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Sapudom J, Riedl P, Schricker M, Kroy K, Pompe T. Physical network regimes of 3D fibrillar collagen networks trigger invasive phenotypes of breast cancer cells. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 163:213961. [PMID: 39032434 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The mechanical characteristics of the extracellular environment are known to significantly influence cancer cell behavior in vivo and in vitro. The structural complexity and viscoelastic dynamics of the extracellular matrix (ECM) pose significant challenges in understanding its impact on cancer cells. Herein, we report distinct regulatory signatures in the invasion of different breast cancer cell lines into three-dimensional (3D) fibrillar collagen networks, caused by systematic modifications of the physical network properties. By reconstituting collagen networks of thin fibrils, we demonstrate that such networks can display network strand flexibility akin to that of synthetic polymer networks, known to exhibit entropic rubber elasticity. This finding contrasts with the predominant description of the mechanics of fibrillar collagen networks by an enthalpic bending elasticity of rod-like fibrils. Mean-squared displacement analysis of free-standing fibrils confirmed a flexible fiber regime in networks of thin fibrils. Furthermore, collagen fibrils in both networks were softened by the adsorption of highly negatively charged sulfonated polymers and colloidal probe force measurements of network elastic modulus again proofed the occurrence of the two different physical network regimes. Our cell assays revealed that the cellular behavior (morphology, clustering, invasiveness, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity) of the 'weakly invasive' MCF-7 and 'highly invasive' MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines is distinctively affected by the physical (enthalpic/entropic) network regime, and cannot be explained by changes of the network elastic modulus, alone. These results highlight an essential pathway, albeit frequently overlooked, how the physical characteristics of fibrillar ECMs affect cellular behavior. Considering the coexistence of diverse physical network regimes of the ECM in vivo, our findings underscore their critical role of ECM's physical network regimes in tumor progression and other cell functions, and moreover emphasize the significance of 3D in vitro collagen network models for quantifying cell responses in both healthy and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiranuwat Sapudom
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Philipp Riedl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria Schricker
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Kroy
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04009, Germany
| | - Tilo Pompe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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Na J, Tai C, Wang Z, Yang Z, Chen X, Zhang J, Zheng L, Fan Y. Stiff extracellular matrix drives the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells toward osteogenesis by the multiscale 3D genome reorganization. Biomaterials 2024; 312:122715. [PMID: 39094522 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness is a major driver of stem cell fate. However, the involvement of the three-dimensional (3D) genomic reorganization in response to ECM stiffness remains unclear. Here, we generated comprehensive 3D chromatin landscapes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exposed to various ECM stiffness. We found that there were more long-range chromatin interactions, but less compartment A in MSCs cultured on stiff ECM than those cultured on soft ECM. However, the switch from compartment B in MSCs cultured on soft ECM to compartment A in MSCs cultured on stiff ECM included genes encoding proteins primarily enriched in cytoskeleton organization. At the topologically associating domains (TADs) level, stiff ECM tends to have merged TADs on soft ECM. These merged TADs on stiff ECM include upregulated genes encoding proteins enriched in osteogenesis, such as SP1, ETS1, and DCHS1, which were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and found to be consistent with the increase of alkaline phosphatase staining. Knockdown of SP1 or ETS1 led to the downregulation of osteogenic marker genes, including COL1A1, RUNX2, ALP, and OCN in MSCs cultured on stiff ECM. Our study provides an important insight into the stiff ECM-mediated promotion of MSC differentiation towards osteogenesis, emphasizing the influence of mechanical cues on the reorganization of 3D genome architecture and stem cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Na
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chengzheng Tai
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zhijie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xinyuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Lisha Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China.
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Eliahoo P, Setayesh H, Hoffman T, Wu Y, Li S, Treweek JB. Viscoelasticity in 3D Cell Culture and Regenerative Medicine: Measurement Techniques and Biological Relevance. ACS MATERIALS AU 2024; 4:354-384. [PMID: 39006396 PMCID: PMC11240420 DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialsau.3c00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The field of mechanobiology is gaining prominence due to recent findings that show cells sense and respond to the mechanical properties of their environment through a process called mechanotransduction. The mechanical properties of cells, cell organelles, and the extracellular matrix are understood to be viscoelastic. Various technologies have been researched and developed for measuring the viscoelasticity of biological materials, which may provide insight into both the cellular mechanisms and the biological functions of mechanotransduction. Here, we explain the concept of viscoelasticity and introduce the major techniques that have been used to measure the viscoelasticity of various soft materials in different length- and timescale frames. The topology of the material undergoing testing, the geometry of the probe, the magnitude of the exerted stress, and the resulting deformation should be carefully considered to choose a proper technique for each application. Lastly, we discuss several applications of viscoelasticity in 3D cell culture and tissue models for regenerative medicine, including organoids, organ-on-a-chip systems, engineered tissue constructs, and tunable viscoelastic hydrogels for 3D bioprinting and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Eliahoo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
| | - Hesam Setayesh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
| | - Tyler Hoffman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Song Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Jennifer B Treweek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
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Karunasagara S, Taghizadeh A, Kim SH, Kim SJ, Kim YJ, Taghizadeh M, Kim MY, Oh KY, Lee JH, Kim HS, Hyun J, Kim HW. Tissue Mechanics and Hedgehog Signaling Crosstalk as a Key Epithelial-Stromal Interplay in Cancer Development. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2400063. [PMID: 38976559 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-stromal interplay through chemomechanical cues from cells and matrix propels cancer progression. Elevated tissue stiffness in potentially malignant tissues suggests a link between matrix stiffness and enhanced tumor growth. In this study, employing chronic oral/esophageal injury and cancer models, it is demonstrated that epithelial-stromal interplay through matrix stiffness and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is key in compounding cancer development. Epithelial cells actively interact with fibroblasts, exchanging mechanoresponsive signals during the precancerous stage. Specifically, epithelial cells release Sonic Hh, activating fibroblasts to produce matrix proteins and remodeling enzymes, resulting in tissue stiffening. Subsequently, basal epithelial cells adjacent to the stiffened tissue become proliferative and undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, acquiring migratory and invasive properties, thereby promoting invasive tumor growth. Notably, transcriptomic programs of oncogenic GLI2, mechano-activated by actin cytoskeletal tension, govern this process, elucidating the crucial role of non-canonical GLI2 activation in orchestrating the proliferation and mesenchymal transition of epithelial cells. Furthermore, pharmacological intervention targeting tissue stiffening proves highly effective in slowing cancer progression. These findings underscore the impact of epithelial-stromal interplay through chemo-mechanical (Hh-stiffness) signaling in cancer development, and suggest that targeting tissue stiffness holds promise as a strategy to disrupt chemo-mechanical feedback, enabling effective cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanika Karunasagara
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Ali Taghizadeh
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science & Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - So Jung Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Jae Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohsen Taghizadeh
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Young Kim
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Young Oh
- Department of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Lee
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- UCL Eastman-Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Centre, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matter Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Sung Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- UCL Eastman-Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Centre, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongeun Hyun
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- UCL Eastman-Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Centre, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Regenerative Dental Medicine, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Won Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- UCL Eastman-Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Centre, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Regenerative Dental Medicine, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matter Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
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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: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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6
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Wyle Y, Lu N, Hepfer J, Sayal R, Martinez T, Wang A. The Role of Biophysical Factors in Organ Development: Insights from Current Organoid Models. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:619. [PMID: 38927855 PMCID: PMC11200479 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11060619] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Biophysical factors play a fundamental role in human embryonic development. Traditional in vitro models of organogenesis focused on the biochemical environment and did not consider the effects of mechanical forces on developing tissue. While most human tissue has a Young's modulus in the low kilopascal range, the standard cell culture substrate, plasma-treated polystyrene, has a Young's modulus of 3 gigapascals, making it 10,000-100,000 times stiffer than native tissues. Modern in vitro approaches attempt to recapitulate the biophysical niche of native organs and have yielded more clinically relevant models of human tissues. Since Clevers' conception of intestinal organoids in 2009, the field has expanded rapidly, generating stem-cell derived structures, which are transcriptionally similar to fetal tissues, for nearly every organ system in the human body. For this reason, we conjecture that organoids will make their first clinical impact in fetal regenerative medicine as the structures generated ex vivo will better match native fetal tissues. Moreover, autologously sourced transplanted tissues would be able to grow with the developing embryo in a dynamic, fetal environment. As organoid technologies evolve, the resultant tissues will approach the structure and function of adult human organs and may help bridge the gap between preclinical drug candidates and clinically approved therapeutics. In this review, we discuss roles of tissue stiffness, viscoelasticity, and shear forces in organ formation and disease development, suggesting that these physical parameters should be further integrated into organoid models to improve their physiological relevance and therapeutic applicability. It also points to the mechanotransductive Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway as a key player in the interplay between extracellular matrix stiffness, cellular mechanics, and biochemical pathways. We conclude by highlighting how frontiers in physics can be applied to biology, for example, how quantum entanglement may be applied to better predict spontaneous DNA mutations. In the future, contemporary physical theories may be leveraged to better understand seemingly stochastic events during organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yofiel Wyle
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (J.H.); (R.S.); (T.M.)
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Children’s, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Nathan Lu
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (J.H.); (R.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Jason Hepfer
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (J.H.); (R.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Rahul Sayal
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (J.H.); (R.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Taylor Martinez
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (J.H.); (R.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Aijun Wang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (J.H.); (R.S.); (T.M.)
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Children’s, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Center for Surgical Bioengineering, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, 4625 2nd Ave., Research II, Suite 3005, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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Lin YH, Lou J, Xia Y, Chaudhuri O. Crosslinker Architectures Impact Viscoelasticity in Dynamic Covalent Hydrogels. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.07.593040. [PMID: 38766044 PMCID: PMC11100722 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.07.593040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic covalent crosslinked (DCC) hydrogels represent a significant advance in biomaterials for regenerative medicine and mechanobiology. These gels typically offer viscoelasticity and self-healing properties that more closely mimic in vivo tissue mechanics than traditional, predominantly elastic, covalent crosslinked hydrogels. Despite their promise, the effects of varying crosslinker architecture - side chain versus telechelic crosslinks - on the viscoelastic properties of DCC hydrogels have not been thoroughly investigated. This study introduces hydrazone-based alginate hydrogels and examines how side-chain and telechelic crosslinker architectures impact hydrogel viscoelasticity and stiffness. In hydrogels with side-chain crosslinking (SCX), higher polymer concentrations enhance stiffness and decelerates stress relaxation, while an off-stoichiometric hydrazine-to-aldehyde ratio leads to reduced stiffness and shorter relaxation time. In hydrogels with telechelic crosslinking, maximal stiffness and slowest stress relaxation occurs at intermediate crosslinker concentrations for both linear and star crosslinkers, with higher crosslinker valency further increasing stiffness and relaxation time. Our result suggested different ranges of stiffness and stress relaxation are accessible with the different crosslinker architectures, with SCX hydrogels leading to slower stress relaxation relative to the other architectures, and hydrogels with star crosslinking (SX) providing increased stiffness and slower stress relaxation relative to hydrogels with linear crosslinking (LX). The mechanical properties of SX hydrogels are more robust to changes induced by competing chemical reactions compared to LX hydrogels. Our research underscores the pivotal role of crosslinker architecture in defining hydrogel stiffness and viscoelasticity, providing crucial insights for the design of DCC hydrogels with tailored mechanical properties for specific biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Hao Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Junzhe Lou
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yan Xia
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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8
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Ferrai C, Schulte C. Mechanotransduction in stem cells. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151417. [PMID: 38729084 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, it is an established concept that the capability to reach a specialised cell identity via differentiation, as in the case of multi- and pluripotent stem cells, is not only determined by biochemical factors, but that also physical aspects of the microenvironment play a key role; interpreted by the cell through a force-based signalling pathway called mechanotransduction. However, the intricate ties between the elements involved in mechanotransduction, such as the extracellular matrix, the glycocalyx, the cell membrane, Integrin adhesion complexes, Cadherin-mediated cell/cell adhesion, the cytoskeleton, and the nucleus, are still far from being understood in detail. Here we report what is currently known about these elements in general and their specific interplay in the context of multi- and pluripotent stem cells. We furthermore merge this overview to a more comprehensive picture, that aims to cover the whole mechanotransductive pathway from the cell/microenvironment interface to the regulation of the chromatin structure in the nucleus. Ultimately, with this review we outline the current picture of the interplay between mechanotransductive cues and epigenetic regulation and how these processes might contribute to stem cell dynamics and fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Ferrai
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Carsten Schulte
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences and Department of Physics "Aldo Pontremoli", University of Milan, Italy.
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9
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Lee JWN, Holle AW. Engineering approaches for understanding mechanical memory in cancer metastasis. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021503. [PMID: 38605886 PMCID: PMC11008915 DOI: 10.1063/5.0194539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding cancer metastasis is crucial for advancing therapeutic strategies and improving clinical outcomes. Cancer cells face dynamic changes in their mechanical microenvironment that occur on timescales ranging from minutes to years and exhibit a spectrum of cellular transformations in response to these mechanical cues. A crucial facet of this adaptive response is the concept of mechanical memory, in which mechanosensitive cell behavior and function persists even when mechanical cues are altered. This review explores the evolving mechanical landscape during metastasis, emphasizing the significance of mechanical memory and its influence on cell behavior. We then focus on engineering techniques that are being utilized to probe mechanical memory of cancer cells. Finally, we highlight promising translational approaches poised to harness mechanical memory for new therapies, thereby advancing the frontiers of bioengineering applications in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wen Nicole Lee
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411 Singapore, Singapore
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10
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Jacob DR, Guiblet WM, Mamayusupova H, Shtumpf M, Ciuta I, Ruje L, Gretton S, Bikova M, Correa C, Dellow E, Agrawal SP, Shafiei N, Drobysevskaja A, Armstrong CM, Lam JDG, Vainshtein Y, Clarkson CT, Thorn GJ, Sohn K, Pradeepa MM, Chandrasekharan S, Brooke GN, Klenova E, Zhurkin VB, Teif VB. Nucleosome reorganisation in breast cancer tissues. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:50. [PMID: 38561804 PMCID: PMC10986098 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01656-4] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nucleosome repositioning in cancer is believed to cause many changes in genome organisation and gene expression. Understanding these changes is important to elucidate fundamental aspects of cancer. It is also important for medical diagnostics based on cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which originates from genomic DNA regions protected from digestion by nucleosomes. RESULTS We have generated high-resolution nucleosome maps in paired tumour and normal tissues from the same breast cancer patients using MNase-assisted histone H3 ChIP-seq and compared them with the corresponding cfDNA from blood plasma. This analysis has detected single-nucleosome repositioning at key regulatory regions in a patient-specific manner and common cancer-specific patterns across patients. The nucleosomes gained in tumour versus normal tissue were particularly informative of cancer pathways, with ~ 20-fold enrichment at CpG islands, a large fraction of which marked promoters of genes encoding DNA-binding proteins. The tumour tissues were characterised by a 5-10 bp decrease in the average distance between nucleosomes (nucleosome repeat length, NRL), which is qualitatively similar to the differences between pluripotent and differentiated cells. This effect was correlated with gene activity, differential DNA methylation and changes in local occupancy of linker histone variants H1.4 and H1X. CONCLUSIONS Our study offers a novel resource of high-resolution nucleosome maps in breast cancer patients and reports for the first time the effect of systematic decrease of NRL in paired tumour versus normal breast tissues from the same patient. Our findings provide a new mechanistic understanding of nucleosome repositioning in tumour tissues that can be valuable for patient diagnostics, stratification and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya R Jacob
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Wilfried M Guiblet
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Hulkar Mamayusupova
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Mariya Shtumpf
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Isabella Ciuta
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Luminita Ruje
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Svetlana Gretton
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
- School of Engineering, Arts, Science and Technology, University of Suffolk, James Hehir Building, University Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 0FS, UK
| | - Milena Bikova
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Clark Correa
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Emily Dellow
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Shivam P Agrawal
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Navid Shafiei
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | | | - Chris M Armstrong
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Jonathan D G Lam
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Yevhen Vainshtein
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Grenzflächen- und Bioverfahrenstechnik IGB, Nobelstraße 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christopher T Clarkson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
- University College London, Gower St, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Graeme J Thorn
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Kai Sohn
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Grenzflächen- und Bioverfahrenstechnik IGB, Nobelstraße 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Madapura M Pradeepa
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Sankaran Chandrasekharan
- Colchester General Hospital, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JL, UK
| | - Greg N Brooke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Elena Klenova
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Victor B Zhurkin
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Vladimir B Teif
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK.
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11
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Mirzakhel Z, Reddy GA, Boman J, Manns B, Veer ST, Katira P. "Patchiness" in mechanical stiffness across a tumor as an early-stage marker for malignancy. BMC Ecol Evol 2024; 24:33. [PMID: 38486161 PMCID: PMC10938681 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-024-02221-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanical phenotyping of tumors, either at an individual cell level or tumor cell population level is gaining traction as a diagnostic tool. However, the extent of diagnostic and prognostic information that can be gained through these measurements is still unclear. In this work, we focus on the heterogeneity in mechanical properties of cells obtained from a single source such as a tissue or tumor as a potential novel biomarker. We believe that this heterogeneity is a conventionally overlooked source of information in mechanical phenotyping data. We use mechanics-based in-silico models of cell-cell interactions and cell population dynamics within 3D environments to probe how heterogeneity in cell mechanics drives tissue and tumor dynamics. Our simulations show that the initial heterogeneity in the mechanical properties of individual cells and the arrangement of these heterogenous sub-populations within the environment can dictate overall cell population dynamics and cause a shift towards the growth of malignant cell phenotypes within healthy tissue environments. The overall heterogeneity in the cellular mechanotype and their spatial distributions is quantified by a "patchiness" index, which is the ratio of the global to local heterogeneity in cell populations. We observe that there exists a threshold value of the patchiness index beyond which an overall healthy population of cells will show a steady shift towards a more malignant phenotype. Based on these results, we propose that the "patchiness" of a tumor or tissue sample, can be an early indicator for malignant transformation and cancer occurrence in benign tumors or healthy tissues. Additionally, we suggest that tissue patchiness, measured either by biochemical or biophysical markers, can become an important metric in predicting tissue health and disease likelihood just as landscape patchiness is an important metric in ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zibah Mirzakhel
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Gudur Ashrith Reddy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Boman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Brianna Manns
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Savannah Ter Veer
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Parag Katira
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Computational Science Research Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
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12
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Cambria E, Coughlin MF, Floryan MA, Offeddu GS, Shelton SE, Kamm RD. Linking cell mechanical memory and cancer metastasis. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:216-228. [PMID: 38238471 PMCID: PMC11146605 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00656-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis causes most cancer-related deaths; however, the efficacy of anti-metastatic drugs is limited by incomplete understanding of the biological mechanisms that drive metastasis. Focusing on the mechanics of metastasis, we propose that the ability of tumour cells to survive the metastatic process is enhanced by mechanical stresses in the primary tumour microenvironment that select for well-adapted cells. In this Perspective, we suggest that biophysical adaptations favourable for metastasis are retained via mechanical memory, such that the extent of memory is influenced by both the magnitude and duration of the mechanical stress. Among the mechanical cues present in the primary tumour microenvironment, we focus on high matrix stiffness to illustrate how it alters tumour cell proliferation, survival, secretion of molecular factors, force generation, deformability, migration and invasion. We particularly centre our discussion on potential mechanisms of mechanical memory formation and retention via mechanotransduction and persistent epigenetic changes. Indeed, we propose that the biophysical adaptations that are induced by this process are retained throughout the metastatic process to improve tumour cell extravasation, survival and colonization in the distant organ. Deciphering mechanical memory mechanisms will be key to discovering a new class of anti-metastatic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cambria
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Mark F Coughlin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marie A Floryan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Giovanni S Offeddu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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13
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Mishra J, Chakraborty S, Niharika, Roy A, Manna S, Baral T, Nandi P, Patra SK. Mechanotransduction and epigenetic modulations of chromatin: Role of mechanical signals in gene regulation. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30531. [PMID: 38345428 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical forces may be generated within a cell due to tissue stiffness, cytoskeletal reorganization, and the changes (even subtle) in the cell's physical surroundings. These changes of forces impose a mechanical tension within the intracellular protein network (both cytosolic and nuclear). Mechanical tension could be released by a series of protein-protein interactions often facilitated by membrane lipids, lectins and sugar molecules and thus generate a type of signal to drive cellular processes, including cell differentiation, polarity, growth, adhesion, movement, and survival. Recent experimental data have accentuated the molecular mechanism of this mechanical signal transduction pathway, dubbed mechanotransduction. Mechanosensitive proteins in the cell's plasma membrane discern the physical forces and channel the information to the cell interior. Cells respond to the message by altering their cytoskeletal arrangement and directly transmitting the signal to the nucleus through the connection of the cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton before the information despatched to the nucleus by biochemical signaling pathways. Nuclear transmission of the force leads to the activation of chromatin modifiers and modulation of the epigenetic landscape, inducing chromatin reorganization and gene expression regulation; by the time chemical messengers (transcription factors) arrive into the nucleus. While significant research has been done on the role of mechanotransduction in tumor development and cancer progression/metastasis, the mechanistic basis of force-activated carcinogenesis is still enigmatic. Here, in this review, we have discussed the various cues and molecular connections to better comprehend the cellular mechanotransduction pathway, and we also explored the detailed role of some of the multiple players (proteins and macromolecular complexes) involved in mechanotransduction. Thus, we have described an avenue: how mechanical stress directs the epigenetic modifiers to modulate the epigenome of the cells and how aberrant stress leads to the cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagdish Mishra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Subhajit Chakraborty
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Niharika
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Ankan Roy
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Soumen Manna
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Tirthankar Baral
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Piyasa Nandi
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Samir K Patra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
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14
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Lagarde CB, Kavalakatt J, Benz MC, Hawes ML, Arbogast CA, Cullen NM, McConnell EC, Rinderle C, Hebert KL, Khosla M, Belgodere JA, Hoang VT, Collins-Burow BM, Bunnell BA, Burow ME, Alahari SK. Obesity-associated epigenetic alterations and the obesity-breast cancer axis. Oncogene 2024; 43:763-775. [PMID: 38310162 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02954-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Both breast cancer and obesity can regulate epigenetic changes or be regulated by epigenetic changes. Due to the well-established link between obesity and an increased risk of developing breast cancer, understanding how obesity-mediated epigenetic changes affect breast cancer pathogenesis is critical. Researchers have described how obesity and breast cancer modulate the epigenome individually and synergistically. In this review, the epigenetic alterations that occur in obesity, including DNA methylation, histone, and chromatin modification, accelerated epigenetic age, carcinogenesis, metastasis, and tumor microenvironment modulation, are discussed. Delineating the relationship between obesity and epigenetic regulation is vital to furthering our understanding of breast cancer pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney B Lagarde
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Joachim Kavalakatt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Megan C Benz
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Mackenzie L Hawes
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Carter A Arbogast
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Nicole M Cullen
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Emily C McConnell
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Caroline Rinderle
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Katherine L Hebert
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Maninder Khosla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Science Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Jorge A Belgodere
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Van T Hoang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Bridgette M Collins-Burow
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Bruce A Bunnell
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Matthew E Burow
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Suresh K Alahari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Science Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, LSU Health Science Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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15
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Shu J, Deng H, Zhang Y, Wu F, He J. Cancer cell response to extrinsic and intrinsic mechanical cue: opportunities for tumor apoptosis strategies. Regen Biomater 2024; 11:rbae016. [PMID: 38476678 PMCID: PMC10932484 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing studies have revealed the importance of mechanical cues in tumor progression, invasiveness and drug resistance. During malignant transformation, changes manifest in either the mechanical properties of the tissue or the cellular ability to sense and respond to mechanical signals. The major focus of the review is the subtle correlation between mechanical cues and apoptosis in tumor cells from a mechanobiology perspective. To begin, we focus on the intracellular force, examining the mechanical properties of the cell interior, and outlining the role that the cytoskeleton and intracellular organelle-mediated intracellular forces play in tumor cell apoptosis. This article also elucidates the mechanisms by which extracellular forces guide tumor cell mechanosensing, ultimately triggering the activation of the mechanotransduction pathway and impacting tumor cell apoptosis. Finally, a comprehensive examination of the present status of the design and development of anti-cancer materials targeting mechanotransduction is presented, emphasizing the underlying design principles. Furthermore, the article underscores the need to address several unresolved inquiries to enhance our comprehension of cancer therapeutics that target mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Shu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Huan Deng
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, PR China
| | - Fang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Jing He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
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16
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Takahashi H, Ito R, Matsumura Y, Sakai J. Environmental factor reversibly determines cellular identity through opposing Integrators that unify epigenetic and transcriptional pathways. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300084. [PMID: 38013256 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Organisms must adapt to environmental stresses to ensure their survival and prosperity. Different types of stresses, including thermal, mechanical, and hypoxic stresses, can alter the cellular state that accompanies changes in gene expression but not the cellular identity determined by a chromatin state that remains stable throughout life. Some tissues, such as adipose tissue, demonstrate remarkable plasticity and adaptability in response to environmental cues, enabling reversible cellular identity changes; however, the mechanisms underlying these changes are not well understood. We hypothesized that positive and/or negative "Integrators" sense environmental cues and coordinate the epigenetic and transcriptional pathways required for changes in cellular identity. Adverse environmental factors such as pollution disrupt the coordinated control contributing to disease development. Further research based on this hypothesis will reveal how organisms adapt to fluctuating environmental conditions, such as temperature, extracellular matrix stiffness, oxygen, cytokines, and hormonal cues by changing their cellular identities.
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Grants
- JP20gm1310007 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
- JP16H06390 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP21H04826 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP20H04835 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP20K21747 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP22K18411 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP21K21211 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP19J11909 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JPMJPF2013 Japan Science and Technology Agency
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Takahashi
- Division of Molecular Physiology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Ito
- Division of Molecular Physiology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Matsumura
- Division of Molecular Physiology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Juro Sakai
- Division of Molecular Physiology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Cosgrove BD, Bounds LR, Taylor CK, Su AL, Rizzo AJ, Barrera A, Crawford GE, Hoffman BD, Gersbach CA. Mechanosensitive genomic enhancers potentiate the cellular response to matrix stiffness. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.10.574997. [PMID: 38260455 PMCID: PMC10802421 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.10.574997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic control of cellular transcription and phenotype is influenced by changes in the cellular microenvironment, yet how mechanical cues from these microenvironments precisely influence epigenetic state to regulate transcription remains largely unmapped. Here, we combine genome-wide epigenome profiling, epigenome editing, and phenotypic and single-cell RNA-seq CRISPR screening to identify a new class of genomic enhancers that responds to the mechanical microenvironment. These 'mechanoenhancers' could be active on either soft or stiff extracellular matrix contexts, and regulated transcription to influence critical cell functions including apoptosis, mechanotransduction, proliferation, and migration. Epigenetic editing of mechanoenhancers on rigid materials tuned gene expression to levels observed on softer materials, thereby reprogramming the cellular response to the mechanical microenvironment. These editing approaches may enable the precise alteration of mechanically-driven disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Cosgrove
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Lexi R. Bounds
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Carson Key Taylor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Alan L. Su
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Anthony J. Rizzo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Alejandro Barrera
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Gregory E. Crawford
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Brenton D. Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Charles A. Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University; Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center; Durham, NC 27708, USA
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18
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Feng J, Sun Q, Chen P, Ren K, Zhang Y, Shi Y, Gao S, Song Z, Wang J, Liao F, Han D. Characterization of Cancer Cell Mechanics by Measuring Active Deformation Behavior. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2300520. [PMID: 37775303 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Active deformation behavior reflects cell structural dynamics adapting to varying environmental constraints during malignancy progression. In most cases, cell mechanics is characterized by modeling using static equilibrium systems, which fails to comprehend cell deformation behavior leading to inaccuracies in distinguishing cancer cells from normal cells. Here, a method is introduced to measure the active deformation behavior of cancer cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the newly developed deformation behavior cytometry (DBC). During the measurement, cells are deformed and allows a long timescale relaxation (≈5 s). Two parameters are derived to represent deformation behavior: apparent Poisson's ratio for adherent cells, which is measured with AFM and refers to the ratio of the lateral strain to the longitudinal strain of the cell, and shape recovery for suspended cells, which is measured with DBC. Active deformation behavior defines cancer cell mechanics better than traditional mechanical parameters (e.g., stiffness, diffusion, and viscosity). Additionally, aquaporins are essential for promoting the deformation behavior, while the actin cytoskeleton acts as a downstream effector. Therefore, the potential application of the cancer cell active deformation behavior as a biomechanical marker or therapeutic target in cancer treatment should be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Feng
- Artemisinin Research Center and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Quanmei Sun
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Peipei Chen
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Keli Ren
- The Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yahong Shi
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Songkun Gao
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Zhiwei Song
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Fulong Liao
- Artemisinin Research Center and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Dong Han
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
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19
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Deng H, Wang Y, Yin Y, Shu J, Zhang J, Shu X, Wu F, He J. Effects of matrix viscoelasticity on cell-matrix interaction, actin cytoskeleton organization, and apoptosis of osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. J Mater Chem B 2023; 12:222-232. [PMID: 38079114 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02001k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Many recent reports have shown the effects of viscoelasticity of the extracellular matrix on the spreading, migration, proliferation, survival and cell-matrix interaction of mesenchymal stem cells and normal cells. However, the effect of matrix viscoelasticity on the behavior of tumor cells is still in the state of preliminary exploration. To this aim, we prepared a viscoelastic hydrogel matrix with a storage modulus of about 2 kPa and a loss modulus adjustable from 0 to 600 Pa, through adding linear alginate and regulating the compactness of a polyacrylamide covalent network. Overall, the addition of viscous components inhibited the apoptosis of osteosarcoma MG-63 cells, while it promoted their spreading and proliferation and in particular led to a well-developed cytoskeleton organization. However, with the increase of the viscous fraction, this trend was reversed, and the apoptosis of MG-63 cells gradually increased with gradually decreased spreading and proliferation, accompanied by a surprising manner change of the cytoskeleton from fusiform cells dominated by focal adhesion to dendritic cells dominated by pseudopodia. Besides the upregulation of MAPK, Ras, Rap1 and PI3K-Akt pathways commonly involved in mechanotransduction, the upregulation of the Wnt pathway and inhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis were observed for the viscous matrix with a low loss modulus. The high viscosity matrix showed additional involvement of Hippo and NF-kappa B signaling pathways related to the cell-matrix interaction, with downregulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and upregulation related to mitochondrial organization. Our study would provide insight into the effect of viscosity on fundamental behaviors of tumor cells and might have important implications in designing antitumor materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Deng
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Yao Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Yue Yin
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Shu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Junwei Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Xuedong Shu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Fang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Jing He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
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20
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Usman OH, Kumar S, Walker RR, Xie G, Sumajit HC, Jalil AR, Ramakrishnan S, Dooling LJ, Wang YJ, Irianto J. Differential modulation of cellular phenotype and drug sensitivity by extracellular matrix proteins in primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer cells. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar130. [PMID: 37903222 PMCID: PMC10848942 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-02-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is reported to be the third highest cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. PDAC is known for its high proportion of stroma, which accounts for 90% of the tumor mass. The stroma is made up of extracellular matrix (ECM) and nonmalignant cells such as inflammatory cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and lymphatic and blood vessels. Here, we decoupled the effects of the ECM on PDAC cell lines by culturing cells on surfaces coated with different ECM proteins. Our data show that the primary tumor-derived cell lines have different morphology depending on the ECM proteins on which they are cultured, while metastatic lesion-derived PDAC lines' morphology does not change with respect to the different ECM proteins. Similarly, ECM proteins modulate the proliferation rate and the gemcitabine sensitivity of the primary tumor PDAC cell lines, but not the metastatic PDAC lines. Lastly, transcriptomics analysis of the primary tumor PDAC cells cultured on different ECM proteins reveals the regulation of various pathways, such as cell cycle, cell-adhesion molecules, and focal adhesion, including the regulation of several integrin genes that are essential for ECM recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olalekan H. Usman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306
| | - Sampath Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306
| | - Reddick R. Walker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306
| | - Gengqiang Xie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306
| | - Hyeje C. Sumajit
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306
| | - AbdelAziz R. Jalil
- Physical Sciences Oncology Center at Penn, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Subramanian Ramakrishnan
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Florida A&M University-Florida State University College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL 32310
| | - Lawrence J. Dooling
- Physical Sciences Oncology Center at Penn, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Yue Julia Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306
| | - Jerome Irianto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306
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21
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Chai XX, Liu J, Yu TY, Zhang G, Sun WJ, Zhou Y, Ren L, Cao HL, Yin DC, Zhang CY. Recent progress of mechanosensitive mechanism on breast cancer. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 185:1-16. [PMID: 37793504 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical environment is important for tumorigenesis and progression. Tumor cells can sense mechanical signals by mechanosensitive receptors, and these mechanical signals can be converted to biochemical signals to regulate cell behaviors, such as cell differentiation, proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and drug resistance. Here, we summarized the effects of the mechanical microenvironment on breast cancer cell activity, and mechanotransduction mechanism from cellular microenvironment to cell membrane, and finally to the nucleus, and also relative mechanosensitive proteins, ion channels, and signaling pathways were elaborated, therefore the mechanical signal could be transduced to biochemical or molecular signal. Meanwhile, the mechanical models commonly used for biomechanics study in vitro and some quantitative descriptions were listed. It provided an essential theoretical basis for the occurrence and development of mechanosensitive breast cancer, and also some potential drug targets were proposed to treat such disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xia Chai
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Jie Liu
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Tong-Yao Yu
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Wen-Jun Sun
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Li Ren
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Ningbo, 315103, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Hui-Ling Cao
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Basic and Translation of Cardiovascular Metabolic Disease, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, Shaanxi, PR China.
| | - Da-Chuan Yin
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, PR China.
| | - Chen-Yan Zhang
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, PR China.
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22
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Felli E, Selicean S, Guixé-Muntet S, Wang C, Bosch J, Berzigotti A, Gracia-Sancho J. Mechanobiology of portal hypertension. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100869. [PMID: 37841641 PMCID: PMC10568428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between mechanical stimuli and cellular mechanobiology orchestrates the physiology of tissues and organs in a dynamic balance characterized by constant remodelling and adaptative processes. Environmental mechanical properties can be interpreted as a complex set of information and instructions that cells read continuously, and to which they respond. In cirrhosis, chronic inflammation and injury drive liver cells dysfunction, leading to excessive extracellular matrix deposition, sinusoidal pseudocapillarization, vascular occlusion and parenchymal extinction. These pathological events result in marked remodelling of the liver microarchitecture, which is cause and result of abnormal environmental mechanical forces, triggering and sustaining the long-standing and progressive process of liver fibrosis. Multiple mechanical forces such as strain, shear stress, and hydrostatic pressure can converge at different stages of the disease until reaching a point of no return where the fibrosis is considered non-reversible. Thereafter, reciprocal communication between cells and their niches becomes the driving force for disease progression. Accumulating evidence supports the idea that, rather than being a passive consequence of fibrosis and portal hypertension (PH), mechanical force-mediated pathways could themselves represent strategic targets for novel therapeutic approaches. In this manuscript, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the mechanobiology of PH, by furnishing an introduction on the most important mechanisms, integrating these concepts into a discussion on the pathogenesis of PH, and exploring potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Felli
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Selicean
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sergi Guixé-Muntet
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Spain
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jaume Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Spain
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Spain
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23
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Wang X, Agrawal V, Dunton CL, Liu Y, Virk RKA, Patel PA, Carter L, Pujadas EM, Li Y, Jain S, Wang H, Ni N, Tsai HM, Rivera-Bolanos N, Frederick J, Roth E, Bleher R, Duan C, Ntziachristos P, He TC, Reid RR, Jiang B, Subramanian H, Backman V, Ameer GA. Chromatin reprogramming and bone regeneration in vitro and in vivo via the microtopography-induced constriction of cell nuclei. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1514-1529. [PMID: 37308586 PMCID: PMC10804399 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01053-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Topographical cues on cells can, through contact guidance, alter cellular plasticity and accelerate the regeneration of cultured tissue. Here we show how changes in the nuclear and cellular morphologies of human mesenchymal stromal cells induced by micropillar patterns via contact guidance influence the conformation of the cells' chromatin and their osteogenic differentiation in vitro and in vivo. The micropillars impacted nuclear architecture, lamin A/C multimerization and 3D chromatin conformation, and the ensuing transcriptional reprogramming enhanced the cells' responsiveness to osteogenic differentiation factors and decreased their plasticity and off-target differentiation. In mice with critical-size cranial defects, implants with micropillar patterns inducing nuclear constriction altered the cells' chromatin conformation and enhanced bone regeneration without the need for exogenous signalling molecules. Our findings suggest that medical device topographies could be designed to facilitate bone regeneration via chromatin reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlong Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Vasundhara Agrawal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Cody L Dunton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Yugang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Ranya K A Virk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Priyam A Patel
- Quantitative Data Science Core, Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lucas Carter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Emily M Pujadas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Surbhi Jain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Hao Wang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Na Ni
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hsiu-Ming Tsai
- Department of Radiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nancy Rivera-Bolanos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jane Frederick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Eric Roth
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Reiner Bleher
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Chongwen Duan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Panagiotis Ntziachristos
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tong Chuan He
- Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Russell R Reid
- Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Biology and Development, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bin Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hariharan Subramanian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Vadim Backman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Guillermo A Ameer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Chemistry of Life Process Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Bionanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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24
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De Vlieghere E, Van de Vijver K, Blondeel E, Carpentier N, Ghobeira R, Pauwels J, Riemann S, Minsart M, Fieuws C, Mestach J, Baeyens A, De Geyter N, Debbaut C, Denys H, Descamps B, Claes K, Vral A, Van Dorpe J, Gevaert K, De Geest BG, Ceelen W, Van Vlierberghe S, De Wever O. A preclinical platform for assessing long-term drug efficacy exploiting mechanically tunable scaffolds colonized by a three-dimensional tumor microenvironment. Biomater Res 2023; 27:104. [PMID: 37853495 PMCID: PMC10583378 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00441-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term drug evaluation heavily relies upon rodent models. Drug discovery methods to reduce animal models in oncology may include three-dimensional (3D) cellular systems that take into account tumor microenvironment (TME) cell types and biomechanical properties. METHODS In this study we reconstructed a 3D tumor using an elastic polymer (acrylate-endcapped urethane-based poly(ethylene glycol) (AUPPEG)) with clinical relevant stiffness. Single cell suspensions from low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) patient-derived early passage cultures of cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) embedded in a collagen gel were introduced to the AUPPEG scaffold. After self-organization in to a 3D tumor, this model was evaluated by a long-term (> 40 days) exposure to a drug combination of MEK and HSP90 inhibitors. The drug-response results from this long-term in vitro model are compared with drug responses in an orthotopic LGSOC xenograft mouse model. RESULTS The in vitro 3D scaffold LGSOC model mimics the growth ratio and spatial organization of the LGSOC. The AUPPEG scaffold approach allows to test new targeted treatments and monitor long-term drug responses. The results correlate with those of the orthotopic LGSOC xenograft mouse model. CONCLUSIONS The mechanically-tunable scaffolds colonized by a three-dimensional LGSOC allow long-term drug evaluation and can be considered as a valid alternative to reduce, replace and refine animal models in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elly De Vlieghere
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Van de Vijver
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Blondeel
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nathan Carpentier
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rouba Ghobeira
- Department of Applied Physics, Research Unit Plasma Technology (RUPT), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jarne Pauwels
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sebastian Riemann
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Manon Minsart
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Fieuws
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Johanna Mestach
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ans Baeyens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Radiobiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nathalie De Geyter
- Department of Applied Physics, Research Unit Plasma Technology (RUPT), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Debbaut
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Electronics and Information Systems, IBiTech-Biommeda, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Denys
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Benedicte Descamps
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Electronics and Information Systems, IbiTech-Medisip, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kathleen Claes
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne Vral
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Radiobiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Van Dorpe
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno G De Geest
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Ceelen
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Experimental Surgery Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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25
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Xu R, Yin P, Wei J, Ding Q. The role of matrix stiffness in breast cancer progression: a review. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1284926. [PMID: 37916166 PMCID: PMC10616305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1284926] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The significance of matrix stiffness in cancer development has been investigated in recent years. The gradual elastic force the extracellular matrix imparts to cells, known as matrix stiffness, is one of the most important types of mechanical stimulation. Increased matrix stiffness alters the biological activity of cells, which promotes the growth of numerous malignancies, including breast cancer. Comprehensive studies have demonstrated that increasing matrix stiffness activates molecular signaling pathways that are closely linked to breast cancer progression. There are many articles exploring the relationship between mechanism hardness and breast cancer, so we wanted to provide a systematic summary of recent research advances. In this review, we briefly introduce the mechanism of matrix stiffness in breast cancer, elaborate on the effect of extracellular matrix stiffness on breast cancer biological behavior and signaling pathways, and finally, we will talk about breast cancer treatment that focuses on matrix stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxi Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Yin
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jifu Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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26
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Jain I, Brougham-Cook A, Underhill GH. Effect of distinct ECM microenvironments on the genome-wide chromatin accessibility and gene expression responses of hepatic stellate cells. Acta Biomater 2023; 167:278-292. [PMID: 37343907 PMCID: PMC10527607 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.06.018] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are one of the primary drivers of liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Although HSC activation in liver disease is associated with changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling, it remains unclear how ECM regulates the phenotypic state transitions of HSCs. Using high-throughput cellular microarrays, coupled with genome-wide ATAC and RNA sequencing within engineered ECM microenvironments, we investigated the effect of ECM and substrate stiffness on chromatin accessibility and resulting gene expression in activated primary human HSCs. Cell microarrays demonstrated the cooperative effects of stiffness and ECM composition on H3K4 and H3K9 methylation/acetylation. ATAC sequencing revealed higher chromatin accessibility in HSCs on 1kPa compared to 25kPa substrates for all ECM conditions. Gene set enrichment analysis using RNA sequencing data of HSCs in defined ECM microenvironments demonstrated higher enrichment of NAFLD and fibrosis-related genes in pre-activated HSCs on 1kPa relative to 25kPa. Overall, these findings are indicative of a microenvironmental adaptation response in HSCs, and the acquisition of a persistent activation state. Combined ATAC/RNA sequencing analyses enabled identification of candidate regulatory factors, including HSD11B1 and CEBPb. siRNA-mediated knockdown of HSD11b1 and CEBPb demonstrated microenvironmental controlled reduction in fibrogenic markers in HSCs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are one of the primary drivers of liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Although HSC activation in liver disease is associated with changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling, it remains unclear how ECM regulates the phenotypic state transitions of HSCs. Using high-throughput cellular microarrays, coupled with genome-wide ATAC and RNA sequencing within engineered ECM microenvironments, we investigated the effect of ECM and substrate stiffness on chromatin accessibility and resulting gene expression in activated primary human HSCs. Overall, these findings were indicative of a microenvironmental adaptation response in HSCs, and the acquisition of a persistent activation state. Combined ATAC/RNA sequencing analyses enabled identification of candidate regulatory factors, including HSD11B1 and CEBPb. siRNA-mediated knockdown of HSD11b1 and CEBPb demonstrated microenvironmental controlled reduction in fibrogenic markers in HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Jain
- University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, USA
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27
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严 然, 陈 祥, 张 译, 王 梦, 李 顺, 刘 贻. [Advances in cell nuclear mechanobiology and its regulation mechanisms]. SHENG WU YI XUE GONG CHENG XUE ZA ZHI = JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING = SHENGWU YIXUE GONGCHENGXUE ZAZHI 2023; 40:617-624. [PMID: 37666750 PMCID: PMC10477395 DOI: 10.7507/1001-5515.202304036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
As an important intracellular genetic and regulatory center, the nucleus is not only a terminal effector of intracellular biochemical signals, but also has a significant impact on cell function and phenotype through direct or indirect regulation of nuclear mechanistic cues after the cell senses and responds to mechanical stimuli. The nucleus relies on chromatin-nuclear membrane-cytoskeleton infrastructure to couple signal transduction, and responds to these mechanical stimuli in the intracellular and extracellular physical microenvironments. Changes in the morphological structure of the nucleus are the most intuitive manifestation of this mechanical response cascades and are the basis for the direct response of the nucleus to mechanical stimuli. Based on such relationships of the nucleus with cell behavior and phenotype, abnormal nuclear morphological changes are widely used in clinical practice as disease diagnostic tools. This review article highlights the latest advances in how nuclear morphology responds and adapts to mechanical stimuli. Additionally, this article will shed light on the factors that mechanically regulate nuclear morphology as well as the tumor physio-pathological processes involved in nuclear morphology and the underlying mechanobiological mechanisms. It provides new insights into the mechanisms that nuclear mechanics regulates disease development and its use as a potential target for diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- 然 严
- 电子科技大学 生命科学与技术学院(成都 610054)School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
- 成都中医药大学附属医院(成都 610072)Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
| | - 祥燕 陈
- 电子科技大学 生命科学与技术学院(成都 610054)School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - 译兮 张
- 电子科技大学 生命科学与技术学院(成都 610054)School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - 梦 王
- 电子科技大学 生命科学与技术学院(成都 610054)School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - 顺 李
- 电子科技大学 生命科学与技术学院(成都 610054)School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - 贻尧 刘
- 电子科技大学 生命科学与技术学院(成都 610054)School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
- 成都中医药大学附属医院(成都 610072)Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
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Zhang GP, Xie ZL, Jiang J, Zhao YT, Lei K, Lin ZL, Chen SL, Su TH, Tan L, Peng S, Wang J, Liu C, Kuang M. Mechanical confinement promotes heat resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma via SP1/IL4I1/AHR axis. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101128. [PMID: 37478857 PMCID: PMC10439175 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical stress can modulate the fate of cells in both physiological and extreme conditions. Recurrence of tumors after thermal ablation, a radical therapy for many cancers, indicates that some tumor cells can endure temperatures far beyond physiological ones. This unusual heat resistance with unknown mechanisms remains a key obstacle to fully realizing the clinical potential of thermal ablation. By developing a 3D bioprinting-based thermal ablation system, we demonstrate that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in this 3D model exhibit enhanced heat resistance as compared with cells on plates. Mechanistically, the activation of transcription factor SP1 under mechanical confinement enhances the transcription of Interleukin-4-Induced-1, which catalyzes tryptophan metabolites to activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), leading to heat resistance. Encouragingly, the AHR inhibitor prevents HCC recurrence after thermal ablation. These findings reveal a previously unknown role of mechanical confinement in heat resistance and provide a rationale for AHR inhibitors as neoadjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Pei Zhang
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zong-Lin Xie
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Juan Jiang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yu-Tong Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Kai Lei
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhi-Long Lin
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shu-Ling Chen
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tian-Hong Su
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li Tan
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Sui Peng
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Clinical Trials Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ji Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Chun Liu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Ming Kuang
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Pan Y, van der Watt PJ, Kay SA. E-box binding transcription factors in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1223208. [PMID: 37601651 PMCID: PMC10437117 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1223208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
E-boxes are important regulatory elements in the eukaryotic genome. Transcription factors can bind to E-boxes through their basic helix-loop-helix or zinc finger domain to regulate gene transcription. E-box-binding transcription factors (EBTFs) are important regulators of development and essential for physiological activities of the cell. The fundamental role of EBTFs in cancer has been highlighted by studies on the canonical oncogene MYC, yet many EBTFs exhibit common features, implying the existence of shared molecular principles of how they are involved in tumorigenesis. A comprehensive analysis of TFs that share the basic function of binding to E-boxes has been lacking. Here, we review the structure of EBTFs, their common features in regulating transcription, their physiological functions, and their mutual regulation. We also discuss their converging functions in cancer biology, their potential to be targeted as a regulatory network, and recent progress in drug development targeting these factors in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhong Pan
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Pauline J. van der Watt
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Steve A. Kay
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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30
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Moon SY, de Campos PS, Matte BF, Placone JK, Zanella VG, Martins MD, Lamers ML, Engler AJ. Cell contractility drives mechanical memory of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar89. [PMID: 37342880 PMCID: PMC10398896 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-07-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix stiffening is ubiquitous in solid tumors and can direct epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer cell migration. Stiffened niche can even cause poorly invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines to acquire a less adherent, more migratory phenotype, but mechanisms and durability of this acquired "mechanical memory" are unclear. Here, we observed that contractility and its downstream signals could underlie memory acquisition; invasive SSC25 cells overexpress myosin II (vs. noninvasive Cal27 cells) consistent with OSCC. However, prolonged exposure of Cal27 cells to a stiff niche or contractile agonists up-regulated myosin and EMT markers and enabled them to migrate as fast as SCC25 cells, which persisted even when the niche softened and indicated "memory" of their prior niche. Stiffness-mediated mesenchymal phenotype acquisition required AKT signaling and was also observed in patient samples, whereas phenotype recall on soft substrates required focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activity. Phenotype durability was further observed in transcriptomic differences between preconditioned Cal27 cells cultured without or with FAK or AKT antagonists, and such transcriptional differences corresponded to discrepant patient outcomes. These data suggest that mechanical memory, mediated by contractility via distinct kinase signaling, may be necessary for OSCC to disseminate.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Youn Moon
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | | | | | - Jesse K. Placone
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Department of Physics and Engineering, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA 19383
| | - Virgı´lio G. Zanella
- Department of Oral Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Santa Rita Hospital, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto, Alegre
| | | | - Marcelo Lazzaron Lamers
- Department of Oral Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
- Deparment of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035, Brazil
| | - Adam J. Engler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037
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31
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Wong SHD, Yin B, Li Z, Yuan W, Zhang Q, Xie X, Tan Y, Wong N, Zhang K, Bian L. Mechanical manipulation of cancer cell tumorigenicity via heat shock protein signaling. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg9593. [PMID: 37418519 PMCID: PMC10328411 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg9593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Biophysical cues of rigid tumor matrix play a critical role in cancer cell malignancy. We report that stiffly confined cancer cells exhibit robust growth of spheroids in the stiff hydrogel that exerts substantial confining stress on the cells. The stressed condition activated Hsp (heat shock protein)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling via the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt axis, thereby up-regulating the expression of the stemness-related markers in cancer cells, whereas these signaling activities were suppressed in cancer cells cultured in softer hydrogels or stiff hydrogels with stress relief or Hsp70 knockdown/inhibition. This mechanopriming based on three-dimensional culture enhanced cancer cell tumorigenicity and metastasis in animal models upon transplantation, and pharmaceutically inhibiting Hsp70 improved the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapy. Mechanistically, our study reveals the crucial role of Hsp70 in regulating cancer cell malignancy under mechanically stressed conditions and its impacts on cancer prognosis-related molecular pathways for cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu Hong Dexter Wong
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
- Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Bohan Yin
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Weihao Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Xian Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Youhua Tan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, P. R. China
| | - Nathalie Wong
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Kunyu Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Liming Bian
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
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32
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Saraswathibhatla A, Indana D, Chaudhuri O. Cell-extracellular matrix mechanotransduction in 3D. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:495-516. [PMID: 36849594 PMCID: PMC10656994 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00583-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECMs) regulate essential cell behaviours, including differentiation, migration and proliferation, through mechanotransduction. Studies of cell-ECM mechanotransduction have largely focused on cells cultured in 2D, on top of elastic substrates with a range of stiffnesses. However, cells often interact with ECMs in vivo in a 3D context, and cell-ECM interactions and mechanisms of mechanotransduction in 3D can differ from those in 2D. The ECM exhibits various structural features as well as complex mechanical properties. In 3D, mechanical confinement by the surrounding ECM restricts changes in cell volume and cell shape but allows cells to generate force on the matrix by extending protrusions and regulating cell volume as well as through actomyosin-based contractility. Furthermore, cell-matrix interactions are dynamic owing to matrix remodelling. Accordingly, ECM stiffness, viscoelasticity and degradability often play a critical role in regulating cell behaviours in 3D. Mechanisms of 3D mechanotransduction include traditional integrin-mediated pathways that sense mechanical properties and more recently described mechanosensitive ion channel-mediated pathways that sense 3D confinement, with both converging on the nucleus for downstream control of transcription and phenotype. Mechanotransduction is involved in tissues from development to cancer and is being increasingly harnessed towards mechanotherapy. Here we discuss recent progress in our understanding of cell-ECM mechanotransduction in 3D.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhiraj Indana
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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33
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Stashko C, Hayward MK, Northey JJ, Pearson N, Ironside AJ, Lakins JN, Oria R, Goyette MA, Mayo L, Russnes HG, Hwang ES, Kutys ML, Polyak K, Weaver VM. A convolutional neural network STIFMap reveals associations between stromal stiffness and EMT in breast cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3561. [PMID: 37322009 PMCID: PMC10272194 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39085-1] [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: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Intratumor heterogeneity associates with poor patient outcome. Stromal stiffening also accompanies cancer. Whether cancers demonstrate stiffness heterogeneity, and if this is linked to tumor cell heterogeneity remains unclear. We developed a method to measure the stiffness heterogeneity in human breast tumors that quantifies the stromal stiffness each cell experiences and permits visual registration with biomarkers of tumor progression. We present Spatially Transformed Inferential Force Map (STIFMap) which exploits computer vision to precisely automate atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation combined with a trained convolutional neural network to predict stromal elasticity with micron-resolution using collagen morphological features and ground truth AFM data. We registered high-elasticity regions within human breast tumors colocalizing with markers of mechanical activation and an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The findings highlight the utility of STIFMap to assess mechanical heterogeneity of human tumors across length scales from single cells to whole tissues and implicates stromal stiffness in tumor cell heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Stashko
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mary-Kate Hayward
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jason J Northey
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Alastair J Ironside
- Department of Pathology, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Johnathon N Lakins
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Roger Oria
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marie-Anne Goyette
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lakyn Mayo
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hege G Russnes
- Department of Pathology and Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - E Shelley Hwang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Matthew L Kutys
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kornelia Polyak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Valerie M Weaver
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Northcutt LA, Questell AM, Rhoades J, Rafat M. Development of an alginate-Matrigel hydrogel system to evaluate cancer cell behavior in the stiffness range of the bone marrow. FRONTIERS IN BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE 2023; 2:1140641. [PMID: 38169992 PMCID: PMC10760992 DOI: 10.3389/fbiom.2023.1140641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Bone metastasis is highly prevalent in breast cancer patients with metastatic disease. These metastatic cells may eventually form osteolytic lesions and affect the integrity of the bone, causing pathological fractures and impairing patient quality of life. Although some mechanisms have been determined in the metastatic cascade to the bone, little is known about how the mechanical cues of the bone marrow microenvironment influence tumor cell growth and invasion once they have homed to the secondary site. The mechanical properties within the bone marrow range from 0.5 kPa in the sinusoidal region to 40 kPa in the endosteal region. Here, we report an alginate-Matrigel hydrogel that can be modulated to the stiffness range of the bone marrow and used to evaluate tumor cell behavior. We fabricated alginate-Matrigel hydrogels with varying calcium sulfate (CaSO4) concentrations to tune stiffness, and we demonstrated that these hydrogels recapitulated the mechanical properties observed in the bone marrow microenvironment (0.7-16 kPa). We encapsulated multiple breast cancer cell lines into these hydrogels to assess growth and invasion. Tumor cells in stiffer hydrogels exhibited increased proliferation and enhanced elongation compared to lower stiffness hydrogels, which suggests that stiffer environments in the bone marrow promote cellular invasive capacity. This work establishes a system that replicates bone marrow mechanical properties to elucidate the physical factors that contribute to metastatic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan A. Northcutt
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Alyssa M. Questell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Julie Rhoades
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Marjan Rafat
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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35
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Xu X, Zhang H, Li Y, Liu F, Jing Z, Ren M, Chen T, Fu Y, Wu Y, Ji P, Yang S. Chromatin remodeling and nucleoskeleton synergistically control osteogenic differentiation in different matrix stiffnesses. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100661. [PMID: 37229211 PMCID: PMC10205488 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix stiffness plays an important role in determining cell differentiation. The expression of cell differentiation-associated genes can be regulated by chromatin remodeling-mediated DNA accessibility. However, the effect of matrix stiffness on DNA accessibility and its significance for cell differentiation have not been investigated. In this study, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels with different degrees of substitution were used to simulate soft, medium, and stiff matrices, and it was found that a stiff matrix promoted osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells by activating the Wnt pathway. In the soft matrix, the acetylation level of histones in cells was decreased, and chromatin condensed into a closed conformation, affecting the activation of β-catenin target genes (Axin2, c-Myc). Histone deacetylase inhibitor (TSA) was used to decondense chromatin. However, there was no significant increase in the expression of β-catenin target genes and the osteogenic protein Runx2. Further studies revealed that β-catenin was restricted to the cytoplasm due to the downregulation of lamin A/C in the soft matrix. Overexpression of lamin A/C and concomitant treatment of cells with TSA successfully activated β-catenin/Wnt signaling in cells in the soft matrix. The results of this innovative study revealed that matrix stiffness regulates cell osteogenic differentiation through multiple pathways, which involve complex interactions between transcription factors, epigenetic modifications of histones, and the nucleoskeleton. This trio is critical for the future design of bionic extracellular matrix biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Xu
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, PR China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, PR China
| | - He Zhang
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, PR China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, PR China
| | - Yuzhou Li
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, PR China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, PR China
| | - Fengyi Liu
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, PR China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, PR China
| | - Zheng Jing
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, PR China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, PR China
| | - Mingxing Ren
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, PR China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, PR China
| | - Tao Chen
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, PR China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, PR China
| | - Yiru Fu
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, PR China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, PR China
| | - Yanqiu Wu
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, PR China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, PR China
| | - Ping Ji
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, PR China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, PR China
| | - Sheng Yang
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, PR China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, PR China
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36
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Atcha H, Choi YS, Chaudhuri O, Engler AJ. Getting physical: Material mechanics is an intrinsic cell cue. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:750-765. [PMID: 37267912 PMCID: PMC10247187 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Advances in biomaterial science have allowed for unprecedented insight into the ability of material cues to influence stem cell function. These material approaches better recapitulate the microenvironment, providing a more realistic ex vivo model of the cell niche. However, recent advances in our ability to measure and manipulate niche properties in vivo have led to novel mechanobiological studies in model organisms. Thus, in this review, we will discuss the importance of material cues within the cell niche, highlight the key mechanotransduction pathways involved, and conclude with recent evidence that material cues regulate tissue function in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Atcha
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Adam J Engler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Jones DL, Hallström GF, Jiang X, Locke RC, Evans MK, Bonnevie ED, Srikumar A, Leahy TP, Nijsure MP, Boerckel JD, Mauck RL, Dyment NA. Mechanoepigenetic regulation of extracellular matrix homeostasis via Yap and Taz. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2211947120. [PMID: 37216538 PMCID: PMC10235980 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2211947120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells integrate mechanical cues to direct fate specification to maintain tissue function and homeostasis. While disruption of these cues is known to lead to aberrant cell behavior and chronic diseases, such as tendinopathies, the underlying mechanisms by which mechanical signals maintain cell function are not well understood. Here, we show using a model of tendon de-tensioning that loss of tensile cues in vivo acutely changes nuclear morphology, positioning, and expression of catabolic gene programs, resulting in subsequent weakening of the tendon. In vitro studies using paired ATAC/RNAseq demonstrate that the loss of cellular tension rapidly reduces chromatin accessibility in the vicinity of Yap/Taz genomic targets while also increasing expression of genes involved in matrix catabolism. Concordantly, the depletion of Yap/Taz elevates matrix catabolic expression. Conversely, overexpression of Yap results in a reduction of chromatin accessibility at matrix catabolic gene loci, while also reducing transcriptional levels. The overexpression of Yap not only prevents the induction of this broad catabolic program following a loss of cellular tension, but also preserves the underlying chromatin state from force-induced alterations. Taken together, these results provide novel mechanistic details by which mechanoepigenetic signals regulate tendon cell function through a Yap/Taz axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakota L. Jones
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Grey F. Hallström
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Xi Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Ryan C. Locke
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Mary Kate Evans
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Edward D. Bonnevie
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Anjana Srikumar
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Thomas P. Leahy
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Madhura P. Nijsure
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Joel D. Boerckel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Robert L. Mauck
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Nathaniel A. Dyment
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
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38
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Almeida JA, Mathur J, Lee YL, Sarker B, Pathak A. Mechanically primed cells transfer memory to fibrous matrices for invasion across environments of distinct stiffness and dimensionality. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar54. [PMID: 36696158 PMCID: PMC10208097 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-10-0469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells sense and migrate across mechanically dissimilar environments throughout development and disease progression. However, it remains unclear whether mechanical memory of past environments empowers cells to navigate new, three-dimensional extracellular matrices. Here, we show that cells previously primed on stiff, compared with soft, matrices generate a higher level of forces to remodel collagen fibers and promote invasion. This priming advantage persists in dense or stiffened collagen. We explain this memory-dependent, cross-environment cell invasion through a lattice-based model wherein stiff-primed cellular forces remodel collagen and minimize energy required for future cell invasion. According to our model, cells transfer their mechanical memory to the matrix via collagen alignment and tension, and this remodeled matrix informs future cell invasion. Thus, memory-laden cells overcome mechanosensing of softer or challenging future environments via a cell-matrix transfer of memory. Consistent with model predictions, depletion of yes-associated protein destabilizes the cellular memory required for collagen remodeling before invasion. We release tension in collagen fibers via laser ablation and disable fiber remodeling by lysyl-oxidase inhibition, both of which disrupt cell-to-matrix transfer of memory and hamper cross-environment invasion. These results have implications for cancer, fibrosis, and aging, where a potential cell-to-matrix transfer of mechanical memory of cells may generate a prolonged cellular response.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A. Almeida
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Jairaj Mathur
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Ye Lim Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Bapi Sarker
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Amit Pathak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130
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Göransson S, Chen S, Olofsson H, Larsson O, Strömblad S. An extracellular matrix stiffness-induced breast cancer cell transcriptome resembles the transition from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 654:73-79. [PMID: 36893606 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Identifying mechanisms driving the transition from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast cancer remains a challenge in breast cancer research. Breast cancer progression is accompanied by remodelling and stiffening of the extracellular matrix, leading to increased proliferation, survival, and migration. Here, we studied stiffness-dependent phenotypes in MCF10CA1a (CA1a) breast cancer cells cultured on hydrogels with stiffness corresponding to normal breast and breast cancer. This revealed a stiffness-associated morphology consistent with acquisition of an invasive phenotype in breast cancer cells. Surprisingly, this strong phenotypic switch was accompanied by relatively modest transcriptome-wide alterations in mRNA levels, as independently quantified using both DNA-microarrays and bulk RNA sequencing. Strikingly, however, the stiffness-dependent alterations in mRNA levels overlapped with those contrasting ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). This supports a role of matrix stiffness in driving the pre-invasive to invasive transition and suggests that mechanosignalling may be a target for prevention of invasive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Göransson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Shan Chen
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Solna, Sweden
| | - Helene Olofsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ola Larsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Solna, Sweden.
| | - Staffan Strömblad
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden.
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40
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Zhao B, Lv Y. A biomechanical view of epigenetic tumor regulation. J Biol Phys 2023:10.1007/s10867-023-09633-3. [PMID: 37004697 PMCID: PMC10397176 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-023-09633-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and development of tumors depend on a complex regulation by not only biochemical cues, but also biomechanical factors in tumor microenvironment. With the development of epigenetic theory, the regulation of biomechanical stimulation on tumor progress genetically is not enough to fully illustrate the mechanism of tumorigenesis. However, biomechanical regulation on tumor progress epigenetically is still in its infancy. Therefore, it is particularly important to integrate the existing relevant researches and develop the potential exploration. This work sorted out the existing researches on the regulation of tumor by biomechanical factors through epigenetic means, which contains summarizing the tumor epigenetic regulatory mode by biomechanical factors, exhibiting the influence of epigenetic regulation under mechanical stimulation, illustrating its existing applications, and prospecting the potential. This review aims to display the relevant knowledge through integrating the existing studies on epigenetic regulation in tumorigenesis under mechanical stimulation so as to provide theoretical basis and new ideas for potential follow-up research and clinical applications. Mechanical factors under physiological conditions stimulate the tumor progress through epigenetic ways, and new strategies are expected to be found with the development of epidrugs and related delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyuan Zhao
- Mechanobiology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonggang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University, No. 1 Sunshine Avenue, Jiangxia District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430200, People's Republic of China.
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Toscano-Marquez F, Romero Y, Espina-Ordoñez M, Cisneros J. Absence of HDAC3 by Matrix Stiffness Promotes Chromatin Remodeling and Fibroblast Activation in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071020. [PMID: 37048093 PMCID: PMC10093275 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and fatal disease characterized by progressive and irreversible lung scarring associated with persistent activation of fibroblasts. Epigenetics could integrate diverse microenvironmental signals, such as stiffness, to direct persistent fibroblast activation. Histone modifications by deacetylases (HDAC) may play an essential role in the gene expression changes involved in the pathological remodeling of the lung. Particularly, HDAC3 is crucial for maintaining chromatin and regulating gene expression, but little is known about its role in IPF. In the study, control and IPF-derived fibroblasts were used to determine the influence of HDAC3 on chromatin remodeling and gene expression associated with IPF signature. Additionally, the cells were grown on hydrogels to mimic the stiffness of a fibrotic lung. Our results showed a decreased HDAC3 in the nucleus of IPF fibroblasts, which correlates with changes in nucleus size and heterochromatin loss. The inhibition of HDAC3 with a pharmacological inhibitor causes hyperacetylation of H3K9 and provokes an increased expression of Col1A1, ACTA2, and p21. Comparable results were found in hydrogels, where matrix stiffness promotes the loss of nuclear HDAC3 and increases the profibrotic signature. Finally, latrunculin b was used to confirm that changes by stiffness depend on the mechanotransduction signals. Together, these results suggest that HDAC3 could be a link between epigenetic mechanisms and the fibrotic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Toscano-Marquez
- Laboratorio de Biopatología Pulmonar INER-Ciencias-UNAM, Departamento de Fibrosis Pulmonar, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas (INER), Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Yair Romero
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Marco Espina-Ordoñez
- Laboratorio de Biopatología Pulmonar INER-Ciencias-UNAM, Departamento de Fibrosis Pulmonar, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas (INER), Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - José Cisneros
- Laboratorio de Biopatología Pulmonar INER-Ciencias-UNAM, Departamento de Fibrosis Pulmonar, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas (INER), Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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42
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Heredia-Mendez AJ, Sánchez-Sánchez G, López-Camarillo C. Reprogramming of the Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Landscape in Three-Dimensional Cancer Cell Cultures. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071991. [PMID: 37046652 PMCID: PMC10093594 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last century, 2D cell cultures have been the tool most widely used to study cancer biology, drug discovery, genomics, and the regulation of gene expression at genetic/epigenetic levels. However, this experimental approach has limitations in faithfully recreating the microenvironment and cellular processes occurring in tumors. For these reasons, 3D cell cultures have recently been implemented to optimize the conditions that better recreate the biological and molecular features of tumors, including cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, growth kinetics, metabolic activities, and the development of gradients in the cellular microenvironment affecting the availability of oxygen and nutrients. In this sense, tumor cells receive stimuli from the local environment, resulting in significant changes in their signaling pathways, gene expression, and transcriptional and epigenetic patterns. In this review, we discuss how different types of 3D cell culture models can be applied to characterize the epigenetic footprints of cancer cell lines, emphasizing that DNA methylation patterns play an essential role in the emergence and development of cancer. However, how 3D cancer cell cultures remodel the epigenetic programs is poorly understood, with very few studies in this emerging topic. Here, we have summarized the studies on the reprogramming of the epigenetic landscape of DNA methylation during tumorigenesis and discuss how it may be affected by microenvironmental factors, specifically in 3D cell cultures.
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43
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Gourmet LE, Walker-Samuel S. The role of physics in multiomics and cancer evolution. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1068053. [PMID: 37007140 PMCID: PMC10063960 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1068053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex interactions between the physical environment and phenotype of a tumour, and genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and epigenomics, are increasingly known to have a significant influence on cancer development, progression and evolution. For example, mechanical stress can alter both genome maintenance and histone modifications, which consequently affect transcription and the epigenome. Increased stiffness has been linked to genetic heterogeneity and is responsible for heterochromatin accumulations. Stiffness thereby leads to deregulation in gene expression, disrupts the proteome and can impact angiogenesis. Several studies have shown how the physics of cancer can influence diverse cancer hallmarks such as resistance to cell death, angiogenesis and evasion from immune destruction. In this review, we will explain the role that physics of cancer plays in cancer evolution and explore how multiomics are being used to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie E. Gourmet
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Computational Medicine, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Walker-Samuel
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Computational Medicine, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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44
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Chen Y, Xu R, Zhou S, Zhao C, Hu Z, Hua Y, Xiong Y, Liu X, Lü J, Sun Y, Li C, Gao S, Zhang Y. Mechanical strain treatment improves nuclear transfer reprogramming efficiency by enhancing chromatin accessibility. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:807-816. [PMID: 36963387 PMCID: PMC10147550 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.02.007] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular mechanical properties are considered to be important factors affecting cell fate transitions, but the links between cellular mechanical properties and transition efficiency and chromatin structure remain elusive. Here, we predicted that mechanical strain treatment could induce signatures of cellular dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation, and we validated this prediction by showing that mechanical strain-treated mouse cumulus cells (CCs) exhibit significantly improved somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) reprogramming efficiency. We found that the chromatin accessibility of CCs was globally increased by mechanical strain treatment and that this increase was partially mediated by the induction of the YAP-TEAD interaction. Moreover, using mechanical strain-treated CCs could prevent transcriptional dysregulation in SCNT embryos. Taken together, our study results demonstrated that modulating cell mechanical properties to regulate epigenetic status is a promising approach to facilitate cell fate transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Chen
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ruimin Xu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shuang Zhou
- Department of Implantology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengchen Zhao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ziyue Hu
- Department of Implantology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuwei Hua
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanhong Xiong
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Junhong Lü
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; College of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yao Sun
- Department of Implantology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chong Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical and Translation Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical and Translation Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Han Y, Jiang N, Xu H, Yuan Z, Xiu J, Mao S, Liu X, Huang J. Extracellular Matrix Rigidities Regulate the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle and Antibiotic Resistance of Three-Dimensionally Confined Bacterial Microcolonies. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206153. [PMID: 36658695 PMCID: PMC10037996 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
As a major cause of clinical chronic infection, microbial biofilms/microcolonies in host tissues essentially live in 3D-constrained microenvironments, which potentially modulate their spatial self-organization and morphodynamics. However, it still remains unclear whether and how mechanical cues of 3D confined microenvironments, for example, extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness, exert an impact on antibiotic resistance of bacterial biofilms/microcolonies. With a high-throughput antibiotic sensitivity testing (AST) platform, it is revealed that 3D ECM rigidities greatly modulate their resistance to diverse antibiotics. The microcolonies in 3D ECM with human tissue-specific rigidities varying from 0.5 to 20 kPa show a ≈2-10 000-fold increase in minimum inhibitory concentration, depending on the types of antibiotics. The authors subsequently identified that the increase in 3D ECM rigidities leads to the downregulation of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, which is responsible for enhanced antibiotic resistance. Further, it is shown that fumarate, as a potentiator of TCA cycle activity, can alleviate the elevated antibiotic resistance and thus remarkably improve the efficacy of antibiotics against bacterial microcolonies in 3D confined ECM, as confirmed in the chronic infection mice model. These findings suggest fumarate can be employed as an antibiotic adjuvant to effectively treat infections induced by bacterial biofilms/microcolonies in a 3D-confined environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Han
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, and Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced TechnologyCollege of EngineeringPeking University100871BeijingChina
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, and Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced TechnologyCollege of EngineeringPeking University100871BeijingChina
| | - Hongwei Xu
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, and Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced TechnologyCollege of EngineeringPeking University100871BeijingChina
| | - Zuoying Yuan
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, and Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced TechnologyCollege of EngineeringPeking University100871BeijingChina
| | - Jidong Xiu
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, and Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced TechnologyCollege of EngineeringPeking University100871BeijingChina
| | - Sheng Mao
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, and Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced TechnologyCollege of EngineeringPeking University100871BeijingChina
| | - Xiaozhi Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Epigenetics for Organ Development of Premature InfantsFifth Central Hospital of TianjinTianjin300450China
| | - Jianyong Huang
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, and Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced TechnologyCollege of EngineeringPeking University100871BeijingChina
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46
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Mukherjee A, Bravo-Cordero JJ. Regulation of dormancy during tumor dissemination: the role of the ECM. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:99-112. [PMID: 36802311 PMCID: PMC10027413 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The study of the metastatic cascade has revealed the complexity of the process and the multiple cellular states that disseminated cancer cells must go through. The tumor microenvironment and in particular the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in regulating the transition from invasion, dormancy to ultimately proliferation during the metastatic cascade. The time delay from primary tumor detection to metastatic growth is regulated by a molecular program that maintains disseminated tumor cells in a non-proliferative, quiescence state known as tumor cell dormancy. Identifying dormant cells and their niches in vivo and how they transition to the proliferative state is an active area of investigation, and novel approaches have been developed to track dormant cells during dissemination. In this review, we highlight the latest research on the invasive nature of disseminated tumor cells and their link to dormancy programs. We also discuss the role of the ECM in sustaining dormant niches at distant sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Mukherjee
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jose Javier Bravo-Cordero
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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47
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Purushothaman A, Mohajeri M, Lele TP. The role of glycans in the mechanobiology of cancer. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102935. [PMID: 36693448 PMCID: PMC9930169 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Although cancer is a genetic disease, physical changes such as stiffening of the extracellular matrix also commonly occur in cancer. Cancer cells sense and respond to extracellular matrix stiffening through the process of mechanotransduction. Cancer cell mechanotransduction can enhance cancer-promoting cell behaviors such as survival signaling, proliferation, and migration. Glycans, carbohydrate-based polymers, have recently emerged as important mediators and/or modulators of cancer cell mechanotransduction. Stiffer tumors are characterized by increased glycan content on cancer cells and their associated extracellular matrix. Here we review the role of cancer-associated glycans in coupled mechanical and biochemical alterations during cancer progression. We discuss the recent evidence on how increased expression of different glycans, in the form of glycoproteins and proteoglycans, contributes to both mechanical changes in tumors and corresponding cancer cell responses. We conclude with a summary of emerging tools that can be used to modify glycans for future studies in cancer mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Purushothaman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Mohammad Mohajeri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Tanmay P Lele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA; Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA; Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA.
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48
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Tuning between Nuclear Organization and Functionality in Health and Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050706. [PMID: 36899842 PMCID: PMC10000962 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The organization of eukaryotic genome in the nucleus, a double-membraned organelle separated from the cytoplasm, is highly complex and dynamic. The functional architecture of the nucleus is confined by the layers of internal and cytoplasmic elements, including chromatin organization, nuclear envelope associated proteome and transport, nuclear-cytoskeletal contacts, and the mechano-regulatory signaling cascades. The size and morphology of the nucleus could impose a significant impact on nuclear mechanics, chromatin organization, gene expression, cell functionality and disease development. The maintenance of nuclear organization during genetic or physical perturbation is crucial for the viability and lifespan of the cell. Abnormal nuclear envelope morphologies, such as invagination and blebbing, have functional implications in several human disorders, including cancer, accelerated aging, thyroid disorders, and different types of neuro-muscular diseases. Despite the evident interplay between nuclear structure and nuclear function, our knowledge about the underlying molecular mechanisms for regulation of nuclear morphology and cell functionality during health and illness is rather poor. This review highlights the essential nuclear, cellular, and extracellular components that govern the organization of nuclei and functional consequences associated with nuclear morphometric aberrations. Finally, we discuss the recent developments with diagnostic and therapeutic implications targeting nuclear morphology in health and disease.
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49
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Kuşoğlu A, Yangın K, Özkan SN, Sarıca S, Örnek D, Solcan N, Karaoğlu İC, Kızılel S, Bulutay P, Fırat P, Erus S, Tanju S, Dilege Ş, Öztürk E. Different Decellularization Methods in Bovine Lung Tissue Reveals Distinct Biochemical Composition, Stiffness, and Viscoelasticity in Reconstituted Hydrogels. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:793-805. [PMID: 36728815 PMCID: PMC9945306 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived hydrogels are in demand for use in lung tissue engineering to mimic the native microenvironment of cells in vitro. Decellularization of native tissues has been pursued for preserving organotypic ECM while eliminating cellular content and reconstitution into scaffolds which allows re-cellularization for modeling homeostasis, regeneration, or diseases. Achieving mechanical stability and understanding the effects of the decellularization process on mechanical parameters of the reconstituted ECM hydrogels present a challenge in the field. Stiffness and viscoelasticity are important characteristics of tissue mechanics that regulate crucial cellular processes and their in vitro representation in engineered models is a current aspiration. The effect of decellularization on viscoelastic properties of resulting ECM hydrogels has not yet been addressed. The aim of this study was to establish bovine lung tissue decellularization for the first time via pursuing four different protocols and characterization of reconstituted decellularized lung ECM hydrogels for biochemical and mechanical properties. Our data reveal that bovine lungs provide a reproducible alternative to human lungs for disease modeling with optimal retention of ECM components upon decellularization. We demonstrate that the decellularization method significantly affects ECM content, stiffness, and viscoelastic properties of resulting hydrogels. Lastly, we examined the impact of these aspects on viability, morphology, and growth of lung cancer cells, healthy bronchial epithelial cells, and patient-derived lung organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alican Kuşoğlu
- Engineered Cancer and Organ Models Laboratory, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey.,Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Kardelen Yangın
- Engineered Cancer and Organ Models Laboratory, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey.,Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Sena N Özkan
- Engineered Cancer and Organ Models Laboratory, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey.,Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Sevgi Sarıca
- Engineered Cancer and Organ Models Laboratory, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey.,Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Deniz Örnek
- Engineered Cancer and Organ Models Laboratory, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey.,Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Nuriye Solcan
- Engineered Cancer and Organ Models Laboratory, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey.,Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - İsmail C Karaoğlu
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Seda Kızılel
- Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey.,Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Pınar Bulutay
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Pınar Fırat
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Suat Erus
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Serhan Tanju
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Şükrü Dilege
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Ece Öztürk
- Engineered Cancer and Organ Models Laboratory, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey.,Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey.,Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
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50
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Pérez-Benito Á, Huerta-López C, Alegre-Cebollada J, García-Aznar JM, Hervas-Raluy S. Computational modelling of the mechanical behaviour of protein-based hydrogels. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 138:105661. [PMID: 36630754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105661] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based hydrogels have been extensively studied in the field of biomaterials given their ability to mimic living tissues and their special resemblance to the extracellular matrix. Despite this, the methods used for the control of mechanical properties of hydrogels are very limited, focusing mainly on their elasticity, with an often unrealistic characterization of mechanical properties such as extensibility, stiffness and viscoelasticity. Being able to control these properties is essential for the development of new biomaterials, since it has been demonstrated that mechanical properties affect cell behaviour and biological processes. To better understand the mechanical behaviour of these biopolymers, a computational model is here developed to characterize the mechanical behaviour of two different protein-based hydrogels. Strain-stress tests and stress-relaxation tests are evaluated computationally and compared to the results obtained experimentally in a previous work. To achieve this goal the Finite Element Method is used, combining hyperelastic and viscoelastic models. Different hyperelastic constitutive models (Mooney-Rivlin, Neo-Hookean, first and third order Ogden, and Yeoh) are proposed to estimate the mechanical properties of the protein-based hydrogels by least-square fitting of the in-vitro uniaxial test results. Among these models, the first order Ogden model with a viscoelastic model defined in Prony parameters better reproduces the strain-stress response and the change of stiffness with strain observed in the in-vitro tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Pérez-Benito
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering, Instituto de Investigacion en Ingenieria de Aragon(I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50014, Spain
| | - Carla Huerta-López
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | | | - José Manuel García-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering, Instituto de Investigacion en Ingenieria de Aragon(I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50014, Spain
| | - Silvia Hervas-Raluy
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering, Instituto de Investigacion en Ingenieria de Aragon(I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50014, Spain.
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