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Zhang Y, Huang S, Cao Y, Li L, Yang J, Zhao M. New Opportunities for Electric Fields in Promoting Wound Healing: Collective Electrotaxis. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2024. [PMID: 38780799 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2024.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Significance: It has long been hypothesized that naturally occurring electric fields (EFs) aid wound healing by guiding cell migration. Consequently, the application of EFs has significant potential for promoting wound healing. However, the mechanisms underlying the cellular response to EFs remain unclear. Recent Advances: Although the directed migration of isolated single cells under EFs has been studied for decades, only recently has experimental evidence demonstrated the distinct collective migration of large sheets of keratinocytes and corneal epithelial cells in response to applied EFs. Accumulating evidence suggests that the emergent properties of cell groups in response to EF guidance offer new opportunities for EF-assisted directional migration. Critical Issues: In this review, we provide an overview of the field of collective electrotaxis, highlighting key advances made in recent years. We also discuss advanced engineering strategies utilized to manipulate collective electrotaxis. Future Directions: We outline a series of unanswered questions in this field and propose potential applications of collective electrotaxis in developing electrical stimulation technologies for wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Hangzhou Normal University School of Public Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiwen Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Hangzhou Normal University School of Public Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifei Cao
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, Hangzhou Normal University School of Public Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, Hangzhou Normal University School of Public Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Ende K, Santos F, Guasch J, Kemkemer R. Migration of human T cells can be differentially directed by electric fields depending on the extracellular microenvironment. iScience 2024; 27:109746. [PMID: 38706849 PMCID: PMC11067362 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109746] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell migration plays an essential role in the immune response and T cell-based therapies. It can be modulated by chemical and physical cues such as electric fields (EFs). The mechanisms underlying electrotaxis (cell migration manipulated by EFs) are not fully understood and systematic studies with immune cells are rare. In this in vitro study, we show that direct current EFs with strengths of physiologically occurring EFs (25-200 mV/mm) can guide the migration of primary human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells on 2D substrates toward the anode and in a 3D environment differentially (CD4+ T cells show cathodal and CD8+ T cells show anodal electrotaxis). Overall, we find that EFs present a potent stimulus to direct T cell migration in different microenvironments in a cell-type-, substrate-, and voltage-dependent manner, while not significantly influencing T cell differentiation or viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Ende
- Reutlingen Research Institute and School of Life Sciences, Reutlingen University, 72762 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Fabião Santos
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Dynamic Biomimetics for Cancer Immunotherapy, Max Planck Partner Group, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Judith Guasch
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Dynamic Biomimetics for Cancer Immunotherapy, Max Planck Partner Group, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ralf Kemkemer
- Reutlingen Research Institute and School of Life Sciences, Reutlingen University, 72762 Reutlingen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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3
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Keane Tahmaseb GC, Keane AM, Foppiani JA, Myckatyn TM. An Update on Implant-Associated Malignancies and Their Biocompatibility. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4653. [PMID: 38731871 PMCID: PMC11083590 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094653] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Implanted medical devices are widely used across various medical specialties for numerous applications, ranging from cardiovascular supports to orthopedic prostheses and cosmetic enhancements. However, recent observations have raised concerns about the potential of these implants to induce malignancies in the tissues surrounding them. There have been several case reports documenting the occurrence of cancers adjacent to these devices, prompting a closer examination of their safety. This review delves into the epidemiology, clinical presentations, pathological findings, and hypothesized mechanisms of carcinogenesis related to implanted devices. It also explores how the surgical domain and the intrinsic properties and biocompatibility of the implants might influence the development of these rare but serious malignancies. Understanding these associations is crucial for assessing the risks associated with the use of medical implants, and for developing strategies to mitigate potential adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace C. Keane Tahmaseb
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; (G.C.K.T.); (A.M.K.)
| | - Alexandra M. Keane
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; (G.C.K.T.); (A.M.K.)
| | - Jose A. Foppiani
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Terence M. Myckatyn
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; (G.C.K.T.); (A.M.K.)
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Laha S, Dhar D, Adak M, Bandopadhyay A, Das S, Chatterjee J, Chakraborty S. Electric field-mediated adhesive dynamics of cells inside bio-functionalised microchannels offers important cues for active control of cell-substrate adhesion. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:2610-2623. [PMID: 38426537 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00083h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Adhesive dynamics of cells plays a critical role in determining different biophysical processes orchestrating health and disease in living systems. While the rolling of cells on functionalised substrates having similarity with biophysical pathways appears to be extensively discussed in the literature, the effect of an external stimulus in the form of an electric field on the same remains underemphasized. Here, we bring out the interplay of fluid shear and electric field on the rolling dynamics of adhesive cells in biofunctionalised micro-confinements. Our experimental results portray that an electric field, even restricted to low strengths within the physiologically relevant regimes, can significantly influence the cell adhesion dynamics. We quantify the electric field-mediated adhesive dynamics of the cells in terms of two key parameters, namely, the voltage-altered rolling velocity and the frequency of adhesion. The effect of the directionality of the electric field with respect to the flow direction is also analysed by studying cellular migration with electrical effects acting both along and against the flow. Our experiment, on one hand, demonstrates the importance of collagen functionalisation in the adhesive dynamics of cells through micro channels, while on the other hand, it reveals how the presence of an axial electric field can lead to significant alteration in the kinetic rate of bond breakage, thereby modifying the degree of cell-substrate adhesion and quantifying in terms of the adhesion frequency of the cells. Proceeding further forward, we offer a simple theoretical explanation towards deriving the kinetics of cellular bonding in the presence of an electric field, which corroborates favourably with our experimental outcome. These findings are likely to offer fundamental insights into the possibilities of local control of cellular adhesion via electric field mediated interactions, bearing critical implications in a wide variety of medical conditions ranging from wound healing to cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampad Laha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India.
| | - Dhruba Dhar
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Mainak Adak
- National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | - Aditya Bandopadhyay
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India.
| | - Soumen Das
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Jyotirmoy Chatterjee
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Suman Chakraborty
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India.
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
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Moreddu R. Nanotechnology and Cancer Bioelectricity: Bridging the Gap Between Biology and Translational Medicine. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304110. [PMID: 37984883 PMCID: PMC10767462 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304110] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectricity is the electrical activity that occurs within living cells and tissues. This activity is critical for regulating homeostatic cellular function and communication, and disruptions of the same can lead to a variety of conditions, including cancer. Cancer cells are known to exhibit abnormal electrical properties compared to their healthy counterparts, and this has driven researchers to investigate the potential of harnessing bioelectricity as a tool in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In parallel, bioelectricity represents one of the means to gain fundamental insights on how electrical signals and charges play a role in cancer insurgence, growth, and progression. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the literature in this field, addressing the fundamentals of bioelectricity in single cancer cells, cancer cell cohorts, and cancerous tissues. The emerging role of bioelectricity in cancer proliferation and metastasis is introduced. Based on the acknowledgement that this biological information is still hard to access due to the existing gap between biological findings and translational medicine, the latest advancements in the field of nanotechnologies for cellular electrophysiology are examined, as well as the most recent developments in micro- and nano-devices for cancer diagnostics and therapy targeting bioelectricity.
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Murugan NJ, Cariba S, Abeygunawardena S, Rouleau N, Payne SL. Biophysical control of plasticity and patterning in regeneration and cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 81:9. [PMID: 38099951 PMCID: PMC10724343 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05054-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Cells and tissues display a remarkable range of plasticity and tissue-patterning activities that are emergent of complex signaling dynamics within their microenvironments. These properties, which when operating normally guide embryogenesis and regeneration, become highly disordered in diseases such as cancer. While morphogens and other molecular factors help determine the shapes of tissues and their patterned cellular organization, the parallel contributions of biophysical control mechanisms must be considered to accurately predict and model important processes such as growth, maturation, injury, repair, and senescence. We now know that mechanical, optical, electric, and electromagnetic signals are integral to cellular plasticity and tissue patterning. Because biophysical modalities underly interactions between cells and their extracellular matrices, including cell cycle, metabolism, migration, and differentiation, their applications as tuning dials for regenerative and anti-cancer therapies are being rapidly exploited. Despite this, the importance of cellular communication through biophysical signaling remains disproportionately underrepresented in the literature. Here, we provide a review of biophysical signaling modalities and known mechanisms that initiate, modulate, or inhibit plasticity and tissue patterning in models of regeneration and cancer. We also discuss current approaches in biomedical engineering that harness biophysical control mechanisms to model, characterize, diagnose, and treat disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirosha J Murugan
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.
| | - Solsa Cariba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Samantha L Payne
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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de Moraes FCA, Dal Moro L, Pessoa FR, Passos ESDR, Campos RALS, de Souza DDSM, Feio D, Rodríguez Burbano RM, Fernandes MR, dos Santos NPC. Malignant Neoplasms Arising in the Cardiac Pacemaker Cavity: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5206. [PMID: 37958380 PMCID: PMC10647525 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215206] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the abnormal proliferation of physiologically inadequate cells. Studies have identified the cardiac pacemaker pocket as a site of rare neoplasms. To evaluate the clinical outcomes, treatment, prognosis, and individualized management of tumors originating in the cardiac pacemaker pocket, a systematic review was conducted using case reports and case series available in the PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Cochrane Central, LILACS, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) databases. Pacemaker pocket tumors affected patients with a mean age of 72.9 years, with a higher incidence in males (76.9%, n = 10). The average time for neoplasm development was 4.4 years (54.07 months). The most prevalent model was Medtronic (38.4%, n = 5), with titanium (83.3%) being the most common metal composition. Chemotherapy was the most performed procedure among patients (38.4%), followed by radiation therapy (38.4%) and surgical tumor resection (30.7%). Six analyzed cases (46.1%) resulted in death, and four patients (30.7%) achieved a cure. Patients with pacemakers should be routinely evaluated for the occurrence of malignant tumors at the site of device implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Cezar Aquino de Moraes
- Oncology Research Center, University Hospital João de Barros Barreto, Belém 66073-005, PA, Brazil; (D.F.); (M.R.F.); (N.P.C.d.S.)
| | - Lucca Dal Moro
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (L.D.M.); (F.R.P.); (E.S.d.R.P.); (R.A.L.S.C.); (D.d.S.M.d.S.)
| | - Fernando Rocha Pessoa
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (L.D.M.); (F.R.P.); (E.S.d.R.P.); (R.A.L.S.C.); (D.d.S.M.d.S.)
| | - Ellen Sabrinna dos Remédios Passos
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (L.D.M.); (F.R.P.); (E.S.d.R.P.); (R.A.L.S.C.); (D.d.S.M.d.S.)
| | - Raul Antônio Lopes Silva Campos
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (L.D.M.); (F.R.P.); (E.S.d.R.P.); (R.A.L.S.C.); (D.d.S.M.d.S.)
| | - Dilma do Socorro Moraes de Souza
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (L.D.M.); (F.R.P.); (E.S.d.R.P.); (R.A.L.S.C.); (D.d.S.M.d.S.)
- Gaspar Vianna State Public Hospital of Clinical Foundation, Belém 66083-106, PA, Brazil
| | - Danielle Feio
- Oncology Research Center, University Hospital João de Barros Barreto, Belém 66073-005, PA, Brazil; (D.F.); (M.R.F.); (N.P.C.d.S.)
| | | | - Marianne Rodrigues Fernandes
- Oncology Research Center, University Hospital João de Barros Barreto, Belém 66073-005, PA, Brazil; (D.F.); (M.R.F.); (N.P.C.d.S.)
| | - Ney Pereira Carneiro dos Santos
- Oncology Research Center, University Hospital João de Barros Barreto, Belém 66073-005, PA, Brazil; (D.F.); (M.R.F.); (N.P.C.d.S.)
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Liu X, Yang J, Kong M, Jiang M, Liu L, Zhang J, Chen Y, Chen X, Zhang Z, Wu C, Jiang X, Liu J, Zhang J. CD9 negatively regulates collective electrotaxis of the epidermal monolayer by controlling and coordinating the polarization of leader cells. BURNS & TRAUMA 2023; 11:tkad012. [PMID: 37492637 PMCID: PMC10365154 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkad012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Background Endogenous electric fields (EFs) play an essential role in guiding the coordinated collective migration of epidermal cells to the wound centre during wound healing. Although polarization of leadercells is essential for collective migration, the signal mechanisms responsible for the EF-induced polarization of leader cells under electrotactic collective migration remain unclear. This study aims to determine how the leader cells are polarized and coordinated during EF-guided collective migration of epidermal cell sheets. Methods Collective migration of the human epidermal monolayer (human immortalized keratinocytes HaCaT) under EFs was observed via time-lapse microscopy. The involvement of tetraspanin-29 (CD9) in EF-induced fibrous actin (F-actin) polarization of leader cells as well as electrotactic migration of the epidermal monolayer was evaluated by genetic manipulation. Blocking, rescue and co-culture experiments were conducted to explore the downstream signalling of CD9. Results EFs guided the coordinated collective migration of the epithelial monolayer to the anode, with dynamic formation of pseudopodia in leader cells at the front edge of the monolayer along the direction of migration. F-actin polarization, as expected, played an essential role in pseudopod formation in leader cells under EFs. By confocal microscopy, we found that CD9 was colocalized with F-actin on the cell surface and was particularly downregulated in leader cells by EFs. Interestingly, genetic overexpression of CD9 abolished EF-induced F-actin polarization in leader cells as well as collective migration in the epidermal monolayer. Mechanistically, CD9 determined the polarization of F-actin in leader cells by downregulating a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17/heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor/epidermal growth factor receptor (ADAM17/HB-EGF/EGFR) signalling. The abolished polarization of leader cells due to CD9 overexpression could be restored in a co-culture monolayer where normal cells and CD9-overexpressing cells were mixed; however, this restoration was eliminated again by the addition of the HB-EGF-neutralizing antibody. Conclusion CD9 functions as a key regulator in the EF-guided collective migration of the epidermal monolayer by controlling and coordinating the polarization of leader cells through ADAM17/HB-EGF/EGFR signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Min Jiang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 29 Gaotan Yan Street, Shapingba, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Luojia Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 29 Gaotan Yan Street, Shapingba, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Jinghong Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 29 Gaotan Yan Street, Shapingba, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 29 Gaotan Yan Street, Shapingba, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 29 Gaotan Yan Street, Shapingba, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 29 Gaotan Yan Street, Shapingba, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 29 Gaotan Yan Street, Shapingba, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Xupin Jiang
- Correspondence. Jiaping Zhang, ; Jie Liu, ; Xupin Jiang,
| | - Jie Liu
- Correspondence. Jiaping Zhang, ; Jie Liu, ; Xupin Jiang,
| | - Jiaping Zhang
- Correspondence. Jiaping Zhang, ; Jie Liu, ; Xupin Jiang,
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Lange F, Porath K, Sellmann T, Einsle A, Jaster R, Linnebacher M, Köhling R, Kirschstein T. Direct-Current Electrical Field Stimulation of Patient-Derived Colorectal Cancer Cells. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1032. [PMID: 37508461 PMCID: PMC10376471 DOI: 10.3390/biology12071032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Several cues for a directional migration of colorectal cancer cells were identified as being crucial in tumor progression. However, galvanotaxis, the directional migration in direct-current electrical fields, has not been investigated so far. Therefore, we asked whether direct-current electrical fields could be used to mobilize colorectal cancer cells along field vectors. For this purpose, five patient-derived low-passage cell lines were exposed to field strengths of 150-250 V/m in vitro, and migration along the field vectors was investigated. To further study the role of voltage-gated calcium channels on galvanotaxis and intracellular signaling pathways that are associated with migration of colorectal cancer cells, the cultures were exposed to selective inhibitors. In three out of five colorectal cancer cell lines, we found a preferred cathodal migration. The cellular integrity of the cells was not impaired by exposure of the cells to the selected field strengths. Galvanotaxis was sensitive to inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels. Furthermore, signaling pathways such as AKT and MEK, but not STAT3, were also found to contribute to galvanotaxis in our in vitro model system. Overall, we identify electrical fields as an important contributor to the directional migration of colorectal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falko Lange
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Katrin Porath
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Tina Sellmann
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Anne Einsle
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Robert Jaster
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, Department of Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Linnebacher
- Molecular Oncology and Immunotherapy, Clinic of General Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Köhling
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Timo Kirschstein
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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Leal J, Shaner S, Jedrusik N, Savelyeva A, Asplund M. Electrotaxis evokes directional separation of co-cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11444. [PMID: 37454232 PMCID: PMC10349865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38664-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioelectric communication plays a significant role in several cellular processes and biological mechanisms, such as division, differentiation, migration, cancer metastasis, and wound healing. Ion flow across cellular walls leads to potential gradients and subsequent formation of constant or time-varying electric fields(EFs), which regulate cellular processes. An EF is natively generated towards the wound center during epithelial wound healing, aiming to align and guide cell migration, particularly of macrophages, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes. While this phenomenon, known as electrotaxis or galvanotaxis, has been extensively investigated across many cell types, it is typically explored one cell type at a time, which does not accurately represent cellular interactions during complex biological processes. Here we show the co-cultured electrotaxis of epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts with a salt-bridgeless microfluidic approach for the first time. The electrotactic response of these cells was first assessed in mono-culture to establish a baseline, resulting in the characteristic cathodic migration for keratinocytes and anodic for fibroblasts. Both cell types retained their electrotactic properties in co-culture leading to clear cellular partition even in the presence of cellular collisions. The methods leveraged here pave the way for future co-culture electrotaxis experiments where the concurrent influence of cell types can be thoroughly investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Leal
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Shaner
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Jedrusik
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna Savelyeva
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maria Asplund
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Division of Nursing and Medical Technology, Luleå University of Technology, 97187, Luleå, Sweden.
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Fontani V, Cruciani S, Santaniello S, Rinaldi S, Maioli M. Impact of REAC Regenerative Endogenous Bioelectrical Cell Reprogramming on MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1019. [PMID: 37374009 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13061019] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human breast adenocarcinoma is a form of cancer which has the tendency to metastasize to other tissues, including bones, lungs, brain, and liver. Several chemotherapeutic drugs are used to treat breast tumors. Their combination is used to simultaneously target different mechanisms involved in cell replication. Radio electric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) technology is an innovative technology, used both in vitro and in vivo, to induce cell reprogramming and counteract senescence processes. Within this context, we treated MCF-7 cells with a regenerative (RGN) REAC treatment for a period ranging between 3 and 7 days. We then analyzed cell viability by trypan blue assays and gene and protein expression by real time-qPCR and confocal microscope, respectively. We also detected the levels of the main proteins involved in tumor progression, DKK1 and SFRP1, by ELISA and cell senescence by β-galactosidase tests. Our results showed the ability of REAC RGN to counteract MCF-7 proliferation, probably inducing autophagy via the upregulation of Beclin-1 and LC3-I, and the modulation of specific tumorigenic biomarkers, such as DKK1 and SPFR1. Our results could suggest the application of the REAC RGN in future in vivo experiments, as an aid for the therapeutic strategies usually applied for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Fontani
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Cruciani
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Sara Santaniello
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Salvatore Rinaldi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Margherita Maioli
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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12
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Cho S, Lee S, Ahn SI. Design and engineering of organ-on-a-chip. Biomed Eng Lett 2023; 13:97-109. [PMID: 36620430 PMCID: PMC9806813 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-022-00258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) is an emerging interdisciplinary technology that reconstitutes the structure, function, and physiology of human tissues as an alternative to conventional preclinical models for drug screening. Over the last decade, substantial progress has been made in mimicking tissue- and organ-level functions on chips through technical advances in biomaterials, stem cell engineering, microengineering, and microfluidic technologies. Structural and engineering constituents, as well as biological components, are critical factors to be considered to reconstitute the tissue function and microenvironment on chips. In this review, we highlight critical engineering technologies for reconstructing the tissue microarchitecture and dynamic spatiotemporal microenvironment in OOCs. We review the technological advances in the field of OOCs for a range of applications, including systemic analysis tools that can be integrated with OOCs, multiorgan-on-chips, and large-scale manufacturing. We then discuss the challenges and future directions for the development of advanced end-user-friendly OOC systems for a wide range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Cho
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
| | - Sumi Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
| | - Song Ih Ahn
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
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13
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Bioelectronic medicines: Therapeutic potential and advancements in next-generation cancer therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188808. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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14
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Yao L, Tran K, Nguyen D. Collagen Matrices Mediate Glioma Cell Migration Induced by an Electrical Signal. Gels 2022; 8:gels8090545. [PMID: 36135257 PMCID: PMC9498326 DOI: 10.3390/gels8090545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma cells produce an increased amount of collagen compared with normal astrocytes. The increasing amount of collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM) modulates the matrix structure and the mechanical properties of the microenvironment, thereby regulating tumor cell invasion. Although the regulation of tumor cell invasion mainly relies on cell–ECM interaction, the electrotaxis of tumor cells has attracted great research interest. The growth of glioma cells in a three-dimensional (3D) collagen hydrogel creates a relevant tumor physiological condition for the study of tumor cell invasion. In this study, we tested the migration of human glioma cells, fetal astrocytes, and adult astrocytes in a 3D collagen matrix with different collagen concentrations. We report that all three types of cells demonstrated higher motility in a low concentration of collagen hydrogel (3 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL) than in a high concentration of collagen hydrogel (10 mg/mL). We further show that human glioma cells grown in collagen hydrogels responded to direct current electric field (dcEF) stimulation and migrated to the anodal pole. The tumor cells altered their morphology in the gels to adapt to the anodal migration. The directedness of anodal migration shows a field strength-dependent response. EF stimulation increased the migration speed of tumor cells. This study implicates the potential role of an dcEF in glioma invasion and as a target of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yao
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +316-978-6766; Fax: +316-978-3772
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15
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Chan SY, Lee D, Meivita MP, Li L, Tan YS, Bajalovic N, Loke DK. Ultrasensitive Detection of MCF-7 Cells with a Carbon Nanotube-Based Optoelectronic-Pulse Sensor Framework. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:18459-18470. [PMID: 35694527 PMCID: PMC9178712 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Biosensors are of vital significance for healthcare by supporting the management of infectious diseases for preventing pandemics and the diagnosis of life-threatening conditions such as cancer. However, the advancement of the field can be limited by low sensing accuracy. Here, we altered the bioelectrical signatures of the cells using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via structural loosening effects. Using an alternating current (AC) pulse under light irradiation, we developed a photo-assisted AC pulse sensor based on CNTs to differentiate between healthy breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A) and luminal breast cancer cells (MCF-7) within a heterogeneous cell population. We observed a previously undemonstrated increase in current contrast for MCF-7 cells with CNTs compared to MCF-10A cells with CNTs under light exposure. Moreover, we obtained a detection limit of ∼1.5 × 103 cells below a baseline of ∼1 × 104 cells for existing electrical-based sensors for an adherent, heterogeneous cell population. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations reveal that interactions between the embedded CNT and cancer cell membranes result in a less rigid lipid bilayer structure, which can facilitate CNT translocation for enhancing current. This as-yet unconsidered cancer cell-specific method based on the unique optoelectrical properties of CNTs represents a strategy for unlocking the detection of a small population of cancer cells and provides a promising route for the early diagnosis, monitoring, and staging of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia
S. Y. Chan
- Department
of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore487372, Singapore
| | - Denise Lee
- Department
of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore487372, Singapore
| | - Maria Prisca Meivita
- Department
of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore487372, Singapore
| | - Lunna Li
- Department
of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore487372, Singapore
- Thomas
Young Centre and Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, LondonWC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Yaw Sing Tan
- Bioinformatics
Institute, Agency for Science, Technology
and Research (A*STAR), Singapore138671, Singapore
| | - Natasa Bajalovic
- Department
of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore487372, Singapore
| | - Desmond K. Loke
- Department
of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore487372, Singapore
- Office
of Innovation, Changi General Hospital, Singapore529889, Singapore
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16
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Lange F, Venus J, Shams Esfand Abady D, Porath K, Einsle A, Sellmann T, Neubert V, Reichart G, Linnebacher M, Köhling R, Kirschstein T. Galvanotactic Migration of Glioblastoma and Brain Metastases Cells. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12040580. [PMID: 35455071 PMCID: PMC9027426 DOI: 10.3390/life12040580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Galvanotaxis, the migration along direct current electrical fields, may contribute to the invasion of brain cancer cells in the tumor-surrounding tissue. We hypothesized that pharmacological perturbation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway prevent galvanotactic migration. In our study, patient-derived glioblastoma and brain metastases cells were exposed to direct current electrical field conditions. Velocity and direction of migration were estimated. To determine the effects of EGF receptor antagonist afatinib and AKT inhibitor capivasertib, assays of cell proliferation, apoptosis and immunoblot analyses were performed. Both inhibitors attenuated cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis. We found that most of the glioblastoma cells migrated preferentially in an anodal direction, while brain metastases cells were unaffected by direct current stimulations. Afatinib presented only a mild attenuation of galvanotaxis. In contrast, capivasertib abolished the migration of glioblastoma cells without genetic alterations in the PI3K/AKT pathway, but not in cells harboring PTEN mutation. In these cells, an increase in the activation of ERK1/2 may in part substitute the inhibition of the AKT pathway. Overall, our data demonstrate that glioblastoma cells migrate in the electrical field and the PI3K/AKT pathway was found to be highly involved in galvanotaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falko Lange
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Jakob Venus
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Daria Shams Esfand Abady
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Katrin Porath
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Anne Einsle
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Tina Sellmann
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Valentin Neubert
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Gesine Reichart
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Michael Linnebacher
- Molecular Oncology and Immunotherapy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Rüdiger Köhling
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Timo Kirschstein
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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17
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Sheth M, Esfandiari L. Bioelectric Dysregulation in Cancer Initiation, Promotion, and Progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:846917. [PMID: 35359398 PMCID: PMC8964134 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.846917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is primarily a disease of dysregulation – both at the genetic level and at the tissue organization level. One way that tissue organization is dysregulated is by changes in the bioelectric regulation of cell signaling pathways. At the basis of bioelectricity lies the cellular membrane potential or Vmem, an intrinsic property associated with any cell. The bioelectric state of cancer cells is different from that of healthy cells, causing a disruption in the cellular signaling pathways. This disruption or dysregulation affects all three processes of carcinogenesis – initiation, promotion, and progression. Another mechanism that facilitates the homeostasis of cell signaling pathways is the production of extracellular vesicles (EVs) by cells. EVs also play a role in carcinogenesis by mediating cellular communication within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, the production and release of EVs is altered in cancer. To this end, the change in cell electrical state and in EV production are responsible for the bioelectric dysregulation which occurs during cancer. This paper reviews the bioelectric dysregulation associated with carcinogenesis, including the TME and metastasis. We also look at the major ion channels associated with cancer and current technologies and tools used to detect and manipulate bioelectric properties of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maulee Sheth
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Leyla Esfandiari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Leyla Esfandiari,
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18
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Mierke CT. Viscoelasticity, Like Forces, Plays a Role in Mechanotransduction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:789841. [PMID: 35223831 PMCID: PMC8864183 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.789841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Viscoelasticity and its alteration in time and space has turned out to act as a key element in fundamental biological processes in living systems, such as morphogenesis and motility. Based on experimental and theoretical findings it can be proposed that viscoelasticity of cells, spheroids and tissues seems to be a collective characteristic that demands macromolecular, intracellular component and intercellular interactions. A major challenge is to couple the alterations in the macroscopic structural or material characteristics of cells, spheroids and tissues, such as cell and tissue phase transitions, to the microscopic interferences of their elements. Therefore, the biophysical technologies need to be improved, advanced and connected to classical biological assays. In this review, the viscoelastic nature of cytoskeletal, extracellular and cellular networks is presented and discussed. Viscoelasticity is conceptualized as a major contributor to cell migration and invasion and it is discussed whether it can serve as a biomarker for the cells’ migratory capacity in several biological contexts. It can be hypothesized that the statistical mechanics of intra- and extracellular networks may be applied in the future as a powerful tool to explore quantitatively the biomechanical foundation of viscoelasticity over a broad range of time and length scales. Finally, the importance of the cellular viscoelasticity is illustrated in identifying and characterizing multiple disorders, such as cancer, tissue injuries, acute or chronic inflammations or fibrotic diseases.
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19
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Yang Q, Jiang N, Xu H, Zhang Y, Xiong C, Huang J. Integration of electrotaxis and durotaxis in cancer cells: Subtle nonlinear responses to electromechanical coupling cues. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 186:113289. [PMID: 33975207 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cells in living organisms live in multiphysics-coupled environments. There is growing evidence indicating that both exogenous electric field (EEF) and extracellular stiffness gradient (ESG) can regulate directional movement of cells, which are known as electrotaxis and durotaxis, respectively. How single cells respond to the ubiquitous electromechanical coupling cues, however, remains mysterious. Using microfluidic chip-based methodology and finite element-based electromechanical coupling design strategies, we develope an electromechanical coupling microchip system, enabling us to quantitatively investigate polarization and directional migration governed by EEF and ESG at the single cell level. It is revealed that both of electrotaxis and durotaxis nonlinearly depend on the physiological EEF and ESG, respectively. Specific combinations of EEF and ESG can subtly modify the polarization states of single cells and thus induce hyperpolarization and depolarization. Cells can integrate electrotaxis and durotaxis in response to multi-cue microenvironments via subtle mechanisms involving cooperation and competition during cellular electrosensing and mechanosensing. The work offers a platform for quantifying migration and polarization of cells driven by electromechanical cues, which is essential not only for elucidating physiological and pathological processes like embryo development, and invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, but for manipulating cell behaviors in a controllable and programmable fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunfeng Yang
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Hongwei Xu
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yajun Zhang
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chunyang Xiong
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianyong Huang
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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20
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Jiang TX, Li A, Lin CM, Chiu C, Cho JH, Reid B, Zhao M, Chow RH, Widelitz RB, Chuong CM. Global feather orientations changed by electric current. iScience 2021; 24:102671. [PMID: 34179734 PMCID: PMC8214094 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During chicken skin development, each feather bud exhibits its own polarity, but a population of buds organizes with a collective global orientation. We used embryonic dorsal skin, with buds aligned parallel to the rostral-caudal body axis, to explore whether exogenous electric fields affect feather polarity. Interestingly, brief exogenous current exposure prior to visible bud formation later altered bud orientations. Applying electric pulses perpendicular to the body rostral-caudal axis realigned bud growth in a collective swirl, resembling an electric field pointing toward the anode. Perturbed buds show normal molecular expression and morphogenesis except for their altered orientation. Epithelial-mesenchymal recombination demonstrates the effects of exogenous electric fields are mediated through the epithelium. Small-molecule channel inhibitor screens show Ca2+ channels and PI3 Kinase are involved in controlling feather bud polarity. This work reveals the importance of bioelectricity in organ development and regeneration and provides an explant culture platform for experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Xin Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Avenue, Los Ángeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Avenue, Los Ángeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Chih-Min Lin
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Avenue, Los Ángeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Cathleen Chiu
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Avenue, Los Ángeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jung-Hwa Cho
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Brian Reid
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, and Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, and Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
| | - Robert H. Chow
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Randall Bruce Widelitz
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Avenue, Los Ángeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Cheng-Ming Chuong
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Avenue, Los Ángeles, CA 90033, USA
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21
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Shellard A, Mayor R. Durotaxis: The Hard Path from In Vitro to In Vivo. Dev Cell 2020; 56:227-239. [PMID: 33290722 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Durotaxis, the process by which cells follow gradients of extracellular mechanical stiffness, has been proposed as a mechanism driving directed migration. Despite the lack of evidence for its existence in vivo, durotaxis has become an active field of research, focusing on the mechanism by which cells respond to mechanical stimuli from the environment. In this review, we describe the technical and conceptual advances in the study of durotaxis in vitro, discuss to what extent the evidence suggests durotaxis may occur in vivo, and emphasize the urgent need for in vivo demonstration of durotaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Shellard
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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22
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Barriga EH, Theveneau E. In vivo Neural Crest Cell Migration Is Controlled by "Mixotaxis". Front Physiol 2020; 11:586432. [PMID: 33324240 PMCID: PMC7723832 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.586432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Directed cell migration is essential all along an individual’s life, from embryogenesis to tissue repair and cancer metastasis. Thus, due to its biomedical relevance, directed cell migration is currently under intense research. Directed cell migration has been shown to be driven by an assortment of external biasing cues, ranging from gradients of soluble (chemotaxis) to bound (haptotaxis) molecules. In addition to molecular gradients, gradients of mechanical properties (duro/mechanotaxis), electric fields (electro/galvanotaxis) as well as iterative biases in the environment topology (ratchetaxis) have been shown to be able to direct cell migration. Since cells migrating in vivo are exposed to a challenging environment composed of a convolution of biochemical, biophysical, and topological cues, it is highly unlikely that cell migration would be guided by an individual type of “taxis.” This is especially true since numerous molecular players involved in the cellular response to these biasing cues are often recycled, serving as sensor or transducer of both biochemical and biophysical signals. In this review, we confront literature on Xenopus cephalic neural crest cells with that of other cell types to discuss the relevance of the current categorization of cell guidance strategies. Furthermore, we emphasize that while studying individual biasing signals is informative, the hard truth is that cells migrate by performing a sort of “mixotaxis,” where they integrate and coordinate multiple inputs through shared molecular effectors to ensure robustness of directed cell motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias H Barriga
- Mechanisms of Morphogenesis Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Eric Theveneau
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
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