1
|
Rajput SS, Singh SB, Subramanyam D, Patil S. Soft glassy rheology of single cells with pathogenic protein aggregates. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:6266-6274. [PMID: 39054893 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00595c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
A correlation between the mechanical properties of cells and various diseases has been emerging in recent years. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been widely used to measure a single cell's apparent Young's modulus by treating it as a fully elastic object. More recently, quantitative characterization of the complete viscoelasticity of single cells has become possible. We performed AFM-based nano-indentation experiments on hemocytes isolated from third instar larvae to determine their viscoelasticity and found that live hemocytes, like many other cells, follow a scale-free power-law rheology (PLR) akin to soft glasses. Further, we examined the changes in the rheological response of hemocytes in the presence of pathogenic protein aggregates known to cause neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disorder and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Our results show that cells lose their fluidity and appear more solid-like in the presence of certain aggregates, in a manner correlated to actin reorganization. More solid-like cells also display reduced intracellular transport through clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). However, the cell's rheology remains largely unaffected and is similar to that of wild-type (WT) hemocytes, if aggregates do not perturb the actin organization and CME. Moreover, the fluid-like nature was significantly recovered when actin organization was rescued by overexpressing specific actin interacting proteins or chaperones. Our study, for the first time, underscores a direct correlation between parameters governing glassy dynamics, actin organization and CME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shatruhan Singh Rajput
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune 411008, India
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Surya Bansi Singh
- National Centre for Cell Science, SP Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India.
- SP Pune University, Pune 411007, India
| | - Deepa Subramanyam
- National Centre for Cell Science, SP Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India.
| | - Shivprasad Patil
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune 411008, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chang Z, Li LY, Shi ZJ, Liu W, Xu GK. Beyond stiffness: Multiscale viscoelastic features as biomechanical markers for assessing cell types and states. Biophys J 2024; 123:1869-1881. [PMID: 38835167 PMCID: PMC11267428 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell mechanics are pivotal in regulating cellular activities, diseases progression, and cancer development. However, the understanding of how cellular viscoelastic properties vary in physiological and pathological stimuli remains scarce. Here, we develop a hybrid self-similar hierarchical theory-microrheology approach to accurately and efficiently characterize cellular viscoelasticity. Focusing on two key cell types associated with livers fibrosis-the capillarized liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and activated hepatic stellate cells-we uncover a universal two-stage power-law rheology characterized by two distinct exponents, αshort and αlong. The mechanical profiles derived from both exponents exhibit significant potential for discriminating among diverse cells. This finding suggests a potential common dynamic creep characteristic across biological systems, extending our earlier observations in soft tissues. Using a tailored hierarchical model for cellular mechanical structures, we discern significant variations in the viscoelastic properties and their distribution profiles across different cell types and states from the cytoplasm (elastic stiffness E1 and viscosity η), to a single cytoskeleton fiber (elastic stiffness E2), and then to the cell level (transverse expansion stiffness E3). Importantly, we construct a logistic-regression-based machine-learning model using the dynamic parameters that outperforms conventional cell-stiffness-based classifiers in assessing cell states, achieving an area under the curve of 97% vs. 78%. Our findings not only advance a robust framework for monitoring intricate cell dynamics but also highlight the crucial role of cellular viscoelasticity in discerning cell states across a spectrum of liver diseases and prognosis, offering new avenues for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on cellular viscoelasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chang
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li-Ya Li
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Shi
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenjia Liu
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Guang-Kui Xu
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
García-Ortiz D, Martínez-Sanmiguel JJ, Zárate Triviño DG, Rodríguez-Padilla C, Salceda-Delgado G, Menchaca JL, Bedolla MA, Rodríguez-Nieto M. Unveiling the role of hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite/silver composite in osteoblast-like cell mineralization: An exploration through their viscoelastic properties. Bone 2024; 184:117090. [PMID: 38579924 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2024.117090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical properties are becoming fundamental for advancing the comprehension of cellular processes. This study addresses the relationship between viscoelastic properties and the cellular mineralization process. Osteoblast-like cells treated with an osteogenic medium were employed for this purpose. Additionally, the study explores the impact of hydroxyapatite (HA) and hydroxyapatite/silver (HA/Ag) composite on this process. AFM relaxation experiments were conducted to extract viscoelastic parameters using the Fractional Zener (FZ) and Fractional Kelvin (FK) models. Our findings revealed that the main phases of mineralization are associated with alterations in the viscoelastic properties of osteoblast-like cells. Furthermore, HA and HA/Ag treatments significantly influenced changes in the viscoelastic properties of these cells. In particular, the HA/Ag treatment demonstrated a marked enhancement in cell fluidity, suggesting a possible role of silver in accelerating the mineralization process. Moreover, the study underscores the independence observed between fluidity and stiffness, indicating that modifications in one parameter may not necessarily correspond to changes in the other. These findings shed light on the factors involved in the cellular mineralization process and emphasize the importance of using viscoelastic properties to discern the impact of treatments on cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David García-Ortiz
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Universidad s/n, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Juan José Martínez-Sanmiguel
- Centro de Ingeniería y Desarrollo Industrial, Av. Playa Pie de la Cuesta No.702, Desarrollo San Pablo, 76125 Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Diana G Zárate Triviño
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Manuel L. Barragán s/n, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Cristina Rodríguez-Padilla
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Manuel L. Barragán s/n, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Guillermo Salceda-Delgado
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Universidad s/n, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Jorge Luis Menchaca
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Universidad s/n, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Marco A Bedolla
- Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Carretera Zapata Km. 8, Rancho San Francisco, Tuxtla Gutiérrez 29050, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Maricela Rodríguez-Nieto
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Universidad s/n, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico; Investigadoras e Investigadores por México, CONAHCYT, Av. Insurgentes Sur 1582, Col. Crédito Constructor, Alcaldía Benito Juárez 03940, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Moon W, Feng X, Li GY, Yun SH. High-Frequency Optical Coherence Elastography for Gingival Tissue Characterization: Variability in Stiffness and Response to Physiological Conditions. Biomater Res 2024; 28:0044. [PMID: 38952715 PMCID: PMC11214824 DOI: 10.34133/bmr.0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Accurate measurement of gingiva's biomechanical properties in vivo has been an active field of research but remained an unmet challenge. Currently, there are no noninvasive tools that can accurately quantify tensile and shear moduli, which govern gingival health, with sufficiently high accuracy. This study presents the application of high-frequency optical coherence elastography (OCE) for characterizing gingival tissue in both porcine models and human subjects. Dynamic mechanical analysis, histology studies, and strain analysis are performed to support the OCE result. Our findings demonstrate substantial differences in tissue stiffness between supra-dental and inter-dental gingiva, validated by dynamic mechanical analysis and OCE. We confirmed the viscoelastic, nearly linear, and transverse-isotropic properties of gingiva in situ, establishing the reliability of OCE measurements. Further, we investigated the effects of tissue hydration, collagen degradation, and dehydration on gingival stiffness. These conditions showed a decrease and increase in stiffness, respectively. While preliminary, our study suggests OCE's potential in periodontal diagnosis and oral tissue engineering, offering real-time, millimeter-scale resolution assessments of tissue stiffness, crucial for clinical applications and biomaterial optimization in reconstructive surgeries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wonjoon Moon
- Harvard Medical School and Wellman Center for Photomedicine,
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Xu Feng
- Harvard Medical School and Wellman Center for Photomedicine,
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Guo-Yang Li
- Harvard Medical School and Wellman Center for Photomedicine,
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Seok-Hyun Yun
- Harvard Medical School and Wellman Center for Photomedicine,
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lima I, Silva A, Sousa F, Ferreira W, Freire R, de Oliveira C, de Sousa J. Measuring the viscoelastic relaxation function of cells with a time-dependent interpretation of the Hertz-Sneddon indentation model. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30623. [PMID: 38770291 PMCID: PMC11103437 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hertz-Sneddon elastic indentation model is widely adopted in the biomechanical investigation of living cells and other soft materials using atomic force microscopy despite the explicit viscoelastic nature of these materials. In this work, we demonstrate that an exact analytical viscoelastic force model for power-law materials, can be interpreted as a time-dependent Hertz-Sneddon-like model. Characterizing fibroblasts (L929) and osteoblasts (OFCOLII) demonstrates the model's accuracy. Our results show that the difference between Young's modulus E Y obtained by fitting force curves with the Hertz-Sneddon model and the effective Young's modulus derived from the viscoelastic force model is less than 3%, even when cells are probed at large forces where nonlinear deformation effects become significant. We also propose a measurement protocol that involves probing samples at different indentation speeds and forces, enabling the construction of the average viscoelastic relaxation function of samples by conveniently fitting the force curves with the Hertz-Sneddon model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I.V.M. Lima
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 60440-900, Ceará, Brazil
| | - A.V.S. Silva
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 60440-900, Ceará, Brazil
- Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Pau dos Ferros, 59900-000, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - F.D. Sousa
- Núcleo de Biologia Experimental, Universidade de Fortaleza, Fortaleza, 60811-905, Ceará, Brazil
| | - W.P. Ferreira
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 60440-900, Ceará, Brazil
| | - R.S. Freire
- Central Analítica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 60440-900, Ceará, Brazil
| | - C.L.N. de Oliveira
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 60440-900, Ceará, Brazil
| | - J.S. de Sousa
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 60440-900, Ceará, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Siboni H, Ruseska I, Zimmer A. Atomic Force Microscopy for the Study of Cell Mechanics in Pharmaceutics. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:733. [PMID: 38931854 PMCID: PMC11207904 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell mechanics is gaining attraction in drug screening, but the applicable methods have not yet become part of the standardized norm. This review presents the current state of the art for atomic force microscopy, which is the most widely available method. The field is first motivated as a new way of tracking pharmaceutical effects, followed by a basic introduction targeted at pharmacists on how to measure cellular stiffness. The review then moves on to the current state of the knowledge in terms of experimental results and supplementary methods such as fluorescence microscopy that can give relevant additional information. Finally, rheological approaches as well as the theoretical interpretations are presented before ending on additional methods and outlooks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Siboni
- Pharmaceutical Technology & Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (H.S.); (I.R.)
- Single Molecule Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Ivana Ruseska
- Pharmaceutical Technology & Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (H.S.); (I.R.)
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Pharmaceutical Technology & Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (H.S.); (I.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ferreira AEO, de Araújo JLB, Ferreira WP, de Sousa JS, Oliveira CLN. Sublinear drag regime at mesoscopic scales in viscoelastic materials. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299296. [PMID: 38452005 PMCID: PMC10919684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Stressed soft materials commonly present viscoelastic signatures in the form of power-law or exponential decay. Although exponential responses are the most common, power-law time dependencies arise peculiarly in complex soft materials such as living cells. Understanding the microscale mechanisms that drive rheologic behaviors at the macroscale shall be transformative in fields such as material design and bioengineering. Using an elastic network model of macromolecules immersed in a viscous fluid, we numerically reproduce those characteristic viscoelastic relaxations and show how the microscopic interactions determine the rheologic response. The macromolecules, represented by particles in the network, interact with neighbors through a spring constant k and with fluid through a non-linear drag regime. The dissipative force is given by γvα, where v is the particle's velocity, and γ and α are mesoscopic parameters. Physically, the sublinear regime of the drag forces is related to micro-deformations of the macromolecules, while α ≥ 1 represents rigid cases. We obtain exponential or power-law relaxations or a transitional behavior between them by changing k, γ, and α. We find that exponential decays are indeed the most common behavior. However, power laws may arise when forces between the macromolecules and the fluid are sublinear. Our findings show that in materials not too soft not too elastic, the rheological responses are entirely controlled by α in the sublinear regime. More specifically, power-law responses arise for 0.3 ⪅ α ⪅ 0.45, while exponential responses for small and large values of α, namely, 0.0 ⪅ α ⪅ 0.2 and 0.55 ⪅ α ⪅ 1.0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. E. O. Ferreira
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - J. L. B. de Araújo
- Laboratório de Ciência de Dados e Inteligência Artificial, Universidade de Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - W. P. Ferreira
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - J. S. de Sousa
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - C. L. N. Oliveira
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Brás MM, Sousa A, Cruz TB, Michalewski J, Leite M, Sousa SR, Granja PL, Radmacher M. Microrheological comparison of melanoma cells by atomic force microscopy. J Biol Phys 2024; 50:55-69. [PMID: 38240860 PMCID: PMC10864228 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-023-09648-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most severe cancers due to its great potential to form metastasis. Recent studies showed the importance of mechanical property assessment in metastasis formation which depends on the cytoskeleton dynamics and cell migration. Although cells are considered purely elastic, they are viscoelastic entities. Microrheology atomic force microscopy (AFM) enables the assessment of elasticity and viscous properties, which are relevant to cell behavior regulation. The current work compares the mechanical properties of human neonatal primary melanocytes (HNPMs) with two melanoma cell lines (WM793B and 1205LU cells), using microrheology AFM. Immunocytochemistry of F-actin filaments and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK) and cell migration assays were performed to understand the differences found in microrheology AFM regarding the tumor cell lines tested. AFM revealed that HNPMs and tumor cell lines had distinct mechanical properties. HNPMs were softer, less viscous, presenting a higher power-law than melanoma cells. Immunostaining showed that metastatic 1205LU cells expressed more p-FAK than WM793B cells. Melanoma cell migration assays showed that WM73B did not close the gap, in contrast to 1205LU cells, which closed the gap at the end of 23 h. These data seem to corroborate the high migratory behavior of 1205LU cells. Microrheology AFM applied to HNPMs and melanoma cells allowed the quantification of elasticity, viscous properties, glassy phase, and power-law properties, which have an impact in cell migration and metastasis formation. AFM study is important since it can be used as a biomarker of the different stages of the disease in melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Manuela Brás
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), Porto, 4200-465, Portugal
| | - Aureliana Sousa
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Tânia B Cruz
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Jonas Michalewski
- Institute of Biophysics, University of Bremen, Bremen, 28334, Germany
| | - Marina Leite
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Susana R Sousa
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP), Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal
| | - Pedro L Granja
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Manfred Radmacher
- Institute of Biophysics, University of Bremen, Bremen, 28334, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li SH, Xu GK. Topological mechanism in the nonlinear power-law relaxation of cell cortex. Phys Rev E 2023; 108:064408. [PMID: 38243511 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.108.064408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Different types of cells exhibit a universal power-law rheology, but the mechanism underneath is still unclear. Based on the exponential distribution of actin filament length, we treat the cell cortex as a collection of chains of crosslinkers with exponentially distributed binding energy, and show that the power-law exponent of its stress relaxation should scale with the chain length. Through this model, we are able to explain how the exponent can be regulated by the crosslinker number and imposed strain during cortex relaxation. Network statistics show that the average length of filament-crosslinker chains decreases with the crosslinker number, which endows a denser network with lower exponent. Due to gradual molecular alignment with the stretch direction, the number of effectively stretched crosslinkers in the network is found to increase with the imposed strain. This effective growth in network density diminishes the exponent under large strain. By incorporating the inclined angle of crosslinkers into the model without in-series structure, we show that the exponent cannot be altered by crosslinker rotation directly, refining our previous conjectures. This work may help to understand cellular mechanics from the molecular perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Heng Li
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, 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, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yuan W, Ding Y, Wang G. Universal contact stiffness of elastic solids covered with tensed membranes and its application in indentation tests of biological materials. Acta Biomater 2023; 171:202-208. [PMID: 37690593 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.006] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The inherent membrane tension of biological materials could vitally affect their responses to contact loading but is generally ignored in existing indentation analysis. In this paper, the authors theoretically investigate the contact stiffness of axisymmetric indentations of elastic solids covered with thin tensed membranes. When the indentation size decreases to the same order as the ratio of membrane tension to elastic modulus, the contact stiffness accounting for the effect of membrane tension becomes much higher than the prediction of conventional contact theory. An explicit expression is derived for the contact stiffness, which is universal for axisymmetric indentations using indenters of arbitrary convex profiles. On this basis, a simple method of analysis is proposed to estimate the membrane tension and elastic modulus of biological materials from the indentation load-depth data, which is successfully applied to analyze the indentation experiments of cells and lungs. This study might be helpful for the comprehensive assessment of the mechanical properties of soft biological systems. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This paper highlights the crucial effect of the inherent membrane tension on the indentation response of soft biomaterials, which has been generally ignored in existing analysis of experiments. For typical indentation tests on cells and organs, the contact stiffness can be twice or higher than the prediction of conventional contact model. A universal expression of the contact stiffness accounting for the membrane tension effect is derived. On this basis, a simple method of analysis is proposed to abstract the membrane tension of biomaterials from the experimentally recorded indentation load-depth data. With this method, the elasticity of soft biomaterials can be characterized more comprehensively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weike Yuan
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, MMML, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049 Xi'an, China
| | - Yue Ding
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, MMML, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049 Xi'an, China
| | - Gangfeng Wang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, MMML, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049 Xi'an, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ren K, Feng J, Bi H, Sun Q, Li X, Han D. AFM-Based Poroelastic@Membrane Analysis of Cells and its Opportunities for Translational Medicine. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2303610. [PMID: 37403276 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell mechanics is an emerging field of research for translational medicine. Here, the cell is modeled as poroelastic cytoplasm wrapped by tensile membrane (poroelastic@membrane model) and is characterized by the atomic force microscopy (AFM). The parameters of cytoskeleton network modulus EC , cytoplasmic apparent viscosity ηC , and cytoplasmic diffusion coefficient DC are used to describe the mechanical behavior of cytoplasm, and membrane tension γ is used to evaluate the cell membrane. Poroelastic@membrane analysis of breast cells and urothelial cells show that non-cancer cells and cancer cells have different distribution regions and distribution trends in the four-dimensional space composed of EC , ηC . From non-cancer to cancer cells, there is often a trend of γ, EC , ηC decreases and DC increases. Patients with urothelial carcinoma at different malignant stages can be distinguished at high sensitivity and specificity by analyzing the urothelial cells from tissue or urine. However, sampling directly from tumor tissues is an invasive method, may lead to undesirable consequences. Thus, AFM-based poroelastic@membrane analysis of urothelial cells from urine may provide a non-invasive and no-bio-label method to detecting urothelial carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keli Ren
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No.11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Haidian, Beijing, 100191, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.1 Yanqihu East Rd, Huairou Distric, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jiantao Feng
- Artemisinin Research Center and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No.16, Nanxiao street, Dongzhimen, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Hai Bi
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd., Haidian, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Quanmei Sun
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No.11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Haidian, Beijing, 100191, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.1 Yanqihu East Rd, Huairou Distric, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xiang Li
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No.11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Haidian, Beijing, 100191, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.1 Yanqihu East Rd, Huairou Distric, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Dong Han
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No.11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Haidian, Beijing, 100191, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.1 Yanqihu East Rd, Huairou Distric, Beijing, 100190, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chang Z, Zhang L, Hang JT, Liu W, Xu GK. Viscoelastic Multiscale Mechanical Indexes for Assessing Liver Fibrosis and Treatment Outcomes. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:9618-9625. [PMID: 37793647 PMCID: PMC10603793 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c03341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Understanding liver tissue mechanics, particularly in the context of liver pathologies like fibrosis, cirrhosis, and carcinoma, holds pivotal significance for assessing disease severity and prognosis. Although the static mechanical properties of livers have been gradually studied, the intricacies of their dynamic mechanics remain enigmatic. Here, we characterize the dynamic creep responses of healthy, fibrotic, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-treated fibrotic lives. Strikingly, we unearth a ubiquitous two-stage power-law rheology of livers across different time scales with the exponents and their distribution profiles highly correlated to liver status. Moreover, our self-similar hierarchical theory effectively captures the delicate changes in the dynamical mechanics of livers. Notably, the viscoelastic multiscale mechanical indexes (i.e., power-law exponents and elastic stiffnesses of different hierarchies) and their distribution characteristics prominently vary with liver fibrosis and MSCs therapy. This study unveils the viscoelastic characteristics of livers and underscores the potential of proposed mechanical criteria for assessing disease evolution and prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chang
- Laboratory
for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering
Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical
Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Institute
for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Jiu-Tao Hang
- Laboratory
for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering
Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical
Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Wenjia Liu
- Institute
for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Guang-Kui Xu
- Laboratory
for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering
Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical
Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chang Z, Zhang J, Liu Y, Gao H, Xu GK. New Mechanical Markers for Tracking the Progression of Myocardial Infarction. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:7350-7357. [PMID: 37580044 PMCID: PMC10450805 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c01712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of soft tissues can often be strongly correlated with the progression of various diseases, such as myocardial infarction (MI). However, the dynamic mechanical properties of cardiac tissues during MI progression remain poorly understood. Herein, we investigate the rheological responses of cardiac tissues at different stages of MI (i.e., early-stage, mid-stage, and late-stage) with atomic force microscopy-based microrheology. Surprisingly, we discover that all cardiac tissues exhibit a universal two-stage power-law rheological behavior at different time scales. The experimentally found power-law exponents can capture an inconspicuous initial rheological change, making them particularly suitable as markers for early-stage MI diagnosis. We further develop a self-similar hierarchical model to characterize the progressive mechanical changes from subcellular to tissue scales. The theoretically calculated mechanical indexes are found to markedly vary among different stages of MI. These new mechanical markers are applicable for tracking the subtle changes of cardiac tissues during MI progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chang
- Laboratory
for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, State Key Laboratory
for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, School of Aerospace
Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department
of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated
Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061, China
| | - Yilun Liu
- Laboratory
for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, State Key Laboratory
for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, School of Aerospace
Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Huajian Gao
- School
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Institute
of High Performance Computing, A*STAR, Singapore 138632, Singapore
| | - Guang-Kui Xu
- Laboratory
for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, State Key Laboratory
for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, School of Aerospace
Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ovalle-Flores L, Rodríguez-Nieto M, Zárate-Triviño D, Rodríguez-Padilla C, Menchaca JL. Methodologies and models for measuring viscoelastic properties of cancer cells: Towards a universal classification. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 140:105734. [PMID: 36848744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105734] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Different methods and several physical models exist to study cell viscoelasticity with the atomic force microscope (AFM). In search of a robust mechanical classification of cells through AFM, in this work, viscoelastic parameters of the cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231, DU-145, and MG-63 are obtained using two methodologies; through force-distance and force-relaxation curves. Four mechanical models were applied to fit the curves. The results show that both methodologies agree qualitatively on the parameters that quantify elasticity but disagree on the parameters that account for energy dissipation. The Fractional Zener (FZ) model represents well the information given by the Solid Linear Standard and Generalized Maxwell models. The Fractional Kelvin (FK) model concentrates the viscoelastic information mainly in two parameters, which could be an advantage over the other models. Therefore, the FZ and FK models are proposed as the basis for the classification of cancer cells. However, more research using these models is needed to obtain a broader view of the meaning of each parameter and to be able to establish a relationship between the parameters and the cellular components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lizeth Ovalle-Flores
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Av. Universidad s/n, San Nicolás de los Garza, 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Maricela Rodríguez-Nieto
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Av. Universidad s/n, San Nicolás de los Garza, 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Diana Zárate-Triviño
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Av. Manuel L. Barragán s/n, San Nicolás de los Garza, 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Cristina Rodríguez-Padilla
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Av. Manuel L. Barragán s/n, San Nicolás de los Garza, 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Jorge Luis Menchaca
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Av. Universidad s/n, San Nicolás de los Garza, 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Comparison of Rheological Properties of Healthy versus Dupuytren Fibroblasts When Treated with a Cell Contraction Inhibitor by Atomic Force Microscope. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032043. [PMID: 36768366 PMCID: PMC9917339 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032043] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical properties of healthy and Dupuytren fibroblasts were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). In addition to standard force curves, rheological properties were assessed using an oscillatory testing methodology, in which the frequency was swept from 1 Hz to 1 kHz, and data were analyzed using the structural damping model. Dupuytren fibroblasts showed larger apparent Young's modulus values than healthy ones, which is in agreement with previous results. Moreover, cell mechanics were compared before and after ML-7 treatment, which is a myosin light chain kinase inhibitor (MLCK) that reduces myosin activity and hence cell contraction. We employed two different concentrations of ML-7 inhibitor and could observe distinct cell reactions. At 1 µM, healthy and scar fibroblasts did not show measurable changes in stiffness, but Dupuytren fibroblasts displayed a softening and recovery after some time. When increasing ML-7 concentration (3 µM), the majority of cells reacted, Dupuytren fibroblasts were the most susceptible, not being able to recover from the drug and dying. These results suggested that ML-7 is a potent inhibitor for MLCK and that myosin II is essential for cytoskeleton stabilization and cell survival.
Collapse
|
16
|
Suzuki JL, Naghibolhosseini M, Zayernouri M. A GENERAL RETURN-MAPPING FRAMEWORK FOR FRACTIONAL VISCO-ELASTO-PLASTICITY. FRACTAL AND FRACTIONAL 2022; 6:715. [PMID: 36844810 PMCID: PMC9967175 DOI: 10.3390/fractalfract6120715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We develop a fractional return-mapping framework for power-law visco-elasto-plasticity. In our approach, the fractional viscoelasticity is accounted through canonical combinations of Scott-Blair elements to construct a series of well-known fractional linear viscoelastic models, such as Kelvin-Voigt, Maxwell, Kelvin-Zener and Poynting-Thomson. We also consider a fractional quasi-linear version of Fung's model to account for stress/strain nonlinearity. The fractional viscoelastic models are combined with a fractional visco-plastic device, coupled with fractional viscoelastic models involving serial combinations of Scott-Blair elements. We then develop a general return-mapping procedure, which is fully implicit for linear viscoelastic models, and semi-implicit for the quasi-linear case. We find that, in the correction phase, the discrete stress projection and plastic slip have the same form for all the considered models, although with different property and time-step dependent projection terms. A series of numerical experiments is carried out with analytical and reference solutions to demonstrate the convergence and computational cost of the proposed framework, which is shown to be at least first-order accurate for general loading conditions. Our numerical results demonstrate that the developed framework is more flexible, preserves the numerical accuracy of existing approaches while being more computationally tractable in the visco-plastic range due to a reduction of 50% in CPU time. Our formulation is especially suited for emerging applications of fractional calculus in bio-tissues that present the hallmark of multiple viscoelastic power-laws coupled with visco-plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge L Suzuki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Maryam Naghibolhosseini
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Mohsen Zayernouri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Statistics and Probability, MichiganState University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Discriminating bladder cancer cells through rheological mechanomarkers at cell and spheroid levels. J Biomech 2022; 144:111346. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
18
|
Li SH, Gao H, Xu GK. Network dynamics of the nonlinear power-law relaxation of cell cortex. Biophys J 2022; 121:4091-4098. [PMID: 36171727 PMCID: PMC9675028 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Living cells are known to exhibit universal power-law rheological behaviors, but their underlying biomechanical principles are still not fully understood. Here, we present a network dynamics picture to decipher the nonlinear power-law relaxation of cortical cytoskeleton. Under step strains, we present a scaling relation between instantaneous differential stiffness and external stress as a result of chain reorientation. Then, during the relaxation, we show how the scaling law theoretically originates from an exponential form of cortical disorder, with the scaling exponent decreased by the imposed strain or crosslinker density in the nonlinear regime. We attribute this exponent variation to the molecular realignment along the stretch direction or the transition of network structure from in-series to in-parallel modes, both solidifying the network toward our one-dimensional theoretical limit. In addition, the rebinding of crosslinkers is found to be crucial for moderating the relaxation speed under small strains. Together with the disorder nature, we demonstrate that the structural effects of networks provide a unified interpretation for the nonlinear power-law relaxation of cell cortex, and may help to understand cell mechanics from the molecular scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Heng Li
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huajian Gao
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore; Institute of High Performance Computing, A(∗)STAR, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - 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, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Brás MM, Cruz TB, Maia AF, Oliveira MJ, Sousa SR, Granja PL, Radmacher M. Mechanical Properties of Colorectal Cancer Cells Determined by Dynamic Atomic Force Microscopy: A Novel Biomarker. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205053. [PMID: 36291838 PMCID: PMC9600571 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) is presently the third-most abundant and the second-most lethal cancer worldwide. Thus, there is a real and urgent need to investigate the processes behind the appearance, development, and proliferation of CRC cells. Several biochemical pathways have been investigated to understand their role in oncogene activation and tumor-suppressor gene inhibition. Despite the research increase in biochemistry, there is still a need to better understand the biophysical cues that drive the activation of signaling pathways relevant to mechanotransduction and cell transformation. The elucidation of these biological processes may help to hinder oncogenic mechanisms and to find biomarkers that could be used to design more personalized therapeutic strategies. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been addressed in the framework of molecular, cellular biology, and biochemical traits. A new approach to studying CRC is focused on the relationship between biochemical pathways and biophysical cues, which may contribute to disease understanding and therapy development. Herein, we investigated the mechanical properties of CRC cells, namely, HCT116, HCT15, and SW620, using static and dynamic methodologies by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The static method quantifies Young’s modulus; the dynamic method allows the determination of elasticity, viscosity, and fluidity. AFM results were correlated with confocal laser scanning microscopy and cell migration assay data. The SW620 metastatic cells presented the highest Young’s and storage moduli, with a defined cortical actin ring with distributed F-actin filaments, scarce vinculin expression, abundant total focal adhesions (FAK), and no filopodia formation, which could explain the lessened migratory behavior. In contrast, HCT15 cells presented lower Young’s and storage moduli, high cortical tubulin, less cortical F-actin and less FAK, and more filopodia formation, probably explaining the higher migratory behavior. HCT116 cells presented Young’s and storage moduli values in between the other cell lines, high cortical F-actin expression, intermediate levels of total FAK, and abundant filopodia formation, possibly explaining the highest migratory behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Manuela Brás
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tânia B. Cruz
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - André F. Maia
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria José Oliveira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana R. Sousa
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP), Instituto Politécnico do Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro L. Granja
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manfred Radmacher
- Institute of Biophysics, University of Bremen, 28334 Bremen, Germany
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Weber A, Benitez R, Toca‐Herrera JL. Measuring biological materials mechanics with atomic force microscopy - Determination of viscoelastic cell properties from stress relaxation experiments. Microsc Res Tech 2022; 85:3284-3295. [PMID: 35736395 PMCID: PMC9796732 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells are complex, viscoelastic bodies. Their mechanical properties are defined by the arrangement of semiflexible cytoskeletal fibers, their crosslinking, and the active remodeling of the cytoskeletal network. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an often-used technique for the study of cell mechanics, enabling time- and frequency-dependent measurements with nanometer resolution. Cells exhibit time-dependent deformation when stress is applied. In this work, we have investigated the stress relaxation of HeLa cells when subjected to a constant strain. We have varied the applied force (1, 2, 4, and 8 nN) and pause time (1, 10, and 60 s) to check for common assumptions for the use of models of linear viscoelasticity. Then, we have applied three models (standard linear solid, five element Maxwell, power law rheology) to study their suitability to fit the datasets. We show that the five element Maxwell model captures the stress relaxation response the best while still retaining a low number of free variables. This work serves as an introduction and guide when performing stress relaxation experiments on soft matter using AFM. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Cells exhibit linear viscoelastic properties when subjected to stress relaxation measurements at the studied different forces and times. The stress relaxation is best described by a five element Maxwell model. All three used models capture a softening and fluidization of cells when disrupting actin filaments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Weber
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of NanobiotechnologyUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU)ViennaAustria
| | - Rafael Benitez
- Departamento de Matemáticas para la Economía y la EmpresaFacultad de Economía, Universidad de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - José L. Toca‐Herrera
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of NanobiotechnologyUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU)ViennaAustria
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Brás MM, Sousa SR, Carneiro F, Radmacher M, Granja PL. Mechanobiology of Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1945. [PMID: 35454852 PMCID: PMC9028036 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, the mechanobiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) are discussed. Mechanotransduction of CRC is addressed considering the relationship of several biophysical cues and biochemical pathways. Mechanobiology is focused on considering how it may influence epithelial cells in terms of motility, morphometric changes, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, and metastization in CRC development. The roles of the tumor microenvironment, ECM, and stroma are also discussed, taking into account the influence of alterations and surface modifications on mechanical properties and their impact on epithelial cells and CRC progression. The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the impact of flow shear stress is addressed in terms of how it affects CRC metastization. Finally, some insights concerning how the knowledge of biophysical mechanisms may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies and targeting molecules and how mechanical changes of the microenvironment play a role in CRC disease are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Manuela Brás
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.B.); (S.R.S.); (F.C.); (P.L.G.)
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana R. Sousa
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.B.); (S.R.S.); (F.C.); (P.L.G.)
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP), Instituto Politécnico do Porto (IPP), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Carneiro
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.B.); (S.R.S.); (F.C.); (P.L.G.)
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Serviço de Patologia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (CHUSJ), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manfred Radmacher
- Institute for Biophysics, University of Bremen, 28334 Bremen, Germany
| | - Pedro L. Granja
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.B.); (S.R.S.); (F.C.); (P.L.G.)
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sanchez JG, Espinosa FM, Miguez R, Garcia R. The viscoelasticity of adherent cells follows a single power-law with distinct local variations within a single cell and across cell lines. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:16339-16348. [PMID: 34581722 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr03894j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
AFM-based force-distance curves are commonly used to characterize the nanomechanical properties of live cells. The transformation of these curves into nanomechanical properties requires the development of contact mechanics models. Spatially-resolved force-distance curves involving 1 to 2 μm deformations were obtained on HeLa and NIH 3T3 (fibroblast) cells. An elastic and two viscoelastic models were used to describe the experimental force-distance curves. The best agreement was obtained by applying a contact mechanics model that accounts for the geometry of the contact and the finite-thickness of the cell and assumes a single power-law dependence with time. Our findings show the shortcomings of elastic and semi-infinite viscoelastic models to characterize the mechanical response of a mammalian cell under micrometer-scale deformations. The parameters of the 3D power-law viscoelastic model, compressive modulus and fluidity exponent showed local variations within a single cell and across the two cell lines. The corresponding nanomechanical maps revealed structures that were not visible in the AFM topographic maps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan G Sanchez
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Francisco M Espinosa
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ruben Miguez
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Garcia
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Viscoelastic Properties in Cancer: From Cells to Spheroids. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071704. [PMID: 34359874 PMCID: PMC8304080 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AFM-based rheology methods enable the investigation of the viscoelastic properties of cancer cells. Such properties are known to be essential for cell functions, especially for malignant cells. Here, the relevance of the force modulation method was investigated to characterize the viscoelasticity of bladder cancer cells of various invasiveness on soft substrates, revealing that the rheology parameters are a signature of malignancy. Furthermore, the collagen microenvironment affects the viscoelastic moduli of cancer cell spheroids; thus, collagen serves as a powerful proxy, leading to an increase of the dynamic moduli vs. frequency, as predicted by a double power law model. Taken together, these results shed new light on how cancer cells and tissues adapt their viscoelastic properties depending on their malignancy and the microenvironment. This method could be an attractive way to control their properties in the future, based on the similarity of spheroids with in vivo tumor models.
Collapse
|
24
|
Perea Paizal J, Au SH, Bakal C. Squeezing through the microcirculation: survival adaptations of circulating tumour cells to seed metastasis. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:58-65. [PMID: 33257836 PMCID: PMC7782506 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01176-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During metastasis, tumour cells navigating the vascular circulatory system-circulating tumour cells (CTCs)-encounter capillary beds, where they start the process of extravasation. Biomechanical constriction forces exerted by the microcirculation compromise the survival of tumour cells within capillaries, but a proportion of CTCs manage to successfully extravasate and colonise distant sites. Despite the profound importance of this step in the progression of metastatic cancers, the factors about this deadly minority of cells remain elusive. Growing evidence suggests that mechanical forces exerted by the capillaries might induce adaptive mechanisms in CTCs, enhancing their survival and metastatic potency. Advances in microfluidics have enabled a better understanding of the cell-survival capabilities adopted in capillary-mimicking constrictions. In this review, we will highlight adaptations developed by CTCs to endure mechanical constraints in the microvasculature and outline how these mechanical forces might trigger dynamic changes towards a more invasive phenotype. A better understanding of the dynamic mechanisms adopted by CTCs within the microcirculation that ultimately lead to metastasis could open up novel therapeutic avenues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Perea Paizal
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
- Division of Cancer Biology, Chester Beatty Laboratories, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, SW6 6JB, UK.
- Cancer Research UK Convergence Science Centre, Roderic Hill Building, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2BB, UK.
| | - Sam H Au
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- Cancer Research UK Convergence Science Centre, Roderic Hill Building, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2BB, UK
| | - Chris Bakal
- Division of Cancer Biology, Chester Beatty Laboratories, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, SW6 6JB, UK.
- Cancer Research UK Convergence Science Centre, Roderic Hill Building, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2BB, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wong SW, Lenzini S, Bargi R, Feng Z, Macaraniag C, Lee JC, Peng Z, Shin J. Controlled Deposition of 3D Matrices to Direct Single Cell Functions. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2001066. [PMID: 33101850 PMCID: PMC7578851 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202001066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Advances in engineered hydrogels reveal how cells sense and respond to 3D biophysical cues. However, most studies rely on interfacing a population of cells in a tissue-scale bulk hydrogel, an approach that overlooks the heterogeneity of local matrix deposition around individual cells. A droplet microfluidic technique to deposit a defined amount of 3D hydrogel matrices around single cells independently of material composition, elasticity, and stress relaxation times is developed. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergo isotropic volume expansion more rapidly in thinner gels that present an Arg-Gly-Asp integrin ligand. Mathematical modeling and experiments show that MSCs experience higher membrane tension as they expand in thinner gels. Furthermore, thinner gels facilitate osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. By modulating ion channels, it is shown that isotropic volume expansion of single cells predicts intracellular tension and stem cell fate. The results suggest the utility of precise microscale gel deposition to control single cell functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sing Wan Wong
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative MedicineUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIL60612USA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIL60607USA
| | - Stephen Lenzini
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative MedicineUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIL60612USA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIL60607USA
| | - Raymond Bargi
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative MedicineUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIL60612USA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIL60607USA
| | - Zhe Feng
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIN46556USA
| | - Celine Macaraniag
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIL60607USA
| | - James C. Lee
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIL60607USA
| | - Zhangli Peng
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIL60607USA
| | - Jae‐Won Shin
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative MedicineUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIL60612USA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIL60607USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kumari P, Pillai VVS, Rodriguez BJ, Prencipe M, Benedetto A. Sub-Toxic Concentrations of Ionic Liquids Enhance Cell Migration by Reducing the Elasticity of the Cellular Lipid Membrane. J Phys Chem Lett 2020; 11:7327-7333. [PMID: 32794718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c02149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration is a universal and crucial mechanism for life. It is required in a series of physiological processes, in wound repair and immune response and is involved in several pathological conditions, including cancer and virus dissemination. Among the several biochemical and biophysical routes, changing cell membrane elasticity holds the promise to be a universal strategy to alter cell mobility. Due to their affinity with cell membranes, ionic liquids (ILs) may play an important role. This work focuses on the effect of subtoxic amounts of imidazolium-ILs on the migration of the model cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Here we show that ILs are able to enhance cell mobility by reducing the elasticity of the cellular lipid membrane, and that both mobility and elasticity can be tuned by IL-concentration and IL-cation chain length. This biochemical-physical mechanism is potentially valid for all mammalian cells, and its impact in bionanomedicine and bionanotechnology is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Kumari
- School of Physics, and Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Visakh V S Pillai
- School of Physics, and Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Brian J Rodriguez
- School of Physics, and Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Maria Prencipe
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, and Conway Institute Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Antonio Benedetto
- School of Physics, and Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Laboratory for Neutron Scattering, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Garcia
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|