1
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Cortesi M, Giordano E. Driving cell response through deep learning, a study in simulated 3D cell cultures. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29395. [PMID: 38699000 PMCID: PMC11063986 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Computational simulations are becoming increasingly relevant in biomedical research, providing strategies to reproduce experimental results, improve the resolution of in-vitro experiments, and predict the system's behavior in untested conditions. Their use to determine the features associated with an extensive response to treatment and optimize treatment schedules has, however received little attention. To bridge this gap, we propose a deep learning framework capable of reliably classifying simulated time series data and identifying class-defining features. This information will be shown to be useful for the determination of which changes in treatment schedule elicit a more extensive cellular response. This analysis pipeline will be initially tested on a synthetic dataset created ad-hoc to identify its accuracy in identifying the most relevant portion of the signals. Successively this method will be applied to simulations describing the behaviors of populations of cancer cells treated with either one or two drugs in different concentrations. The proposed method will be shown to be effective in identifying which changes in the treatment protocol lead to a more extensive response to treatment. While lacking direct experimental validation, this result holds great potential for the integration of in-silico and in-vitro analyses and the effective optimization of experimental conditions in complex experimental setups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Cortesi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering ”G.Marconi” (DEI), Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, via dell'Università 50, Cesena, 47521, FC, Italy
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, High Street, Kensington, 2033, NSW, Australia
| | - Emanuele Giordano
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering ”G.Marconi” (DEI), Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, via dell'Università 50, Cesena, 47521, FC, Italy
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2
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Romero R, Chu T, González-Robles TJ, Smith P, Xie Y, Kaur H, Yoder S, Zhao H, Mao C, Kang W, Pulina MV, Lawrence KE, Gopalan A, Zaidi S, Yoo K, Choi J, Fan N, Gerstner O, Karthaus WR, DeStanchina E, Ruggles KV, Westcott PM, Chaligné R, Pe’er D, Sawyers CL. The neuroendocrine transition in prostate cancer is dynamic and dependent on ASCL1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.09.588557. [PMID: 38645223 PMCID: PMC11030418 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.09.588557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Lineage plasticity is a recognized hallmark of cancer progression that can shape therapy outcomes. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating lineage plasticity remain poorly understood. Here, we describe a versatile in vivo platform to identify and interrogate the molecular determinants of neuroendocrine lineage transformation at different stages of prostate cancer progression. Adenocarcinomas reliably develop following orthotopic transplantation of primary mouse prostate organoids acutely engineered with human-relevant driver alterations (e.g., Rb1-/-; Trp53-/-; cMyc+ or Pten-/-; Trp53-/-; cMyc+), but only those with Rb1 deletion progress to ASCL1+ neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a highly aggressive, androgen receptor signaling inhibitor (ARSI)-resistant tumor. Importantly, we show this lineage transition requires a native in vivo microenvironment not replicated by conventional organoid culture. By integrating multiplexed immunofluorescence, spatial transcriptomics and PrismSpot to identify cell type-specific spatial gene modules, we reveal that ASCL1+ cells arise from KRT8+ luminal epithelial cells that progressively acquire transcriptional heterogeneity, producing large ASCL1+;KRT8- NEPC clusters. Ascl1 loss in established NEPC results in transient tumor regression followed by recurrence; however, Ascl1 deletion prior to transplantation completely abrogates lineage plasticity, yielding adenocarcinomas with elevated AR expression and marked sensitivity to castration. The dynamic feature of this model reveals the importance of timing of therapies focused on lineage plasticity and offers a platform for identification of additional lineage plasticity drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Romero
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tinyi Chu
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tania J. González-Robles
- Institute of Systems Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10061, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10061, USA
| | - Perianne Smith
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yubin Xie
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Harmanpreet Kaur
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sara Yoder
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Huiyong Zhao
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Chenyi Mao
- Molecular Cytology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Wenfei Kang
- Molecular Cytology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Maria V. Pulina
- Molecular Cytology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kayla E. Lawrence
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anuradha Gopalan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Samir Zaidi
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kwangmin Yoo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jungmin Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ning Fan
- Molecular Cytology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Olivia Gerstner
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Wouter R. Karthaus
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Elisa DeStanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kelly V. Ruggles
- Institute of Systems Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10061, USA
| | | | - Ronan Chaligné
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Alan and Sandra Gerry Metastasis and Tumor Ecosystems Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dana Pe’er
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Alan and Sandra Gerry Metastasis and Tumor Ecosystems Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Charles L. Sawyers
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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3
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Jouybar M, de Winde CM, Wolf K, Friedl P, Mebius RE, den Toonder JMJ. Cancer-on-chip models for metastasis: importance of the tumor microenvironment. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:431-448. [PMID: 37914546 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-on-chip (CoC) models, based on microfluidic chips harboring chambers for 3D tumor-cell culture, enable us to create a controlled tumor microenvironment (TME). CoC models are therefore increasingly used to systematically study effects of the TME on the various steps in cancer metastasis. Moreover, CoC models have great potential for developing novel cancer therapies and for predicting patient-specific response to cancer treatments. We review recent developments in CoC models, focusing on three main TME components: (i) the anisotropic extracellular matrix (ECM) architectures, (ii) the vasculature, and (iii) the immune system. We aim to provide guidance to biologists to choose the best CoC approach for addressing questions about the role of the TME in metastasis, and to inspire engineers to develop novel CoC technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Jouybar
- Microsystems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte M de Winde
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology & Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology & Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katarina Wolf
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Friedl
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Cancer Genomics Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Reina E Mebius
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology & Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology & Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Inflammatory diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap M J den Toonder
- Microsystems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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4
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Joshi IM, Mansouri M, Ahmed A, De Silva D, Simon RA, Esmaili P, Desa DE, Elias TM, Brown EB, Abhyankar VV. Microengineering 3D Collagen Matrices with Tumor-Mimetic Gradients in Fiber Alignment. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2024; 34:2308071. [PMID: 38706986 PMCID: PMC11067715 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202308071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Collagen fibers in the 3D tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibit complex alignment landscapes that are critical in directing cell migration through a process called contact guidance. Previous in vitro work studying this phenomenon has focused on quantifying cell responses in uniformly aligned environments. However, the TME also features short-range gradients in fiber alignment that result from cell-induced traction forces. Although the influence of graded biophysical taxis cues is well established, cell responses to physiological alignment gradients remain largely unexplored. In this work, fiber alignment gradients in biopsy samples are characterized and recreated using a new microfluidic biofabrication technique to achieve tunable sub-millimeter to millimeter scale gradients. This study represents the first successful engineering of continuous alignment gradients in soft, natural biomaterials. Migration experiments on graded alignment show that HUVECs exhibit increased directionality, persistence, and speed compared to uniform and unaligned fiber architectures. Similarly, patterned MDA-MB-231 aggregates exhibit biased migration toward increasing fiber alignment, suggesting a role for alignment gradients as a taxis cue. This user-friendly approach, requiring no specialized equipment, is anticipated to offer new insights into the biophysical cues that cells interpret as they traverse the extracellular matrix, with broad applicability in healthy and diseased tissue environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil M. Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Mehran Mansouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Adeel Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Dinindu De Silva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Richard A. Simon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Poorya Esmaili
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Danielle E. Desa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Tresa M. Elias
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Edward B. Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Vinay V. Abhyankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
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5
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Liu Y, Jiao Y, Li X, Li G, Wang W, Liu Z, Qin D, Zhong L, Liu L, Shuai J, Li Z. An entropy-based approach for assessing the directional persistence of cell migration. Biophys J 2024; 123:730-744. [PMID: 38366586 PMCID: PMC10995411 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell migration, which is primarily characterized by directional persistence, is essential for the development of normal tissues and organs, as well as for numerous pathological processes. However, there is a lack of simple and efficient tools to analyze the systematic properties of persistence based on cellular trajectory data. Here, we present a novel approach, the entropy of angular distribution , which combines cellular turning dynamics and Shannon entropy to explore the statistical and time-varying properties of persistence that strongly correlate with cellular migration modes. Our results reveal the changes in the persistence of multiple cell lines that are tightly regulated by both intra- and extracellular cues, including Arpin protein, collagen gel/substrate, and physical constraints. Significantly, some previously unreported distinctive details of persistence have also been captured, helping to elucidate how directional persistence is distributed and evolves in different cell populations. The analysis suggests that the entropy of angular distribution-based approach provides a powerful metric for evaluating directional persistence and enables us to better understand the relationships between cellular behaviors and multiscale cues, which also provides some insights into the migration dynamics of cell populations, such as collective cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Materials Science and Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona; Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Xinwei Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoqiang Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Environmental Materials and Remediation Technologies, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhichao Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Dui Qin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Lisha Zhong
- School of Medical Information and Engineering, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Liyu Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Smart Materials, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianwei Shuai
- Department of Physics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Zhangyong Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China.
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6
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Beunk L, Wen N, van Helvert S, Bekker B, Ran L, Kang R, Paulat T, Syga S, Deutsch A, Friedl P, Wolf K. Cell jamming in a collagen-based interface assay is tuned by collagen density and proteolysis. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260207. [PMID: 37987169 PMCID: PMC10753497 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260207] [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: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cell invasion into heterogenous interstitial tissues consisting of network-, channel- or rift-like architectures involves both matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated tissue remodeling and cell shape adaptation to tissue geometry. Three-dimensional (3D) models composed of either porous or linearly aligned architectures have added to the understanding of how physical spacing principles affect migration efficacy; however, the relative contribution of each architecture to decision making in the presence of varying MMP availability is not known. Here, we developed an interface assay containing a cleft between two high-density collagen lattices, and we used this assay to probe tumor cell invasion efficacy, invasion mode and MMP dependence in concert. In silico modeling predicted facilitated cell migration into confining clefts independently of MMP activity, whereas migration into dense porous matrix was predicted to require matrix degradation. This prediction was verified experimentally, where inhibition of collagen degradation was found to strongly compromise migration into 3D collagen in a density-dependent manner, but interface-guided migration remained effective, occurring by cell jamming. The 3D interface assay reported here may serve as a suitable model to better understand the impact of in vivo-relevant interstitial tissue topologies on tumor invasion patterning and responses to molecular interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne Beunk
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
| | - Nan Wen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd van Helvert
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
| | - Bram Bekker
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Science, Mathematics and Informatics, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Ran
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Science, Mathematics and Informatics, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ross Kang
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Science, Mathematics and Informatics, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Paulat
- Department of Innovative Computing, Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technical University Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Simon Syga
- Department of Innovative Computing, Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technical University Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Deutsch
- Department of Innovative Computing, Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technical University Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Friedl
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Katarina Wolf
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
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7
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Leineweber WD, Fraley SI. Adhesion tunes speed and persistence by coordinating protrusions and extracellular matrix remodeling. Dev Cell 2023; 58:1414-1428.e4. [PMID: 37321214 PMCID: PMC10527808 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration through 3D environments is essential to development, disease, and regeneration processes. Conceptual models of migration have been developed primarily on the basis of 2D cell behaviors, but a general understanding of 3D cell migration is still lacking due to the added complexity of the extracellular matrix. Here, using a multiplexed biophysical imaging approach for single-cell analysis of human cell lines, we show how the subprocesses of adhesion, contractility, actin cytoskeletal dynamics, and matrix remodeling integrate to produce heterogeneous migration behaviors. This single-cell analysis identifies three modes of cell speed and persistence coupling, driven by distinct modes of coordination between matrix remodeling and protrusive activity. The framework that emerges establishes a predictive model linking cell trajectories to distinct subprocess coordination states.
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Affiliation(s)
- William D Leineweber
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Stephanie I Fraley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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8
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Joshi IM, Mansouri M, Ahmed A, Simon RA, Bambizi PE, Desa DE, Elias TM, Brown EB, Abhyankar VV. Microengineering 3D Collagen Matrices with Tumor-Mimetic Gradients in Fiber Alignment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.09.548253. [PMID: 37502844 PMCID: PMC10369918 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.09.548253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment (TME), collagen fibers facilitate tumor cell migration through the extracellular matrix. Previous studies have focused on studying the responses of cells on uniformly aligned or randomly aligned collagen fibers. However, the in vivo environment also features spatial gradients in alignment, which arise from the local reorganization of the matrix architecture due to cell-induced traction forces. Although there has been extensive research on how cells respond to graded biophysical cues, such as stiffness, porosity, and ligand density, the cellular responses to physiological fiber alignment gradients have been largely unexplored. This is due, in part, to a lack of robust experimental techniques to create controlled alignment gradients in natural materials. In this study, we image tumor biopsy samples and characterize the alignment gradients present in the TME. To replicate physiological gradients, we introduce a first-of-its-kind biofabrication technique that utilizes a microfluidic channel with constricting and expanding geometry to engineer 3D collagen hydrogels with tunable fiber alignment gradients that range from sub-millimeter to millimeter length scales. Our modular approach allows easy access to the microengineered gradient gels, and we demonstrate that HUVECs migrate in response to the fiber architecture. We provide preliminary evidence suggesting that MDA-MB-231 cell aggregates, patterned onto a specific location on the alignment gradient, exhibit preferential migration towards increasing alignment. This finding suggests that alignment gradients could serve as an additional taxis cue in the ECM. Importantly, our study represents the first successful engineering of continuous gradients of fiber alignment in soft, natural materials. We anticipate that our user-friendly platform, which needs no specialized equipment, will offer new experimental capabilities to study the impact of fiber-based contact guidance on directed cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil M. Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Mehran Mansouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Adeel Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Richard A. Simon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | | | - Danielle E. Desa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Tresa M. Elias
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Edward B. Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Vinay V. Abhyankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
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9
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Popovic A, Tartare-Deckert S. Role of extracellular matrix architecture and signaling in melanoma therapeutic resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:924553. [PMID: 36119516 PMCID: PMC9479148 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.924553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis therefore its production, assembly and mechanical stiffness are highly regulated in normal tissues. However, in solid tumors, increased stiffness resulting from abnormal ECM structural changes is associated with disease progression, an increased risk of metastasis and poor survival. As a dynamic and key component of the tumor microenvironment, the ECM is becoming increasingly recognized as an important feature of tumors, as it has been shown to promote several hallmarks of cancer via biochemical and biomechanical signaling. In this regard, melanoma cells are highly sensitive to ECM composition, stiffness and fiber alignment because they interact directly with the ECM in the tumor microenvironment via cell surface receptors, secreted factors or enzymes. Importantly, seeing as the ECM is predominantly deposited and remodeled by myofibroblastic stromal fibroblasts, it is a key avenue facilitating their paracrine interactions with melanoma cells. This review gives an overview of melanoma and further describes the critical roles that ECM properties such as ECM remodeling, ECM-related proteins and stiffness play in cutaneous melanoma progression, tumor cell plasticity and therapeutic resistance. Finally, given the emerging importance of ECM dynamics in melanoma, future perspectives on therapeutic strategies to normalize the ECM in tumors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Popovic
- Université Côte d’Azur, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Nice, France
- Team Microenvironnement, Signaling and Cancer, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Nice, France
| | - Sophie Tartare-Deckert
- Université Côte d’Azur, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Nice, France
- Team Microenvironnement, Signaling and Cancer, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Nice, France
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10
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Spatiotemporal analysis of glioma heterogeneity reveals COL1A1 as an actionable target to disrupt tumor progression. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3606. [PMID: 35750880 PMCID: PMC9232499 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31340-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-tumoral heterogeneity is a hallmark of glioblastoma that challenges treatment efficacy. However, the mechanisms that set up tumor heterogeneity and tumor cell migration remain poorly understood. Herein, we present a comprehensive spatiotemporal study that aligns distinctive intra-tumoral histopathological structures, oncostreams, with dynamic properties and a specific, actionable, spatial transcriptomic signature. Oncostreams are dynamic multicellular fascicles of spindle-like and aligned cells with mesenchymal properties, detected using ex vivo explants and in vivo intravital imaging. Their density correlates with tumor aggressiveness in genetically engineered mouse glioma models, and high grade human gliomas. Oncostreams facilitate the intra-tumoral distribution of tumoral and non-tumoral cells, and potentially the collective invasion of the normal brain. These fascicles are defined by a specific molecular signature that regulates their organization and function. Oncostreams structure and function depend on overexpression of COL1A1. Col1a1 is a central gene in the dynamic organization of glioma mesenchymal transformation, and a powerful regulator of glioma malignant behavior. Inhibition of Col1a1 eliminates oncostreams, reprograms the malignant histopathological phenotype, reduces expression of the mesenchymal associated genes, induces changes in the tumor microenvironment and prolongs animal survival. Oncostreams represent a pathological marker of potential value for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. It is essential to improve our understanding of the features that influence aggressiveness and invasion in high grade gliomas (HGG). Here, the authors characterize dynamic anatomical structures in HGG called oncostreams, which are associated with tumor growth and are regulated by COL1A1.
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11
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Ahmed A, Mansouri M, Joshi IM, Byerley AM, Day SW, Gaborski TR, Abhyankar VV. Local extensional flows promote long-range fiber alignment in 3D collagen hydrogels. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 35735228 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac7824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Randomly oriented type I collagen (COL1) fibers in the extracellular matrix are reorganized by biophysical forces into aligned domains extending several millimeters and with varying degrees of fiber alignment. These aligned fibers can transmit traction forces, guide tumor cell migration, facilitate angiogenesis, and influence tissue morphogenesis. To create aligned COL1 domains in microfluidic cell culture models, shear flows have been used to align thin COL1 matrices (<50µm in height) in a microchannel. However, there has been limited investigation into the role of shear flows in aligning 3D hydrogels (>130µm). Here, we show that pure shear flows do not induce fiber alignment in 3D atelo COL1 hydrogels, but the simple addition of local extensional flow promotes alignment that is maintained across several millimeters, with a degree of alignment directly related to the extensional strain rate. We further advance experimental capabilities by addressing the practical challenge of accessing a 3D hydrogel formed within a microchannel by introducing a magnetically coupled modular platform that can be released to expose the microengineered hydrogel. We demonstrate the platform's capability to pattern cells and fabricate multi-layered COL1 matrices using layer-by-layer fabrication and specialized modules. Our approach provides an easy-to-use fabrication method to achieve advanced hydrogel microengineering capabilities that combine fiber alignment with biofabrication capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States of America
| | - Mehran Mansouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States of America
| | - Indranil M Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States of America
| | - Ann M Byerley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States of America
| | - Steven W Day
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States of America
| | - Thomas R Gaborski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States of America
| | - Vinay V Abhyankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States of America
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12
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Burkel BM, Inman DR, Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Hoffmann EJ, Ponik SM. A Label-Free Segmentation Approach for Intravital Imaging of Mammary Tumor Microenvironment. JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS : JOVE 2022:10.3791/63413. [PMID: 35695521 PMCID: PMC9327791 DOI: 10.3791/63413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The ability to visualize complex and dynamic physiological interactions between numerous cell types and the extracellular matrix (ECM) within a live tumor microenvironment is an important step toward understanding mechanisms that regulate tumor progression. While this can be accomplished through current intravital imaging techniques, it remains challenging due to the heterogeneous nature of tissues and the need for spatial context within the experimental observation. To this end, we have developed an intravital imaging workflow that pairs collagen second harmonic generation imaging, endogenous fluorescence from the metabolic co-factor NAD(P)H, and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) as a means to non-invasively compartmentalize the tumor microenvironment into basic domains of the tumor nest, the surrounding stroma or ECM, and the vasculature. This non-invasive protocol details the step-by-step process ranging from the acquisition of time-lapse images of mammary tumor models to post-processing analysis and image segmentation. The primary advantage of this workflow is that it exploits metabolic signatures to contextualize the dynamically changing live tumor microenvironment without the use of exogenous fluorescent labels, making it advantageous for human patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and future clinical use where extrinsic fluorophores are not readily applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M. Burkel
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - David R. Inman
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison,Department of Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Erica J. Hoffmann
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Suzanne M. Ponik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison,Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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13
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Multiphoton Microscopy Reveals DAPK1-Dependent Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in a Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Model. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102364. [PMID: 35625969 PMCID: PMC9139596 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The formation of metastasis is not only intricately orchestrated by cancer cells but is also affected by the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). The barrier function of the ECM represents an obstacle that cancer cells have to overcome to disseminate from the primary tumor to form metastasis in distant organs. Here, we demonstrate an approach to studying the remodeling of a collagen-rich ECM by colorectal tumor cells using multiphoton microscopy (MPM). This approach allows the analysis of the invasion front of tumors grown on the CAM in 3D. MPM is superior to conventional histology, which is limited to 2D analysis and needs extensive tissue preparation. Abstract Cancer cells facilitate tumor growth by creating favorable tumor micro-environments (TME), altering homeostasis and immune response in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of surrounding tissue. A potential factor that contributes to TME generation and ECM remodeling is the cytoskeleton-associated human death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1). Increased tumor cell motility and de-adhesion (thus, promoting metastasis), as well as upregulated plasminogen-signaling, are shown when functionally analyzing the DAPK1 ko-related proteome. However, the systematic investigation of how tumor cells actively modulate the ECM at the tissue level is experimentally challenging since animal models do not allow direct experimental access while artificial in vitro scaffolds cannot simulate the entire complexity of tissue systems. Here, we used the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay as a natural, collagen-rich tissue model in combination with all-optical experimental access by multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to study the ECM remodeling potential of colorectal tumor cells with and without DAPK1 in situ and even in vivo. This approach demonstrates the suitability of the CAM assay in combination with multiphoton microscopy for studying collagen remodeling during tumor growth. Our results indicate the high ECM remodeling potential of DAPK1 ko tumor cells at the tissue level and support our findings from proteomics.
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14
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Geiger F, Schnitzler LG, Brugger MS, Westerhausen C, Engelke H. Directed invasion of cancer cell spheroids inside 3D collagen matrices oriented by microfluidic flow in experiment and simulation. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264571. [PMID: 35231060 PMCID: PMC8887745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion is strongly influenced by the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix. Here, we use microfluidics to align fibers of a collagen matrix and study the influence of fiber orientation on invasion from a cancer cell spheroid. The microfluidic setup allows for highly oriented collagen fibers of tangential and radial orientation with respect to the spheroid, which can be described by finite element simulations. In invasion experiments, we observe a strong bias of invasion towards radial as compared to tangential fiber orientation. Simulations of the invasive behavior with a Brownian diffusion model suggest complete blockage of migration perpendicularly to fibers allowing for migration exclusively along fibers. This slows invasion toward areas with tangentially oriented fibers down, but does not prevent it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Geiger
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Lukas G. Schnitzler
- Experimental Physics I, Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Manuel S. Brugger
- Experimental Physics I, Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft (sdw) gGmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Westerhausen
- Experimental Physics I, Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Physiology, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Munich, Germany
- * E-mail: (CW); (HE)
| | - Hanna Engelke
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- * E-mail: (CW); (HE)
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15
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Ray A, Callaway MK, Rodríguez-Merced NJ, Crampton AL, Carlson M, Emme KB, Ensminger EA, Kinne AA, Schrope JH, Rasmussen HR, Jiang H, DeNardo DG, Wood DK, Provenzano PP. Stromal architecture directs early dissemination in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. JCI Insight 2021; 7:150330. [PMID: 34914633 PMCID: PMC8855836 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.150330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is an extremely metastatic and lethal disease. Here, in both murine and human PDA, we demonstrate that extracellular matrix architecture regulates cell extrusion and subsequent invasion from intact ductal structures through tumor-associated collagen signatures (TACS). This results in early dissemination from histologically premalignant lesions and continual invasion from well-differentiated disease, and it suggests TACS as a biomarker to aid in the pathologic assessment of early disease. Furthermore, we show that pancreatitis results in invasion-conducive architectures, thus priming the stroma prior to malignant disease. Analysis in potentially novel microfluidic-derived microtissues and in vivo demonstrates decreased extrusion and invasion following focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibition, consistent with decreased metastasis. Thus, data suggest that targeting FAK or strategies to reengineer and normalize tumor microenvironments may have roles not only in very early disease, but also for limiting continued dissemination from unresectable disease. Likewise, it may be beneficial to employ stroma-targeting strategies to resolve precursor diseases such as pancreatitis in order to remove stromal architectures that increase risk for early dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arja Ray
- Department of Biomedical Engineeirng, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Mackenzie K Callaway
- Department of Biomedical Engineeirng, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Nelson J Rodríguez-Merced
- Department of Biomedical Engineeirng, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Alexandra L Crampton
- Department of Biomedical Engineeirng, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Marjorie Carlson
- Department of Biomedical Engineeirng, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Kenneth B Emme
- Department of Biomedical Engineeirng, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Ethan A Ensminger
- Department of Biomedical Engineeirng, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Alexander A Kinne
- Department of Biomedical Engineeirng, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Jonathan H Schrope
- Department of Biomedical Engineeirng, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Haley R Rasmussen
- Department of Biomedical Engineeirng, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - David G DeNardo
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - David K Wood
- Department of Biomedical Engineeirng, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Paolo P Provenzano
- Department of Biomedical Engineeirng, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
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16
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Potter MJ, Richardson WJ. Fabrication and characterization methods for investigating cell-matrix interactions in environments possessing spatial orientation heterogeneity. Acta Biomater 2021; 136:420-428. [PMID: 34601105 PMCID: PMC8627456 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.09.049] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fibrillar collagen is a ubiquitous structural protein that plays a significant role in determining the mechanical properties of various tissues. The constituent collagen architecture can give direct insight into the respective functional role of the tissue due to the strong structure-function relationship that is exhibited. In such tissues, matrix structure can vary across local subregions contributing to mechanical heterogeneity which can be implicated in tissue function or failure. The post-myocardial infarction scar environment is an example of note where mechanically insufficient collagen can result in impaired cardiac function and possibly tissue rupture due to post-MI cellular response and matrix interactions. In order to further develop the understanding of cell-matrix interactions within heterogeneous environments, we developed a method of heterogeneous collagen gel fabrication which produces a region of randomly oriented fibers directly adjacent to an interconnected region of anisotropic alignment. To fully capture and evaluate the degree of alignment and spatial orientation heterogeneity, several image processing and automated analysis methods were employed. Our analysis revealed the successful fabrication of an interconnected spatially heterogeneous collagen gel possessing distinct regions of random or preferential alignment. Additionally, embedded cell populations were observed to recognize and reorient with their underlying and surrounding architectures through our cell-centric analysis techniques. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Fibrillar collagen is a structural protein that contributes to the architecture-function relationship exhibited by various tissues where mechanically insufficient collagen architecture can lead to tissue failure. One environment where this can occur is the post-myocardial infarction scar environment where too much or too little collagen accumulation coupled with spatial fiber orientation heterogeneity can lead to environments incapable of normal mechanical functionality. While there are methodologies capable of generating aligned constructs, they do so with varying degrees of control and complexity with many producing uniform construct alignment. The presented platform is simple and produces continuous constructs possessing inherent spatial orientation heterogeneity. Coupling this with image processing and automated analysis methods enables the probing of fundamental cell-matrix interactions within heterogeneous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Potter
- Department of Bioengineering, 301 Rhodes Research Center Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - William J Richardson
- Department of Bioengineering, 301 Rhodes Research Center Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA; Biomedical Data Science & Informatics Program, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
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17
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Zhovmer AS, Manning A, Smith C, Hayes JB, Burnette DT, Wang J, Cartagena-Rivera AX, Dokholyan NV, Singh RK, Tabdanov ED. Mechanical Counterbalance of Kinesin and Dynein Motors in a Microtubular Network Regulates Cell Mechanics, 3D Architecture, and Mechanosensing. ACS NANO 2021; 15:17528-17548. [PMID: 34677937 PMCID: PMC9291236 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c04435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) and MT motor proteins form active 3D networks made of unstretchable cables with rod-like bending mechanics that provide cells with a dynamically changing structural scaffold. In this study, we report an antagonistic mechanical balance within the dynein-kinesin microtubular motor system. Dynein activity drives the microtubular network inward compaction, while isolated activity of kinesins bundles and expands MTs into giant circular bands that deform the cell cortex into discoids. Furthermore, we show that dyneins recruit MTs to sites of cell adhesion, increasing the topographic contact guidance of cells, while kinesins antagonize it via retraction of MTs from sites of cell adhesion. Actin-to-microtubule translocation of septin-9 enhances kinesin-MT interactions, outbalances the activity of kinesins over that of dyneins, and induces the discoid architecture of cells. These orthogonal mechanisms of MT network reorganization highlight the existence of an intricate mechanical balance between motor activities of kinesins and dyneins that controls cell 3D architecture, mechanics, and cell-microenvironment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S. Zhovmer
- Center
for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S.
Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland 20903, United States
| | - Alexis Manning
- Center
for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S.
Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland 20903, United States
| | - Chynna Smith
- Section
on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - James B. Hayes
- Department
of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt Medical Center, University of Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Dylan T. Burnette
- Department
of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt Medical Center, University of Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Jian Wang
- Department
of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania 17036, United States
| | - Alexander X. Cartagena-Rivera
- Section
on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- Department
of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania 17036, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Rakesh K. Singh
- Department
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University
of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14620, United States
| | - Erdem D. Tabdanov
- Department
of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania 17036, United States
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18
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Ray A, Provenzano PP. Aligned forces: Origins and mechanisms of cancer dissemination guided by extracellular matrix architecture. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 72:63-71. [PMID: 34186415 PMCID: PMC8530881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Organized extracellular matrix (ECM), in the form of aligned architectures, is a critical mediator of directed cancer cell migration by contact guidance, leading to metastasis in solid tumors. Current models suggest anisotropic force generation through the engagement of key adhesion and cytoskeletal complexes drives contact-guided migration. Likewise, disrupting the balance between cell-cell and cell-ECM forces, driven by ECM engagement for cells at the tumor-stromal interface, initiates and drives local invasion. Furthermore, processes such as traction forces exerted by cancer and stromal cells, spontaneous reorientation of matrix-producing fibroblasts, and direct binding of ECM modifying proteins lead to the emergence of collagen alignment in tumors. Thus, as we obtain a deeper understanding of the origins of ECM alignment and the mechanisms by which it is maintained to direct invasion, we are poised to use the new paradigm of stroma-targeted therapies to disrupt this vital axis of disease progression in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arja Ray
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Paolo P Provenzano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, USA; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, USA; Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA; Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, USA.
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19
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Nedrelow DS, Damodaran KV, Thurston TA, Beyer JP, Barocas VH. Residual stress and osmotic swelling of the periodontal ligament. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2021; 20:2047-2059. [PMID: 34365539 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-021-01493-x] [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: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Osmotic swelling and residual stress are increasingly recognized as important factors in soft tissue biomechanics. Little attention has been given to residual stress in periodontal ligament (PDL) biomechanics despite its rapid growth and remodeling potential. Those tissues that bear compressive loads, e.g., articular cartilage, intervertebral disk, have received much attention related to their capacities for osmotic swelling. To understand residual stress and osmotic swelling in the PDL, it must be asked (1) to what extent, if any, does the PDL exhibit residual stress and osmotic swelling, and (2) if so, whether residual stress and osmotic swelling are mechanically significant to the PDL's stress/strain behavior under external loading. Here, we incrementally built a series of computer models that were fit to uniaxial loading, osmotic swelling and residual stretch data. The models were validated with in vitro shear tests and in vivo tooth-tipping data. Residual stress and osmotic swelling models were used to analyze tension and compression stress (principal stress) effects in PDL specimens under external loads. Shear-to-failure experiments under osmotic conditions were performed and modeled to determine differences in mechanics and failure of swollen periodontal ligament. Significantly higher failure shear stresses in swollen PDL suggested that osmotic swelling reduced tension and thus had a strengthening effect. The in vivo model's first and third principal stresses were both higher with residual stress and osmotic swelling, but smooth stress gradients prevailed throughout the three-dimensional PDL anatomy. The addition of PDL stresses from residual stress and osmotic swelling represents a unique concept in dental biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Nedrelow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, USA.
| | - Kishore V Damodaran
- Department of Developmental and Surgical Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Theresa A Thurston
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA
| | - John P Beyer
- Department of Developmental and Surgical Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Victor H Barocas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, USA
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20
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Directional cues in the tumor microenvironment due to cell contraction against aligned collagen fibers. Acta Biomater 2021; 129:96-109. [PMID: 33965625 PMCID: PMC8848478 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that collagen alignment in the breast tumor microenvironment provides biophysical cues to drive disease progression. Numerous mechanistic studies have demonstrated that tumor cell behavior is driven by the architecture and stiffness of the collagen matrix. However, the mechanical properties within a 3D collagen microenvironment, particularly at the scale of the cell, remain poorly defined. To investigate cell-scale mechanical cues with respect to local collagen architecture, we employed a combination of intravital imaging of the mammary tumor microenvironment and a 3D collagen gel system with both acellular pNIPAAm microspheres and MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells. Within the in vivo tumor microenvironment, the displacement of collagen fiber was identified in response to tumor cells migrating through the stromal matrix. To further investigate cell-scale stiffness in aligned fiber architectures and the propagation of cell-induced fiber deformations, precise control of collagen architecture was coupled with innovative methodology to measure mechanical properties of the collagen fiber network. This method revealed up to a 35-fold difference in directional cell-scale stiffness resulting from contraction against aligned fibers. Furthermore, the local anisotropy of the matrix dramatically altered the rate at which contractility-induced fiber displacements decayed over distance. Together, our results reveal mechanical properties in aligned matrices that provide dramatically different cues to the cell in perpendicular directions. These findings are supported by the mechanosensing behavior of tumor cells and have important implications for cell-cell communication within the tissue microenvironment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: It is widely appreciated that the architecture of the extracellular matrix impacts cellular behavior in normal and disease states. Numerous studies have determined the fundamental role of collagen matrix architecture on cellular mechanosensing, but effectively quantifying anisotropic mechanical properties of the collagen matrix at the cell-scale remains challenging. Here, we developed innovative methodology to discover that collagen alignment results in a 35-fold difference in cell-scale stiffness and alters contractile force transmission through the fiber network. Furthermore, we identified bias in cell response along the axis of alignment, where local stiffness is highest. Overall, our results define cell-scale stiffness and fiber deformations due to collagen architecture that may instruct cell communication within a broad range of tissue microenvironments.
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21
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Su CY, Burchett A, Dunworth M, Choi JS, Ewald AJ, Ahn EH, Kim DH. Engineering a 3D collective cancer invasion model with control over collagen fiber alignment. Biomaterials 2021; 275:120922. [PMID: 34126408 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Prior to cancer cell invasion, the structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding the tumor is remodeled, such that circumferentially oriented matrix fibers become radially aligned. This predisposed radially aligned matrix structure serves as a critical regulator of cancer invasion. However, a biomimetic 3D model recapitulating a tumor's behavioral response to these ECM structures is not yet available. In this study, we have developed a phase-specific, force-guided method to establish a 3D dual topographical tumor model in which each tumor spheroid/organoid is surrounded by radially aligned collagen I fibers on one side and circumferentially oriented fibers on the opposite side. A coaxial rotating cylinder system was employed to construct the dual fiber topography and to pre-seed tumor spheroids/organoids within a single device. This system enables the application of different force mechanisms in the nucleation and elongation phases of collagen fiber polymerization to guide fiber alignment. In the nucleation phase, fiber alignment is enhanced by a horizontal laminar Couette flow driven by the inner cylinder rotation. In the elongation phase, fiber growth is guided by a vertical gravitational force to form a large aligned collagen matrix gel (35 × 25 × 0.5 mm) embedded with >1000 tumor spheroids. The fibers above each tumor spheroid are radially aligned along the direction of gravitational force in contrast to the circumferentially oriented fibers beneath each tumor spheroid/organoid, where the presence of the tumor interferes with the gravity-induced fiber alignment. After tumor invasion, there are more disseminated multicellular clusters on the radially aligned side, compared to the side of the tumor spheroid/organoid facing circumferentially oriented fibers. These results indicate that our 3D dual topographical model recapitulates the preference of tumors to invade and disseminate along radially aligned fibers. We anticipate that this 3D dual topographical model will have broad utility to those studying collective tumor invasion and that it has the potential to identify cancer invasion-targeted therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yi Su
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alice Burchett
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Matthew Dunworth
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jong Seob Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Eun Hyun Ahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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22
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Ahmed A, Joshi IM, Mansouri M, Ahamed NNN, Hsu MC, Gaborski TR, Abhyankar VV. Engineering fiber anisotropy within natural collagen hydrogels. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 320:C1112-C1124. [PMID: 33852366 PMCID: PMC8285641 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00036.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including stiffness, porosity, composition, and fiber alignment (anisotropy), play a crucial role in controlling cell behavior in vivo. Type I collagen (collagen I) is a ubiquitous structural component in the ECM and has become a popular hydrogel material that can be tuned to replicate the mechanical properties found in vivo. In this review article, we describe popular methods to create 2-D and 3-D collagen I hydrogels with anisotropic fiber architectures. We focus on methods that can be readily translated from engineering and materials science laboratories to the life-science community with the overall goal of helping to increase the physiological relevance of cell culture assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel Ahmed
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York
| | - Indranil M Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York
| | - Mehran Mansouri
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York
| | - Nuzhet N N Ahamed
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York
| | - Meng-Chun Hsu
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York
| | - Thomas R Gaborski
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York
| | - Vinay V Abhyankar
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York
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23
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Walimbe T, Panitch A. Best of Both Hydrogel Worlds: Harnessing Bioactivity and Tunability by Incorporating Glycosaminoglycans in Collagen Hydrogels. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:E156. [PMID: 33276506 PMCID: PMC7711789 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7040156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, has garnered the interest of scientists for over 50 years. Its ubiquitous presence in all body tissues combined with its excellent biocompatibility has led scientists to study its potential as a biomaterial for a wide variety of biomedical applications with a high degree of success and widespread clinical approval. More recently, in order to increase their tunability and applicability, collagen hydrogels have frequently been co-polymerized with other natural and synthetic polymers. Of special significance is the use of bioactive glycosaminoglycans-the carbohydrate-rich polymers of the ECM responsible for regulating tissue homeostasis and cell signaling. This review covers the recent advances in the development of collagen-based hydrogels and collagen-glycosaminoglycan blend hydrogels for biomedical research. We discuss the formulations and shortcomings of using collagen in isolation, and the advantages of incorporating glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the hydrogels. We further elaborate on modifications used on these biopolymers for tunability and discuss tissue specific applications. The information presented herein will demonstrate the versatility and highly translational value of using collagen blended with GAGs as hydrogels for biomedical engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanaya Walimbe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Alyssa Panitch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- Department of Surgery, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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24
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Micek HM, Visetsouk MR, Masters KS, Kreeger PK. Engineering the Extracellular Matrix to Model the Evolving Tumor Microenvironment. iScience 2020; 23:101742. [PMID: 33225247 PMCID: PMC7666341 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence supports a role for the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cancer risk and prognosis across multiple tumor types, and numerous studies have demonstrated that individual ECM components impact key hallmarks of tumor progression (e.g., proliferation, migration, angiogenesis). However, the ECM is a complex network of fibrillar proteins, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans that undergoes dramatic changes in composition and organization during tumor development. In this review, we will highlight how engineering approaches can be used to examine the impact of changes in tissue architecture, ECM composition (i.e., identity and levels of individual ECM components), and cellular- and tissue-level mechanics on tumor progression. In addition, we will discuss recently developed methods to model the ECM that have not yet been applied to the study of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Micek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mike R. Visetsouk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Kristyn S. Masters
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Pamela K. Kreeger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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25
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Cortesi M, Liverani C, Mercatali L, Ibrahim T, Giordano E. An in-silico study of cancer cell survival and spatial distribution within a 3D microenvironment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12976. [PMID: 32737377 PMCID: PMC7395763 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69862-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
3D cell cultures are in-vitro models representing a significant improvement with respect to traditional monolayers. Their diffusion and applicability, however, are hampered by the complexity of 3D systems, that add new physical variables for experimental analyses. In order to account for these additional features and improve the study of 3D cultures, we here present SALSA (ScAffoLd SimulAtor), a general purpose computational tool that can simulate the behavior of a population of cells cultured in a 3D scaffold. This software allows for the complete customization of both the polymeric template structure and the cell population behavior and characteristics. In the following the technical description of SALSA will be presented, together with its validation and an example of how it could be used to optimize the experimental analysis of two breast cancer cell lines cultured in collagen scaffolds. This work contributes to the growing field of integrated in-silico/in-vitro analysis of biological systems, which have great potential for the study of complex cell population behaviours and could lead to improve and facilitate the effectiveness and diffusion of 3D cell culture models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Cortesi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering "G. Marconi", University of Bologna, Cesena, FC, Italy.
| | - Chiara Liverani
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo Per Lo Studio E La Cura Dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Laura Mercatali
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo Per Lo Studio E La Cura Dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Toni Ibrahim
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo Per Lo Studio E La Cura Dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Emanuele Giordano
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering "G. Marconi", University of Bologna, Cesena, FC, Italy.,Advanced Research Center On Electronic Systems (ARCES), University of Bologna, Bologna, BO, Italy.,BioEngLab, Health Science and Technology, Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-CIRI), University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
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26
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Asem M, Young A, Oyama C, ClaureDeLaZerda A, Liu Y, Ravosa MJ, Gupta V, Jewell A, Khabele D, Stack MS. Ascites-induced compression alters the peritoneal microenvironment and promotes metastatic success in ovarian cancer. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11913. [PMID: 32681052 PMCID: PMC7367827 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68639-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of women with recurrent ovarian cancer (OvCa) develop malignant ascites with volumes that can reach > 2 L. The resulting elevation in intraperitoneal pressure (IPP), from normal values of 5 mmHg to as high as 22 mmHg, causes striking changes in the loading environment in the peritoneal cavity. The effect of ascites-induced changes in IPP on OvCa progression is largely unknown. Herein we model the functional consequences of ascites-induced compression on ovarian tumor cells and components of the peritoneal microenvironment using a panel of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo assays. Results show that OvCa cell adhesion to the peritoneum was increased under compression. Moreover, compressive loads stimulated remodeling of peritoneal mesothelial cell surface ultrastructure via induction of tunneling nanotubes (TNT). TNT-mediated interaction between peritoneal mesothelial cells and OvCa cells was enhanced under compression and was accompanied by transport of mitochondria from mesothelial cells to OvCa cells. Additionally, peritoneal collagen fibers adopted a more linear anisotropic alignment under compression, a collagen signature commonly correlated with enhanced invasion in solid tumors. Collectively, these findings elucidate a new role for ascites-induced compression in promoting metastatic OvCa progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Asem
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave., A200 Harper Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA
| | - Allison Young
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave., A200 Harper Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA
| | - Carlysa Oyama
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave., A200 Harper Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA
| | - Alejandro ClaureDeLaZerda
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave., A200 Harper Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA
| | - Yueying Liu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave., A200 Harper Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA
| | - Matthew J Ravosa
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave., A200 Harper Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Vijayalaxmi Gupta
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Kansas, Kansas City, USA
| | - Andrea Jewell
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Kansas, Kansas City, USA
| | - Dineo Khabele
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Kansas, Kansas City, USA
| | - M Sharon Stack
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave., A200 Harper Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA.
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27
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Role of Collagen Fiber Morphology on Ovarian Cancer Cell Migration Using Image-Based Models of the Extracellular Matrix. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061390. [PMID: 32481580 PMCID: PMC7352517 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important part in the development and progression of many epithelial cancers. However, the biological significance of collagen alterations in ovarian cancer has not been well established. Here we investigated the role of collagen fiber morphology on cancer cell migration using tissue engineered scaffolds based on high-resolution Second-Harmonic Generation (SHG) images of ovarian tumors. The collagen-based scaffolds are fabricated by multiphoton excited (MPE) polymerization, which is a freeform 3D method affording submicron resolution feature sizes (~0.5 µm). This capability allows the replication of the collagen fiber architecture, where we constructed models representing normal stroma, high-risk tissue, benign tumors, and high-grade tumors. These were seeded with normal and ovarian cancer cell lines to investigate the separate roles of the cell type and matrix morphology on migration dynamics. The primary finding is that key cell–matrix interactions such as motility, cell spreading, f-actin alignment, focal adhesion, and cadherin expression are mainly determined by the collagen fiber morphology to a larger extent than the initial cell type. Moreover, we found these aspects were all enhanced for cells on the highly aligned, high-grade tumor model. Conversely, the weakest corresponding responses were observed on the more random mesh-like normal stromal matrix, with the partially aligned benign tumor and high-risk models demonstrating intermediate behavior. These results are all consistent with a contact guidance mechanism. These models cannot be synthesized by other conventional fabrication methods, and we suggest this approach will enable a variety of studies in cancer biology.
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28
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Leal-Egaña A, Balland M, Boccaccini AR. Re-engineering Artificial Neoplastic Milieus: Taking Lessons from Mechano- and Topobiology. Trends Biotechnol 2020; 38:142-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Alkmin S, Brodziski R, Simon H, Hinton D, Goldsmith RH, Patankar M, Campagnola P. Migration dynamics of ovarian epithelial cells on micro-fabricated image-based models of normal and malignant stroma. Acta Biomater 2019; 100:92-104. [PMID: 31568876 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A profound remodeling of the collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM) occurs in human ovarian cancer but it is unknown how this affects migration dynamics and ultimately tumor growth. Here, we investigate the influence of collagen morphology on ovarian cell migration through the use of second harmonic generation (SHG) image-based models of ovarian tumors. The scaffolds are fabricated by multiphoton excited (MPE) polymerization, where the process is akin to 3D printing except it achieves much greater resolution (∼0.5 µm) and utilizes collagen and collagen analogs. We used this technique to create scaffolds with complex 3D submicron features representing the collagen fiber morphology in normal stroma, high risk stroma, benign tumors, and high grade ovarian tumors. We found the highly aligned malignant stromal structure promoted enhanced motility and also increased cell and f-Actin alignment relative to the other tissues. However, using models based on fiber crimping characteristics, we found cells seeded on linear fibers based on normal stromal models yielded the highest degree of alignment but least motility. These results show that both the fiber properties themselves and as well as their overall alignment govern the resulting migration dynamics. These models cannot be synthesized by other conventional fabrication methods and we suggest the MPE image-based fabrication method will enable a variety of studies in cancer biology. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The extracellular matrix collagen in ovarian cancer is highly remodeled but the consequences on cell function remain unknown. It is important to understand the operative cell matrix interactions, as this could lead to better prognostics and better prediction of therapeutic efficacy. We probe migration dynamics using high resolution (∼0.5 µm) multiphoton excited fabrication to synthesize scaffolds whose designs are derived directly from Second Harmonic Generation microscope images of the collagen in normal ovarian tissues as well as benign and malignant tumors. Collectively our results show the importance of the matrix morphology (fiber shape and alignment) on driving cell motility, cell shape and f-Actin alignment. These collagen-based models have complex fiber morphology and cannot be created by conventional fabrication technologies.
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30
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Carpino G, Overi D, Melandro F, Grimaldi A, Cardinale V, Di Matteo S, Mennini G, Rossi M, Alvaro D, Barnaba V, Gaudio E, Mancone C. Matrisome analysis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma unveils a peculiar cancer-associated extracellular matrix structure. Clin Proteomics 2019; 16:37. [PMID: 31687002 PMCID: PMC6821022 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-019-9257-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a malignancy that arises from the intrahepatic biliary tree, showing high mortality rates due to its late clinical presentation and limited treatment options. iCCA is characterized by a dense, reactive desmoplastic stroma marked by a dramatic accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Although recent results strongly suggest a relationship between increasing desmoplastic stroma and the enhanced malignant behaviour of iCCA, the importance of ECM proteins in the pathogenesis of iCCA still have to be addressed. Methods iCCA ECM fibrillar structural organization was characterized by histological analysis. ECM proteome profiles from decellularized iCCA and surrounding noncancerous tissues were analysed by nLC coupled to MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis. Results iCCA tissues displayed high levels of collagen fibers and low abundance of reticular and elastic fibers, suggesting stiffness and loss of polarity. The ECM proteome profiles of iCCA samples, when compared to those obtained from the surrounding noncancerous tissues showed a dismantling of the basement membrane, a reduced angiogenesis and a downregulation of oncosuppressive activity. In particular, we focused on the effects of the overexpression of collagen type III alpha 1 chain (COL3A1) in iCCA, thus providing evidences that COL3A1 promotes iCCA cells migration and is a component of tumor-associated aligned collagen. Conclusions Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of molecular basis underlying desmoplasia in iCCA and indicates the type III collagen as a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Carpino
- 1Division of Health Sciences, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro de Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Diletta Overi
- 2Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Melandro
- 3Department of General Surgery and Organ Transplantation "P. Stefanini", Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Grimaldi
- 4Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardinale
- 5Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Sabina Di Matteo
- 6Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Mennini
- 3Department of General Surgery and Organ Transplantation "P. Stefanini", Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Rossi
- 3Department of General Surgery and Organ Transplantation "P. Stefanini", Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- 6Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Barnaba
- 4Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- 2Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Mancone
- 7Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Hapach LA, Mosier JA, Wang W, Reinhart-King CA. Engineered models to parse apart the metastatic cascade. NPJ Precis Oncol 2019; 3:20. [PMID: 31453371 PMCID: PMC6704099 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-019-0092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While considerable progress has been made in studying genetic and cellular aspects of metastasis with in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal models, the driving mechanisms of each step of metastasis are still relatively unclear due to their complexity. Moreover, little progress has been made in understanding how cellular fitness in one step of the metastatic cascade correlates with ability to survive other subsequent steps. Engineered models incorporate tools such as tailored biomaterials and microfabrication to mimic human disease progression, which when coupled with advanced quantification methods permit comparisons to human patient samples and in vivo studies. Here, we review novel tools and techniques that have been recently developed to dissect key features of the metastatic cascade using primary patient samples and highly representative microenvironments for the purposes of advancing personalized medicine and precision oncology. Although improvements are needed to increase tractability and accessibility while faithfully simulating the in vivo microenvironment, these models are powerful experimental platforms for understanding cancer biology, furthering drug screening, and facilitating development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. Hapach
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
| | - Jenna A. Mosier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
| | - Cynthia A. Reinhart-King
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
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32
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Azimzade Y, Saberi AA, Sahimi M. Regulation of migration of chemotactic tumor cells by the spatial distribution of collagen fiber orientation. Phys Rev E 2019; 99:062414. [PMID: 31330715 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.99.062414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Collagen fibers, an important component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), can both inhibit and promote cellular migration. In vitro studies have revealed that the fibers' orientations are crucial to cellular invasion, while in vivo investigations have led to the development of tumor-associated collagen signatures (TACS) as an important prognostic factor. Studying biophysical regulation of cell invasion and the effect of the fibers' orientation not only deepens our understanding of the phenomenon, but also helps classify the TACSs precisely, which is currently lacking. We present a stochastic model for random or chemotactic migration of cells in fibrous ECM, and study the role of the various factors in it. The model provides a framework for quantitative classification of the TACSs, and reproduces quantitatively recent experimental data for cell motility. It also indicates that the spatial distribution of the fibers' orientations and extended correlations between them, hitherto ignored, as well as dynamics of cellular motion all contribute to regulation of the cells' invasion length, which represents a measure of metastatic risk. Although the fibers' orientations trivially affect randomly moving cells, their effect on chemotactic cells is completely nontrivial and unexplored, which we study in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youness Azimzade
- Department of Physics, The University of Tehran, Tehran 14395-547, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Saberi
- Department of Physics, The University of Tehran, Tehran 14395-547, Iran
| | - Muhammad Sahimi
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-1211, USA
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