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Tan YH, Wang KCW, Chin IL, Sanderson RW, Li J, Kennedy BF, Noble PB, Choi YS. Stiffness Mediated-Mechanosensation of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells on Linear Stiffness Gradient Hydrogels. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2304254. [PMID: 38593989 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
In obstructive airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein amount and composition of the airway smooth muscle (ASM) is often remodelled, likely altering tissue stiffness. The underlying mechanism of how human ASM cell (hASMC) mechanosenses the aberrant microenvironment is not well understood. Physiological stiffnesses of the ASM were measured by uniaxial compression tester using porcine ASM layers under 0, 5 and 10% longitudinal stretch above in situ length. Linear stiffness gradient hydrogels (230 kPa range) were fabricated and functionalized with ECM proteins, collagen I (ColI), fibronectin (Fn) and laminin (Ln), to recapitulate the above-measured range of stiffnesses. Overall, hASMC mechanosensation exhibited a clear correlation with the underlying hydrogel stiffness. Cell size, nuclear size and contractile marker alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression showed a strong correlation to substrate stiffness. Mechanosensation, assessed by Lamin-A intensity and nuc/cyto YAP, exhibited stiffness-mediated behaviour only on ColI and Fn-coated hydrogels. Inhibition studies using blebbistatin or Y27632 attenuated most mechanotransduction-derived cell morphological responses, αSMA and Lamin-A expression and nuc/cyto YAP (blebbistatin only). This study highlights the interplay and complexities between stiffness and ECM protein type on hASMC mechanosensation, relevant to airway remodelling in obstructive airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Hwee Tan
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Kimberley C W Wang
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Ian L Chin
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Rowan W Sanderson
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Jiayue Li
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Brendan F Kennedy
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Grudziadzka 5, Torun, 87-100, Poland
| | - Peter B Noble
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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2
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Filipe EC, Velayuthar S, Philp A, Nobis M, Latham SL, Parker AL, Murphy KJ, Wyllie K, Major GS, Contreras O, Mok ETY, Enriquez RF, McGowan S, Feher K, Quek L, Hancock SE, Yam M, Tran E, Setargew YFI, Skhinas JN, Chitty JL, Phimmachanh M, Han JZR, Cadell AL, Papanicolaou M, Mahmodi H, Kiedik B, Junankar S, Ross SE, Lam N, Coulson R, Yang J, Zaratzian A, Da Silva AM, Tayao M, Chin IL, Cazet A, Kansara M, Segara D, Parker A, Hoy AJ, Harvey RP, Bogdanovic O, Timpson P, Croucher DR, Lim E, Swarbrick A, Holst J, Turner N, Choi YS, Kabakova IV, Philp A, Cox TR. Tumor Biomechanics Alters Metastatic Dissemination of Triple Negative Breast Cancer via Rewiring Fatty Acid Metabolism. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307963. [PMID: 38602451 PMCID: PMC11186052 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, the role of tumor biomechanics on cancer cell behavior at the primary site has been increasingly appreciated. However, the effect of primary tumor biomechanics on the latter stages of the metastatic cascade, such as metastatic seeding of secondary sites and outgrowth remains underappreciated. This work sought to address this in the context of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a cancer type known to aggressively disseminate at all stages of disease progression. Using mechanically tuneable model systems, mimicking the range of stiffness's typically found within breast tumors, it is found that, contrary to expectations, cancer cells exposed to softer microenvironments are more able to colonize secondary tissues. It is shown that heightened cell survival is driven by enhanced metabolism of fatty acids within TNBC cells exposed to softer microenvironments. It is demonstrated that uncoupling cellular mechanosensing through integrin β1 blocking antibody effectively causes stiff primed TNBC cells to behave like their soft counterparts, both in vitro and in vivo. This work is the first to show that softer tumor microenvironments may be contributing to changes in disease outcome by imprinting on TNBC cells a greater metabolic flexibility and conferring discrete cell survival advantages.
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Gu B, Han K, Cao H, Huang X, Li X, Mao M, Zhu H, Cai H, Li D, He J. Heart-on-a-chip systems with tissue-specific functionalities for physiological, pathological, and pharmacological studies. Mater Today Bio 2024; 24:100914. [PMID: 38179431 PMCID: PMC10765251 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in heart-on-a-chip systems hold great promise to facilitate cardiac physiological, pathological, and pharmacological studies. This review focuses on the development of heart-on-a-chip systems with tissue-specific functionalities. For one thing, the strategies for developing cardiac microtissues on heart-on-a-chip systems that closely mimic the structures and behaviors of the native heart are analyzed, including the imitation of cardiac structural and functional characteristics. For another, the development of techniques for real-time monitoring of biophysical and biochemical signals from cardiac microtissues on heart-on-a-chip systems is introduced, incorporating cardiac electrophysiological signals, contractile activity, and biomarkers. Furthermore, the applications of heart-on-a-chip systems in intelligent cardiac studies are discussed regarding physiological/pathological research and pharmacological assessment. Finally, the future development of heart-on-a-chip toward a higher level of systematization, integration, and maturation is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingsong Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Kang Han
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Hanbo Cao
- Shaanxi Provincial Institute for Food and Drug Control, Xi’ an, 710065, China
| | - Xinxin Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Xiao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Mao Mao
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Hu Cai
- Shaanxi Provincial Institute for Food and Drug Control, Xi’ an, 710065, China
| | - Dichen Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Jiankang He
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
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Vahala D, Amos SE, Sacchi M, Soliman BG, Hepburn MS, Mowla A, Li J, Jeong JH, Astell C, Hwang Y, Kennedy BF, Lim KS, Choi YS. 3D Volumetric Mechanosensation of MCF7 Breast Cancer Spheroids in a Linear Stiffness Gradient GelAGE. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301506. [PMID: 37670531 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment presents spatiotemporal shifts in biomechanical properties with cancer progression. Hydrogel biomaterials like GelAGE offer the stiffness tuneability to recapitulate dynamic changes in tumor tissues by altering photo-energy exposures. Here, a tuneable hydrogel with spatiotemporal control of stiffness and mesh-network is developed. The volume of MCF7 spheroids encapsulated in a linear stiffness gradient demonstrates an inverse relationship with stiffness (p < 0.0001). As spheroids are exposed to increased crosslinking (stiffer) and greater mechanical confinement, spheroid stiffness increases. Protein expression (TRPV4, β1 integrin, E-cadherin, and F-actin) decreases with increasing stiffness while showing strong correlations to spheroid volume (r2 > 0.9). To further investigate the role of volume, MCF7 spheroids are grown in a soft matrix for 5 days prior to a second polymerisation which presents a stiffness gradient to equally expanded spheroids. Despite being exposed to variable stiffness, these spheroids show even protein expression, confirming volume as a key regulator. Overall, this work showcases the versatility of GelAGE and demonstrates volume expansion as a key regulator of 3D mechanosensation in MCF7 breast cancer spheroids. This platform has the potential to further investigation into the role of stiffness and dimensionality in 3D spheroid culture for other types of cancers and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Vahala
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Sebastian E Amos
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Marta Sacchi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Bram G Soliman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Matt S Hepburn
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Alireza Mowla
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Jiayue Li
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Ji Hoon Jeong
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, 31151, South Korea
| | - Chrissie Astell
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Yongsung Hwang
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, 31151, South Korea
| | - Brendan F Kennedy
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Khoon S Lim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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5
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Chin IL, Amos SE, Jeong JH, Hool L, Hwang Y, Choi YS. Volume adaptation of neonatal cardiomyocyte spheroids in 3D stiffness gradient GelMA. J Biomed Mater Res A 2023; 111:801-813. [PMID: 36239543 PMCID: PMC10952714 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37456] [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: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Present understandings of cardiomyocyte mechanobiology have primarily been developed using 2-dimensional, monocellular cell cultures, however the emergence of 3-dimensional (3D) multicellular cardiac constructs has enabled us to develop more sophisticated recapitulations of the cardiac microenvironment. Several of these strategies have illustrated that incorporating elements of the extracellular matrix (ECM) can promote greater maturation and enhance desirable cardiac functions, such as contractility, but the responses of these cardiac constructs to biophysically aberrant conditions, such as in the post-infarct heart, has remained relatively unexplored. In our study, we employ a stiffness gradient gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel platform to unpack the mechanobiology of cardiac spheroids. We encapsulated neonatal rat cardiac cell spheroids in a 4.4-18.7 kPa linear stiffness gradient up to 120 h. We found the proportion of viable cells within the spheroids increased over time, but the cell number per spheroid decreased. Spheroids expand more in softer matrices while stiffer matrices promote larger nuclei without changing nuclei shape. Volume expansion came primarily from cells expressing vimentin. We did not observe any correlations between stiffness and mechanomarker expression, however we found that after 120 h post-encapsulation, the localization of YAP, the localization of MRTF-A and the expression of Lamin-A was correlated with spheroid morphology. The same trends were not observed 24 h post-encapsulation, indicating that volume adaptation can take a relatively long time. Our data demonstrates that cardiac spheroids are mechanosensitive and that their capacity to respond to ECM-based cues depends on their capacity to adapt their volume with a 3D microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian L. Chin
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Sebastian E. Amos
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Ji Hoon Jeong
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi‐bio Science (SIMS)Soonchunhyang UniversityCheonan‐siChungnam‐doRepublic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biomedical ScienceSoonchunhyang UniversityAsan‐siChungnam‐doRepublic of Korea
| | - Livia Hool
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research InstituteSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yongsung Hwang
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi‐bio Science (SIMS)Soonchunhyang UniversityCheonan‐siChungnam‐doRepublic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biomedical ScienceSoonchunhyang UniversityAsan‐siChungnam‐doRepublic of Korea
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
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Sumey JL, Johnston PC, Harrell AM, Caliari SR. Hydrogel mechanics regulate fibroblast DNA methylation and chromatin condensation. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:2886-2897. [PMID: 36880435 PMCID: PMC10329270 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm02058k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Cellular mechanotransduction plays a central role in fibroblast activation during fibrotic disease progression, leading to increased tissue stiffness and reduced organ function. While the role of epigenetics in disease mechanotransduction has begun to be appreciated, little is known about how substrate mechanics, particularly the timing of mechanical inputs, regulate epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and chromatin reorganization during fibroblast activation. In this work, we engineered a hyaluronic acid hydrogel platform with independently tunable stiffness and viscoelasticity to model normal (storage modulus, G' ∼ 0.5 kPa, loss modulus, G'' ∼ 0.05 kPa) to increasingly fibrotic (G' ∼ 2.5 and 8 kPa, G'' ∼ 0.05 kPa) lung mechanics. Human lung fibroblasts exhibited increased spreading and nuclear localization of myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) with increasing substrate stiffness within 1 day, with these trends holding steady for longer cultures. However, fibroblasts displayed time-dependent changes in global DNA methylation and chromatin organization. Fibroblasts initially displayed increased DNA methylation and chromatin decondensation on stiffer hydrogels, but both of these measures decreased with longer culture times. To investigate how culture time affected the responsiveness of fibroblast nuclear remodeling to mechanical signals, we engineered hydrogels amenable to in situ secondary crosslinking, enabling a transition from a compliant substrate mimicking normal tissue to a stiffer substrate resembling fibrotic tissue. When stiffening was initiated after only 1 day of culture, fibroblasts rapidly responded and displayed increased DNA methylation and chromatin decondensation, similar to fibroblasts on static stiffer hydrogels. Conversely, when fibroblasts experienced later stiffening at day 7, they showed no changes in DNA methylation and chromatin condensation, suggesting the induction of a persistent fibroblast phenotype. These results highlight the time-dependent nuclear changes associated with fibroblast activation in response to dynamic mechanical perturbations and may provide mechanisms to target for controlling fibroblast activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L Sumey
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, USA.
| | | | | | - Steven R Caliari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, USA
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7
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A maladaptive feedback mechanism between the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton contributes to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy pathophysiology. Commun Biol 2023; 6:4. [PMID: 36596888 PMCID: PMC9810744 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04278-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited disorder due to mutations in contractile proteins that results in a stiff, hypercontractile myocardium. To understand the role of cardiac stiffness in disease progression, here we create an in vitro model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy utilizing hydrogel technology. Culturing wild-type cardiac myocytes on hydrogels with a Young's Moduli (stiffness) mimicking hypertrophic cardiomyopathy myocardium is sufficient to induce a hypermetabolic mitochondrial state versus myocytes plated on hydrogels simulating healthy myocardium. Significantly, these data mirror that of myocytes isolated from a murine model of human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (cTnI-G203S). Conversely, cTnI-G203S myocyte mitochondrial function is completely restored when plated on hydrogels mimicking healthy myocardium. We identify a mechanosensing feedback mechanism between the extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal network that regulates mitochondrial function under healthy conditions, but participates in the progression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy pathophysiology resulting from sarcomeric gene mutations. Importantly, we pinpoint key 'linker' sites in this schema that may represent potential therapeutic targets.
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Chen X, Zhu L, Wang X, Xiao J. Insight into Heart-Tailored Architectures of Hydrogel to Restore Cardiac Functions after Myocardial Infarction. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:57-81. [PMID: 36413809 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
With permanent heart muscle injury or death, myocardial infarction (MI) is complicated by inflammatory, proliferation and remodeling phases from both the early ischemic period and subsequent infarct expansion. Though in situ re-establishment of blood flow to the infarct zone and delays of the ventricular remodeling process are current treatment options of MI, they fail to address massive loss of viable cardiomyocytes while transplanting stem cells to regenerate heart is hindered by their poor retention in the infarct bed. Equipped with heart-specific mimicry and extracellular matrix (ECM)-like functionality on the network structure, hydrogels leveraging tissue-matching biomechanics and biocompatibility can mechanically constrain the infarct and act as localized transport of bioactive ingredients to refresh the dysfunctional heart under the constant cyclic stress. Given diverse characteristics of hydrogel including conductivity, anisotropy, adhesiveness, biodegradability, self-healing and mechanical properties driving local cardiac repair, we aim to investigate and conclude the dynamic balance between ordered architectures of hydrogels and the post-MI pathological milieu. Additionally, our review summarizes advantages of heart-tailored architectures of hydrogels in cardiac repair following MI. Finally, we propose challenges and prospects in clinical translation of hydrogels to draw theoretical guidance on cardiac repair and regeneration after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuerui Chen
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong 226011, China.,Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Liyun Zhu
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong 226011, China.,Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Hangzhou Medical College, Binjiang Higher Education Park, Binwen Road 481, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Junjie Xiao
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong 226011, China.,Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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9
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Chin IL, Amos SE, Jeong JH, Hool L, Hwang Y, Choi YS. Mechanosensation mediates volume adaptation of cardiac cells and spheroids in 3D. Mater Today Bio 2022; 16:100391. [PMID: 36042852 PMCID: PMC9420370 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100391] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
With the adoption of 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture for in vitro modelling of cardiac function and regenerative medicine applications, there is an increased need to understand cardiomyocyte mechanosensation in 3D. With existing studies of cardiomyocyte mechanosensation primarily focussed on the behaviour of individual cells in a 2-Dimensional context, it is unclear whether mechanosensation is the same in a 3D, multicellular context. In this study, H9C2 cardiac-derived myoblasts were encapsulated as individual cells and as cell spheroids within stiffness gradient gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels to investigate individual and collective cardiac cell mechanosensation in 3D. Over a 3.68–17.52 kPa stiffness range, it was found that H9C2 cells have a limited capacity to adapt their volume to increasing substrate stiffness, demonstrated by the lack of changes in cell volume and shape across the stiffness gradient. Morphological trends were reflected by the expression of the mechanomarkers YAP, MRTF-A and Lamin-A, which were better correlated with cell and nuclear volume than with substrate stiffness. The localisation of YAP and MRTF-A were dependent on the relative volumes of the cytoplasm and nucleus while Lamin-A expression was elevated with increasing cytoplasmic and nuclear volumes. When cultured as spheroids rather than as individual cells, H9C2 cells adopted a distinct morphology with comparably smaller nuclei than individually cultured cells, while retaining the same overall cell volume. As spheroids, H9C2 cells were sensitive to stiffness cues, shown by decreasing YAP and MRTF-A nuclear localisation, increasing Lamin-A expression, and increasing vinculin expression with increasing substrate stiffness. Like the individually cultured H9C2 cells, mechanomarker expression was correlated to volume adaptation. With increasing cytoplasmic volume, YAP and MRTF-A became less nuclear localised, vinculin expression was increased, and with increasing nuclear volume, the Lamin-A expression fincreased. Together, these data suggest that cardiac cell volume adaptation may be enhanced by cell-cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian L Chin
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sebastian E Amos
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ji Hoon Jeong
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, Chungnam-do, 31151, Republic of Korea.,Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan-si, Chungnam-do, 31538, Republic of Korea
| | - Livia Hool
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yongsung Hwang
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, Chungnam-do, 31151, Republic of Korea.,Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan-si, Chungnam-do, 31538, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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10
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Hamledari H, Asghari P, Jayousi F, Aguirre A, Maaref Y, Barszczewski T, Ser T, Moore E, Wasserman W, Klein Geltink R, Teves S, Tibbits GF. Using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes to understand the mechanisms driving cardiomyocyte maturation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:967659. [PMID: 36061558 PMCID: PMC9429949 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.967659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and reduced quality of life globally. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) provide a personalized platform to study inherited heart diseases, drug-induced cardiac toxicity, and cardiac regenerative therapy. However, the immaturity of CMs obtained by current strategies is a major hurdle in utilizing hiPSC-CMs at their fullest potential. Here, the major findings and limitations of current maturation methodologies to enhance the utility of hiPSC-CMs in the battle against a major source of morbidity and mortality are reviewed. The most recent knowledge of the potential signaling pathways involved in the transition of fetal to adult CMs are assimilated. In particular, we take a deeper look on role of nutrient sensing signaling pathways and the potential role of cap-independent translation mediated by the modulation of mTOR pathway in the regulation of cardiac gap junctions and other yet to be identified aspects of CM maturation. Moreover, a relatively unexplored perspective on how our knowledge on the effects of preterm birth on cardiovascular development can be actually utilized to enhance the current understanding of CM maturation is examined. Furthermore, the interaction between the evolving neonatal human heart and brown adipose tissue as the major source of neonatal thermogenesis and its endocrine function on CM development is another discussed topic which is worthy of future investigation. Finally, the current knowledge regarding transcriptional mediators of CM maturation is still limited. The recent studies have produced the groundwork to better understand CM maturation in terms of providing some of the key factors involved in maturation and development of metrics for assessment of maturation which proves essential for future studies on in vitro PSC-CMs maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Hamledari
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Parisa Asghari
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Farah Jayousi
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alejandro Aguirre
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yasaman Maaref
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tiffany Barszczewski
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Terri Ser
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Edwin Moore
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wyeth Wasserman
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ramon Klein Geltink
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sheila Teves
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Glen F. Tibbits
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Chalard AE, Dixon AW, Taberner AJ, Malmström J. Visible-Light Stiffness Patterning of GelMA Hydrogels Towards In Vitro Scar Tissue Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:946754. [PMID: 35865624 PMCID: PMC9294371 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.946754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Variations in mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix occurs in various processes, such as tissue fibrosis. The impact of changes in tissue stiffness on cell behaviour are studied in vitro using various types of biomaterials and methods. Stiffness patterning of hydrogel scaffolds, through the use of stiffness gradients for instance, allows the modelling and studying of cellular responses to fibrotic mechanisms. Gelatine methacryloyl (GelMA) has been used extensively in tissue engineering for its inherent biocompatibility and the ability to precisely tune its mechanical properties. Visible light is now increasingly employed for crosslinking GelMA hydrogels as it enables improved cell survival when performing cell encapsulation. We report here, the photopatterning of mechanical properties of GelMA hydrogels with visible light and eosin Y as the photoinitiator using physical photomasks and projection with a digital micromirror device. Using both methods, binary hydrogels with areas of different stiffnesses and hydrogels with stiffness gradients were fabricated. Their mechanical properties were characterised using force indentation with atomic force microscopy, which showed the efficiency of both methods to spatially pattern the elastic modulus of GelMA according to the photomask or the projected pattern. Crosslinking through projection was also used to build constructs with complex shapes. Overall, this work shows the feasibility of patterning the stiffness of GelMA scaffolds, in the range from healthy to pathological stiffness, with visible light. Consequently, this method could be used to build in vitro models of healthy and fibrotic tissue and study the cellular behaviours involved at the interface between the two.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs E. Chalard
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Anaïs E. Chalard, ; Jenny Malmström,
| | - Alexander W. Dixon
- The Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrew J. Taberner
- The Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Engineering Science, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jenny Malmström
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Anaïs E. Chalard, ; Jenny Malmström,
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12
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Vahala D, Choi YS. Modelling the Tumor Microenvironment: Recapitulating Nano- and Micro-Scale Properties that Regulate Tumor Progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:908799. [PMID: 35800896 PMCID: PMC9254080 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.908799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a significant burden with 1 in 8 women affected and metastasis posing a significant challenge for patient survival. Disease progression involves remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In breast cancer, tissue stiffness increases owing to an increase in collagen production by recruited cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). These stromal modifications are notable during primary tumor growth and have a dualistic action by creating a hard capsule to prevent penetration of anti-cancer therapies and forming a favorable environment for tumor progression. Remodeling of the tumor microenvironment immediately presented to cells can include changes in protein composition, concentration and structural arrangement and provides the first mechanical stimuli in the metastatic cascade. Not surprisingly, metastatic cancer cells possess the ability to mechanically adapt, and their adaptability ensures not only survival but successful invasion within altered environments. In the past decade, the importance of the microenvironment and its regulatory role in diseases have gained traction and this is evident in the shift from plastic culture to the development of novel biomaterials that mimic in vivo tissue. With these advances, elucidations can be made into how ECM remodeling and more specifically, altered cell-ECM adhesions, regulate tumor growth and cancer cell plasticity. Such enabling tools in mechanobiology will identify fundamental mechanisms in cancer progression that eventually help develop preventative and therapeutic treatment from a clinical perspective. This review will focus on current platforms engineered to mimic the micro and nano-properties of the tumor microenvironment and subsequent understanding of mechanically regulated pathways in cancer.
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