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Mao Y, Wickström SA. Mechanical state transitions in the regulation of tissue form and function. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:654-670. [PMID: 38600372 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00719-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
From embryonic development, postnatal growth and adult homeostasis to reparative and disease states, cells and tissues undergo constant changes in genome activity, cell fate, proliferation, movement, metabolism and growth. Importantly, these biological state transitions are coupled to changes in the mechanical and material properties of cells and tissues, termed mechanical state transitions. These mechanical states share features with physical states of matter, liquids and solids. Tissues can switch between mechanical states by changing behavioural dynamics or connectivity between cells. Conversely, these changes in tissue mechanical properties are known to control cell and tissue function, most importantly the ability of cells to move or tissues to deform. Thus, tissue mechanical state transitions are implicated in transmitting information across biological length and time scales, especially during processes of early development, wound healing and diseases such as cancer. This Review will focus on the biological basis of tissue-scale mechanical state transitions, how they emerge from molecular and cellular interactions, and their roles in organismal development, homeostasis, regeneration and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlan Mao
- Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, UK.
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Sara A Wickström
- Department of Cell and Tissue Dynamics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany.
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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2
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Zhu M, Gu B, Thomas EC, Huang Y, Kim YK, Tao H, Yung TM, Chen X, Zhang K, Woolaver EK, Nevin MR, Huang X, Winklbauer R, Rossant J, Sun Y, Hopyan S. A fibronectin gradient remodels mixed-phase mesoderm. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl6366. [PMID: 39028807 PMCID: PMC11259159 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl6366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Physical processes ultimately shape tissue during development. Two emerging proposals are that cells migrate toward stiffer tissue (durotaxis) and that the extent of cell rearrangements reflects tissue phase, but it is unclear whether and how these concepts are related. Here, we identify fibronectin-dependent tissue stiffness as a control variable that underlies and unifies these phenomena in vivo. In murine limb bud mesoderm, cells are either caged, move directionally, or intercalate as a function of their location along a stiffness gradient. A modified Landau phase equation that incorporates tissue stiffness accurately predicts cell diffusivity upon loss or gain of fibronectin. Fibronectin is regulated by WNT5A-YAP feedback that controls cell movements, tissue shape, and skeletal pattern. The results identify a key determinant of phase transition and show how fibronectin-dependent directional cell movement emerges in a mixed-phase environment in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhu
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Bin Gu
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, and Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Evan C. Thomas
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Yunyun Huang
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Yun-Kyo Kim
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Hirotaka Tao
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Theodora M. Yung
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Xin Chen
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Kaiwen Zhang
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Elizabeth K. Woolaver
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Mikaela R. Nevin
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Xi Huang
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Rudolph Winklbauer
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Janet Rossant
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Sevan Hopyan
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
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3
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Liberali P, Schier AF. The evolution of developmental biology through conceptual and technological revolutions. Cell 2024; 187:3461-3495. [PMID: 38906136 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.053] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Developmental biology-the study of the processes by which cells, tissues, and organisms develop and change over time-has entered a new golden age. After the molecular genetics revolution in the 80s and 90s and the diversification of the field in the early 21st century, we have entered a phase when powerful technologies provide new approaches and open unexplored avenues. Progress in the field has been accelerated by advances in genomics, imaging, engineering, and computational biology and by emerging model systems ranging from tardigrades to organoids. We summarize how revolutionary technologies have led to remarkable progress in understanding animal development. We describe how classic questions in gene regulation, pattern formation, morphogenesis, organogenesis, and stem cell biology are being revisited. We discuss the connections of development with evolution, self-organization, metabolism, time, and ecology. We speculate how developmental biology might evolve in an era of synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and human engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prisca Liberali
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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4
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Cheung BCH, Abbed RJ, Wu M, Leggett SE. 3D Traction Force Microscopy in Biological Gels: From Single Cells to Multicellular Spheroids. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2024; 26:93-118. [PMID: 38316064 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-103122-031130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Cell traction force plays a critical role in directing cellular functions, such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Current understanding of cell traction force is largely derived from 2D measurements where cells are plated on 2D substrates. However, 2D measurements do not recapitulate a vital aspect of living systems; that is, cells actively remodel their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), and the remodeled ECM, in return, can have a profound impact on cell phenotype and traction force generation. This reciprocal adaptivity of living systems is encoded in the material properties of biological gels. In this review, we summarize recent progress in measuring cell traction force for cells embedded within 3D biological gels, with an emphasis on cell-ECM cross talk. We also provide perspectives on tools and techniques that could be adapted to measure cell traction force in complex biochemical and biophysical environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C H Cheung
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Rana J Abbed
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA;
| | - Mingming Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Susan E Leggett
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA;
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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5
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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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6
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Polsani N, Yung T, Thomas E, Phung-Rojas M, Gupta I, Denker J, Lau K, Feng X, Ibarra B, Hopyan S, Atit RP. Mesenchymal Wnts are required for morphogenetic movements of calvarial osteoblasts during apical expansion. Development 2024; 151:dev202596. [PMID: 38814743 PMCID: PMC11234264 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202596] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Apical expansion of calvarial osteoblast progenitors from the cranial mesenchyme (CM) above the eye is integral to calvarial growth and enclosure of the brain. The cellular behaviors and signals underlying the morphogenetic process of calvarial expansion are unknown. Time-lapse light-sheet imaging of mouse embryos revealed calvarial progenitors intercalate in 3D in the CM above the eye, and exhibit protrusive and crawling activity more apically. CM cells express non-canonical Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) core components and calvarial osteoblasts are bidirectionally polarized. We found non-canonical ligand Wnt5a-/- mutants have less dynamic cell rearrangements and protrusive activity. Loss of CM-restricted Wntless (CM-Wls), a gene required for secretion of all Wnt ligands, led to diminished apical expansion of Osx+ calvarial osteoblasts in the frontal bone primordia in a non-cell autonomous manner without perturbing proliferation or survival. Calvarial osteoblast polarization, progressive cell elongation and enrichment for actin along the baso-apical axis were dependent on CM-Wnts. Thus, CM-Wnts regulate cellular behaviors during calvarial morphogenesis for efficient apical expansion of calvarial osteoblasts. These findings also offer potential insights into the etiologies of calvarial dysplasias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikaya Polsani
- Department of Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Theodora Yung
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Evan Thomas
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Melissa Phung-Rojas
- Department of Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Isha Gupta
- Department of Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Julie Denker
- Department of Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Kimberly Lau
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Xiaotian Feng
- Department of Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Beatriz Ibarra
- Department of Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Sevan Hopyan
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Division of Orthopedics, The Hospital for Sick Children and Departments of Molecular Genetics and Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Radhika P Atit
- Department of Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Dermatology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
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7
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Stehbens SJ, Scarpa E, White MD. Perspectives in collective cell migration - moving forward. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261549. [PMID: 38904172 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Collective cell migration, where cells move as a cohesive unit, is a vital process underlying morphogenesis and cancer metastasis. Thanks to recent advances in imaging and modelling, we are beginning to understand the intricate relationship between a cell and its microenvironment and how this shapes cell polarity, metabolism and modes of migration. The use of biophysical and mathematical models offers a fresh perspective on how cells migrate collectively, either flowing in a fluid-like state or transitioning to more static states. Continuing to unite researchers in biology, physics and mathematics will enable us to decode more complex biological behaviours that underly collective cell migration; only then can we understand how this coordinated movement of cells influences the formation and organisation of tissues and directs the spread of metastatic cancer. In this Perspective, we highlight exciting discoveries, emerging themes and common challenges that have arisen in recent years, and possible ways forward to bridge the gaps in our current understanding of collective cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Stehbens
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Elena Scarpa
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Melanie D White
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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8
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Moro-López M, Farré R, Otero J, Sunyer R. Trusting the forces of our cell lines. Cells Dev 2024:203931. [PMID: 38852676 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Cells isolated from their native tissues and cultured in vitro face different selection pressures than those cultured in vivo. These pressures induce a profound transformation that reshapes the cell, alters its genome, and transforms the way it senses and generates forces. In this perspective, we focus on the evidence that cells cultured on conventional polystyrene substrates display a fundamentally different mechanobiology than their in vivo counterparts. We explore the role of adhesion reinforcement in this transformation and to what extent it is reversible. We argue that this mechanoadaptation is often understood as a mechanical memory. We propose some strategies to mitigate the effects of on-plastic culture on mechanobiology, such as organoid-inspired protocols or mechanical priming. While isolating cells from their native tissues and culturing them on artificial substrates has revolutionized biomedical research, it has also transformed cellular forces. Only by understanding and controlling them, we can improve their truthfulness and validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Moro-López
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Farré
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBER-RES), Barcelona, Spain; Institut Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Otero
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBER-RES), Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raimon Sunyer
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain.
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9
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Graziani V, Crosas-Molist E, George SL, Sanz-Moreno V. Organelle adaptations in response to mechanical forces during tumour dissemination. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102345. [PMID: 38479111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Cell migration plays a pivotal role in various biological processes including cancer dissemination and successful metastasis, where the role of mechanical signals is increasingly acknowledged. This review focuses on the intricate mechanisms through which cancer cells modulate their migratory strategies via organelle adaptations in response to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Specifically, the nucleus and mitochondria emerge as pivotal mediators in this process. These organelles serve as sensors, translating mechanical stimuli into rapid metabolic alterations that sustain cell migration. Importantly, prolonged exposure to such stimuli can induce transcriptional or epigenetic changes, ultimately enhancing metastatic traits. Deciphering the intricate interplay between ECM properties and organelle adaptations not only advances our understanding of cytoskeletal dynamics but also holds promise for the development of innovative anti-metastatic therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Graziani
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Eva Crosas-Molist
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Samantha L George
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Victoria Sanz-Moreno
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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10
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Skillin NP, Kirkpatrick BE, Herbert KM, Nelson BR, Hach GK, Günay KA, Khan RM, DelRio FW, White TJ, Anseth KS. Stiffness anisotropy coordinates supracellular contractility driving long-range myotube-ECM alignment. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn0235. [PMID: 38820155 PMCID: PMC11141631 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn0235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The ability of cells to organize into tissues with proper structure and function requires the effective coordination of proliferation, migration, polarization, and differentiation across length scales. Skeletal muscle is innately anisotropic; however, few biomaterials can emulate mechanical anisotropy to determine its influence on tissue patterning without introducing confounding topography. Here, we demonstrate that substrate stiffness anisotropy coordinates contractility-driven collective cellular dynamics resulting in C2C12 myotube alignment over millimeter-scale distances. When cultured on mechanically anisotropic liquid crystalline polymer networks (LCNs) lacking topography, C2C12 myoblasts collectively polarize in the stiffest direction. Cellular coordination is amplified through reciprocal cell-ECM dynamics that emerge during fusion, driving global myotube-ECM ordering. Conversely, myotube alignment was restricted to small local domains with no directional preference on mechanically isotropic LCNs of the same chemical formulation. These findings provide valuable insights for designing biomaterials that mimic anisotropic microenvironments and underscore the importance of stiffness anisotropy in orchestrating tissue morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel P. Skillin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Bruce E. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Katie M. Herbert
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Benjamin R. Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Grace K. Hach
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Kemal Arda Günay
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Ryan M. Khan
- Material, Physical, and Chemical Sciences Center, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185, USA
| | - Frank W. DelRio
- Material, Physical, and Chemical Sciences Center, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185, USA
| | - Timothy J. White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
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11
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Alasaadi DN, Mayor R. Mechanically guided cell fate determination in early development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:242. [PMID: 38811420 PMCID: PMC11136904 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Cell fate determination, a vital process in early development and adulthood, has been the focal point of intensive investigation over the past decades. Its importance lies in its critical role in shaping various and diverse cell types during embryonic development and beyond. Exploration of cell fate determination started with molecular and genetic investigations unveiling central signaling pathways and molecular regulatory networks. The molecular studies into cell fate determination yielded an overwhelming amount of information invoking the notion of the complexity of cell fate determination. However, recent advances in the framework of biomechanics have introduced a paradigm shift in our understanding of this intricate process. The physical forces and biochemical interplay, known as mechanotransduction, have been identified as a pivotal drive influencing cell fate decisions. Certainly, the integration of biomechanics into the process of cell fate pushed our understanding of the developmental process and potentially holds promise for therapeutic applications. This integration was achieved by identifying physical forces like hydrostatic pressure, fluid dynamics, tissue stiffness, and topography, among others, and examining their interplay with biochemical signals. This review focuses on recent advances investigating the relationship between physical cues and biochemical signals that control cell fate determination during early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delan N Alasaadi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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12
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Ambekar YS, Caiaffa CD, Wlodarczyk BJ, Singh M, Schill AW, Steele JW, Zhang J, Aglyamov SR, Scarcelli G, Finnell RH, Larin KV. Optical coherence tomography-guided Brillouin microscopy highlights regional tissue stiffness differences during anterior neural tube closure in the Mthfd1l murine mutant. Development 2024; 151:dev202475. [PMID: 38682273 PMCID: PMC11165724 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Neurulation is a highly synchronized biomechanical process leading to the formation of the brain and spinal cord, and its failure leads to neural tube defects (NTDs). Although we are rapidly learning the genetic mechanisms underlying NTDs, the biomechanical aspects are largely unknown. To understand the correlation between NTDs and tissue stiffness during neural tube closure (NTC), we imaged an NTD murine model using optical coherence tomography (OCT), Brillouin microscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Here, we associate structural information from OCT with local stiffness from the Brillouin signal of embryos undergoing neurulation. The stiffness of neuroepithelial tissues in Mthfd1l null embryos was significantly lower than that of wild-type embryos. Additionally, exogenous formate supplementation improved tissue stiffness and gross embryonic morphology in nullizygous and heterozygous embryos. Our results demonstrate the significance of proper tissue stiffness in normal NTC and pave the way for future studies on the mechanobiology of normal and abnormal embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlo Donato Caiaffa
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, USA
| | - Bogdan J. Wlodarczyk
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Manmohan Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Alexander W. Schill
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - John W. Steele
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jitao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Salavat R. Aglyamov
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Giuliano Scarcelli
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Richard H. Finnell
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kirill V. Larin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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13
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Mathieu M, Isomursu A, Ivaska J. Positive and negative durotaxis - mechanisms and emerging concepts. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261919. [PMID: 38647525 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell migration is controlled by the coordinated action of cell adhesion, cytoskeletal dynamics, contractility and cell extrinsic cues. Integrins are the main adhesion receptors to ligands of the extracellular matrix (ECM), linking the actin cytoskeleton to the ECM and enabling cells to sense matrix rigidity and mount a directional cell migration response to stiffness gradients. Most models studied show preferred migration of single cells or cell clusters towards increasing rigidity. This is referred to as durotaxis, and since its initial discovery in 2000, technical advances and elegant computational models have provided molecular level details of stiffness sensing in cell migration. However, modeling has long predicted that, depending on cell intrinsic factors, such as the balance of cell adhesion molecules (clutches) and the motor proteins pulling on them, cells might also prefer adhesion to intermediate rigidity. Recently, experimental evidence has supported this notion and demonstrated the ability of cells to migrate towards lower rigidity, in a process called negative durotaxis. In this Review, we discuss the significant conceptual advances that have been made in our appreciation of cell plasticity and context dependency in stiffness-guided directional cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Mathieu
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Aleksi Isomursu
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Western Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN West), University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Tukholmankatu 8, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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14
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Pajic-Lijakovic I, Milivojevic M, McClintock PVE. Role of viscoelasticity in the appearance of low-Reynolds turbulence: considerations for modelling. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:24. [PMID: 38589891 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00415-6] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Inertial effects caused by perturbations of dynamical equilibrium during the flow of soft matter constitute a hallmark of turbulence. Such perturbations are attributable to an imbalance between energy storage and energy dissipation. During the flow of Newtonian fluids, kinetic energy can be both stored and dissipated, while the flow of viscoelastic soft matter systems, such as polymer fluids, induces the accumulation of both kinetic and elastic energies. The accumulation of elastic energy causes local stiffening of stretched polymer chains, which can destabilise the flow. Migrating multicellular systems are hugely complex and are capable of self-regulating their viscoelasticity and mechanical stress generation, as well as controlling their energy storage and energy dissipation. Since the flow perturbation of viscoelastic systems is caused by the inhomogeneous accumulation of elastic energy, rather than of kinetic energy, turbulence can occur at low Reynolds numbers.This theoretical review is focused on clarifying the role of viscoelasticity in the appearance of low-Reynolds turbulence. Three types of system are considered and compared: (1) high-Reynolds turbulent flow of Newtonian fluids, (2) low and moderate-Reynolds flow of polymer solutions, and (3) migration of epithelial collectives, discussed in terms of two model systems. The models considered involve the fusion of two epithelial aggregates, and the free expansion of epithelial monolayers on a substrate matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Pajic-Lijakovic
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Milan Milivojevic
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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15
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Alasaadi DN, Alvizi L, Hartmann J, Stillman N, Moghe P, Hiiragi T, Mayor R. Competence for neural crest induction is controlled by hydrostatic pressure through Yap. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:530-541. [PMID: 38499770 PMCID: PMC11021196 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01378-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Embryonic induction is a key mechanism in development that corresponds to an interaction between a signalling and a responding tissue, causing a change in the direction of differentiation by the responding tissue. Considerable progress has been achieved in identifying inductive signals, yet how tissues control their responsiveness to these signals, known as competence, remains poorly understood. While the role of molecular signals in competence has been studied, how tissue mechanics influence competence remains unexplored. Here we investigate the role of hydrostatic pressure in controlling competence in neural crest cells, an embryonic cell population. We show that neural crest competence decreases concomitantly with an increase in the hydrostatic pressure of the blastocoel, an embryonic cavity in contact with the prospective neural crest. By manipulating hydrostatic pressure in vivo, we show that this increase leads to the inhibition of Yap signalling and impairs Wnt activation in the responding tissue, which would be required for neural crest induction. We further show that hydrostatic pressure controls neural crest induction in amphibian and mouse embryos and in human cells, suggesting a conserved mechanism across vertebrates. Our work sets out how tissue mechanics can interplay with signalling pathways to regulate embryonic competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delan N Alasaadi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lucas Alvizi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jonas Hartmann
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Namid Stillman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Prachiti Moghe
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Takashi Hiiragi
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK.
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.
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16
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Feng X, Molteni H, Gregory M, Lanza J, Polsani N, Gupta I, Wyetzner R, Hawkins MB, Holmes G, Hopyan S, Harris MP, Atit RP. Apical expansion of calvarial osteoblasts and suture patency is dependent on fibronectin cues. Development 2024; 151:dev202371. [PMID: 38602508 PMCID: PMC11165720 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The skull roof, or calvaria, is comprised of interlocking plates of bones that encase the brain. Separating these bones are fibrous sutures that permit growth. Currently, we do not understand the instructions for directional growth of the calvaria, a process which is error-prone and can lead to skeletal deficiencies or premature suture fusion (craniosynostosis, CS). Here, we identify graded expression of fibronectin (FN1) in the mouse embryonic cranial mesenchyme (CM) that precedes the apical expansion of calvaria. Conditional deletion of Fn1 or Wasl leads to diminished frontal bone expansion by altering cell shape and focal actin enrichment, respectively, suggesting defective migration of calvarial progenitors. Interestingly, Fn1 mutants have premature fusion of coronal sutures. Consistently, syndromic forms of CS in humans exhibit dysregulated FN1 expression, and we also find FN1 expression altered in a mouse CS model of Apert syndrome. These data support a model of FN1 as a directional substrate for calvarial osteoblast migration that may be a common mechanism underlying many cranial disorders of disparate genetic etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Feng
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Helen Molteni
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Megan Gregory
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jennifer Lanza
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Nikaya Polsani
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Isha Gupta
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Rachel Wyetzner
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - M. Brent Hawkins
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Greg Holmes
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sevan Hopyan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Hospital for Sick Kids, Toronto ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Matthew P. Harris
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Radhika P. Atit
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Genome Sciences and Genetics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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17
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Joshi IM, Mansouri M, Ahmed A, De Silva D, Simon RA, Esmaili P, Desa DE, Elias TM, Brown EB, Abhyankar VV. Microengineering 3D Collagen Matrices with Tumor-Mimetic Gradients in Fiber Alignment. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2024; 34:2308071. [PMID: 38706986 PMCID: PMC11067715 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202308071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Collagen fibers in the 3D tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibit complex alignment landscapes that are critical in directing cell migration through a process called contact guidance. Previous in vitro work studying this phenomenon has focused on quantifying cell responses in uniformly aligned environments. However, the TME also features short-range gradients in fiber alignment that result from cell-induced traction forces. Although the influence of graded biophysical taxis cues is well established, cell responses to physiological alignment gradients remain largely unexplored. In this work, fiber alignment gradients in biopsy samples are characterized and recreated using a new microfluidic biofabrication technique to achieve tunable sub-millimeter to millimeter scale gradients. This study represents the first successful engineering of continuous alignment gradients in soft, natural biomaterials. Migration experiments on graded alignment show that HUVECs exhibit increased directionality, persistence, and speed compared to uniform and unaligned fiber architectures. Similarly, patterned MDA-MB-231 aggregates exhibit biased migration toward increasing fiber alignment, suggesting a role for alignment gradients as a taxis cue. This user-friendly approach, requiring no specialized equipment, is anticipated to offer new insights into the biophysical cues that cells interpret as they traverse the extracellular matrix, with broad applicability in healthy and diseased tissue environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil M. Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Mehran Mansouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Adeel Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Dinindu De Silva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Richard A. Simon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Poorya Esmaili
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Danielle E. Desa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Tresa M. Elias
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Edward B. Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Vinay V. Abhyankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
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18
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张 欢, 李 卓, 林 敏. [Integrin and N-cadherin Co-Regulate the Polarity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Mechanobiological Mechanisms]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2024; 55:321-329. [PMID: 38645863 PMCID: PMC11026872 DOI: 10.12182/20240360104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the synergistic regulation of the polarization of mesenchymal stem cells by integrin and N-cadherin-mediated mechanical adhesion and the underlying mechanobiological mechanisms. Methods Bilayer polyethylene glyeol (PEG) hydrogels were formulated and modified with RGD and HAVDI peptides, respectively, to achieve mechanical adhesion to integrin and N-cadherin and to replicate the integrin-mediated mechanical interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix and the N-cadherin-mediated cell-cell mechanical interaction. The polar proteins, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and phosphorylated myosin light chain (pMLC), were characterized through immunofluorescence staining in individual cells with or without contact with HAVDI peptides under integrin-mediated adhesion, N-cadherin-mediated adhesion, and different intracellular forces. Their expression levels and polar distribution were analyzed using Image J. Results Integrin-mediated adhesion induced significantly higher polar strengths of PI3K and pMLC in the contact group than in those in the no contact group, resulting in the concentration of the polar angle of PI3K to β-catenin in the range of 135° to 180° and the concentration of the polar angle of pMLC to β-catenin in the range of 0° to 45° in the contact group. Inhibition of integrin function led to inhibition of the polarity distribution of PI3K in the contact group, but did not change the polarity distribution of pMLC protein. The effect of N-cadherin on the polarity distributions of PI3K and pMLC was similar to that of integrin. However, inhibition of the mechanical adhesion of N-cadherin led to inhibition of the polarity intensity and polarity angle distribution of PI3K and pMLC proteins in the contact group. Furthermore, inhibition of the mechanical adhesion of N-cadherin caused weakened polarity intensity of integrin β1, reducing the proportion of cells with polarity angles between integrin β1 and β-catenin concentrating in the range of 135° to 180°. Additionally, intracellular forces influenced the polar distribution of PI3K and pMLC proteins. Reducing intracellular forces weakened the polarity intensity of PI3K and pMLC proteins and their polarity distribution, while increasing intracellular forces enhanced the polarity intensity of PI3K and pMLC proteins and their polarity distribution. Conclusion Integrin and N-cadherin co-regulate the polarity distribution of cell proteins and N-cadherin can play an important role in the polarity regulation of stem cells through local inhibition of integrin.
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Affiliation(s)
- 欢 张
- 西安交通大学生命科学与技术学院 生物信息工程教育部重点实验室 (西安 710049)The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
- 西安交通大学生命科学与技术学院 仿生工程与生物力学研究所 (西安 710049)Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - 卓雅 李
- 西安交通大学生命科学与技术学院 生物信息工程教育部重点实验室 (西安 710049)The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
- 西安交通大学生命科学与技术学院 仿生工程与生物力学研究所 (西安 710049)Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - 敏 林
- 西安交通大学生命科学与技术学院 生物信息工程教育部重点实验室 (西安 710049)The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
- 西安交通大学生命科学与技术学院 仿生工程与生物力学研究所 (西安 710049)Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
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19
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Liu Y, Jiao Y, Li X, Li G, Wang W, Liu Z, Qin D, Zhong L, Liu L, Shuai J, Li Z. An entropy-based approach for assessing the directional persistence of cell migration. Biophys J 2024; 123:730-744. [PMID: 38366586 PMCID: PMC10995411 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.02.010] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell migration, which is primarily characterized by directional persistence, is essential for the development of normal tissues and organs, as well as for numerous pathological processes. However, there is a lack of simple and efficient tools to analyze the systematic properties of persistence based on cellular trajectory data. Here, we present a novel approach, the entropy of angular distribution , which combines cellular turning dynamics and Shannon entropy to explore the statistical and time-varying properties of persistence that strongly correlate with cellular migration modes. Our results reveal the changes in the persistence of multiple cell lines that are tightly regulated by both intra- and extracellular cues, including Arpin protein, collagen gel/substrate, and physical constraints. Significantly, some previously unreported distinctive details of persistence have also been captured, helping to elucidate how directional persistence is distributed and evolves in different cell populations. The analysis suggests that the entropy of angular distribution-based approach provides a powerful metric for evaluating directional persistence and enables us to better understand the relationships between cellular behaviors and multiscale cues, which also provides some insights into the migration dynamics of cell populations, such as collective cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Materials Science and Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona; Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Xinwei Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoqiang Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Environmental Materials and Remediation Technologies, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhichao Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Dui Qin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Lisha Zhong
- School of Medical Information and Engineering, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Liyu Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Smart Materials, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianwei Shuai
- Department of Physics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Zhangyong Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China.
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20
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Liu Y, Jiao Y, Fan Q, Li X, Liu Z, Qin D, Hu J, Liu L, Shuai J, Li Z. Morphological entropy encodes cellular migration strategies on multiple length scales. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2024; 10:26. [PMID: 38453929 PMCID: PMC10920856 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00353-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell migration is crucial for numerous physiological and pathological processes. A cell adapts its morphology, including the overall and nuclear morphology, in response to various cues in complex microenvironments, such as topotaxis and chemotaxis during migration. Thus, the dynamics of cellular morphology can encode migration strategies, from which diverse migration mechanisms can be inferred. However, deciphering the mechanisms behind cell migration encoded in morphology dynamics remains a challenging problem. Here, we present a powerful universal metric, the Cell Morphological Entropy (CME), developed by combining parametric morphological analysis with Shannon entropy. The utility of CME, which accurately quantifies the complex cellular morphology at multiple length scales through the deviation from a perfectly circular shape, is illustrated using a variety of normal and tumor cell lines in different in vitro microenvironments. Our results show how geometric constraints affect the MDA-MB-231 cell nucleus, the emerging interactions of MCF-10A cells migrating on collagen gel, and the critical transition from proliferation to invasion in tumor spheroids. The analysis demonstrates that the CME-based approach provides an effective and physically interpretable tool to measure morphology in real-time across multiple length scales. It provides deeper insight into cell migration and contributes to the understanding of different behavioral modes and collective cell motility in more complex microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yang Jiao
- Materials Science and Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Qihui Fan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinwei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhichao Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Dui Qin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Neurology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liyu Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Smart Materials, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianwei Shuai
- Department of Physics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Zhangyong Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China.
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21
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Pajic-Lijakovic I, Milivojevic M. Collective durotaxis along a self-generated mobile stiffness gradient in vivo. Biosystems 2024; 237:105155. [PMID: 38367761 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2024.105155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
A crucial aspect of tissue self-organization during morphogenesis, wound healing, and cancer invasion is directed migration of cell collectives. The majority of in vivo directed migration has been guided by chemotaxis, whereby cells follow a chemical gradient. In certain situations, migrating cell collectives can also self-generate the stiffness gradient in the surrounding tissue, which can have a feedback effect on the directionality of the migration. The phenomenon has been observed during collective durotaxis in vivo. Along the biointerface between neighbouring tissues, heterotypic cell-cell interactions are the main cause of this self-generated stiffness gradient. The physical processes in charge of tissue self-organization along the biointerface, which are related to the interplay between cell signalling and the formation of heterotypic cell-cell adhesion contacts, are less well-developed than the biological mechanisms of the cellular interactions. This complex phenomenon is discussed here in the model system, such as collective migration of neural crest cells between ectodermal placode and mesoderm subpopulations within Xenopus embryos by pointing to the role of the dynamics along the biointerface between adjacent cell subpopulations on the subpopulation stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Pajic-Lijakovic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Department of Chemical Engineering, Karnegijeva 4, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
| | - Milan Milivojevic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Department of Chemical Engineering, Karnegijeva 4, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
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22
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Luciano M, Versaevel M, Kalukula Y, Gabriele S. Mechanoresponse of Curved Epithelial Monolayers Lining Bowl-Shaped 3D Microwells. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2203377. [PMID: 37820698 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The optimal functioning of many organs relies on the curved architecture of their epithelial tissues. However, the mechanoresponse of epithelia to changes in curvature remains misunderstood. Here, bowl-shaped microwells in hydrogels are designed via photopolymerization to faithfully replicate the shape and dimensions of lobular structures. Leveraging these hydrogel-based microwells, curved epithelial monolayers are engineered, and how in-plane and Gaussian curvatures at the microwell entrance influence epithelial behavior is investigated. Cells and nuclei around the microwell edge display a more pronounced centripetal orientation as the in-plane curvature decreases, and enhanced cell straightness and speed. Moreover, cells reorganize their actin cytoskeleton by forming a supracellular actin cable at the microwell edge, with its size becoming more pronounced as the in-plane curvature decreases. The Gaussian curvature at the microwell entrance enhances the maturation of the supracellular actin cable architecture and leads to a vertical orientation of nuclei toward the bottom of the microwell. Increasing Gaussian curvature results in flattened and elongated nuclear morphologies characterized by highly compacted chromatin states. This approach provides better understanding of the mechanoresponse of curved epithelial monolayers curvatures lining lobular structures. In addition, bowl-shaped microwells offer a powerful platform to study curvature-dependent mechanotransduction pathways in anatomically relevant 3D structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Luciano
- Mechanobiology & Biomaterials Group, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, Mons, B-7000, Belgium
| | - Marie Versaevel
- Mechanobiology & Biomaterials Group, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, Mons, B-7000, Belgium
| | - Yohalie Kalukula
- Mechanobiology & Biomaterials Group, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, Mons, B-7000, Belgium
| | - Sylvain Gabriele
- Mechanobiology & Biomaterials Group, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, Mons, B-7000, Belgium
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23
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Li M, Sun H, Hou Z, Hao S, Jin L, Wang B. Engineering the Physical Microenvironment into Neural Organoids for Neurogenesis and Neurodevelopment. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306451. [PMID: 37771182 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306451] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the signals from the physical microenvironment is critical for deciphering the processes of neurogenesis and neurodevelopment. The discovery of how surrounding physical signals shape human developing neurons is hindered by the bottleneck of conventional cell culture and animal models. Notwithstanding neural organoids provide a promising platform for recapitulating human neurogenesis and neurodevelopment, building neuronal physical microenvironment that accurately mimics the native neurophysical features is largely ignored in current organoid technologies. Here, it is discussed how the physical microenvironment modulates critical events during the periods of neurogenesis and neurodevelopment, such as neural stem cell fates, neural tube closure, neuronal migration, axonal guidance, optic cup formation, and cortical folding. Although animal models are widely used to investigate the impacts of physical factors on neurodevelopment and neuropathy, the important roles of human stem cell-derived neural organoids in this field are particularly highlighted. Considering the great promise of human organoids, building neural organoid microenvironments with mechanical forces, electrophysiological microsystems, and light manipulation will help to fully understand the physical cues in neurodevelopmental processes. Neural organoids combined with cutting-edge techniques, such as advanced atomic force microscopes, microrobots, and structural color biomaterials might promote the development of neural organoid-based research and neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Heng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Zongkun Hou
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Engineering Research Center of Cellular Immunotherapy of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Shilei Hao
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Liang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Bochu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
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24
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Lei M, Wang W, Zhang H, Gong J, Wang Z, Cai H, Yang X, Wang S, Ma C. Cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion regulated by Piezo1 is critical for stiffness-dependent DRG neuron aggregation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113522. [PMID: 38048221 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113522] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is characterized by the dense clustering of primary sensory neuron bodies, with their axons extending to target tissues for sensory perception. The close physical proximity of DRG neurons facilitates the integration and amplification of somatosensation, ensuring normal physiological functioning. However, the mechanism underlying DRG neuron aggregation was unclear. In our study, we culture DRG neurons from newborn rats on substrates with varying stiffness and observe that the aggregation of DRG neurons is influenced by mechanical signals arising from substrate stiffness. Moreover, we identify Piezo1 as the mechanosensor responsible for DRG neurons' ability to sense different substrate stiffness. We further demonstrate that the Piezo1-calpain-integrin-β1/E-cadherin signaling cascade regulates the aggregation of DRG neurons. These findings deepen our understanding of the mechanisms involved in histogenesis and potential disease development, as mechanical signals arising from substrate stiffness play a crucial role in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshi Lei
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Weiyou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jihong Gong
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, Laboratory of Membrane Ion Channels and Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhili Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Hanmian Cai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaofei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, Laboratory of Membrane Ion Channels and Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Cong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
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25
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Lenne PF, Tlili S. Learning the mechanobiology of development from gastruloids. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:417-422. [PMID: 38054574 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Gastruloids acquire their organization and shape through cell biochemical and mechanical activities. Such activities determine the physical forces and changes in material properties that transform simple spherical aggregates into organized tissues. In this Perspective, we discuss why the concepts and approaches of mechanobiology, a discipline that focuses on cell and tissue mechanics and its contribution to the organization and functions of living systems, are essential to the gastruloid field and, in turn, what gastruloids may teach us about mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-François Lenne
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM (UMR 7288), Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Sham Tlili
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM (UMR 7288), Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
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26
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Boutillon A. Organizing collective cell migration through guidance by followers. C R Biol 2023; 346:117-126. [PMID: 38095130 DOI: 10.5802/crbiol.145] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Morphogenesis, wound healing, and some cancer metastases rely on the collective migration of groups of cells. In these processes, guidance and coordination between cells and tissues are critical. While strongly adherent epithelial cells have to move collectively, loosely organized mesenchymal cells can migrate as individual cells. Nevertheless, many of them migrate collectively. This article summarizes how migratory reactions to cell-cell contacts, also called "contact regulation of locomotion" behaviors, organize mesenchymal collective cell migration. It focuses on one recently discovered mechanism called "guidance by followers", through which a cell is oriented by its immediate followers. In the gastrulating zebrafish embryo, during embryonic axis elongation, this phenomenon is responsible for the collective migration of the leading tissue, the polster, and its guidance by the following posterior axial mesoderm. Such guidance of migrating cells by followers ensures long-range coordination of movements and developmental robustness. Along with other "contact regulation of locomotion" behaviors, this mechanism contributes to organizing collective migration of loose populations of cells.
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27
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Polsani N, Yung T, Thomas E, Phung-Rojas M, Gupta I, Denker J, Feng X, Ibarra B, Hopyan S, Atit RP. Mesenchymal Wnts are required for morphogenetic movements of calvarial osteoblasts during apical expansion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.05.570300. [PMID: 38106005 PMCID: PMC10723314 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.05.570300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Apical expansion of calvarial osteoblast progenitors from the cranial mesenchyme (CM) above the eye is integral for calvarial growth and enclosure of the brain. The cellular behaviors and signals underlying the morphogenetic process of calvarial expansion are unknown. During apical expansion, we found that mouse calvarial primordia have consistent cellular proliferation, density, and survival with complex tissue scale deformations, raising the possibility that morphogenetic movements underlie expansion. Time lapse light sheet imaging of mouse embryos revealed that calvarial progenitors intercalate in 3D to converge supraorbital arch mesenchyme mediolaterally and extend it apically. In contrast, progenitors located further apically exhibited protrusive and crawling activity. CM cells express non-canonical Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) core components and calvarial osteoblasts are bidirectionally polarized. We found non-canonical ligand, Wnt5a-/- mutants have less dynamic cell rearrangements, protrusive activity, and a flattened head shape. Loss of cranial mesenchyme-restricted Wntless (CM-Wls), a gene required for secretion of all Wnt ligands, led to diminished apical expansion of OSX+ calvarial osteoblasts in the frontal bone primordia in a non-cell autonomous manner without perturbing proliferation or survival. Calvarial osteoblast polarization, progressive cell elongation and enrichment for actin cytoskeleton protein along the baso-apical axis were dependent on CM-Wnts. Thus, CM-Wnts regulate cellular behaviors during calvarial morphogenesis and provide tissue level cues for efficient apical expansion of calvarial osteoblasts. These findings also offer potential insights into the etiologies of calvarial dysplasias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikaya Polsani
- Department of Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Theodora Yung
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Evan Thomas
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Melissa Phung-Rojas
- Department of Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Isha Gupta
- Department of Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Julie Denker
- Department of Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Xiaotian Feng
- Department of Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Beatriz Ibarra
- Department of Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Sevan Hopyan
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Division of Orthopedics, The Hospital for Sick Children and Departments of Molecular Genetics and Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Radhika P. Atit
- Department of Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Dermatology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
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28
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Lewns FK, Tsigkou O, Cox LR, Wildman RD, Grover LM, Poologasundarampillai G. Hydrogels and Bioprinting in Bone Tissue Engineering: Creating Artificial Stem-Cell Niches for In Vitro Models. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2301670. [PMID: 37087739 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Advances in bioprinting have enabled the fabrication of complex tissue constructs with high speed and resolution. However, there remains significant structural and biological complexity within tissues that bioprinting is unable to recapitulate. Bone, for example, has a hierarchical organization ranging from the molecular to whole organ level. Current bioprinting techniques and the materials employed have imposed limits on the scale, speed, and resolution that can be achieved, rendering the technique unable to reproduce the structural hierarchies and cell-matrix interactions that are observed in bone. The shift toward biomimetic approaches in bone tissue engineering, where hydrogels provide biophysical and biochemical cues to encapsulated cells, is a promising approach to enhancing the biological function and development of tissues for in vitro modeling. A major focus in bioprinting of bone tissue for in vitro modeling is creating dynamic microenvironmental niches to support, stimulate, and direct the cellular processes for bone formation and remodeling. Hydrogels are ideal materials for imitating the extracellular matrix since they can be engineered to present various cues whilst allowing bioprinting. Here, recent advances in hydrogels and 3D bioprinting toward creating a microenvironmental niche that is conducive to tissue engineering of in vitro models of bone are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca K Lewns
- School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B5 7EG, UK
| | - Olga Tsigkou
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 5GF, UK
| | - Liam R Cox
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ricky D Wildman
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Liam M Grover
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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29
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Ji C, Huang Y. Durotaxis and negative durotaxis: where should cells go? Commun Biol 2023; 6:1169. [PMID: 37973823 PMCID: PMC10654570 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05554-y] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Durotaxis and negative durotaxis are processes in which cell migration is directed by extracellular stiffness. Durotaxis is the tendency of cells to migrate toward stiffer areas, while negative durotaxis occurs when cells migrate toward regions with lower stiffness. The mechanisms of both processes are not yet fully understood. Additionally, the connection between durotaxis and negative durotaxis remains unclear. In this review, we compare the mechanisms underlying durotaxis and negative durotaxis, summarize the basic principles of both, discuss the possible reasons why some cell types exhibit durotaxis while others exhibit negative durotaxis, propose mechanisms of switching between these processes, and emphasize the challenges in the investigation of durotaxis and negative durotaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Ji
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Yuxing Huang
- Center for Precision Medicine Multi-Omics Research, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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30
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Pajic-Lijakovic I, Milivojevic M. Physics of collective cell migration. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2023; 52:625-640. [PMID: 37707627 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-023-01681-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Movement of cell clusters along extracellular matrices (ECM) during tissue development, wound healing, and early stage of cancer invasion involve various inter-connected migration modes such as: (1) cell movement within clusters, (2) cluster extension (wetting) and compression (de-wetting), and (3) directional cluster movement. It has become increasingly evident that dilational and volumetric viscoelasticity of cell clusters and their surrounding substrate significantly influence these migration modes through physical parameters such as: tissue and matrix surface tensions, interfacial tension between cells and substrate, gradients of surface and interfacial tensions, as well as, the accumulation of cell and matrix residual stresses. Inhomogeneous distribution of tissue surface tension along the cell-matrix biointerface can appear as a consequence of different contractility of various cluster regions. While the directional cell migration caused by the matrix stiffness gradient (i.e., durotaxis) has been widely elaborated, the structural changes of matrix surface caused by cell tractions which lead to the generation of the matrix surface tension gradient has not been considered yet. The main goal of this theoretical consideration is to clarify the roles of various physical parameters in collective cell migration based on the formulation of a biophysical model. This complex phenomenon is discussed with the help of model systems such as the movement of cell clusters on a collagen I gel matrix, simultaneously reviewing various experimental data with and without cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Pajic-Lijakovic
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade University, Karnegijeva 4, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Milan Milivojevic
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade University, Karnegijeva 4, Belgrade, Serbia
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31
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Zhang Q, Xie T, Yi X, Xing G, Feng S, Chen S, Li Y, Lin JM. Microfluidic Aqueous Two-Phase Focusing of Chemical Species for In Situ Subcellular Stimulation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:45640-45650. [PMID: 37733946 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Confinement of chemical species in a controllable micrometer-level (several to a dozen micrometers) space in an aqueous environment is essential for precisely manipulating chemical events in subcellular regions. However, rapid diffusion and hard-to-control micrometer-level fluids make it a tough challenge. Here, a versatile open microfluidic method based on an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is developed to restrict species inside an open space with micron-level width. Unequal standard chemical potentials of the chemical species in two phases and space-time correspondence in the microfluidic system prevent outward diffusion across the phase interface, retaining the target species inside its preferred phase flow and creating a sharp boundary with a dramatic concentration change. Then, the chemical flow (the preferred phase with target chemical species) is precisely manipulated by a microfluidic probe, which can be compressed to a micron-level width and aimed at an arbitrary position of the sample. As a demonstration of the feasibility and versatility of the strategy, chemical flow is successfully applied to subcellular regions of various kinds of living single cells. Subcellular regions are successfully labeled (cytomembrane and mitochondria) and damaged. Healing-regeneration behaviors of living single cells are triggered by subcellular damage and analyzed. The method is relatively general regarding the species of chemicals and biosamples, which could promote deeper cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tianze Xie
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xizhen Yi
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Gaowa Xing
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuo Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shulang Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jin-Ming Lin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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32
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Cao S, Wei Y, Bo R, Yun X, Xu S, Guan Y, Zhao J, Lan Y, Zhang B, Xiong Y, Jin T, Lai Y, Chang J, Zhao Q, Wei M, Shao Y, Quan Q, Zhang Y. Inversely engineered biomimetic flexible network scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi8606. [PMID: 37756408 PMCID: PMC10530085 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi8606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Graft-host mechanical mismatch has been a longstanding issue in clinical applications of synthetic scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration. Although numerous efforts have been devoted to resolve this grand challenge, the regenerative performance of existing synthetic scaffolds remains limited by slow tissue growth (comparing to autograft) and mechanical failures. We demonstrate a class of rationally designed flexible network scaffolds that can precisely replicate nonlinear mechanical responses of soft tissues and enhance tissue regeneration via reduced graft-host mechanical mismatch. Such flexible network scaffold includes a tubular network frame containing inversely engineered curved microstructures to produce desired mechanical properties, with an electrospun ultrathin film wrapped around the network to offer a proper microenvironment for cell growth. Using rat models with sciatic nerve defects or Achilles tendon injuries, our network scaffolds show regenerative performances evidently superior to that of clinically approved electrospun conduit scaffolds and achieve similar outcomes to autologous nerve transplantation in prevention of target organ atrophy and recovery of static sciatic index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunze Cao
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Renheng Bo
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
| | - Xing Yun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Shiwei Xu
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
| | - Yanjun Guan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries PLA, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
- Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100142, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jianzhong Zhao
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
| | - Yu Lan
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhang
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
| | - Yingjie Xiong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries PLA, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
- Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100142, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tianqi Jin
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
| | - Yuchen Lai
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
| | - Jiahui Chang
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries PLA, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
- Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100142, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Min Wei
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Yue Shao
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
| | - Qi Quan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries PLA, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
- Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100142, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yihui Zhang
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
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33
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Messer CL, McDonald JA. Expect the unexpected: conventional and unconventional roles for cadherins in collective cell migration. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:1495-1504. [PMID: 37387360 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221202] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Migrating cell collectives navigate complex tissue environments both during normal development and in pathological contexts such as tumor invasion and metastasis. To do this, cells in collectives must stay together but also communicate information across the group. The cadherin superfamily of proteins mediates junctional adhesions between cells, but also serve many essential functions in collective cell migration. Besides keeping migrating cell collectives cohesive, cadherins help follower cells maintain their attachment to leader cells, transfer information about front-rear polarity among the cohort, sense and respond to changes in the tissue environment, and promote intracellular signaling, in addition to other cellular behaviors. In this review, we highlight recent studies that reveal diverse but critical roles for both classical and atypical cadherins in collective cell migration, specifically focusing on four in vivo model systems in development: the Drosophila border cells, zebrafish mesendodermal cells, Drosophila follicle rotation, and Xenopus neural crest cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Luke Messer
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, U.S.A
| | - Jocelyn A McDonald
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, U.S.A
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Le HA, Mayor R. Cell-matrix and cell-cell interaction mechanics in guiding migration. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:1733-1745. [PMID: 37610008 PMCID: PMC10586762 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Physical properties of tissue are increasingly recognised as major regulatory cues affecting cell behaviours, particularly cell migration. While these properties of the extracellular matrix have been extensively discussed, the contribution from the cellular components that make up the tissue are still poorly appreciated. In this mini-review, we will discuss two major physical components: stiffness and topology with a stronger focus on cell-cell interactions and how these can impact cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Anh Le
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K
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35
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Nekooie Marnany N, Fodil R, Féréol S, Dady A, Depp M, Relaix F, Motterlini R, Foresti R, Duband JL, Dufour S. Glucose oxidation drives trunk neural crest cell development and fate. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260607. [PMID: 37589341 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioenergetic metabolism is a key regulator of cellular function and signaling, but how it can instruct the behavior of cells and their fate during embryonic development remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of glucose metabolism in the development of avian trunk neural crest cells (NCCs), a migratory stem cell population of the vertebrate embryo. We uncovered that trunk NCCs display glucose oxidation as a prominent metabolic phenotype, in contrast to what is seen for cranial NCCs, which instead rely on aerobic glycolysis. In addition, only one pathway downstream of glucose uptake is not sufficient for trunk NCC development. Indeed, glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration and the pentose phosphate pathway are all mobilized and integrated for the coordinated execution of diverse cellular programs, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, adhesion, locomotion, proliferation and differentiation, through regulation of specific gene expression. In the absence of glucose, the OXPHOS pathway fueled by pyruvate failed to promote trunk NCC adaptation to environmental stiffness, stemness maintenance and fate-decision making. These findings highlight the need for trunk NCCs to make the most of the glucose pathway potential to meet the high metabolic demands appropriate for their development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Redouane Fodil
- Université Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Sophie Féréol
- Université Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Alwyn Dady
- Laboratoire Gly-CRRET, Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94000 Créteil, France
| | - Marine Depp
- Université Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Frederic Relaix
- Université Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, 94010 Créteil, France
| | | | - Roberta Foresti
- Université Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Jean-Loup Duband
- Université Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Sylvie Dufour
- Université Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, 94010 Créteil, France
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36
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Skillin NP, Kirkpatrick BE, Herbert KM, Nelson BR, Hach GK, Günay KA, Khan RM, DelRio FW, White TJ, Anseth KS. Stiffness anisotropy coordinates supracellular contractility driving long-range myotube-ECM alignment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.08.552197. [PMID: 37609145 PMCID: PMC10441277 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.08.552197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
In skeletal muscle tissue, injury-related changes in stiffness activate muscle stem cells through mechanosensitive signaling pathways. Functional muscle tissue regeneration also requires the effective coordination of myoblast proliferation, migration, polarization, differentiation, and fusion across multiple length scales. Here, we demonstrate that substrate stiffness anisotropy coordinates contractility-driven collective cellular dynamics resulting in C2C12 myotube alignment over millimeter-scale distances. When cultured on mechanically anisotropic liquid crystalline polymer networks (LCNs) lacking topographic features that could confer contact guidance, C2C12 myoblasts collectively polarize in the stiffest direction of the substrate. Cellular coordination is amplified through reciprocal cell-ECM dynamics that emerge during fusion, driving global myotube-ECM ordering. Conversely, myotube alignment was restricted to small local domains with no directional preference on mechanically isotropic LCNs of same chemical formulation. These findings reveal a role for stiffness anisotropy in coordinating emergent collective cellular dynamics, with implications for understanding skeletal muscle tissue development and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel P. Skillin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Bruce E. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Katie M. Herbert
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Benjamin R. Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Grace K. Hach
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Kemal Arda Günay
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Ryan M. Khan
- Material, Physical, and Chemical Sciences Center, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, 87185, USA
| | - Frank W. DelRio
- Material, Physical, and Chemical Sciences Center, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, 87185, USA
| | - Timothy J. White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Lead contact
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37
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Ruppel A, Wörthmüller D, Misiak V, Kelkar M, Wang I, Moreau P, Méry A, Révilloud J, Charras G, Cappello G, Boudou T, Schwarz US, Balland M. Force propagation between epithelial cells depends on active coupling and mechano-structural polarization. eLife 2023; 12:e83588. [PMID: 37548995 PMCID: PMC10511242 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-generated forces play a major role in coordinating the large-scale behavior of cell assemblies, in particular during development, wound healing, and cancer. Mechanical signals propagate faster than biochemical signals, but can have similar effects, especially in epithelial tissues with strong cell-cell adhesion. However, a quantitative description of the transmission chain from force generation in a sender cell, force propagation across cell-cell boundaries, and the concomitant response of receiver cells is missing. For a quantitative analysis of this important situation, here we propose a minimal model system of two epithelial cells on an H-pattern ('cell doublet'). After optogenetically activating RhoA, a major regulator of cell contractility, in the sender cell, we measure the mechanical response of the receiver cell by traction force and monolayer stress microscopies. In general, we find that the receiver cells show an active response so that the cell doublet forms a coherent unit. However, force propagation and response of the receiver cell also strongly depend on the mechano-structural polarization in the cell assembly, which is controlled by cell-matrix adhesion to the adhesive micropattern. We find that the response of the receiver cell is stronger when the mechano-structural polarization axis is oriented perpendicular to the direction of force propagation, reminiscent of the Poisson effect in passive materials. We finally show that the same effects are at work in small tissues. Our work demonstrates that cellular organization and active mechanical response of a tissue are key to maintain signal strength and lead to the emergence of elasticity, which means that signals are not dissipated like in a viscous system, but can propagate over large distances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Ruppel
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhyGrenobleFrance
| | - Dennis Wörthmüller
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
- BioQuant–Center for Quantitative Biology, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | | | - Manasi Kelkar
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Irène Wang
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhyGrenobleFrance
| | | | - Adrien Méry
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhyGrenobleFrance
| | | | - Guillaume Charras
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Thomas Boudou
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhyGrenobleFrance
| | - Ulrich S Schwarz
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
- BioQuant–Center for Quantitative Biology, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
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38
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Gabbert AM, Campanale JP, Mondo JA, Mitchell NP, Myers A, Streichan SJ, Miolane N, Montell DJ. Septins regulate border cell surface geometry, shape, and motility downstream of Rho in Drosophila. Dev Cell 2023; 58:1399-1413.e5. [PMID: 37329886 PMCID: PMC10519140 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Septins self-assemble into polymers that bind and deform membranes in vitro and regulate diverse cell behaviors in vivo. How their in vitro properties relate to their in vivo functions is under active investigation. Here, we uncover requirements for septins in detachment and motility of border cell clusters in the Drosophila ovary. Septins and myosin colocalize dynamically at the cluster periphery and share phenotypes but, surprisingly, do not impact each other. Instead, Rho independently regulates myosin activity and septin localization. Active Rho recruits septins to membranes, whereas inactive Rho sequesters septins in the cytoplasm. Mathematical analyses identify how manipulating septin expression levels alters cluster surface texture and shape. This study shows that the level of septin expression differentially regulates surface properties at different scales. This work suggests that downstream of Rho, septins tune surface deformability while myosin controls contractility, the combination of which governs cluster shape and movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Gabbert
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Joseph P Campanale
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - James A Mondo
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Noah P Mitchell
- Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; Physics Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Adele Myers
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Sebastian J Streichan
- Physics Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Nina Miolane
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Denise J Montell
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.
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39
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Feng L, Zhao T, Xu H, Shi X, Li C, Hsia KJ, Zhang S. Physical forces guide curvature sensing and cell migration mode bifurcating. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad237. [PMID: 37680491 PMCID: PMC10482382 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and adapt to curvy topographical features has been implicated in organ morphogenesis, tissue repair, and tumor metastasis. However, how individual cells or multicellular assemblies sense and differentiate curvatures remains elusive. Here, we reveal a curvature sensing mechanism in which surface tension can selectively activate either actin or integrin flows, leading to bifurcating cell migration modes: focal adhesion formation that enables cell crawling at convex front edges and actin cable assembly that pulls cells forward at concave front edges. The molecular flows and curved front morphogenesis are sustained by coordinated cellular tension generation and transmission. We track the molecular flows and mechanical force transduction pathways by a phase-field model, which predicts that multicellular curvature sensing is more efficient than individual cells, suggesting collective intelligence of cells. The unique ability of cells in curvature sensing and migration mode bifurcating may offer insights into emergent collective patterns and functions of living active systems at different length scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyi Feng
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Tiankai Zhao
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Hongmei Xu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Xuechen Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Changhao Li
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - K Jimmy Hsia
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Sulin Zhang
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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40
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Lencer E, Rains A, Binne E, Prekeris R, Artinger KB. Mutations in cdon and boc affect trunk neural crest cell migration and slow-twitch muscle development in zebrafish. Development 2023; 150:dev201304. [PMID: 37390228 PMCID: PMC10357035 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The transmembrane proteins cdon and boc are implicated in regulating hedgehog signaling during vertebrate development. Recent work showing roles for these genes in axon guidance and neural crest cell migration suggest that cdon and boc may play additional functions in regulating directed cell movements. We use newly generated and existing mutants to investigate a role for cdon and boc in zebrafish neural crest cell migration. We find that single mutant embryos exhibit normal neural crest phenotypes, but that neural crest migration is strikingly disrupted in double cdon;boc mutant embryos. We further show that this migration phenotype is associated with defects in the differentiation of slow-twitch muscle cells, and the loss of a Col1a1a-containing extracellular matrix, suggesting that neural crest defects may be a secondary consequence to defects in mesoderm development. Combined, our data add to a growing literature showing that cdon and boc act synergistically to promote hedgehog signaling during vertebrate development, and suggest that the zebrafish can be used to study the function of hedgehog receptor paralogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezra Lencer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Addison Rains
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Development Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Erin Binne
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rytis Prekeris
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kristin B. Artinger
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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41
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Joshi IM, Mansouri M, Ahmed A, Simon RA, Bambizi PE, Desa DE, Elias TM, Brown EB, Abhyankar VV. Microengineering 3D Collagen Matrices with Tumor-Mimetic Gradients in Fiber Alignment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.09.548253. [PMID: 37502844 PMCID: PMC10369918 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.09.548253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment (TME), collagen fibers facilitate tumor cell migration through the extracellular matrix. Previous studies have focused on studying the responses of cells on uniformly aligned or randomly aligned collagen fibers. However, the in vivo environment also features spatial gradients in alignment, which arise from the local reorganization of the matrix architecture due to cell-induced traction forces. Although there has been extensive research on how cells respond to graded biophysical cues, such as stiffness, porosity, and ligand density, the cellular responses to physiological fiber alignment gradients have been largely unexplored. This is due, in part, to a lack of robust experimental techniques to create controlled alignment gradients in natural materials. In this study, we image tumor biopsy samples and characterize the alignment gradients present in the TME. To replicate physiological gradients, we introduce a first-of-its-kind biofabrication technique that utilizes a microfluidic channel with constricting and expanding geometry to engineer 3D collagen hydrogels with tunable fiber alignment gradients that range from sub-millimeter to millimeter length scales. Our modular approach allows easy access to the microengineered gradient gels, and we demonstrate that HUVECs migrate in response to the fiber architecture. We provide preliminary evidence suggesting that MDA-MB-231 cell aggregates, patterned onto a specific location on the alignment gradient, exhibit preferential migration towards increasing alignment. This finding suggests that alignment gradients could serve as an additional taxis cue in the ECM. Importantly, our study represents the first successful engineering of continuous gradients of fiber alignment in soft, natural materials. We anticipate that our user-friendly platform, which needs no specialized equipment, will offer new experimental capabilities to study the impact of fiber-based contact guidance on directed cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil M. Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Mehran Mansouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Adeel Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Richard A. Simon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | | | - Danielle E. Desa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Tresa M. Elias
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Edward B. Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Vinay V. Abhyankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
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42
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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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43
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Liu X, Jones WD, Quesnel-Vallières M, Devadiga SA, Lorent K, Valvezan AJ, Myers RL, Li N, Lengner CJ, Barash Y, Pack M, Klein PS. The Tumor Suppressor Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (apc) Is Required for Neural Crest-Dependent Craniofacial Development in Zebrafish. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:29. [PMID: 37489330 PMCID: PMC10366761 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11030029] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural crest (NC) is a unique vertebrate cell type arising from the border of the neural plate and epidermis that gives rise to diverse tissues along the entire body axis. Roberto Mayor and colleagues have made major contributions to our understanding of NC induction, delamination, and migration. We report that a truncating mutation of the classical tumor suppressor Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (apc) disrupts craniofacial development in zebrafish larvae, with a marked reduction in the cranial neural crest (CNC) cells that contribute to mandibular and hyoid pharyngeal arches. While the mechanism is not yet clear, the altered expression of signaling molecules that guide CNC migration could underlie this phenotype. For example, apcmcr/mcr larvae express substantially higher levels of complement c3, which Mayor and colleagues showed impairs CNC cell migration when overexpressed. However, we also observe reduction in stroma-derived factor 1 (sdf1/cxcl12), which is required for CNC migration into the head. Consistent with our previous work showing that APC directly enhances the activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) and, independently, that GSK-3 phosphorylates multiple core mRNA splicing factors, we identify 340 mRNA splicing variations in apc mutant zebrafish, including a splice variant that deletes a conserved domain in semaphorin 3f (sema3f), an axonal guidance molecule and a known regulator of CNC migration. Here, we discuss potential roles for apc in CNC development in the context of some of the seminal findings of Mayor and colleagues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Liu
- Department of Medicine (Hematology-Oncology), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William D. Jones
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mathieu Quesnel-Vallières
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sudhish A. Devadiga
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kristin Lorent
- Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexander J. Valvezan
- Department of Medicine (Hematology-Oncology), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Myers
- Department of Medicine (Hematology-Oncology), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christopher J. Lengner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yoseph Barash
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Pack
- Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peter S. Klein
- Department of Medicine (Hematology-Oncology), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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44
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Shellard A, Mayor R. Sculpting with stiffness: rigidity as a regulator of morphogenesis. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:1009-1021. [PMID: 37114613 PMCID: PMC10317161 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
From a physical perspective, morphogenesis of tissues results from interplay between their material properties and the mechanical forces exerted on them. The importance of mechanical forces in influencing cell behaviour is widely recognised, whereas the importance of tissue material properties in vivo, like stiffness, has only begun to receive attention in recent years. In this mini-review, we highlight key themes and concepts that have emerged related to how tissue stiffness, a fundamental material property, guides various morphogenetic processes in living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Shellard
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K
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45
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Breau MA, Trembleau A. Chemical and mechanical control of axon fasciculation and defasciculation. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 140:72-81. [PMID: 35810068 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.06.014] [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: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Neural networks are constructed through the development of robust axonal projections from individual neurons, which ultimately establish connections with their targets. In most animals, developing axons assemble in bundles to navigate collectively across various areas within the central nervous system or the periphery, before they separate from these bundles in order to find their specific targets. These processes, called fasciculation and defasciculation respectively, were thought for many years to be controlled chemically: while guidance cues may attract or repulse axonal growth cones, adhesion molecules expressed at the surface of axons mediate their fasciculation. Recently, an additional non-chemical parameter, the mechanical longitudinal tension of axons, turned out to play a role in axon fasciculation and defasciculation, through zippering and unzippering of axon shafts. In this review, we present an integrated view of the currently known chemical and mechanical control of axon:axon dynamic interactions. We highlight the facts that the decision to cross or not to cross another axon depends on a combination of chemical, mechanical and geometrical parameters, and that the decision to fasciculate/defasciculate through zippering/unzippering relies on the balance between axon:axon adhesion and their mechanical tension. Finally, we speculate about possible functional implications of zippering-dependent axon shaft fasciculation, in the collective migration of axons, and in the sorting of subpopulations of axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Anne Breau
- Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR 7622), Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), Developmental Biology Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Alain Trembleau
- Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR8246), Inserm U1130, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), Neuroscience Paris Seine (NPS), Paris, France.
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46
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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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47
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Dowdell A, Paschke PI, Thomason PA, Tweedy L, Insall RH. Competition between chemoattractants causes unexpected complexity and can explain negative chemotaxis. Curr Biol 2023; 33:1704-1715.e3. [PMID: 37001521 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Negative chemotaxis, where eukaryotic cells migrate away from repellents, is important throughout biology, for example, in nervous system patterning and resolution of inflammation. However, the mechanisms by which molecules repel migrating cells are unknown. Here, we use predictive modeling and experiments with Dictyostelium cells to show that competition between different ligands that bind to the same receptor leads to effective chemorepulsion. 8-CPT-cAMP, widely described as a simple chemorepellent, is inactive on its own and only repels cells when it acts in combination with the attractant cAMP. If cells degrade either competing ligand, the pattern of migration becomes more complex; cells may be repelled in one part of a gradient but attracted elsewhere, leading to populations moving in different directions in the same assay or converging in an arbitrary place. More counterintuitively still, two chemicals that normally attract cells can become repellent when combined. Computational models of chemotaxis are now accurate enough to predict phenomena that have not been anticipated by experiments. We have used them to identify new mechanisms that drive reverse chemotaxis, which we have confirmed through experiments with real cells. These findings are important whenever multiple ligands compete for the same receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Dowdell
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; CRUK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Glasgow G63 9AE, UK
| | - Peggy I Paschke
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Glasgow G63 9AE, UK
| | | | - Luke Tweedy
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; CRUK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Glasgow G63 9AE, UK
| | - Robert H Insall
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; CRUK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Glasgow G63 9AE, UK.
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48
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Adameyko I. Evolutionary origin of the neural tube in basal deuterostomes. Curr Biol 2023; 33:R319-R331. [PMID: 37098338 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) of chordates, including humans, develops as a hollow tube with ciliated walls containing cerebrospinal fluid. However, most of the animals inhabiting our planet do not use this design and rather build their centralized brains from non-epithelialized condensations of neurons called ganglia, with no traces of epithelialized tubes or liquid-containing cavities. The evolutionary origin of tube-type CNSs stays enigmatic, especially as non-epithelialized ganglionic-type nervous systems dominate the animal kingdom. Here, I discuss recent findings relevant to understanding the potential homologies and scenarios of the origin, histology and anatomy of the chordate neural tube. The nerve cords of other deuterostomes might relate to the chordate neural tube at histological, developmental and cellular levels, including the presence of radial glia, layered stratification, retained epithelial features, morphogenesis via folding and formation of a lumen filled with liquid. Recent findings inspire a new view of hypothetical evolutionary scenarios explaining the tubular epithelialized structure of the CNS. One such idea suggests that early neural tubes were key for improved directional olfaction, which was facilitated by the liquid-containing internal cavity. The later separation of the olfactory portion of the tube led to the formation of the independent olfactory and posterior tubular CNS systems in vertebrates. According to an alternative hypothesis, the thick basiepithelial nerve cords could provide deuterostome ancestors with additional biomechanical support, which later improved by turning the basiepithelial cord into a tube filled with liquid - a hydraulic skeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Adameyko
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, 17165, Sweden.
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49
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Nguyen RY, Cabral AT, Rossello-Martinez A, Zulli A, Gong X, Zhang Q, Yan J, Mak M. Tunable Mesoscopic Collagen Island Architectures Modulate Stem Cell Behavior. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2207882. [PMID: 36895051 PMCID: PMC10166061 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207882] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is the biophysical environment that scaffolds mammalian cells in the body. The main constituent is collagen. In physiological tissues, collagen network topology is diverse with complex mesoscopic features. While studies have explored the roles of collagen density and stiffness, the impact of complex architectures remains not well-understood. Developing in vitro systems that recapitulate these diverse collagen architectures is critical for understanding physiologically relevant cell behaviors. Here, methods are developed to induce the formation of heterogeneous mesoscopic architectures, referred to as collagen islands, in collagen hydrogels. These island-containing gels have highly tunable inclusions and mechanical properties. Although these gels are globally soft, there is regional enrichment in the collagen concentration at the cell-scale. Collagen-island architectures are utilized to study mesenchymal stem cell behavior, and it is demonstrated that cell migration and osteogenic differentiation are altered. Finally, induced pluripotent stem cells are cultured in island-containing gels, and it is shown that the architecture is sufficient to induce mesodermal differentiation. Overall, this work highlights complex mesoscopic tissue architectures as bioactive cues in regulating cell behavior and presents a novel collagen-based hydrogel that captures these features for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Y. Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aidan T. Cabral
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Alessandro Zulli
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiangyu Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Qiuting Zhang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jing Yan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael Mak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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50
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Insall RH. Receptors, enzymes and self-attraction as autocrine generators and amplifiers of chemotaxis and cell steering. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 81:102169. [PMID: 37075582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102169] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Cells create their own steering cues, or modify cues from their outside, for a number of reasons. These include generating optimal, legible directional information; probing their environments for information to help decide an optimal route; symmetry breaking; generating new patterns and complexity; and bringing together collectives such as neutrophil swarms. Recent advances include more mechanisms of self-steering, in particular by using cell-generated mechanical cues, and gradients of respired oxygen. An increasing number of cell types are being found to use self-steering, in particular immune cells responding to chemokines and mesodermal cells during gastrulation. Finally, receptor modification has emerged as an important limit on the range of neutrophil swarming, allowing cells to monitor other areas as well as coming together. Self-steering is thus emerging as a dominant feature of cell motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Insall
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK.
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