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Liu Y, Gilchrist AE, Heilshorn SC. Engineered Protein Hydrogels as Biomimetic Cellular Scaffolds. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2407794. [PMID: 39233559 PMCID: PMC11573243 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202407794] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
The biochemical and biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) play a pivotal role in regulating cellular behaviors such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Engineered protein-based hydrogels, with highly tunable multifunctional properties, have the potential to replicate key features of the native ECM. Formed by self-assembly or crosslinking, engineered protein-based hydrogels can induce a range of cell behaviors through bioactive and functional domains incorporated into the polymer backbone. Using recombinant techniques, the amino acid sequence of the protein backbone can be designed with precise control over the chain-length, folded structure, and cell-interaction sites. In this review, the modular design of engineered protein-based hydrogels from both a molecular- and network-level perspective are discussed, and summarize recent progress and case studies to highlight the diverse strategies used to construct biomimetic scaffolds. This review focuses on amino acid sequences that form structural blocks, bioactive blocks, and stimuli-responsive blocks designed into the protein backbone for highly precise and tunable control of scaffold properties. Both physical and chemical methods to stabilize dynamic protein networks with defined structure and bioactivity for cell culture applications are discussed. Finally, a discussion of future directions of engineered protein-based hydrogels as biomimetic cellular scaffolds is concluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueming Liu
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Aidan E Gilchrist
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis 451 Health Sciences Dr, GBSF 3315, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Sarah C Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, 476 Lomita Mall, McCullough Room 246, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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Bennett JI, Boit MO, Gregorio NE, Zhang F, Kibler RD, Hoye JW, Prado O, Rapp PB, Murry CE, Stevens KR, DeForest CA. Genetically Encoded XTEN-based Hydrogels with Tunable Viscoelasticity and Biodegradability for Injectable Cell Therapies. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2301708. [PMID: 38477407 PMCID: PMC11200090 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301708] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
While direct cell transplantation holds great promise in treating many debilitating diseases, poor cell survival and engraftment following injection have limited effective clinical translation. Though injectable biomaterials offer protection against membrane-damaging extensional flow and supply a supportive 3D environment in vivo that ultimately improves cell retention and therapeutic costs, most are created from synthetic or naturally harvested polymers that are immunogenic and/or chemically ill-defined. This work presents a shear-thinning and self-healing telechelic recombinant protein-based hydrogel designed around XTEN - a well-expressible, non-immunogenic, and intrinsically disordered polypeptide previously evolved as a genetically encoded alternative to PEGylation to "eXTENd" the in vivo half-life of fused protein therapeutics. By flanking XTEN with self-associating coil domains derived from cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, single-component physically crosslinked hydrogels exhibiting rapid shear thinning and self-healing through homopentameric coiled-coil bundling are formed. Individual and combined point mutations that variably stabilize coil association enables a straightforward method to genetically program material viscoelasticity and biodegradability. Finally, these materials protect and sustain viability of encapsulated human fibroblasts, hepatocytes, embryonic kidney (HEK), and embryonic stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs) through culture, injection, and transcutaneous implantation in mice. These injectable XTEN-based hydrogels show promise for both in vitro cell culture and in vivo cell transplantation applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary O'Kelly Boit
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98105USA
| | | | - Fan Zhang
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98105USA
| | - Ryan D. Kibler
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98105USA
- Institute for Protein DesignUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98105USA
| | - Jack W. Hoye
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98105USA
| | - Olivia Prado
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98105USA
| | - Peter B. Rapp
- Flagship Labs 83, Inc.135 Morrissey Blvd.BostonMA02125USA
| | - Charles E. Murry
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98105USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98109USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & PathologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98195USA
- Department of Medicine/CardiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98109USA
| | - Kelly R. Stevens
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98105USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98109USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & PathologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98195USA
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98105USA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98105USA
- Institute for Protein DesignUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98105USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98109USA
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98105USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences InstituteUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98105USA
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3
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Strader RL, Shmidov Y, Chilkoti A. Encoding Structure in Intrinsically Disordered Protein Biomaterials. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:302-311. [PMID: 38194282 PMCID: PMC11354101 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
In nature, proteins range from those with highly ordered secondary and tertiary structures to those that completely lack a well-defined three-dimensional structure, termed intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). IDPs are generally characterized by one or more segments that have a compositional bias toward small hydrophilic amino acids and proline residues that promote structural disorder and are called intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). The combination of IDRs with ordered regions and the interactions between the two determine the phase behavior, structure, and function of IDPs. Nature also diversifies the structure of proteins and thereby their functions by hybridization of the proteins with other moieties such as glycans and lipids; for instance, post-translationally glycosylated and lipidated proteins are important cell membrane components. Additionally, diversity in protein structure and function is achieved in nature through cross-linking proteins within themselves or with other domains to create various topologies. For example, an essential characteristic of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is the cross-linking of its network components, including proteins such as collagen and elastin, as well as polysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid (HA). Inspired by nature, synthetic IDP (SynIDP)-based biomaterials can be designed by employing similar strategies with the goal of introducing structural diversity and hence unique physiochemical properties. This Account describes such materials produced over the past decade and following one or more of the following approaches: (1) incorporating highly ordered domains into SynIDPs, (2) conjugating SynIDPs to other moieties through either genetically encoded post-translational modification or chemical conjugation, and (3) engineering the topology of SynIDPs via chemical modification. These approaches introduce modifications to the primary structure of SynIDPs, which are then translated to unique three-dimensional secondary and tertiary structures. Beginning with completely disordered SynIDPs as the point of origin, structure may be introduced into SynIDPs by each of these three unique approaches individually along orthogonal axes or by combinations of the three, enabling bioinspired designs to theoretically span the entire range of three-dimensional structural possibilities. Furthermore, the resultant structures span a wide range of length scales, from nano- to meso- to micro- and even macrostructures. In this Account, emphasis is placed on the physiochemical properties and structural features of the described materials. Conjugates of SynIDPs to synthetic polymers and materials achieved by simple mixing of components are outside the scope of this Account. Related biomedical applications are described briefly. Finally, we note future directions for the design of functional SynIDP-based biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. Strader
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, USA
| | - Yulia Shmidov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, USA
| | - Ashutosh Chilkoti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, USA
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Hefferon ME, Huang MS, Liu Y, Navarro RS, de Paiva Narciso N, Zhang D, Aviles-Rodriguez G, Heilshorn SC. Cell Microencapsulation Within Engineered Hyaluronan Elastin-Like Protein (HELP) Hydrogels. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e917. [PMID: 37929691 PMCID: PMC10629846 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional cell encapsulation has rendered itself a staple in the tissue engineering field. Using recombinantly engineered, biopolymer-based hydrogels to encapsulate cells is especially promising due to the enhanced control and tunability it affords. Here, we describe in detail the synthesis of our hyaluronan (i.e., hyaluronic acid) and elastin-like protein (HELP) hydrogel system. In addition to validating the efficacy of our synthetic process, we also demonstrate the modularity of the HELP system. Finally, we show that cells can be encapsulated within HELP gels over a range of stiffnesses, exhibit strong viability, and respond to stiffness cues. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Elastin-like protein modification with hydrazine Basic Protocol 2: Nuclear magnetic resonance quantification of elastin-like protein modification with hydrazine Basic Protocol 3: Hyaluronic acid-benzaldehyde synthesis Basic Protocol 4: Nuclear magnetic resonance quantification of hyaluronic acid-benzaldehyde Basic Protocol 5: 3D cell encapsulation in hyaluronan elastin-like protein gels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E. Hefferon
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 496 Lomita Mall, Stanford, California 94305, 605-724-6784
| | - Michelle S. Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Stanford, California 94305, 650-723-4906, 605-724-6784
| | - Yueming Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 496 Lomita Mall, Stanford, California 94305, 605-724-6784
| | - Renato S. Navarro
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 496 Lomita Mall, Stanford, California 94305, 605-724-6784
| | - Narelli de Paiva Narciso
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 496 Lomita Mall, Stanford, California 94305, 605-724-6784
| | - Daiyao Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Stanford, California 94305, 650-723-4906, 605-724-6784
| | - Giselle Aviles-Rodriguez
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 496 Lomita Mall, Stanford, California 94305, 605-724-6784
| | - Sarah C. Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 496 Lomita Mall, Stanford, California 94305, 605-724-6784
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Crowell AD, FitzSimons TM, Anslyn EV, Schultz KM, Rosales AM. Shear Thickening Behavior in Injectable Tetra-PEG Hydrogels Cross-Linked via Dynamic Thia-Michael Addition Bonds. Macromolecules 2023; 56:7795-7807. [PMID: 38798752 PMCID: PMC11126233 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.3c00780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Injectable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels were reversibly cross-linked through thia-conjugate addition bonds and demonstrated to shear thicken at low shear rates. Cross-linking bond exchange kinetics and dilute polymer concentrations were leveraged to tune hydrogel plateau moduli (from 60 to 650 Pa) and relaxation times (from 2 to 8 s). Under continuous flow shear rheometry, these properties affected the onset of shear thickening and the degree of shear thickening achieved before a flow instability occurred. The changes in viscosity were reversible whether the shear rate increased or decreased, suggesting that chain stretching drives this behavior. Given the relevance of dynamic PEG hydrogels under shear to biomedical applications, their injectability was investigated. Injection forces were found to increase with higher polymer concentrations and slower bond exchange kinetics. Altogether, these results characterize the nonlinear rheology of dilute, dynamic covalent tetra-PEG hydrogels and offer insight into the mechanism driving their shear thickening behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne D Crowell
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin 78712, United States
| | - Thomas M FitzSimons
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin 78712, United States
| | - Eric V Anslyn
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin 78712, United States
| | - Kelly M Schultz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem 18015, United States
| | - Adrianne M Rosales
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin 78712, United States
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de Paiva Narciso N, Navarro RS, Gilchrist A, Trigo MLM, Rodriguez GA, Heilshorn SC. Design Parameters for Injectable Biopolymeric Hydrogels with Dynamic Covalent Chemistry Crosslinks. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301265. [PMID: 37389811 PMCID: PMC10638947 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) crosslinks can form hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties permissive to injectability and self-healing. However, not all hydrogels with transient crosslinks are easily extrudable. For this reason, two additional design parameters must be considered when formulating DCC-crosslinked hydrogels: 1) degree of functionalization (DoF) and 2) polymer molecular weight (MW). To investigate these parameters, hydrogels comprised of two recombinant biopolymers: 1) a hyaluronic acid (HA) modified with benzaldehyde and 2) an elastin-like protein (ELP) modified with hydrazine (ELP-HYD), are formulated. Several hydrogel families are synthesized with distinct HA MW and DoF while keeping the ELP-HYD component constant. The resulting hydrogels have a range of stiffnesses, G' ≈ 10-1000 Pa, and extrudability, which is attributed to the combined effects of DCC crosslinks and polymer entanglements. In general, lower MW formulations require lower forces for injectability, regardless of stiffness. Higher DoF formulations exhibit more rapid self-healing. Gel extrusion through a cannula (2 m length, 0.25 mm diameter) demonstrates the potential for minimally invasive delivery for future biomedical applications. In summary, this work highlights additional parameters that influence the injectability and network formation of DCC-crosslinked hydrogels and aims to guide future design of injectable hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renato S. Navarro
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Aidan Gilchrist
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Miriam L. M. Trigo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Sarah C. Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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7
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Hull SM, Lou J, Lindsay CD, Navarro RS, Cai B, Brunel LG, Westerfield AD, Xia Y, Heilshorn SC. 3D bioprinting of dynamic hydrogel bioinks enabled by small molecule modulators. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade7880. [PMID: 37000873 PMCID: PMC10065439 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade7880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional bioprinting has emerged as a promising tool for spatially patterning cells to fabricate models of human tissue. Here, we present an engineered bioink material designed to have viscoelastic mechanical behavior, similar to that of living tissue. This viscoelastic bioink is cross-linked through dynamic covalent bonds, a reversible bond type that allows for cellular remodeling over time. Viscoelastic materials are challenging to use as inks, as one must tune the kinetics of the dynamic cross-links to allow for both extrudability and long-term stability. We overcome this challenge through the use of small molecule catalysts and competitors that temporarily modulate the cross-linking kinetics and degree of network formation. These inks were then used to print a model of breast cancer cell invasion, where the inclusion of dynamic cross-links was found to be required for the formation of invasive protrusions. Together, we demonstrate the power of engineered, dynamic bioinks to recapitulate the native cellular microenvironment for disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Hull
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Junzhe Lou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Renato S. Navarro
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Betty Cai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lucia G. Brunel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Yan Xia
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sarah C. Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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8
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Garcia Garcia C, Patkar SS, Wang B, Abouomar R, Kiick KL. Recombinant protein-based injectable materials for biomedical applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 193:114673. [PMID: 36574920 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Injectable nanocarriers and hydrogels have found widespread use in a variety of biomedical applications such as local and sustained biotherapeutic cargo delivery, and as cell-instructive matrices for tissue engineering. Recent advances in the development and application of recombinant protein-based materials as injectable platforms under physiological conditions have made them useful platforms for the development of nanoparticles and tissue engineering matrices, which are reviewed in this work. Protein-engineered biomaterials are highly customizable, and they provide distinctly tunable rheological properties, encapsulation efficiencies, and delivery profiles. In particular, the key advantages of emerging technologies which harness the stimuli-responsive properties of recombinant polypeptide-based materials are highlighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristobal Garcia Garcia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Sai S Patkar
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Ramadan Abouomar
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Kristi L Kiick
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19176, USA.
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Zhang W, Lu W, Sun K, Jiang H. Genetically engineered chondrocytes overexpressing elastin improve cell retention and chondrogenesis in a three-dimensional GelMA culture system. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:1423-1436. [PMID: 36621901 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28330] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Elastic cartilage possesses many elastic fibers and has a high degree of elasticity. However, insufficient elastic fiber production remains unsolved in elastic cartilage tissue engineering. Exogenous elastin is difficult to degrade and violates cell proliferation and migration during cartilage regeneration. Moreover, exogenous elastic fibers are difficult to assemble with endogenous extracellular matrix components. We produced genetically engineered chondrocytes overexpressing elastin to boost endogenous elastic fiber production. After identifying that genetic manipulation hardly impacted the cell viability and chondrogenesis of chondrocytes, we co-cultured genetically engineered chondrocytes with untreated chondrocytes in a three-dimensional gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) system. In vitro study showed that the co-culture system produced more elastic fibers and increased cell retention, resulting in strengthened mechanics than the control system with untreated chondrocytes. Moreover, in vivo implantation revealed that the co-culture GelMA system greatly resisted host tissue invasion by promoting elastic fiber production and cartilage tissue regeneration compared with the control system. In summary, our study indicated that genetically engineered chondrocytes overexpressing elastin are efficient and safe for promoting elastic fiber production and cartilage regeneration in elastic cartilage tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wei Lu
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Kexin Sun
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Haiyue Jiang
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
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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: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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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