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Aydin H, Ozcelikkale A, Acar A. Exploiting Matrix Stiffness to Overcome Drug Resistance. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:4682-4700. [PMID: 38967485 PMCID: PMC11322920 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Drug resistance is arguably one of the biggest challenges facing cancer research today. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance in tumor progression and metastasis are essential in developing better treatment modalities. Given the matrix stiffness affecting the mechanotransduction capabilities of cancer cells, characterization of the related signal transduction pathways can provide a better understanding for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we aimed to summarize the recent advancements in tumor matrix biology in parallel to therapeutic approaches targeting matrix stiffness and its consequences in cellular processes in tumor progression and metastasis. The cellular processes governed by signal transduction pathways and their aberrant activation may result in activating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cancer stemness, and autophagy, which can be attributed to drug resistance. Developing therapeutic strategies to target these cellular processes in cancer biology will offer novel therapeutic approaches to tailor better personalized treatment modalities for clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan
Berk Aydin
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical
University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Altug Ozcelikkale
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical
University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
- Graduate
Program of Biomedical Engineering, Middle
East Technical University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Acar
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical
University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
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2
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López Melendez C, Monreal Romero HA, Carreño-Gallardo C, Martinez Mata G, Pacheco Santiesteban R, Pérez Piñon T, Pérez Piñon D, López Aguilar HA, Estrada Macias ME, Chacón-Nava JG. Formation of Olive-like TiO 2 Nanospheres in a Polymeric Mesh by Sol-Gel Method. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1875. [PMID: 39000730 PMCID: PMC11244030 DOI: 10.3390/polym16131875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Olive-like TiO2 (titanium dioxide), nanospheres compounds were synthesized. Polysaccharide (1-3 linked β-D galactapyranose and 1.4-linked 3.6 anyhdro-α-L-galactopyranose and titanium isopropoxide (IV) was used as a precursor in its formation. The powder sample was evaluated by scanning tunneling microscope, X-ray diffraction pattern, power spectral density, fast Fourier transform, differential thermal analysis, continuous wavelet transform, and isotropy texture analysis. The results demonstrate that these nanospheres can successfully be synthesized in a solution using a polysaccharide network by means of the sol-gel method. The synthesized olive-like TiO2 nanospheres have diameters ranging from 50 nm to 500 nm. The synthesis parameters, such as temperature, time, and concentration of the polysaccharide, were controlled in solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia López Melendez
- Department of Engineering and Materials, La Salle University, Avenue Lómas de Majalca 1120, Chihuahua CP 31625, Chih., Mexico
| | - Humberto Alejandro Monreal Romero
- Department of Biomaterials Science and Nanotechnology, University of Chihuahua (UACH), Avenue University, Chihuahua CP 31000, Chih., Mexico
| | - Caleb Carreño-Gallardo
- Advanced Materials Research Center, S.C. (CIMAV) and National Nanotechnology Laboratory, Avenue M. Cervantes 120, Industrial Complex Chihuahua, Chihuahua CP 31136, Chih., Mexico
| | - Guillermo Martinez Mata
- Department of Biomaterials Science and Nanotechnology, University of Chihuahua (UACH), Avenue University, Chihuahua CP 31000, Chih., Mexico
| | - Rosaura Pacheco Santiesteban
- Department of Biomaterials Science and Nanotechnology, University of Chihuahua (UACH), Avenue University, Chihuahua CP 31000, Chih., Mexico
| | - Teresa Pérez Piñon
- Department of Biomaterials Science and Nanotechnology, University of Chihuahua (UACH), Avenue University, Chihuahua CP 31000, Chih., Mexico
| | - Dagoberto Pérez Piñon
- Department of Polymers and Biomaterials, University of Chihuahua (UACH), University Circuit Campus II, Chihuahua CP 31000, Chih., Mexico
| | - Héctor Alfredo López Aguilar
- Department of Engineering and Materials, La Salle University, Avenue Lómas de Majalca 1120, Chihuahua CP 31625, Chih., Mexico
| | - Marvin Elco Estrada Macias
- Department of Biomaterials Science and Nanotechnology, University of Chihuahua (UACH), Avenue University, Chihuahua CP 31000, Chih., Mexico
| | - José Guadalupe Chacón-Nava
- Advanced Materials Research Center, S.C. (CIMAV) and National Nanotechnology Laboratory, Avenue M. Cervantes 120, Industrial Complex Chihuahua, Chihuahua CP 31136, Chih., Mexico
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3
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Mendová K, Otáhal M, Drab M, Daniel M. Size Matters: Rethinking Hertz Model Interpretation for Cell Mechanics Using AFM. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7186. [PMID: 39000293 PMCID: PMC11241038 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell mechanics are a biophysical indicator of cell state, such as cancer metastasis, leukocyte activation, and cell cycle progression. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a widely used technique to measure cell mechanics, where the Young modulus of a cell is usually derived from the Hertz contact model. However, the Hertz model assumes that the cell is an elastic, isotropic, and homogeneous material and that the indentation is small compared to the cell size. These assumptions neglect the effects of the cytoskeleton, cell size and shape, and cell environment on cell deformation. In this study, we investigated the influence of cell size on the estimated Young's modulus using liposomes as cell models. Liposomes were prepared with different sizes and filled with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or hyaluronic acid (HA) to mimic the cytoplasm. AFM was used to obtain the force indentation curves and fit them to the Hertz model. We found that the larger the liposome, the lower the estimated Young's modulus for both PBS-filled and HA-filled liposomes. This suggests that the Young modulus obtained from the Hertz model is not only a property of the cell material but also depends on the cell dimensions. Therefore, when comparing or interpreting cell mechanics using the Hertz model, it is essential to account for cell size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarína Mendová
- Department of Mechanics, Biomechanics and Mechatronics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Technická 4, 16000 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Martin Otáhal
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Náměstí Sítná 3105, 27201 Kladno, Czech Republic;
| | - Mitja Drab
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Matej Daniel
- Department of Mechanics, Biomechanics and Mechatronics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Technická 4, 16000 Prague, Czech Republic;
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4
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Hart NR. Paradoxes: Cholesterol and Hypoxia in Preeclampsia. Biomolecules 2024; 14:691. [PMID: 38927094 PMCID: PMC11201883 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia, a hypertensive disease of pregnancy of unknown etiology, is intensely studied as a model of cardiovascular disease (CVD) not only due to multiple shared pathologic elements but also because changes that develop over decades in CVD appear and resolve within days in preeclampsia. Those affected by preeclampsia and their offspring experience increased lifetime risks of CVD. At the systemic level, preeclampsia is characterized by increased cellular, membrane, and blood levels of cholesterol; however, cholesterol-dependent signaling, such as canonical Wnt/βcatenin, Hedgehog, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, is downregulated indicating a cholesterol deficit with the upregulation of cholesterol synthesis and efflux. Hypoxia-related signaling in preeclampsia also appears to be paradoxical with increased Hypoxia-Inducible Factors in the placenta but measurably increased oxygen in maternal blood in placental villous spaces. This review addresses the molecular mechanisms by which excessive systemic cholesterol and deficient cholesterol-dependent signaling may arise from the effects of dietary lipid variance and environmental membrane modifiers causing the cellular hypoxia that characterizes preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy R Hart
- PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
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5
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Hang JT, Wang H, Wang BC, Xu GK. Anisotropic power-law viscoelasticity of living cells is dominated by cytoskeletal network structure. Acta Biomater 2024; 180:197-205. [PMID: 38599439 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.04.002] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
During physiological and pathological processes, cells experience significant morphological alterations with the re-arrangement of cytoskeletal filaments, resulting in anisotropic viscoelasticity. Here, a structure-based cell model is proposed to study the anisotropic viscoelastic mechanical behaviors of living cells. We investigate how cell shape affects its creep responses in longitudinal and perpendicular directions. It is shown that cells exhibit power-law rheological behavior in both longitudinal and perpendicular directions under step stress, with a more solid-like behavior along the longitudinal direction. We reveal that the cell volume and cytoskeletal filament orientation, which have been neglected in most existing models, play a critical role in regulating cellular anisotropic viscoelasticity. The stiffness of the cell in both directions increases linearly with increasing its aspect ratio, due to the decrease of cell volume. Moreover, the increase in the cell's aspect ratio produces the aggregation of cytoskeletal filaments along the longitudinal direction, resulting in higher stiffness in this direction. It is also shown that the increase in cell's aspect ratio corresponds to a process of cellular ordering, which can be quantitatively characterized by the orientational entropy of cytoskeletal filaments. In addition, we present a simple yet robust method to establish the relationship between cell's aspect ratio and cell volume, thus providing a theoretical framework to capture the anisotropic viscoelastic behavior of cells. This study suggests that the structure-based cell models may be further developed to investigate cellular rheological responses to external mechanical stimuli and may be extended to the tissue scale. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The viscoelastic behaviors of cells hold significant importance in comprehending the roles of mechanical forces in embryo development, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. Here, a structure-based cell model is proposed to study the anisotropic viscoelastic mechanical behaviors of living cells. Our study highlights the crucial role of previously neglected factors, such as cell volume and cytoskeletal filament orientation, in regulating cellular anisotropic viscoelasticity. We further propose an orientational entropy of cytoskeletal filaments to quantitatively characterize the ordering process of cells with increasing aspect ratios. Moreover, we derived the analytical interrelationships between cell aspect ratio, cell stiffness, cell volume, and cytoskeletal fiber orientation. This study provides a theoretical framework to describe the anisotropic viscoelastic mechanical behavior of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiu-Tao Hang
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Bi-Cong Wang
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Guang-Kui Xu
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
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6
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Mierke CT. Phenotypic Heterogeneity, Bidirectionality, Universal Cues, Plasticity, Mechanics, and the Tumor Microenvironment Drive Cancer Metastasis. Biomolecules 2024; 14:184. [PMID: 38397421 PMCID: PMC10887446 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor diseases become a huge problem when they embark on a path that advances to malignancy, such as the process of metastasis. Cancer metastasis has been thoroughly investigated from a biological perspective in the past, whereas it has still been less explored from a physical perspective. Until now, the intraluminal pathway of cancer metastasis has received the most attention, while the interaction of cancer cells with macrophages has received little attention. Apart from the biochemical characteristics, tumor treatments also rely on the tumor microenvironment, which is recognized to be immunosuppressive and, as has recently been found, mechanically stimulates cancer cells and thus alters their functions. The review article highlights the interaction of cancer cells with other cells in the vascular metastatic route and discusses the impact of this intercellular interplay on the mechanical characteristics and subsequently on the functionality of cancer cells. For instance, macrophages can guide cancer cells on their intravascular route of cancer metastasis, whereby they can help to circumvent the adverse conditions within blood or lymphatic vessels. Macrophages induce microchannel tunneling that can possibly avoid mechanical forces during extra- and intravasation and reduce the forces within the vascular lumen due to vascular flow. The review article highlights the vascular route of cancer metastasis and discusses the key players in this traditional route. Moreover, the effects of flows during the process of metastasis are presented, and the effects of the microenvironment, such as mechanical influences, are characterized. Finally, the increased knowledge of cancer metastasis opens up new perspectives for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth System Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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7
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Suleimanov SK, Efremov YM, Klyucherev TO, Salimov EL, Ragimov AA, Timashev PS, Vlasova II. Radical-Generating Activity, Phagocytosis, and Mechanical Properties of Four Phenotypes of Human Macrophages. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1860. [PMID: 38339139 PMCID: PMC10855323 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are the major players and orchestrators of inflammatory response. Expressed proteins and secreted cytokines have been well studied for two polar macrophage phenotypes-pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory regenerative M2, but little is known about how the polarization modulates macrophage functions. In this study, we used biochemical and biophysical methods to compare the functional activity and mechanical properties of activated human macrophages differentiated from monocyte with GM-CSF (M0_GM) and M-CSF (M0_M) and polarized into M1 and M2 phenotypes, respectively. Unlike GM-CSF, which generates dormant cells with low activity, M-CSF confers functional activity on macrophages. M0_M and M2 macrophages had very similar functional characteristics-high reactive oxygen species (ROS) production level, and higher phagocytosis and survival compared to M1, while M1 macrophages showed the highest radical-generating activity but the lowest phagocytosis and survival among all phenotypes. All phenotypes decreased their height upon activation, but only M1 and M2 cells increased in stiffness, which can indicate a decrease in the migration ability of these cells and changes in their interactions with other cells. Our results demonstrated that while mechanical properties differ between M0 and polarized cells, all four phenotypes of monocyte-derived macrophages differ in their functional activities, namely in cytokine secretion, ROS production, and phagocytosis. Within the broad continuum of human macrophages obtained in experimental models and existing in vivo, there is a diversity of phenotypes with varying combinations of both markers and functional activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakir K. Suleimanov
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.K.S.); (Y.M.E.); (T.O.K.); (P.S.T.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Smart Nanotechnologies, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuri M. Efremov
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.K.S.); (Y.M.E.); (T.O.K.); (P.S.T.)
| | - Timofey O. Klyucherev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.K.S.); (Y.M.E.); (T.O.K.); (P.S.T.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Smart Nanotechnologies, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Emin L. Salimov
- Laboratory Blood Transfusion Complex, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.L.S.); (A.A.R.)
| | - Aligeydar A. Ragimov
- Laboratory Blood Transfusion Complex, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.L.S.); (A.A.R.)
| | - Peter S. Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.K.S.); (Y.M.E.); (T.O.K.); (P.S.T.)
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina I. Vlasova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.K.S.); (Y.M.E.); (T.O.K.); (P.S.T.)
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8
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Lutze P, Brenmoehl J, Tesenvitz S, Ohde D, Wanka H, Meyer Z, Grunow B. Effects of Temperature Adaptation on the Metabolism and Physiological Properties of Sturgeon Fish Larvae Cell Line. Cells 2024; 13:269. [PMID: 38334662 PMCID: PMC10854621 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030269] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated how Atlantic sturgeon cells respond to elevated temperatures, shedding light on the potential impacts of climate change on fish. Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus), an IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List species and evolutionarily related to paleonisiform species, may have considerable physiological adaptability, suggesting that this species may be able to cope with changing climatic conditions and higher temperatures. To test this hypothesis, the AOXlar7y cell line was examined at 20 °C (control) and at elevated temperatures of 25 °C and 28 °C. Parameters including proliferation, vitality, morphology, and gene expressions related to proliferation, stemness, and stress were evaluated. Additionally, to achieve a comprehensive understanding of cellular changes, mitochondrial and metabolic activities were assessed using Seahorse XF96. AOXlar7y cells adapted to 28 °C exhibited enhanced mitochondrial adaptability, plasticity, heightened cell proliferation, and increased hsp70 expression. Increased baseline respiration indicated elevated ATP demand, which is potentially linked to higher cell proliferation and heat stress defense. Cells at 28 °C also displayed elevated reserve respiration capacity, suggesting adaptation to energy demands. At 25 °C, AOXlar7y cells showed no changes in basal respiration or mitochondrial capacity, suggesting unchanged ATP demand compared to cells cultivated at 20 °C. Proliferation and glycolytic response to energy requirements were diminished, implying a connection between glycolysis inhibition and proliferation suppression. These research results indicate sturgeon cells are capable of withstanding and adapting to an 8 °C temperature increase. This cellular analysis lays a foundation for future studies aimed at a deeper understanding of fish cell physiological adaptations, which will contribute to a better knowledge of environmental threats facing Atlantic sturgeon and fish populations amid climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Lutze
- Fish Growth Physiology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany;
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Julia Brenmoehl
- Signal Transduction, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (J.B.); (D.O.); (Z.M.)
| | - Stephanie Tesenvitz
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Daniela Ohde
- Signal Transduction, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (J.B.); (D.O.); (Z.M.)
| | - Heike Wanka
- Institute of Physiology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Zianka Meyer
- Signal Transduction, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (J.B.); (D.O.); (Z.M.)
- Diagenom GmbH, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Bianka Grunow
- Fish Growth Physiology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany;
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9
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Strohm EM, Callaghan NI, Ding Y, Latifi N, Rafatian N, Funakoshi S, Fernandes I, Reitz CJ, Di Paola M, Gramolini AO, Radisic M, Keller G, Kolios MC, Simmons CA. Noninvasive Quantification of Contractile Dynamics in Cardiac Cells, Spheroids, and Organs-on-a-Chip Using High-Frequency Ultrasound. ACS NANO 2024; 18:314-327. [PMID: 38147684 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06325] [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] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based models that mimic in vivo heart physiology are poised to make significant advances in cardiac disease modeling and drug discovery. In these systems, cardiomyocyte (CM) contractility is an important functional metric, but current measurement methods are inaccurate and low-throughput or require complex setups. To address this need, we developed a standalone noninvasive, label-free ultrasound technique operating at 40-200 MHz to measure the contractile kinetics of cardiac models, ranging from single adult CMs to 3D microtissue constructs in standard cell culture formats. The high temporal resolution of 1000 fps resolved the beat profile of single mouse CMs paced at up to 9 Hz, revealing limitations of lower speed optical based measurements to resolve beat kinetics or characterize aberrant beats. Coupling of ultrasound with traction force microscopy enabled the measurement of the CM longitudinal modulus and facile estimation of adult mouse CM contractile forces of 2.34 ± 1.40 μN, comparable to more complex measurement techniques. Similarly, the beat rate, rhythm, and drug responses of CM spheroid and microtissue models were measured, including in configurations without optical access. In conclusion, ultrasound can be used for the rapid characterization of CM contractile function in a wide range of commonly studied configurations ranging from single cells to 3D tissue constructs using standard well plates and custom microdevices, with applications in cardiac drug discovery and cardiotoxicity evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Strohm
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Neal I Callaghan
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Yu Ding
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Neda Latifi
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Shunsuke Funakoshi
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ian Fernandes
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Cristine J Reitz
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Michelle Di Paola
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Anthony O Gramolini
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Gordon Keller
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Michael C Kolios
- Department of Physics, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G9, Canada
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10
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Efremov YM, Shimolina L, Gulin A, Ignatova N, Gubina M, Kuimova MK, Timashev PS, Shirmanova MV. Correlation of Plasma Membrane Microviscosity and Cell Stiffness Revealed via Fluorescence-Lifetime Imaging and Atomic Force Microscopy. Cells 2023; 12:2583. [PMID: 37947661 PMCID: PMC10650173 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212583] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The biophysical properties of cells described at the level of whole cells or their membranes have many consequences for their biological behavior. However, our understanding of the relationships between mechanical parameters at the level of cell (stiffness, viscoelasticity) and at the level of the plasma membrane (fluidity) remains quite limited, especially in the context of pathologies, such as cancer. Here, we investigated the correlations between cells' stiffness and viscoelastic parameters, mainly determined via the actin cortex, and plasma membrane microviscosity, mainly determined via its lipid profile, in cancer cells, as these are the keys to their migratory capacity. The mechanical properties of cells were assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The microviscosity of membranes was visualized using fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) with the viscosity-sensitive probe BODIPY 2. Measurements were performed for five human colorectal cancer cell lines that have different migratory activity (HT29, Caco-2, HCT116, SW 837, and SW 480) and their chemoresistant counterparts. The actin cytoskeleton and the membrane lipid composition were also analyzed to verify the results. The cell stiffness (Young's modulus), measured via AFM, correlated well (Pearson r = 0.93) with membrane microviscosity, measured via FLIM, and both metrics were elevated in more motile cells. The associations between stiffness and microviscosity were preserved upon acquisition of chemoresistance to one of two chemotherapeutic drugs. These data clearly indicate that mechanical parameters, determined by two different cellular structures, are interconnected in cells and play a role in their intrinsic migratory potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri M. Efremov
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Liubov Shimolina
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 603005 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (L.S.); (N.I.); (M.V.S.)
| | - Alexander Gulin
- N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Nadezhda Ignatova
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 603005 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (L.S.); (N.I.); (M.V.S.)
| | - Margarita Gubina
- N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Marina K. Kuimova
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, UK;
| | - Peter S. Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina V. Shirmanova
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 603005 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (L.S.); (N.I.); (M.V.S.)
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11
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Walther BK, Sears AP, Mojiri A, Avazmohammadi R, Gu J, Chumakova OV, Pandian NKR, Dominic A, Martiel JL, Yazdani SK, Cooke JP, Ohayon J, Pettigrew RI. Disrupted Stiffness Ratio Alters Nuclear Mechanosensing. MATTER 2023; 6:3608-3630. [PMID: 37937235 PMCID: PMC10627551 DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The ability of endothelial cells to sense and respond to dynamic changes in blood flow is critical for vascular homeostasis and cardiovascular health. The mechanical and geometric properties of the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments affect mechanotransduction. We hypothesized that alterations to these parameters have resulting mechanosensory consequences. Using atomic force microscopy and mathematical modeling, we assessed how the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartment stiffnesses modulate shear stress transfer to the nucleus within aging endothelial cells. Our computational studies revealed that the critical parameter controlling shear transfer is not the individual mechanics of these compartments, but the stiffness ratio between them. Replicatively aged cells had a reduced stiffness ratio, attenuating shear transfer, while the ratio was not altered in a genetic model of accelerated aging. We provide a theoretical framework suggesting that dysregulation of the shear stress response can be uniquely imparted by relative mechanical changes in subcellular compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon K. Walther
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Texas A&M University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Adam P. Sears
- Texas A&M University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anahita Mojiri
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Reza Avazmohammadi
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Texas A&M University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Texas A&M University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Jianhua Gu
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Olga V. Chumakova
- University of Texas Health Science Center, Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Abishai Dominic
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Saami K. Yazdani
- Wake Forest University, Department of Engineering, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - John P. Cooke
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Texas A&M University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Jacques Ohayon
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, TIMC UMR 5525, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Savoie Mont-Blanc University, Polytech Annecy-Chambéry, 73376 Le Bourget du Lac, France
| | - Roderic I. Pettigrew
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Texas A&M University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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12
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Wang Y, Troughton LD, Xu F, Chatterjee A, Ding C, Zhao H, Cifuentes LP, Wagner RB, Wang T, Tan S, Chen J, Li L, Umulis D, Kuang S, Suter DM, Yuan C, Chan D, Huang F, Oakes PW, Deng Q. Atypical peripheral actin band formation via overactivation of RhoA and nonmuscle myosin II in mitofusin 2-deficient cells. eLife 2023; 12:e88828. [PMID: 37724949 PMCID: PMC10550287 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell spreading and migration play central roles in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. We have previously shown that MFN2 regulates the migration of human neutrophil-like cells via suppressing Rac activation. Here, we show that in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, MFN2 suppresses RhoA activation and supports cell polarization. After initial spreading, the wild-type cells polarize and migrate, whereas the Mfn2-/- cells maintain a circular shape. Increased cytosolic Ca2+ resulting from the loss of Mfn2 is directly responsible for this phenotype, which can be rescued by expressing an artificial tether to bring mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum to close vicinity. Elevated cytosolic Ca2+ activates Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, RhoA, and myosin light-chain kinase, causing an overactivation of nonmuscle myosin II, leading to a formation of a prominent F-actin ring at the cell periphery and increased cell contractility. The peripheral actin band alters cell physics and is dependent on substrate rigidity. Our results provide a novel molecular basis to understand how MFN2 regulates distinct signaling pathways in different cells and tissue environments, which is instrumental in understanding and treating MFN2-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyang Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Lee D Troughton
- Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Fan Xu
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Beijing Institute of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Aritra Chatterjee
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Chang Ding
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Han Zhao
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Laura P Cifuentes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Ryan B Wagner
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Tianqi Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Shelly Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Jingjuan Chen
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Linlin Li
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - David Umulis
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Shihuan Kuang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Daniel M Suter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology & Infectious Disease, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Chongli Yuan
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Deva Chan
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Fang Huang
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Patrick W Oakes
- Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Qing Deng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology & Infectious Disease, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
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13
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Brito C, Pereira JM, Mesquita FS, Cabanes D, Sousa S. Src-Dependent NM2A Tyrosine Phosphorylation Regulates Actomyosin Remodeling. Cells 2023; 12:1871. [PMID: 37508535 PMCID: PMC10377941 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141871] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-muscle myosin 2A (NM2A) is a key cytoskeletal enzyme that, along with actin, assembles into actomyosin filaments inside cells. NM2A is fundamental for cell adhesion and motility, playing important functions in different stages of development and during the progression of viral and bacterial infections. Phosphorylation events regulate the activity and the cellular localization of NM2A. We previously identified the tyrosine phosphorylation of residue 158 (pTyr158) in the motor domain of the NM2A heavy chain. This phosphorylation can be promoted by Listeria monocytogenes infection of epithelial cells and is dependent on Src kinase; however, its molecular role is unknown. Here, we show that the status of pTyr158 defines cytoskeletal organization, affects the assembly/disassembly of focal adhesions, and interferes with cell migration. Cells overexpressing a non-phosphorylatable NM2A variant or expressing reduced levels of Src kinase display increased stress fibers and larger focal adhesions, suggesting an altered contraction status consistent with the increased NM2A activity that we also observed. We propose NM2A pTyr158 as a novel layer of regulation of actomyosin cytoskeleton organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Brito
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- MCBiology PhD Program-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar-ICBAS, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana M Pereira
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- MCBiology PhD Program-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar-ICBAS, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco S Mesquita
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Didier Cabanes
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Sousa
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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14
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Hart NR. A theoretical model of dietary lipid variance as the origin of primary ciliary dysfunction in preeclampsia. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1173030. [PMID: 37251083 PMCID: PMC10210153 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1173030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Serving as the cell's key interface in communicating with the outside world, primary cilia have emerged as an area of multidisciplinary research interest over the last 2 decades. Although the term "ciliopathy" was first used to describe abnormal cilia caused by gene mutations, recent studies focus on abnormalities of cilia that are found in diseases without clear genetic antecedents, such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Preeclampsia, a hypertensive disease of pregnancy, is intensely studied as a model for cardiovascular disease partially due to many shared pathophysiologic elements, but also because changes that develop over decades in cardiovascular disease arise in days with preeclampsia yet resolve rapidly after delivery, thus providing a time-lapse view of the development of cardiovascular pathology. As with genetic primary ciliopathies, preeclampsia affects multiple organ systems. While aspirin delays the onset of preeclampsia, there is no cure other than delivery. The primary etiology of preeclampsia is unknown; however, recent reviews emphasize the fundamental role of abnormal placentation. During normal embryonic development, trophoblastic cells, which arise from the outer layer of the 4-day-old blastocyst, invade the maternal endometrium and establish extensive placental vascular connections between mother and fetus. In primary cilia of trophoblasts, Hedgehog and Wnt/catenin signaling operate upstream of vascular endothelial growth factor to advance placental angiogenesis in a process that is promoted by accessible membrane cholesterol. In preeclampsia, impaired proangiogenic signaling combined with an increase in apoptotic signaling results in shallow invasion and inadequate placental function. Recent studies show primary cilia in preeclampsia to be fewer in number and shortened with functional signaling abnormalities. Presented here is a model that integrates preeclampsia lipidomics and physiology with the molecular mechanisms of liquid-liquid phase separation in model membrane studies and the known changes in human dietary lipids over the last century to explain how changes in dietary lipids might reduce accessible membrane cholesterol and give rise to shortened cilia and defects in angiogenic signaling, which underlie placental dysfunction of preeclampsia. This model offers a possible mechanism for non-genetic dysfunction in cilia and proposes a proof-of-concept study to treat preeclampsia with dietary lipids.
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15
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Mechanotransduction in tumor dynamics modeling. Phys Life Rev 2023; 44:279-301. [PMID: 36841159 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2023.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Mechanotherapy is a groundbreaking approach to impact carcinogenesis. Cells sense and respond to mechanical stimuli, translating them into biochemical signals in a process known as mechanotransduction. The impact of stress on tumor growth has been studied in the last three decades, and many papers highlight the role of mechanics as a critical self-inducer of tumor fate at the in vitro and in vivo biological levels. Meanwhile, mathematical models attempt to determine laws to reproduce tumor dynamics. This review discusses biological mechanotransduction mechanisms and mathematical-biomechanical models together. The aim is to provide a common framework for the different approaches that have emerged in the literature from the perspective of tumor avascularity and to provide insight into emerging mechanotherapies that have attracted interest in recent years.
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16
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Kahle ER, Patel N, Sreenivasappa HB, Marcolongo MS, Han L. Targeting cell-matrix interface mechanobiology by integrating AFM with fluorescence microscopy. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 176:67-81. [PMID: 36055517 PMCID: PMC9691605 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensing at the interface of a cell and its surrounding microenvironment is an essential driving force of physiological processes. Understanding molecular activities at the cell-matrix interface has the potential to provide novel targets for improving tissue regeneration and early disease intervention. In the past few decades, the advancement of atomic force microscopy (AFM) has offered a unique platform for probing mechanobiology at this crucial microdomain. In this review, we describe key advances under this topic through the use of an integrated system of AFM (as a biomechanical testing tool) with complementary immunofluorescence (IF) imaging (as an in situ navigation system). We first describe the body of work investigating the micromechanics of the pericellular matrix (PCM), the immediate cell micro-niche, in healthy, diseased, and genetically modified tissues, with a focus on articular cartilage. We then summarize the key findings in understanding cellular biomechanics and mechanotransduction, in which, molecular mechanisms governing transmembrane ion channel-mediated mechanosensing, cytoskeleton remodeling, and nucleus remodeling have been studied in various cell and tissue types. Lastly, we provide an overview of major technical advances that have enabled more in-depth studies of mechanobiology, including the integration of AFM with a side-view microscope, multiple optomicroscopy, a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) module, and a tensile stretching device. The innovations described here have contributed greatly to advancing the fundamental knowledge of extracellular matrix biomechanics and cell mechanobiology for improved understanding, detection, and intervention of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Kahle
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Neil Patel
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Harini B Sreenivasappa
- Cell Imaging Center, Office of Research and Innovation, Drexel University, PA 19104, United States
| | - Michele S Marcolongo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, United States
| | - Lin Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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17
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Pei S, Zhou Y, Li Y, Azar T, Wang W, Kim DG, Liu XS. Instrumented nanoindentation in musculoskeletal research. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 176:38-51. [PMID: 35660010 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal tissues, such as bone, cartilage, and muscle, are natural composite materials that are constructed with a hierarchical structure ranging from the cell to tissue level. The component differences and structural complexity, together, require comprehensive multiscale mechanical characterization. In this review, we focus on nanoindentation testing, which is used for nanometer to sub-micrometer length scale mechanical characterization. In the following context, we will summarize studies of nanoindentation in musculoskeletal research, examine the critical factors that affect nanoindentation testing results, and briefly summarize other commonly used techniques that can be conjoined with nanoindentation for synchronized imaging and colocalized characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaopeng Pei
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
| | - Yilu Zhou
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
| | - Yihan Li
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
| | - Tala Azar
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
| | - Wenzheng Wang
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Do-Gyoon Kim
- Division of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - X Sherry Liu
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States.
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18
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How do cells stiffen? Biochem J 2022; 479:1825-1842. [PMID: 36094371 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cell stiffness is an important characteristic of cells and their response to external stimuli. In this review, we survey methods used to measure cell stiffness, summarize stimuli that alter cell stiffness, and discuss signaling pathways and mechanisms that control cell stiffness. Several pathological states are characterized by changes in cell stiffness, suggesting this property can serve as a potential diagnostic marker or therapeutic target. Therefore, we consider the effect of cell stiffness on signaling and growth processes required for homeostasis and dysfunction in healthy and pathological states. Specifically, the composition and structure of the cell membrane and cytoskeleton are major determinants of cell stiffness, and studies have identified signaling pathways that affect cytoskeletal dynamics both directly and by altered gene expression. We present the results of studies interrogating the effects of biophysical and biochemical stimuli on the cytoskeleton and other cellular components and how these factors determine the stiffness of both individual cells and multicellular structures. Overall, these studies represent an intersection of the fields of polymer physics, protein biochemistry, and mechanics, and identify specific mechanisms involved in mediating cell stiffness that can serve as therapeutic targets.
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19
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Català-Castro F, Schäffer E, Krieg M. Exploring cell and tissue mechanics with optical tweezers. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:jcs259355. [PMID: 35942913 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular and tissue biosystems emerge from the assembly of their constituent molecules and obtain a set of specific material properties. To measure these properties and understand how they influence cellular function is a central goal of mechanobiology. From a bottoms-up, physics or engineering point-of-view, such systems are a composition of basic mechanical elements. However, the sheer number and dynamic complexity of them, including active molecular machines and their emergent properties, makes it currently intractable to calculate how biosystems respond to forces. Because many diseases result from an aberrant mechanotransduction, it is thus essential to measure this response. Recent advances in the technology of optical tweezers have broadened their scope from single-molecule applications to measurements inside complex cellular environments, even within tissues and animals. Here, we summarize the basic optical trapping principles, implementations and calibration procedures that enable force measurements using optical tweezers directly inside cells of living animals, in combination with complementary techniques. We review their versatility to manipulate subcellular organelles and measure cellular frequency-dependent mechanics in the piconewton force range from microseconds to hours. As an outlook, we address future challenges to fully unlock the potential of optical tweezers for mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Català-Castro
- Neurophotonics and Mechanical Systems Biology, ICFO, Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, 08860 Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Erik Schäffer
- Cellular Nanoscience, ZMBP, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Krieg
- Neurophotonics and Mechanical Systems Biology, ICFO, Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, 08860 Castelldefels, Spain
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20
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Anisotropy profoundly alters stress fields within contractile cells and cell aggregates. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2022; 21:1357-1370. [PMID: 35829977 PMCID: PMC10187583 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-022-01595-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Many biological phenomena such as cell proliferation and death are correlated with stress fields within cells. Stress fields are quantified using computational methods which rely on fundamental assumptions about local mechanical properties. Most existing methods such as Monolayer Stress Microscopy assume isotropic properties, yet experimental observations strongly suggest anisotropy. We first model anisotropy in circular cells analytically using Eshelby's inclusion method. Our solution reveals that uniform anisotropy cannot exist in cells due to the occurrence of substantial stress concentration in the central region. A more realistic non-uniform anisotropy model is then introduced based on experimental observations and implemented numerically which interestingly clears out stress concentration. Stresses within the entire aggregate also drastically change compared to the isotropic case, resulting in better agreement with observed biomarkers. We provide a physics-based mechanism to explain the low alignment of stress fibers in the center of cells, which might explain certain biological phenomena e.g., existence of disrupted rounded cells, and higher apoptosis rate at the center of circular aggregates.
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21
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Perera D, Wang Q, Schniepp HC. Multi-Point Nanoindentation Method to Determine Mechanical Anisotropy in Nanofibrillar Thin Films. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2202065. [PMID: 35780468 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202202065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials with outstanding mechanical properties, including spider silk, wood, and cartilage, often feature an oriented nanofibrillar structure. The orientation of nanofibrils gives rise to a significant mechanical anisotropy, which is extremely challenging to characterize, especially for microscopically small or inhomogeneous samples. Here, a technique utilizing atomic force microscope indentation at multiple points combined with finite element analysis to sample the mechanical anisotropy of a thin film in a microscopically small area is reported. The system studied here is the tape-like silk of the Chilean recluse spider, which entirely consists of strictly oriented nanofibrils giving rise to a large mechanical anisotropy. The most detailed directional nanoscale structure-property characterization of spider silk to date is presented, revealing the tensile and transverse elastic moduli as 9 and 1 GPa, respectively, and the binding strength between silk nanofibrils as 159 ± 13 MPa. Furthermore, based on this binding strength, the nanofibrils' surface energy is derived as 37 mJ m-2 , and concludes that van der Waals forces play a decisive role in interfibrillar binding. Due to its versatility, this technique has many potential applications, including early disease diagnostics, as underlying pathological conditions can alter the local mechanical properties of tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinidu Perera
- Department of Applied Science, William & Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA, 23187-8795, USA
| | - Qijue Wang
- Department of Applied Science, William & Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA, 23187-8795, USA
| | - Hannes C Schniepp
- Department of Applied Science, William & Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA, 23187-8795, USA
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22
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Maurya MK, Ruscher C, Mukherji D, Singh MK. Computational indentation in highly cross-linked polymer networks. Phys Rev E 2022; 106:014501. [PMID: 35974630 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.106.014501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Indentation is a common experimental technique to study the mechanics of polymeric materials. The main advantage of using indentation is this provides a direct correlation between the microstructure and the small-scale mechanical response, which is otherwise difficult within the standard tensile testing. The majority of studies have investigated hydrogels, microgels, elastomers, and even soft biomaterials. However, a less investigated system is the indentation in highly cross-linked polymer (HCP) networks, where the complex network structure plays a key role in dictating their physical properties. In this work, we investigate the structure-property relationship in HCP networks using the computational indentation of a generic model. We establish a correlation between the local bond breaking, network rearrangement, and small-scale mechanics. The results are compared with the elastic-plastic deformation model. HCPs harden upon indentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar Maurya
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur UP 208016, India
| | - Céline Ruscher
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada BC V6T 1Z4
| | - Debashish Mukherji
- Quantum Matter Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada BC V6T 1Z4
| | - Manjesh Kumar Singh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur UP 208016, India
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23
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Vakhrusheva A, Murashko A, Trifonova E, Efremov Y, Timashev P, Sokolova O. Role of Actin-binding Proteins in the Regulation of Cellular Mechanics. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151241. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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24
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Nanoscopic characterization of hepatocytes treated with normoxic and hypoxic tumor-derived exosomes. Micron 2022; 158:103283. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2022.103283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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25
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Chatterjee A, Kondaiah P, Gundiah N. Stress fiber growth and remodeling determines cellular morphomechanics under uniaxial cyclic stretch. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2022; 21:553-567. [DOI: 10.1007/s10237-021-01548-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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26
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Efremov YM, Suter DM, Timashev PS, Raman A. 3D nanomechanical mapping of subcellular and sub-nuclear structures of living cells by multi-harmonic AFM with long-tip microcantilevers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:529. [PMID: 35017598 PMCID: PMC8752865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04443-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent developments such as multi-harmonic Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) techniques have enabled fast, quantitative mapping of nanomechanical properties of living cells. Due to their high spatiotemporal resolution, these methods provide new insights into changes of mechanical properties of subcellular structures due to disease or drug response. Here, we propose three new improvements to significantly improve the resolution, identification, and mechanical property quantification of sub-cellular and sub-nuclear structures using multi-harmonic AFM on living cells. First, microcantilever tips are streamlined using long-carbon tips to minimize long-range hydrodynamic interactions with the cell surface, to enhance the spatial resolution of nanomechanical maps and minimize hydrodynamic artifacts. Second, simultaneous Spinning Disk Confocal Microscopy (SDC) with live-cell fluorescent markers enables the unambiguous correlation between observed heterogeneities in nanomechanical maps with subcellular structures. Third, computational approaches are then used to estimate the mechanical properties of sub-nuclear structures. Results are demonstrated on living NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells, where properties of nucleoli, a deep intracellular structure, were assessed. The integrated approach opens the door to study the mechanobiology of sub-cellular structures during disease or drug response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri M Efremov
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daniel M Suter
- Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Peter S Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, Moscow, Russia
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Arvind Raman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
- Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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27
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El-Nabulsi RA. Fractal Pennes and Cattaneo-Vernotte bioheat equations from product-like fractal geometry and their implications on cells in the presence of tumour growth. J R Soc Interface 2021; 18:20210564. [PMID: 34465211 PMCID: PMC8437240 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the Pennes and Cattaneo-Vernotte bioheat transfer equations in the presence of fractal spatial dimensions are derived based on the product-like fractal geometry. This approach was introduced recently, by Li and Ostoja-Starzewski, in order to explore dynamical properties of anisotropic media. The theory is characterized by a modified gradient operator which depends on two parameters: R which represents the radius of the tumour and R0 which represents the radius of the spherical living tissue. Both the steady and unsteady states for each fractal bioheat equation were obtained and their implications on living cells in the presence of growth of a large tumour were analysed. Assuming a specific heating/cooling by a constant heat flux equivalent to the metabolic heat generation in the tissue, it was observed that the solutions of the fractal bioheat equations are robustly affected by fractal dimensions, the radius of the tumour growth and the dimensions of the living cell tissue. The ranges of both the fractal dimensions and temperature were obtained, analysed and compared with recent studies. This study confirms the importance of fractals in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Ahmad El-Nabulsi
- Research Center for Quantum Technology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University 50200, Thailand
- Athens Institute for Education and Research, Mathematics and Physics Divisions, 8 Valaoritou Street, Kolonaki 10671, Athens, Greece
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28
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Efremov YM, Zurina IM, Presniakova VS, Kosheleva NV, Butnaru DV, Svistunov AA, Rochev YA, Timashev PS. Mechanical properties of cell sheets and spheroids: the link between single cells and complex tissues. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:541-561. [PMID: 34471438 PMCID: PMC8355304 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00821-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell aggregates, including sheets and spheroids, represent a simple yet powerful model system to study both biochemical and biophysical intercellular interactions. However, it is becoming evident that, although the mechanical properties and behavior of multicellular structures share some similarities with individual cells, yet distinct differences are observed in some principal aspects. The description of mechanical phenomena at the level of multicellular model systems is a necessary step for understanding tissue mechanics and its fundamental principles in health and disease. Both cell sheets and spheroids are used in tissue engineering, and the modulation of mechanical properties of cell constructs is a promising tool for regenerative medicine. Here, we review the data on mechanical characterization of cell sheets and spheroids, focusing both on advances in the measurement techniques and current understanding of the subject. The reviewed material suggest that interplay between the ECM, intercellular junctions, and cellular contractility determines the behavior and mechanical properties of the cell aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri M. Efremov
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 8-2 Trubetskaya St, Moscow, Russia
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov University, Moscow, 119991 Russia
| | - Irina M. Zurina
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 8-2 Trubetskaya St, Moscow, Russia
- FSBSI Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 125315, 8 Baltiyskaya St, Moscow, Russia
| | - Viktoria S. Presniakova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 8-2 Trubetskaya St, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nastasia V. Kosheleva
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 8-2 Trubetskaya St, Moscow, Russia
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov University, Moscow, 119991 Russia
- FSBSI Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 125315, 8 Baltiyskaya St, Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis V. Butnaru
- Institute for Urology and Reproductive Health, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A. Svistunov
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991, 8-2 Trubetskaya St, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yury A. Rochev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 8-2 Trubetskaya St, Moscow, Russia
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, H91 W2TY, Ireland
| | - Peter S. Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 8-2 Trubetskaya St, Moscow, Russia
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov University, Moscow, 119991 Russia
- Department of Polymers and Composites, N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, 119991 4 Kosygin St, Moscow, Russia
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory 1–3, Moscow, 119991 Russia
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29
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Ren K, Gao J, Han D. AFM Force Relaxation Curve Reveals That the Decrease of Membrane Tension Is the Essential Reason for the Softening of Cancer Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:663021. [PMID: 34055793 PMCID: PMC8152666 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.663021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in stiffness constitute an extremely important aspect of the mechanical differences between cancer cells and normal cells, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) is the most commonly used tool to characterize the difference in stiffness. However, the process of mechanical characterization using AFM has been controversial and the influence of the membrane tension on AFM measurement results was often ignored. Here, a physical model involving a simultaneous consideration of the effects of the cell membrane, cytoskeleton network and cytosol was proposed. We carried out a theoretical analysis of AFM force relaxation curves, and as a result solved many of the remaining controversial issues regarding AFM-based mechanical characterization of cells, and provided a quantitative solution for the membrane tension measured using AFM indentation experiments for the first time. From the results of experiments on cells with different adherent shapes and different pairs of normal cells and cancer cells, we found additional force provided by membrane tension to be the main component of the force applied to the AFM probe, with decreased cell membrane tension being the essential reason for the greater softness of cancer cells than of normal cells. Hence, regulating membrane tension may become an important method for regulating the behavior of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keli Ren
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China.,National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwei Gao
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China.,National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Han
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China.,National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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30
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Kar S, Katti DR, Katti KS. Evaluation of quasi-static and dynamic nanomechanical properties of bone-metastatic breast cancer cells using a nanoclay cancer testbed. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3096. [PMID: 33542384 PMCID: PMC7862348 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82664-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in investigating the mechanical properties of individual cells to delineate disease mechanisms. Reorganization of cytoskeleton facilitates the colonization of metastatic breast cancer at bone marrow space, leading to bone metastasis. Here, we report evaluation of mechanical properties of two breast cancer cells with different metastatic ability at the site of bone metastases, using quasi-static and dynamic nanoindentation methods. Our results showed that the significant reduction in elastic modulus along with increased liquid-like behavior of bone metastasized MCF-7 cells was induced by depolymerization and reorganization of F-actin to the adherens junctions, whereas bone metastasized MDA-MB-231 cells showed insignificant changes in elastic modulus and F-actin reorganization over time, compared to their respective as-received counterparts. Taken together, our data demonstrate evolution of breast cancer cell mechanics at bone metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumanta Kar
- Center for Engineered Cancer Test Beds, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108, USA
| | - Dinesh R Katti
- Center for Engineered Cancer Test Beds, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108, USA
| | - Kalpana S Katti
- Center for Engineered Cancer Test Beds, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108, USA.
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31
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Viscoelasticity and Volume of Cortical Neurons under Glutamate Excitotoxicity and Osmotic Challenges. Biophys J 2020; 119:1712-1723. [PMID: 33086042 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural activity depends on the maintenance of ionic and osmotic homeostasis. Under these conditions, the cell volume must be regulated to maintain optimal neural function. A disturbance in the neuronal volume regulation often occurs in pathological conditions such as glutamate excitotoxicity. The cell volume, mechanical properties, and actin cytoskeleton structure are tightly connected to achieve the cell homeostasis. Here, we studied the effects of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, external osmotic pressure, and inhibition of actin polymerization on the viscoelastic properties and volume of neurons. Atomic force microscopy was used to map the viscoelastic properties of neurons in time-series experiments to observe the dynamical changes and a possible recovery. The data obtained on cultured rat cortical neurons were compared with the data obtained on rat fibroblasts. The neurons were found to be more responsive to the osmotic challenges but less sensitive to the inhibition of actin polymerization than fibroblasts. The alterations of the viscoelastic properties caused by glutamate excitotoxicity were similar to those induced by the hypoosmotic stress, but, in contrast to the latter, they did not recover after the glutamate removal. These data were consistent with the dynamic volume changes estimated using ratiometric fluorescent dyes. The recovery after the glutamate-induced excitotoxicity was slow or absent because of a steady increase in intracellular calcium and sodium concentrations. The viscoelastic parameters and their changes were related to such parameters as the actin cortex stiffness, tension, and cytoplasmic viscosity.
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32
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Efremov YM, Kotova SL, Akovantseva AA, Timashev PS. Nanomechanical properties of enucleated cells: contribution of the nucleus to the passive cell mechanics. J Nanobiotechnology 2020; 18:134. [PMID: 32943055 PMCID: PMC7500557 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-020-00696-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The nucleus, besides its functions in the gene maintenance and regulation, plays a significant role in the cell mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction. It is the largest cellular organelle that is often considered as the stiffest cell part as well. Interestingly, the previous studies have revealed that the nucleus might be dispensable for some of the cell properties, like polarization and 1D and 2D migration. Here, we studied how the nanomechanical properties of cells, as measured using nanomechanical mapping by atomic force microscopy (AFM), were affected by the removal of the nucleus. Methods The mass enucleation procedure was employed to obtain cytoplasts (enucleated cells) and nucleoplasts (nuclei surrounded by plasma membrane) of two cell lines, REF52 fibroblasts and HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells. High-resolution viscoelastic mapping by AFM was performed to compare the mechanical properties of normal cells, cytoplasts, and nucleoplast. The absence or presence of the nucleus was confirmed with fluorescence microscopy, and the actin cytoskeleton structure was assessed with confocal microscopy. Results Surprisingly, we did not find the softening of cytoplasts relative to normal cells, and even some degree of stiffening was discovered. Nucleoplasts, as well as the nuclei isolated from cells using a detergent, were substantially softer than both the cytoplasts and normal cells. Conclusions The cell can maintain its mechanical properties without the nucleus. Together, the obtained data indicate the dominating role of the actomyosin cytoskeleton over the nucleus in the cell mechanics at small deformations inflicted by AFM. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri M Efremov
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, 8 Trubetskaya St., Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Svetlana L Kotova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, 8 Trubetskaya St., Moscow, 119991, Russia.,N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, 4 Kosygin St., Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Anastasia A Akovantseva
- Institute of Photon Technologies of Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics" of Russian Academy of Sciences, Pionerskaya 2, Troitsk, Moscow, 108840, Russia
| | - Peter S Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, 8 Trubetskaya St., Moscow, 119991, Russia.,N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, 4 Kosygin St., Moscow, 119991, Russia.,Institute of Photon Technologies of Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics" of Russian Academy of Sciences, Pionerskaya 2, Troitsk, Moscow, 108840, Russia.,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory 1-3, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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33
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Garcia R. Nanomechanical mapping of soft materials with the atomic force microscope: methods, theory and applications. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:5850-5884. [PMID: 32662499 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00318b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Fast, high-resolution, non-destructive and quantitative characterization methods are needed to develop materials with tailored properties at the nanoscale or to understand the relationship between mechanical properties and cell physiology. This review introduces the state-of-the-art force microscope-based methods to map at high-spatial resolution the elastic and viscoelastic properties of soft materials. The experimental methods are explained in terms of the theories that enable the transformation of observables into material properties. Several applications in materials science, molecular biology and mechanobiology illustrate the scope, impact and potential of nanomechanical mapping methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Garcia
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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34
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Smit HJ, Strong P. Structural Elements of the Biomechanical System of Soft Tissue. Cureus 2020; 12:e7895. [PMID: 32368430 PMCID: PMC7193180 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.7895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In living organisms, forces are constantly generated and transmitted throughout tissue. Such forces are generated through interaction with the environment and as a result of the body’s endogenous movement. If these internally or externally originating forces exceed the ability of tissues to cope with the applied forces, (i.e. “tissue thresholds”), they will cause force-related tissue harm. However, biotensegrity systems act to prevent these forces from causing structural damage to cells and tissues. The mechanism and structure of soft tissues that enable them to maintain their integrity and prevent damage under constantly changing forces is still not fully understood. The current anatomical and physical knowledge is insufficient to assess and predict how, why, where, and when to expect force-related tissue harm. When including the concept of tensegrity and the related principles of the hierarchical organisation of the elements of the subcellular tensional homeostatic structure into current biomechanical concepts, it increases our understanding of the events in force handling in relation to the onset of force-related tissue harm: Reducing incident forces in tissue to a level that is not harmful to the involved structures is achieved by dissipation, transduction and transferring the force in multiple dimensions. To enable this, the biomechanical systems must function in a continuous and consistent way from the cellular level to the entire body to prevent local peak forces from causing harm. In this article, we explore the biomechanical system with a focus on biotensegrity concepts across several organisational levels, describing in detail how it may function and reflecting on how this might be applied to patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harm Jaap Smit
- Molecular Biology, Independent Researcher, Amersfoort, NLD
| | - Phil Strong
- Independent Researcher, Oldbury-on-Severn, GBR
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35
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Synchronous, Crosstalk-free Correlative AFM and Confocal Microscopies/Spectroscopies. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7098. [PMID: 32341407 PMCID: PMC7184616 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62529-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Microscopies have become pillars of our characterization tools to observe biological systems and assemblies. Correlative and synchronous use of different microscopies relies on the fundamental assumption of non-interference during images acquisitions. In this work, by exploring the correlative use of Atomic Force Microscopy and confocal-Fluorescence-Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (AFM-FLIM), we quantify cross-talk effects occurring during synchronous acquisition. We characterize and minimize optomechanical forces on different AFM cantilevers interfering with normal AFM operation as well as spurious luminescence from the tip and cantilever affecting time-resolved fluorescence detection. By defining non-interfering experimental imaging parameters, we show accurate real-time acquisition and two-dimensional mapping of interaction force, fluorescence lifetime and intensity characterizing morphology (AFM) and local viscosity (FLIM) of gel and fluid phases separation of supported lipid model membranes. Finally, as proof of principle by means of synchronous force and fluorescence spectroscopies, we precisely tune the lifetime of a fluorescent nanodiamond positioned on the AFM tip by controlling its distance from a metallic surface. This opens up a novel pathway of quench sensing to image soft biological samples such as membranes since it does not require tip-sample mechanical contact in contrast with conventional AFM in liquid.
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36
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Efremov YM, Okajima T, Raman A. Measuring viscoelasticity of soft biological samples using atomic force microscopy. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:64-81. [PMID: 31720656 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01020c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical properties play important roles at different scales in biology. At the level of a single cell, the mechanical properties mediate mechanosensing and mechanotransduction, while at the tissue and organ levels, changes in mechanical properties are closely connected to disease and physiological processes. Over the past three decades, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has become one of the most widely used tools in the mechanical characterization of soft samples, ranging from molecules, cell organoids and cells to whole tissue. AFM methods can be used to quantify both elastic and viscoelastic properties, and significant recent developments in the latter have been enabled by the introduction of new techniques and models for data analysis. Here, we review AFM techniques developed in recent years for examining the viscoelastic properties of cells and soft gels, describe the main steps in typical data acquisition and analysis protocols, and discuss relevant viscoelastic models and how these have been used to characterize the specific features of cellular and other biological samples. We also discuss recent trends and potential directions for this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri M Efremov
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. and Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Takaharu Okajima
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Arvind Raman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. and Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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37
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Zhu M, Zhang K, Tao H, Hopyan S, Sun Y. Magnetic Micromanipulation for In Vivo Measurement of Stiffness Heterogeneity and Anisotropy in the Mouse Mandibular Arch. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2020; 2020:7914074. [PMID: 32666052 PMCID: PMC7327709 DOI: 10.34133/2020/7914074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of tissues are pivotal for morphogenesis and disease progression. Recent approaches have enabled measurements of the spatial distributions of viscoelastic properties among embryonic and pathological model systems and facilitated the generation of important hypotheses such as durotaxis and tissue-scale phase transition. There likely are many unexpected aspects of embryo biomechanics we have yet to discover which will change our views of mechanisms that govern development and disease. One area in the blind spot of even the most recent approaches to measuring tissue stiffness is the potentially anisotropic nature of that parameter. Here, we report a magnetic micromanipulation device that generates a uniform magnetic field gradient within a large workspace and permits measurement of the variation of tissue stiffness along three orthogonal axes. By applying the device to the organ-stage mouse embryo, we identify spatially heterogenous and directionally anisotropic stiffness within the mandibular arch. Those properties correspond to the domain of expression and the angular distribution of fibronectin and have potential implications for mechanisms that orient collective cell movements and shape tissues during development. Assessment of anisotropic properties extends the repertoire of current methods and will enable the generation and testing of hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhu
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada M5S 3G8
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 0A4
| | - Kaiwen Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada M5S 3G8
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 0A4
| | - Hirotaka Tao
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 0A4
| | - Sevan Hopyan
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 0A4
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Canada M5S 1A8
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada M5S 3G8
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada M5S 3G9
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada M5S 3G4
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38
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Guerrero C, Garcia PD, Garcia R. Subsurface Imaging of Cell Organelles by Force Microscopy. ACS NANO 2019; 13:9629-9637. [PMID: 31356042 PMCID: PMC7392474 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b04808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The development of high-resolution, label-free, noninvasive, and subsurface microscopy methods of living cells remains a formidable problem. Force-microscopy-based stiffness measurements contribute to our understanding of single-cell nanomechanics. The elastic properties of the cell's outer structures, such as the plasma membrane and actin cytoskeleton, dominate stiffness measurements, which in turns prevents the imaging of intracellular structures. We propose that the above limitation could be overcome by combining 2D sections of the cell's viscoelastic properties. We show the simultaneous imaging of the outer cell's cytoskeleton and the organelles inside the nucleus. The elastic component of interaction force carries information on the cell's outer elements as the cortex and the actin cytoskeleton. The inelastic component is sensitive to the hydrodynamic drag of the inner structures such the nucleoli.
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