Berinskii IE, Lesman A. Does the Extracellular Matrix Support Cell-Cell Communication by Elastic Wave Packets? ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:5155-5170. [PMID: 36346743 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a fibrous network supporting biological cells and provides them a medium for interaction. Cells modify the ECM by applying traction forces, and these forces can propagate to long ranges and establish a mechanism of mechanical communication between neighboring cells. Previous studies have mainly focused on analysis of static force transmission across the ECM. In this study, we explore the plausibility of dynamic mechanical interaction, expressed as vibrations or abrupt fluctuations, giving rise to elastic waves propagating along ECM fibers. We use a numerical mass-spring model to simulate the longitudinal and transversal waves propagating along a single ECM fiber and across a 2D random fiber network. The elastic waves are induced by an active contracting cell (signaler) and received by a passive neighboring cell (receiver). We show that dynamic wave propagation may amplify the signal at the receiver end and support up to an order of magnitude stronger mechanical cues and longer-ranged communication relative to static transmission. Also, we report an optimal impulse duration corresponding to the most effective transmission, as well as extreme fast impulses, in which the waves are encaged around the active cell and do not reach the neighboring cell, possibly due to the Anderson localization effect. Finally, we also demonstrate that extracellular fluid viscosity reduces, but still allows, dynamic propagation along embedded ECM fibers. Our results motivate future biological experiments in mechanobiology to investigate, on the one hand, the mechanosensitivity of cells to dynamic forces traveling and guided by the ECM and, on the other hand, the impact of ECM architecture and remodeling on dynamic force transmission and its spectral filtering, dispersion, and decay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Y Panchenko
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Oren Tchaicheeyan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Igor E Berinskii
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Ayelet Lesman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel.,The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
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20
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Merino-Casallo F, Gomez-Benito MJ, Hervas-Raluy S, Garcia-Aznar JM. Unravelling cell migration: defining movement from the cell surface. Cell Adh Migr 2022; 16:25-64. [PMID: 35499121 PMCID: PMC9067518 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2022.2055520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell motility is essential for life and development. Unfortunately, cell migration is also linked to several pathological processes, such as cancer metastasis. Cells' ability to migrate relies on many actors. Cells change their migratory strategy based on their phenotype and the properties of the surrounding microenvironment. Cell migration is, therefore, an extremely complex phenomenon. Researchers have investigated cell motility for more than a century. Recent discoveries have uncovered some of the mysteries associated with the mechanisms involved in cell migration, such as intracellular signaling and cell mechanics. These findings involve different players, including transmembrane receptors, adhesive complexes, cytoskeletal components , the nucleus, and the extracellular matrix. This review aims to give a global overview of our current understanding of cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Merino-Casallo
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Gomez-Benito
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Silvia Hervas-Raluy
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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21
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Proestaki M, Sarkar M, Burkel BM, Ponik SM, Notbohm J. Effect of hyaluronic acid on microscale deformations of collagen gels. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 135:105465. [PMID: 36154991 PMCID: PMC9575965 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
As fibrous collagen is the most abundant protein in mammalian tissues, gels of collagen fibers have been extensively used as an extracellular matrix scaffold to study how cells sense and respond to cues from their microenvironment. Other components of native tissues, such as glycosaminoglycans like hyaluronic acid, can affect cell behavior in part by changing the mechanical properties of the collagen gel. Prior studies have quantified the effects of hyaluronic acid on the mechanical properties of collagen gels in experiments of uniform shear or compression at the macroscale. However, there remains a lack of experimental studies of how hyaluronic acid changes the mechanical properties of collagen gels at the scale of a cell. Here, we studied how addition of hyaluronic acid to gels of collagen fibers affects the local field of displacements in response to contractile loads applied on length scales similar to those of a contracting cell. Using spherical poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) particles, which contract when heated, we induced displacement in gels of collagen and collagen with hyaluronic acid. Displacement fields were quantified using a combination of confocal microscopy and digital image correlation. Results showed that hyaluronic acid suppressed the distance over which displacements propagated, suggesting that it caused the network to become more linear. Additionally, hyaluronic acid had no statistical effect on heterogeneity of the displacement fields, but it did make the gels more elastic by substantially reducing the magnitude of permanent deformations. Lastly, we examined the effect of hyaluronic acid on fiber remodeling due to localized forces and found that hyaluronic acid partially - but not fully - inhibited remodeling. This result is consistent with prior studies suggesting that fiber remodeling is associated with a phase transition resulting from an instability caused by nonlinearity of the collagen gel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Proestaki
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mainak Sarkar
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brian M Burkel
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Suzanne M Ponik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jacob Notbohm
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA.
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22
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Zhang T, Jia Y, Yu Y, Zhang B, Xu F, Guo H. Targeting the tumor biophysical microenvironment to reduce resistance to immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 186:114319. [PMID: 35545136 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors has evolved into a new pillar of cancer treatment in clinics, but dealing with treatment resistance (either primary or acquired) is a major challenge. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has a substantial impact on the pathological behaviors and treatment response of many cancers. The biophysical clues in TME have recently been considered as important characteristics of cancer. Furthermore, there is mounting evidence that biophysical cues in TME play important roles in each step of the cascade of cancer immunotherapy that synergistically contribute to immunotherapy resistance. In this review, we summarize five main biophysical cues in TME that affect resistance to immunotherapy: extracellular matrix (ECM) structure, ECM stiffness, tumor interstitial fluid pressure (IFP), solid stress, and vascular shear stress. First, the biophysical factors involved in anti-tumor immunity and therapeutic antibody delivery processes are reviewed. Then, the causes of these five biophysical cues and how they contribute to immunotherapy resistance are discussed. Finally, the latest treatment strategies that aim to improve immunotherapy efficacy by targeting these biophysical cues are shared. This review highlights the biophysical cues that lead to immunotherapy resistance, also supplements their importance in related technologies for studying TME biophysical cues in vitro and therapeutic strategies targeting biophysical cues to improve the effects of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Yuanbo Jia
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Baojun Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Feng Xu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China.
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China.
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23
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Ruiz-Franco J, van Der Gucht J. Force Transmission in Disordered Fibre Networks. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:931776. [PMID: 35846368 PMCID: PMC9280074 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.931776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells residing in living tissues apply forces to their immediate surroundings to promote the restructuration of the extracellular matrix fibres and to transmit mechanical signals to other cells. Here we use a minimalist model to study how these forces, applied locally by cell contraction, propagate through the fibrous network in the extracellular matrix. In particular, we characterize how the transmission of forces is influenced by the connectivity of the network and by the bending rigidity of the fibers. For highly connected fiber networks the stresses spread out isotropically around the cell over a distance that first increases with increasing contraction of the cell and then saturates at a characteristic length. For lower connectivity, however, the stress pattern is highly asymmetric and is characterised by force chains that can transmit stresses over very long distances. We hope that our analysis of force transmission in fibrous networks can provide a new avenue for future studies on how the mechanical feedback between the cell and the ECM is coupled with the microscopic environment around the cells.
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24
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Nguyen DT, Ogando-Rivas E, Liu R, Wang T, Rubin J, Jin L, Tao H, Sawyer WW, Mendez-Gomez HR, Cascio M, Mitchell DA, Huang J, Sawyer WG, Sayour EJ, Castillo P. CAR T Cell Locomotion in Solid Tumor Microenvironment. Cells 2022; 11:1974. [PMID: 35741103 PMCID: PMC9221866 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The promising outcomes of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in hematologic malignancies potentiates its capability in the fight against many cancers. Nevertheless, this immunotherapy modality needs significant improvements for the treatment of solid tumors. Researchers have incrementally identified limitations and constantly pursued better CAR designs. However, even if CAR T cells are armed with optimal killer functions, they must overcome and survive suppressive barriers imposed by the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we will discuss in detail the important role of TME in CAR T cell trafficking and how the intrinsic barriers contribute to an immunosuppressive phenotype and cancer progression. It is of critical importance that preclinical models can closely recapitulate the in vivo TME to better predict CAR T activity. Animal models have contributed immensely to our understanding of human diseases, but the intensive care for the animals and unreliable representation of human biology suggest in vivo models cannot be the sole approach to CAR T cell therapy. On the other hand, in vitro models for CAR T cytotoxic assessment offer valuable insights to mechanistic studies at the single cell level, but they often lack in vivo complexities, inter-individual heterogeneity, or physiologically relevant spatial dimension. Understanding the advantages and limitations of preclinical models and their applications would enable more reliable prediction of better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy T. Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (D.T.N.); (W.W.S.); (W.G.S.)
| | - Elizabeth Ogando-Rivas
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Ruixuan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Theodore Wang
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Jacob Rubin
- Warrington College of Business, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Linchun Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Haipeng Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - William W. Sawyer
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (D.T.N.); (W.W.S.); (W.G.S.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Hector R. Mendez-Gomez
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Matthew Cascio
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Duane A. Mitchell
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Jianping Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - W. Gregory Sawyer
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (D.T.N.); (W.W.S.); (W.G.S.)
| | - Elias J. Sayour
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Paul Castillo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
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25
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Abstract
SignificanceFibrin plays a vital role in biology as the fibrous network that stabilizes blood clots and also through interaction with numerous blood components. While much is known about fibrin mechanics, comparatively little is known about how fibrin's mechanics influence its biochemistry. We show that structural changes in fibrin under mechanical tension reduces binding of tissue plasminogen activator, an enzyme that initiates lysis. Furthermore, these structural transitions also led to decreased platelet activation through suppressed binding between platelet integrins and fibrin. Our work shows that fibrin possesses an intrinsic mechano-chemical feedback loop that regulates its bioactivity via molecular structural rearrangements.
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26
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Camley BA. Patterning by contraction. Cell 2022; 185:1809-1810. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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27
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Cecen B, Bal-Ozturk A, Yasayan G, Alarcin E, Kocak P, Tutar R, Kozaci LD, Shin SR, Miri AK. Selection of natural biomaterials for micro-tissue and organ-on-chip models. J Biomed Mater Res A 2022; 110:1147-1165. [PMID: 35102687 PMCID: PMC10700148 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The desired organ in micro-tissue models of organ-on-a-chip (OoC) devices dictates the optimum biomaterials, divided into natural and synthetic biomaterials. They can resemble biological tissues' biological functions and architectures by constructing bioactivity of macromolecules, cells, nanoparticles, and other biological agents. The inclusion of such components in OoCs allows them having biological processes, such as basic biorecognition, enzymatic cleavage, and regulated drug release. In this report, we review natural-based biomaterials that are used in OoCs and their main characteristics. We address the preparation, modification, and characterization methods of natural-based biomaterials and summarize recent reports on their applications in the design and fabrication of micro-tissue models. This article will help bioengineers select the proper biomaterials based on developing new technologies to meet clinical expectations and improve patient outcomes fusing disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berivan Cecen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ayca Bal-Ozturk
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Institute of Health Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gokcen Yasayan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emine Alarcin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Polen Kocak
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rumeysa Tutar
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Leyla Didem Kozaci
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Su Ryon Shin
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amir K. Miri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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28
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Tauber J, van der Gucht J, Dussi S. Stretchy and disordered: Toward understanding fracture in soft network materials via mesoscopic computer simulations. J Chem Phys 2022; 156:160901. [PMID: 35490006 DOI: 10.1063/5.0081316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft network materials exist in numerous forms ranging from polymer networks, such as elastomers, to fiber networks, such as collagen. In addition, in colloidal gels, an underlying network structure can be identified, and several metamaterials and textiles can be considered network materials as well. Many of these materials share a highly disordered microstructure and can undergo large deformations before damage becomes visible at the macroscopic level. Despite their widespread presence, we still lack a clear picture of how the network structure controls the fracture processes of these soft materials. In this Perspective, we will focus on progress and open questions concerning fracture at the mesoscopic scale, in which the network architecture is clearly resolved, but neither the material-specific atomistic features nor the macroscopic sample geometries are considered. We will describe concepts regarding the network elastic response that have been established in recent years and turn out to be pre-requisites to understand the fracture response. We will mostly consider simulation studies, where the influence of specific network features on the material mechanics can be cleanly assessed. Rather than focusing on specific systems, we will discuss future challenges that should be addressed to gain new fundamental insights that would be relevant across several examples of soft network materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Tauber
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jasper van der Gucht
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Simone Dussi
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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29
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Tong C, Wondergem JAJ, van den Brink M, Kwakernaak MC, Chen Y, Hendrix MMRM, Voets IK, Danen EHJ, Le Dévédec S, Heinrich D, Kieltyka RE. Spatial and Temporal Modulation of Cell Instructive Cues in a Filamentous Supramolecular Biomaterial. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:17042-17054. [PMID: 35403421 PMCID: PMC9026256 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c24114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular materials provide unique opportunities to mimic both the structure and mechanics of the biopolymer networks that compose the extracellular matrix. However, strategies to modify their filamentous structures in space and time in 3D cell culture to study cell behavior as encountered in development and disease are lacking. We herein disclose a multicomponent squaramide-based supramolecular material whose mechanics and bioactivity can be controlled by light through co-assembly of a 1,2-dithiolane (DT) monomer that forms disulfide cross-links. Remarkably, increases in storage modulus from ∼200 Pa to >10 kPa after stepwise photo-cross-linking can be realized without an initiator while retaining colorlessness and clarity. Moreover, viscoelasticity and plasticity of the supramolecular networks decrease upon photo-irradiation, reducing cellular protrusion formation and motility when performed at the onset of cell culture. When applied during 3D cell culture, force-mediated manipulation is impeded and cells move primarily along earlier formed channels in the materials. Additionally, we show photopatterning of peptide cues in 3D using either a photomask or direct laser writing. We demonstrate that these squaramide-based filamentous materials can be applied to the development of synthetic and biomimetic 3D in vitro cell and disease models, where their secondary cross-linking enables mechanical heterogeneity and shaping at multiple length scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciqing Tong
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joeri A. J. Wondergem
- Biological
and Soft Matter Physics, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9504, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn van den Brink
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Markus C. Kwakernaak
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ying Chen
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marco M. R. M. Hendrix
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MD Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ilja K. Voets
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MD Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Erik H. J. Danen
- Division
of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvia Le Dévédec
- Division
of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Doris Heinrich
- Biological
and Soft Matter Physics, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9504, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques, Rosenhof 1, 37308 Heilbad Heiligenstadt, Germany
- Faculty for
Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Technische
Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Roxanne E. Kieltyka
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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30
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Carvalho EM, Kumar S. Lose the stress: Viscoelastic materials for cell engineering. Acta Biomater 2022; 163:146-157. [PMID: 35405329 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Biomaterials are widely used to study and control a variety of cell behaviors, including stem cell differentiation, organogenesis, and tumor invasion. While considerable attention has historically been paid to biomaterial elastic (storage) properties, it has recently become clear that viscous (loss) properties can also powerfully influence cell behavior. Here we review advances in viscoelastic materials for cell engineering. We begin by discussing collagen, an abundant naturally occurring biomaterial that derives its viscoelastic properties from its fibrillar architecture, which enables dissipation of applied stresses. We then turn to two other naturally occurring biomaterials that are more frequently modified for engineering applications, alginate and hyaluronic acid, whose viscoelastic properties may be tuned by modulating network composition and crosslinking. We also discuss the potential of exploiting engineered fibrous materials, particularly electrospun fiber-based materials, to control viscoelastic properties. Finally, we review mechanisms through which cells process viscous and viscoelastic cues as they move along and within these materials. The ability of viscoelastic materials to relax cell-imposed stresses can dramatically alter migration on two-dimensional surfaces and confinement-imposed barriers to engraftment and infiltration in three-dimensional scaffolds. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Most tissues and many biomaterials exhibit some viscous character, a property that is increasingly understood to influence cell behavior in profound ways. This review discusses the origin and significance of viscoelastic properties of common biomaterials, as well as how these cues are processed by cells to influence migration. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of viscoelastic behavior in biomaterials and how cells interpret these inputs should aid the design and selection of biomaterials for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Carvalho
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; San Francisco Graduate, Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley-University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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31
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Liu K, Wiendels M, Yuan H, Ruan C, Kouwer PH. Cell-matrix reciprocity in 3D culture models with nonlinear elasticity. Bioact Mater 2022; 9:316-331. [PMID: 34820573 PMCID: PMC8586441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) matrix models using hydrogels are powerful tools to understand and predict cell behavior. The interactions between the cell and its matrix, however is highly complex: the matrix has a profound effect on basic cell functions but simultaneously, cells are able to actively manipulate the matrix properties. This (mechano)reciprocity between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is central in regulating tissue functions and it is fundamentally important to broadly consider the biomechanical properties of the in vivo ECM when designing in vitro matrix models. This manuscript discusses two commonly used biopolymer networks, i.e. collagen and fibrin gels, and one synthetic polymer network, polyisocyanide gel (PIC), which all possess the characteristic nonlinear mechanics in the biological stress regime. We start from the structure of the materials, then address the uses, advantages, and limitations of each material, to provide a guideline for tissue engineers and biophysicists in utilizing current materials and also designing new materials for 3D cell culture purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaizheng Liu
- Research Center for Human Tissue and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Maury Wiendels
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hongbo Yuan
- Institute of Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, PR China
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Chemistry Department, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Changshun Ruan
- Research Center for Human Tissue and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Paul H.J. Kouwer
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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32
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Brewer G, Fortier AM, Park M, Moraes C. The case for cancer-associated fibroblasts: essential elements in cancer drug discovery? FUTURE DRUG DISCOVERY 2022; 4:FDD71. [PMID: 35600290 PMCID: PMC9112234 DOI: 10.4155/fdd-2021-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained increased attention for supporting cancer progression, current CAF-targeted therapeutic options are limited and failing in clinical trials. As the largest component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), CAFs alter the biochemical and physical structure of the TME, modulating cancer progression. Here, we review the role of CAFs in altering drug response, modifying the TME mechanics and the current models for studying CAFs. To provide new perspectives, we highlight key considerations of CAF activity and discuss emerging technologies that can better address CAFs; and therefore, increase the likelihood of therapeutic efficacy. We argue that CAFs are crucial components of the cancer drug discovery pipeline and incorporating these cells will improve drug discovery success rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Brewer
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Avenues des Pins, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, 3649 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Fortier
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Avenues des Pins, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Morag Park
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Avenues des Pins, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, 3649 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, 5100 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, 3775 rue University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Avenues des Pins, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 rue University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, 3775 rue University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
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33
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Muntz I, Fenu M, van Osch GJVM, Koenderink G. The role of cell-matrix interactions in connective tissue mechanics. Phys Biol 2021; 19. [PMID: 34902848 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac42b8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Living tissue is able to withstand large stresses in everyday life, yet it also actively adapts to dynamic loads. This remarkable mechanical behaviour emerges from the interplay between living cells and their non-living extracellular environment. Here we review recent insights into the biophysical mechanisms involved in the reciprocal interplay between cells and the extracellular matrix and how this interplay determines tissue mechanics, with a focus on connective tissues. We first describe the roles of the main macromolecular components of the extracellular matrix in regards to tissue mechanics. We then proceed to highlight the main routes via which cells sense and respond to their biochemical and mechanical extracellular environment. Next we introduce the three main routes via which cells can modify their extracellular environment: exertion of contractile forces, secretion and deposition of matrix components, and matrix degradation. Finally we discuss how recent insights in the mechanobiology of cell-matrix interactions are furthering our understanding of the pathophysiology of connective tissue diseases and cancer, and facilitating the design of novel strategies for tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain Muntz
- Bionanoscience, TU Delft, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, Delft, Zuid-Holland, 2629 HC, NETHERLANDS
| | - Michele Fenu
- Otorhinolaryngology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, 3000 CA, NETHERLANDS
| | - Gerjo J V M van Osch
- Orthopaedics; Otorhinolaryngology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, 3000 CA, NETHERLANDS
| | - Gijsje Koenderink
- Bionanoscience, TU Delft, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, Delft, Zuid-Holland, 2629 HZ, NETHERLANDS
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34
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Pathare SJ, Eng W, Lee SJJ, Ramasubramanian AK. Fibrin prestress due to platelet aggregation and contraction increases clot stiffness. BIOPHYSICAL REPORTS 2021; 1:100022. [PMID: 36425457 PMCID: PMC9680775 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpr.2021.100022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Efficient hemorrhagic control is attained through the formation of strong and stable blood clots at the site of injury. Although it is known that platelet-driven contraction can dramatically influence clot stiffness, the underlying mechanisms by which platelets assist fibrin in resisting external loads are not understood. In this study, we delineate the contribution of platelet-fibrin interactions to clot tensile mechanics using a combination of new mechanical measurements, image analysis, and structural mechanics simulation. Based on uniaxial tensile test data using custom-made microtensometer and fluorescence microscopy of platelet aggregation and platelet-fibrin interactions, we show that integrin-mediated platelet aggregation and actomyosin-driven platelet contraction synergistically increase the elastic modulus of the clots. We demonstrate that the mechanical and geometric response of an active contraction model of platelet aggregates compacting vicinal fibrin is consistent with the experimental data. The model suggests that platelet contraction induces prestress in fibrin fibers and increases the effective stiffness in both cross-linked and noncross-linked clots. Our results provide evidence for fibrin compaction at discrete nodes as a major determinant of mechanical response to applied loads.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wilson Eng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San José State University, San José, California
| | - Sang-Joon J. Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San José State University, San José, California
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35
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Boghdady CM, Kalashnikov N, Mok S, McCaffrey L, Moraes C. Revisiting tissue tensegrity: Biomaterial-based approaches to measure forces across length scales. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:041501. [PMID: 34632250 PMCID: PMC8487350 DOI: 10.1063/5.0046093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-generated forces play a foundational role in tissue dynamics and homeostasis and are critically important in several biological processes, including cell migration, wound healing, morphogenesis, and cancer metastasis. Quantifying such forces in vivo is technically challenging and requires novel strategies that capture mechanical information across molecular, cellular, and tissue length scales, while allowing these studies to be performed in physiologically realistic biological models. Advanced biomaterials can be designed to non-destructively measure these stresses in vitro, and here, we review mechanical characterizations and force-sensing biomaterial-based technologies to provide insight into the mechanical nature of tissue processes. We specifically and uniquely focus on the use of these techniques to identify characteristics of cell and tissue "tensegrity:" the hierarchical and modular interplay between tension and compression that provide biological tissues with remarkable mechanical properties and behaviors. Based on these observed patterns, we highlight and discuss the emerging role of tensegrity at multiple length scales in tissue dynamics from homeostasis, to morphogenesis, to pathological dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikita Kalashnikov
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Stephanie Mok
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 0C5, Canada
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36
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Proestaki M, Burkel BM, Galles EE, Ponik SM, Notbohm J. Effect of matrix heterogeneity on cell mechanosensing. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:10263-10273. [PMID: 34125129 PMCID: PMC8616824 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00312g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cells sense mechanical signals within the extracellular matrix, the most familiar being stiffness, but matrix stiffness cannot be simply described by a single value. Randomness in matrix structure causes stiffness at the scale of a cell to vary by more than an order of magnitude. Additionally, the extracellular matrix contains ducts, blood vessels, and, in cancer or fibrosis, regions with abnormally high stiffness. These different features could alter the stiffness sensed by a cell, but it is unclear whether the change in stiffness is large enough to overcome the noise caused by heterogeneity due to the random fibrous structure. Here we used a combination of experiments and modeling to determine the extent to which matrix heterogeneity disrupts the potential for cell sensing of a locally stiff feature in the matrix. Results showed that, at the scale of a single cell, spatial heterogeneity in local stiffness was larger than the increase in stiffness due to a stiff feature. The heterogeneity was reduced only for large length scales compared to the fiber length. Experiments verified this conclusion, showing spheroids of cells, which were large compared to the average fiber length, spreading preferentially toward stiff inclusions. Hence, the propagation of mechanical cues through the matrix depends on length scale, with single cells being able to sense only the stiffness of the nearby fibers and multicellular structures, such as tumors, also sensing the stiffness of distant matrix features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Proestaki
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Brian M Burkel
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Emmett E Galles
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Suzanne M Ponik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jacob Notbohm
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
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37
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Mao X, Shokef Y. Introduction to force transmission by nonlinear biomaterials. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:10172-10176. [PMID: 34755159 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm90194j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Xiaoming Mao and Yair Shokef introduce the Soft Matter themed collection on force transmission by nonlinear biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Mao
- Department of Physics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA.
| | - Yair Shokef
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sackler Center for Computational Molecular and Materials Science, and Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
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38
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Physically-based structural modeling of a typical regenerative tissue analog bridges material macroscale continuum and cellular microscale discreteness and elucidates the hierarchical characteristics of cell-matrix interaction. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2021; 126:104956. [PMID: 34930707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive physically-based structural modelling for the passive and active biomechanical processes in a typical engineered tissue - namely, cell-compacted collagen gel. First, it introduces a sinusoidal curve analog for quantifying the mechanical response of the collagen fibrils and a probability distribution function of the characteristic crimp ratio for taking into account the fibrillar geometric entropic effect. The constitutive framework based on these structural characteristics precisely reproduces the nonlinearity, the viscoelasticity, and fairly captures the Poisson effect exhibiting in the macroscale tensile tests; which, therefore, substantially validates the structural modelling for the analysis of the cell-gel interaction during collagen gel compaction. Second, a deterministic molecular clutch model specific to the interaction between the cell pseudopodium and the collagen network is developed, which emphasizes the dependence of traction force on clutch number altering with the retrograde flow velocity, actin polymeric velocity, and the deformation of the stretched fibril. The modelling reveals the hierarchical features of cellular substrate sensing, i.e. a biphasic traction force response to substrate elasticity begins at the level of individual fibrils and develops into the second biphasic sensing by means of the fibrillar number integration at the whole-cell level. Singular in crossing the realms of continuum and discrete mechanics, the methodologies developed in this study for modelling the filamentous materials and cell-fibril interaction deliver deep insight into the temporospatially dynamic 3D cell-matrix interaction, and are able to bridge the cellular microscale and material macroscale in the exploration of related topics in mechanobiology.
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39
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Sirote C, Shokef Y. Mean-field interactions between living cells in linear and nonlinear elastic matrices. Phys Rev E 2021; 104:024411. [PMID: 34525613 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.104.024411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Living cells respond to mechanical changes in the matrix surrounding them by applying contractile forces that are in turn transmitted to distant cells. We consider simple effective geometries for the spatial arrangement of cells, we calculate the mechanical work that each cell performs in order to deform the matrix, and study how that energy changes when a contracting cell is surrounded by other cells with similar properties and behavior. Cells regulating the displacements that they generate are attracted to each other in a manner that does not depend on the cell's rigidity. Whereas cells regulating the active stress that they apply repel each other. This repulsion depends on the cell's bulk modulus in spherical geometry, while in cylindrical geometries the interaction depends also on their shear modulus. In nonlinear, strain-stiffening matrices, for displacement regulation, in the presence of other cells, cell contraction is limited due to the divergence of the shear stress. For stress regulation, the interaction energy drops at the nonlinear stiffening stress. Our theoretical work provides insight into matrix-mediated interactions between contractile cells and on the role of their mechanical regulatory behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaviva Sirote
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yair Shokef
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.,Sackler Center for Computational Molecular and Materials Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.,Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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40
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Vilchez Mercedes SA, Bocci F, Levine H, Onuchic JN, Jolly MK, Wong PK. Decoding leader cells in collective cancer invasion. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:592-604. [PMID: 34239104 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00376-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Collective cancer invasion with leader-follower organization is increasingly recognized as a predominant mechanism in the metastatic cascade. Leader cells support cancer invasion by creating invasion tracks, sensing environmental cues and coordinating with follower cells biochemically and biomechanically. With the latest developments in experimental and computational models and analysis techniques, the range of specific traits and features of leader cells reported in the literature is rapidly expanding. Yet, despite their importance, there is no consensus on how leader cells arise or their essential characteristics. In this Perspective, we propose a framework for defining the essential aspects of leader cells and provide a unifying perspective on the varying cellular and molecular programmes that are adopted by each leader cell subtype to accomplish their functions. This Perspective can lead to more effective strategies to interdict a major contributor to metastatic capability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federico Bocci
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Department of Physics, and Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - José N Onuchic
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Chemistry and Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
| | - Pak Kin Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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41
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Sun B. The mechanics of fibrillar collagen extracellular matrix. CELL REPORTS. PHYSICAL SCIENCE 2021; 2:100515. [PMID: 34485951 PMCID: PMC8415638 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2021.100515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
As a major component of the human body, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex biopolymer network. The ECM not only hosts a plethora of biochemical interactions but also defines the physical microenvironment of cells. The physical properties of the ECM, such as its geometry and mechanics, are critical to physiological processes and diseases such as morphogenesis, wound healing, and cancer. This review provides a brief introduction to the recent progress in understanding the mechanics of ECM for researchers who are interested in learning about this relatively new subject of biophysics. This review covers the mechanics of a single ECM fiber (nanometer scale), the micromechanics of ECM (micrometer scale), and bulk rheology (greater than millimeter scale). Representative experimental measurements and basic theoretical models are introduced side by side. After discussing the physics of ECM mechanics, the review concludes by commenting on the role of ECM mechanics in healthy and tumorigenic tissues and the open questions that call for future studies at the interface of fundamental physics, engineering, and medical sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Correspondence:
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42
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The mechanics and dynamics of cancer cells sensing noisy 3D contact guidance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2024780118. [PMID: 33658384 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024780118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Contact guidance is a major physical cue that modulates cancer cell morphology and motility, and is directly linked to the prognosis of cancer patients. Under physiological conditions, particularly in the three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM), the disordered assembly of fibers presents a complex directional bias to the cells. It is unclear how cancer cells respond to these noncoherent contact guidance cues. Here we combine quantitative experiments, theoretical analysis, and computational modeling to study the morphological and migrational responses of breast cancer cells to 3D collagen ECM with varying degrees of fiber alignment. We quantify the strength of contact guidance using directional coherence of ECM fibers, and find that stronger contact guidance causes cells to polarize more strongly along the principal direction of the fibers. Interestingly, sensitivity to contact guidance is positively correlated with cell aspect ratio, with elongated cells responding more strongly to ECM alignment than rounded cells. Both experiments and simulations show that cell-ECM adhesions and actomyosin contractility modulate cell responses to contact guidance by inducing a population shift between rounded and elongated cells. We also find that cells rapidly change their morphology when navigating the ECM, and that ECM fiber coherence modulates cell transition rates between different morphological phenotypes. Taken together, we find that subcellular processes that integrate conflicting mechanical cues determine cell morphology, which predicts the polarization and migration dynamics of cancer cells in 3D ECM.
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43
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Eichinger JF, Grill MJ, Kermani ID, Aydin RC, Wall WA, Humphrey JD, Cyron CJ. A computational framework for modeling cell-matrix interactions in soft biological tissues. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2021; 20:1851-1870. [PMID: 34173132 PMCID: PMC8450219 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-021-01480-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Living soft tissues appear to promote the development and maintenance of a preferred mechanical state within a defined tolerance around a so-called set point. This phenomenon is often referred to as mechanical homeostasis. In contradiction to the prominent role of mechanical homeostasis in various (patho)physiological processes, its underlying micromechanical mechanisms acting on the level of individual cells and fibers remain poorly understood, especially how these mechanisms on the microscale lead to what we macroscopically call mechanical homeostasis. Here, we present a novel computational framework based on the finite element method that is constructed bottom up, that is, it models key mechanobiological mechanisms such as actin cytoskeleton contraction and molecular clutch behavior of individual cells interacting with a reconstructed three-dimensional extracellular fiber matrix. The framework reproduces many experimental observations regarding mechanical homeostasis on short time scales (hours), in which the deposition and degradation of extracellular matrix can largely be neglected. This model can serve as a systematic tool for future in silico studies of the origin of the numerous still unexplained experimental observations about mechanical homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas F Eichinger
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany.,Institute for Continuum and Materials Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, 21073, Germany
| | - Maximilian J Grill
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Iman Davoodi Kermani
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Roland C Aydin
- Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, 21502, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Wall
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Christian J Cyron
- Institute for Continuum and Materials Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, 21073, Germany. .,Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, 21502, Germany.
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44
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Dey K, Roca E, Ramorino G, Sartore L. Progress in the mechanical modulation of cell functions in tissue engineering. Biomater Sci 2021; 8:7033-7081. [PMID: 33150878 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01255f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, mechanics at multiple stages-nucleus to cell to ECM-underlie multiple physiological and pathological functions from its development to reproduction to death. Under this inspiration, substantial research has established the role of multiple aspects of mechanics in regulating fundamental cellular processes, including spreading, migration, growth, proliferation, and differentiation. However, our understanding of how these mechanical mechanisms are orchestrated or tuned at different stages to maintain or restore the healthy environment at the tissue or organ level remains largely a mystery. Over the past few decades, research in the mechanical manipulation of the surrounding environment-known as substrate or matrix or scaffold on which, or within which, cells are seeded-has been exceptionally enriched in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. To do so, traditional tissue engineering aims at recapitulating key mechanical milestones of native ECM into a substrate for guiding the cell fate and functions towards specific tissue regeneration. Despite tremendous progress, a big puzzle that remains is how the cells compute a host of mechanical cues, such as stiffness (elasticity), viscoelasticity, plasticity, non-linear elasticity, anisotropy, mechanical forces, and mechanical memory, into many biological functions in a cooperative, controlled, and safe manner. High throughput understanding of key cellular decisions as well as associated mechanosensitive downstream signaling pathway(s) for executing these decisions in response to mechanical cues, solo or combined, is essential to address this issue. While many reports have been made towards the progress and understanding of mechanical cues-particularly, substrate bulk stiffness and viscoelasticity-in regulating the cellular responses, a complete picture of mechanical cues is lacking. This review highlights a comprehensive view on the mechanical cues that are linked to modulate many cellular functions and consequent tissue functionality. For a very basic understanding, a brief discussion of the key mechanical players of ECM and the principle of mechanotransduction process is outlined. In addition, this review gathers together the most important data on the stiffness of various cells and ECM components as well as various tissues/organs and proposes an associated link from the mechanical perspective that is not yet reported. Finally, beyond addressing the challenges involved in tuning the interplaying mechanical cues in an independent manner, emerging advances in designing biomaterials for tissue engineering are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamol Dey
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh
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45
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Mechanical plasticity of collagen directs branch elongation in human mammary gland organoids. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2759. [PMID: 33980857 PMCID: PMC8115695 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22988-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial branch elongation is a central developmental process during branching morphogenesis in diverse organs. This fundamental growth process into large arborized epithelial networks is accompanied by structural reorganization of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), well beyond its mechanical linear response regime. Here, we report that epithelial ductal elongation within human mammary organoid branches relies on the non-linear and plastic mechanical response of the surrounding collagen. Specifically, we demonstrate that collective back-and-forth motion of cells within the branches generates tension that is strong enough to induce a plastic reorganization of the surrounding collagen network which results in the formation of mechanically stable collagen cages. Such matrix encasing in turn directs further tension generation, branch outgrowth and plastic deformation of the matrix. The identified mechanical tension equilibrium sets a framework to understand how mechanical cues can direct ductal branch elongation. Mammary organoid growth from single primary human cells rely on distinct morphogenetic processes. Here, the authors observe by live cell imaging the importance of the plastic mechanical response of the extracellular matrix and cell migration for the underlying arborized structure formation process.
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46
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Jia Y, Wang Y, Niu L, Zhang H, Tian J, Gao D, Zhang X, Lu TJ, Qian J, Huang G, Xu F. The Plasticity of Nanofibrous Matrix Regulates Fibroblast Activation in Fibrosis. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001856. [PMID: 33511795 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Natural extracellular matrix (ECM) mostly has a fibrous structure that supports and mechanically interacts with local residing cells to guide their behaviors. The effect of ECM elasticity on cell behaviors has been extensively investigated, while less attention has been paid to the effect of matrix fiber-network plasticity at microscale, although plastic remodeling of fibrous matrix is a common phenomenon in fibrosis. Here, a significant decrease is found in plasticity of native fibrotic tissues, which is associated with an increase in matrix crosslinking. To explore the role of plasticity in fibrosis development, a set of 3D collagen nanofibrous matrix with constant modulus but tunable plasticity is constructed by adjusting the crosslinking degree. Using plasticity-controlled 3D culture models, it is demonstrated that the decrease of matrix plasticity promotes fibroblast activation and spreading. Further, a coarse-grained molecular dynamic model is developed to simulate the cell-matrix interaction at microscale. Combining with molecular experiments, it is revealed that the enhanced fibroblast activation is mediated through cytoskeletal tension and nuclear translocation of Yes-associated protein. Taken together, the results clarify the effects of crosslinking-induced plasticity changes of nanofibrous matrix on the development of fibrotic diseases and highlight plasticity as an important mechanical cue in understanding cell-matrix interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanbo Jia
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education School of Life Science and Technology Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC) Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
| | - Yanzhong Wang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310027 P. R. China
| | - Lele Niu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education School of Life Science and Technology Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC) Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
| | - Hang Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education School of Life Science and Technology Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC) Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
| | - Jin Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education School of Life Science and Technology Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC) Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
| | - Dengfeng Gao
- Department of Cardiology The Second Affiliated Hospital Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medical Xi'an Shaanxi P. R. China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education School of Life Science and Technology Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC) Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
| | - Tian Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Nanjing 210016 P. R. China
- Nanjing Center for Multifunctional Lightweight Materials and Structures Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Nanjing 21006 P. R. China
| | - Jin Qian
- Department of Engineering Mechanics Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310027 P. R. China
| | - Guoyou Huang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics School of Civil Engineering Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 P. R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education School of Life Science and Technology Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC) Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
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47
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Extracellular matrix: an important regulator of cell functions and skeletal muscle development. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:65. [PMID: 33789727 PMCID: PMC8011170 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00579-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a kind of connective tissue in the cell microenvironment, which is of great significance to tissue development. ECM in muscle fiber niche consists of three layers: the epimysium, the perimysium, and the endomysium (basal lamina). These three layers of connective tissue structure can not only maintain the morphology of skeletal muscle, but also play an important role in the physiological functions of muscle cells, such as the transmission of mechanical force, the regeneration of muscle fiber, and the formation of neuromuscular junction. In this paper, detailed discussions are made for the structure and key components of ECM in skeletal muscle tissue, the role of ECM in skeletal muscle development, and the application of ECM in biomedical engineering. This review will provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of ECM, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the structure, physiological function, and application of ECM in skeletal muscle tissue.
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48
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Alisafaei F, Chen X, Leahy T, Janmey PA, Shenoy VB. Long-range mechanical signaling in biological systems. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:241-253. [PMID: 33136113 PMCID: PMC8385661 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01442g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cells can respond to signals generated by other cells that are remarkably far away. Studies from at least the 1920's showed that cells move toward each other when the distance between them is on the order of a millimeter, which is many times the cell diameter. Chemical signals generated by molecules diffusing from the cell surface would move too slowly and dissipate too fast to account for these effects, suggesting that they might be physical rather than biochemical. The non-linear elastic responses of sparsely connected networks of stiff or semiflexible filament such as those that form the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the cytoskeleton have unusual properties that suggest multiple mechanisms for long-range signaling in biological tissues. These include not only direct force transmission, but also highly non-uniform local deformations, and force-generated changes in fiber alignment and density. Defining how fibrous networks respond to cell-generated forces can help design new methods to characterize abnormal tissues and can guide development of improved biomimetic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Alisafaei
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xingyu Chen
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Thomas Leahy
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. and Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA and McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Paul A Janmey
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. and Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3340 Smith Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA and Departments of Physiology, and Physics & Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Vivek B Shenoy
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Zheng Y, Fan Q, Eddy CZ, Wang X, Sun B, Ye F, Jiao Y. Modeling multicellular dynamics regulated by extracellular-matrix-mediated mechanical communication via active particles with polarized effective attraction. Phys Rev E 2020; 102:052409. [PMID: 33327171 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.102.052409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Collective cell migration is crucial to many physiological and pathological processes such as embryo development, wound healing, and cancer invasion. Recent experimental studies have indicated that the active traction forces generated by migrating cells in a fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) can mechanically remodel the ECM, giving rise to bundlelike mesostructures bridging individual cells. Such fiber bundles also enable long-range propagation of cellular forces, leading to correlated migration dynamics regulated by the mechanical communication among the cells. Motivated by these experimental discoveries, we develop an active-particle model with polarized effective attractions (APPA) to investigate emergent multicellular migration dynamics resulting from ECM-mediated mechanical communications. In particular, the APPA model generalizes the classic active-Brownian-particle (ABP) model by imposing a pairwise polarized attractive force between the particles, which depends on the instantaneous dynamic states of the particles and mimics the effective mutual pulling between the cells via the fiber bundle bridge. The APPA system exhibits enhanced aggregation behaviors compared to the classic ABP system, and the contrast is more apparent at lower particle densities and higher rotational diffusivities. Importantly, in contrast to the classic ABP system where the particle velocities are not correlated for all particle densities, the high-density phase of the APPA system exhibits strong dynamic correlations, which are characterized by the slowly decaying velocity correlation functions with a correlation length comparable to the linear size of the high-density phase domain (i.e., the cluster of particles). The strongly correlated multicellular dynamics predicted by the APPA model is subsequently verified in in vitro experiments using MCF-10A cells. Our studies indicate the importance of incorporating ECM-mediated mechanical coupling among the migrating cells for appropriately modeling emergent multicellular dynamics in complex microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
| | - Qihui Fan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matte Physics and CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Christopher Z Eddy
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA
| | - Xiaochen Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matte Physics and CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matte Physics and CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
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50
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Kuroda J, Itabashi T, Iwane AH, Aramaki T, Kondo S. The Physical Role of Mesenchymal Cells Driven by the Actin Cytoskeleton Is Essential for the Orientation of Collagen Fibrils in Zebrafish Fins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:580520. [PMID: 33154970 PMCID: PMC7591588 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.580520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrous collagen imparts physical strength and flexibility to tissues by forming huge complexes. The density and orientation of collagen fibers must be correctly specified for the optimal physical property of the collagen complex. However, little is known about its underlying cellular mechanisms. Actinotrichia are collagen fibers aligned at the fin-tip of bony fish and are easily visible under the microscope due to their thick, linear structure. We used the actinotrichia as a model system to investigate how cells manipulate collagen fibers. The 3D image obtained by focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) showed that the pseudopodia of mesenchymal cells encircle the multiple actinotrichia. We then co-incubated the mesenchymal cells and actinotrichia in vitro, and time-lapse analysis revealed how cells use pseudopods to align collagen fiber orientation. This in vitro behavior is dependent on actin polymerization in mesenchymal cells. Inhibition of actin polymerization in mesenchymal cells results in mis-orientation of actinotrichia in the fin. These results reveal how mesenchymal cells are involved in fin formation and have important implications for the physical interaction between cells and collagen fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpei Kuroda
- Graduate School of Frontier Bioscience, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Itabashi
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Atsuko H. Iwane
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Aramaki
- Graduate School of Frontier Bioscience, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kondo
- Graduate School of Frontier Bioscience, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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