1
|
Jebeli M, Lopez SK, Goldblatt ZE, McCollum D, Mana-Capelli S, Wen Q, Billiar K. Multicellular aligned bands disrupt global collective cell behavior. Acta Biomater 2023; 163:117-130. [PMID: 36306982 PMCID: PMC10334361 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.10.041] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical stress patterns emerging from collective cell behavior have been shown to play critical roles in morphogenesis, tissue repair, and cancer metastasis. In our previous work, we constrained valvular interstitial cell (VIC) monolayers on circular protein islands to study emergent behavior in a controlled manner and demonstrated that the general patterns of cell alignment, size, and apoptosis correlate with predicted mechanical stress fields if radially increasing stiffness or contractility are used in the computational models. However, these radially symmetric models did not predict the existence of local regions of dense aligned cells observed in seemingly random locations of individual aggregates. The goal of this study is to determine how the heterogeneities in cell behavior emerge over time and diverge from the predicted collective cell behavior. Cell-cell interactions in circular multicellular aggregates of VICs were studied with time-lapse imaging ranging from hours to days, and migration, proliferation, and traction stresses were measured. Our results indicate that elongated cells create strong local alignment within preconfluent cell populations on the microcontact printed protein islands. These cells influence the alignment of additional cells to create dense, locally aligned bands of cells which disrupt the predicted global behavior. Cells are highly elongated at the endpoints of the bands yet have decreased spread area in the middle and reduced mobility. Although traction stresses at the endpoints of bands are enhanced, even to the point of detaching aggregates from the culture surface, the cells in dense bands exhibit reduced proliferation, less nuclear YAP, and increased apoptotic rates indicating a low stress environment. These findings suggest that strong local cell-cell interactions between primary fibroblastic cells can disrupt the global collective cellular behavior leading to substantial heterogeneity of cell behaviors in constrained monolayers. This local emergent behavior within aggregated fibroblasts may play an important role in development and disease of connective tissues. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Mechanical stress patterns emerging from collective cell behavior play critical roles in morphogenesis, tissue repair, and cancer metastasis. Much has been learned of these collective behaviors by utilizing microcontact printing to constrain cell monolayers (aggregates) into specific shapes. Here we utilize these tools along with long-term video microscopy tracking of individual aggregates to determine how heterogeneous collective behaviors unique to primary fibroblastic cells emerge over time and diverge from computed stress fields. We find that dense multicellular bands form from local collective behavior and disrupt the global collective behavior resulting in heterogeneous patterns of migration, traction stresses, proliferation, and apoptosis. This local emergent behavior within aggregated fibroblasts may play an important role in development and disease of connective tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahvash Jebeli
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester MA, USA
| | - Samantha K Lopez
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester MA, USA
| | - Zachary E Goldblatt
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester MA, USA
| | - Dannel McCollum
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester MA, USA
| | | | - Qi Wen
- Physics Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester MA, USA
| | - Kristen Billiar
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hart KC, Sim JY, Hopcroft MA, Cohen DJ, Tan J, Nelson WJ, Pruitt BL. An Easy-to-Fabricate Cell Stretcher Reveals Density-Dependent Mechanical Regulation of Collective Cell Movements in Epithelia. Cell Mol Bioeng 2021; 14:569-581. [PMID: 34900011 PMCID: PMC8630312 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-021-00689-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mechanical forces regulate many facets of cell and tissue biology. Studying the effects of forces on cells requires real-time observations of single- and multi-cell dynamics in tissue models during controlled external mechanical input. Many of the existing devices used to conduct these studies are costly and complicated to fabricate, which reduces the availability of these devices to many laboratories.
Methods We show how to fabricate a simple, low-cost, uniaxial stretching device, with readily available materials and instruments that is compatible with high-resolution time-lapse microscopy of adherent cell monolayers. In addition, we show how to construct a pressure controller that induces a repeatable degree of stretch in monolayers, as well as a custom MATLAB code to quantify individual cell strains. Results As an application note using this device, we show that uniaxial stretch slows down cellular movements in a mammalian epithelial monolayer in a cell density-dependent manner. We demonstrate that the effect on cell movement involves the relocalization of myosin downstream of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK). Conclusions This mechanical device provides a platform for broader involvement of engineers and biologists in this important area of cell and tissue biology. We used this device to demonstrate the mechanical regulation of collective cell movements in epithelia. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-021-00689-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C. Hart
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Present Address: IGM Biosciences, Mountain View, CA 94043 USA
| | - Joo Yong Sim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Present Address: Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, 04310 Republic of Korea
| | - Matthew A. Hopcroft
- Red Dog Research, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2002 Bioengineering Building, 494 UCEN Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA
| | - Daniel J. Cohen
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Present Address: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544 USA
| | - Jiongyi Tan
- Department of Biophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Present Address: Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - W. James Nelson
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Beth L. Pruitt
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Department of Biophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2002 Bioengineering Building, 494 UCEN Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wubshet NH, Arreguin-Martinez E, Nail M, Annamalai H, Koerner R, Rousseva M, Tom T, Gillespie RB, Liu AP. Simulating microgravity using a random positioning machine for inducing cellular responses to mechanotransduction in human osteoblasts. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2021; 92:114101. [PMID: 34852501 PMCID: PMC9643046 DOI: 10.1063/5.0056366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The mechanotransduction pathways that mediate cellular responses to contact forces are better understood than those that mediate response to distance forces, especially the force of gravity. Removing or reducing gravity for significant periods of time involves either sending samples to space, inducing diamagnetic levitation with high magnetic fields, or continually reorienting samples for a period, all in a manner that supports cell culturing. Undesired secondary effects due to high magnetic fields or shear forces associated with fluid flow while reorienting must be considered in the design of ground-based devices. We have developed a lab-friendly and compact random positioning machine (RPM) that fits in a standard tissue culture incubator. Using a two-axis gimbal, it continually reorients samples in a manner that produces an equal likelihood that all possible orientations are visited. We contribute a new control algorithm by which the distribution of probabilities over all possible orientations is completely uniform. Rather than randomly varying gimbal axis speed and/or direction as in previous algorithms (which produces non-uniform probability distributions of orientation), we use inverse kinematics to follow a trajectory with a probability distribution of orientations that is uniform by construction. Over a time period of 6 h of operation using our RPM, the average gravity is within 0.001 23% of the gravity of Earth. Shear forces are minimized by limiting the angular speed of both gimbal motors to under 42 °/s. We demonstrate the utility of our RPM by investigating the effects of simulated microgravity on adherent human osteoblasts immediately after retrieving samples from our RPM. Cytoskeletal disruption and cell shape changes were observed relative to samples cultured in a 1 g environment. We also found that subjecting human osteoblasts in suspension to simulated microgravity resulted in less filamentous actin and lower cell stiffness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadab H. Wubshet
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | | | | | - Hariprasad Annamalai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Robert Koerner
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Maria Rousseva
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Tristan Tom
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | | | - Allen P. Liu
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: . Current address: University of Michigan, 2350 Hayward Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. Tel.: +1 734-764-7719
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kah D, Winterl A, Přechová M, Schöler U, Schneider W, Friedrich O, Gregor M, Fabry B. A low-cost uniaxial cell stretcher for six parallel wells. HARDWAREX 2021; 9:e00162. [PMID: 35492050 PMCID: PMC9041267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2020.e00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Cells in the lungs, the heart, and numerous other organs, are constantly exposed to dynamic forces and deformations. To mimic these dynamic mechanical loading conditions and to study the resulting cellular responses such as morphological changes or the activation of biochemical signaling pathways, cells are typically seeded on flexible 2D substrates that are uniaxially or biaxially stretched. Here, we present an open-source cell stretcher built from parts of an Anet A8 3D printer. The cell stretcher is controlled by a fully programmable open-source software using GCode and Python. Up to six flexible optically clear substrates can be stretched simultaneously, allowing for comparative multi-batch biological studies including microscopic image analysis. The cell yield from the cell culture area of 4 cm2 per substrate is sufficient for Western-blot protein analysis. As a proof-of-concept, we study the activation of the Yes-associated protein (YAP) mechanotransduction pathway in response to increased cytoskeletal tension induced by uniaxial stretching of epithelial cells. Our data support the previously observed activation of the YAP transcription pathway by stretch-induced increase in cytoskeletal tension and demonstrate the suitability of the cell stretcher to study complex mechano-biological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delf Kah
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Corresponding author.
| | - Alexander Winterl
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Magdalena Přechová
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ulrike Schöler
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, FAU, Erlangen, Germany
- School in Advanced Optical Technologies, FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Werner Schneider
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Oliver Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, FAU, Erlangen, Germany
- School in Advanced Optical Technologies, FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Gregor
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ben Fabry
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mao T, He Y, Gu Y, Yang Y, Yu Y, Wang X, Ding J. Critical Frequency and Critical Stretching Rate for Reorientation of Cells on a Cyclically Stretched Polymer in a Microfluidic Chip. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:13934-13948. [PMID: 33739805 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c21186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical signals from their surrounding microenvironments is one of the key issues in tissue engineering and regeneration, yet a fundamental study of cells with both cell observation and mechanical stimulus is challenging and should be based upon an appropriate microdevice. Herein we designed and fabricated a two-layer microfluidic chip to enable simultaneous observation of live cells and cyclic stretching of an elastic polymer, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), with a modified surface for enhanced cell adhesion. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were examined with a series of frequencies from 0.00003 to 2 Hz and varied amplitudes of 2%, 5%, or 10%. The cells with an initial random orientation were confirmed to be reoriented perpendicular to the stretching direction at frequencies greater than a threshold value, which we term critical frequency (fc); additionally, the critical frequency fc was amplitude-dependent. We further introduced the concept of critical stretching rate (Rc) and found that this quantity can unify both frequency and amplitude dependences. The reciprocal value of Rc in this study reads 8.3 min, which is consistent with the turnover time of actin filaments reported in the literature, suggesting that the supramolecular relaxation in the cytoskeleton within a cell might be responsible for the underlying cell mechanotransduction. The theoretical calculation of cell reorientation based on a two-dimensional tensegrity model under uniaxial cyclic stretching is well consistent with our experiments. The above findings provide new insight into the crucial role of critical frequency and critical stretching rate in regulating cells on biomaterials under biomechanical stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yingning He
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yexin Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yuqian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yue Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xinlei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jiandong Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Inbody SC, Sinquefield BE, Lewis JP, Horton RE. Biomimetic microsystems for cardiovascular studies. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 320:C850-C872. [PMID: 33760660 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00026.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Traditional tissue culture platforms have been around for several decades and have enabled key findings in the cardiovascular field. However, these platforms failed to recreate the mechanical and dynamic features found within the body. Organs-on-chips (OOCs) are cellularized microfluidic-based devices that can mimic the basic structure, function, and responses of organs. These systems have been successfully utilized in disease, development, and drug studies. OOCs are designed to recapitulate the mechanical, electrical, chemical, and structural features of the in vivo microenvironment. Here, we review cardiovascular-themed OOC studies, design considerations, and techniques used to generate these cellularized devices. Furthermore, we will highlight the advantages of OOC models over traditional cell culture vessels, discuss implementation challenges, and provide perspectives on the state of the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shelby C Inbody
- Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Bridgett E Sinquefield
- Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Joshua P Lewis
- Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Renita E Horton
- Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jeong YJ, Kim DS, Kim JY, Oyunbaatar NE, Shanmugasundaram A, Kim ES, Lee DW. On-stage bioreactor platform integrated with nano-patterned and gold-coated PDMS diaphragm for live cell stimulation and imaging. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 118:111355. [PMID: 33254975 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Over the years, several in-vitro biosensing platforms have been developed for enhancing the maturation of the cultured cells. However, most of the proposed platforms met with limited success due to its inability for live-cell imaging, complicated fabrication, and not being advantageous from an economic perspective due to a higher price. To overcome the drawbacks of the current state-of-the-art, herein, we developed a next-generation stage-top incubator (STI) incorporated with nano grooves patterned PDMS diaphragm (NGPPD). The proposed device consists of a miniatured STI, the NGPPD functional well plates, and a mechanical stimulator. A thin layer of gold (Au) is deposited on the NGPPD to enhanced myogenic differentiation, cell maturation, and cell-cell interactions. The nano grooves are integrated on the PDMS surface to align the cardiomyocytes in the grooved direction during the culture period. The cardiomyocytes cultivated on the Au-deposited NGPPD are stimulated topographically and mechanically during the cultivation period. The enhanced cardiomyocytes maturation cultured on the Au-deposited NGPPD is experimentally demonstrated using immunofluorescence staining and PCR analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Jin Jeong
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Su Kim
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Yun Kim
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Nomin-Erdene Oyunbaatar
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Arunkumar Shanmugasundaram
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung-Sam Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; Center for Next-Generation Sensor Research and Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Weon Lee
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; Center for Next-Generation Sensor Research and Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
He Y, Mao T, Gu Y, Yang Y, Ding J. A simplified yet enhanced and versatile microfluidic platform for cyclic cell stretching on an elastic polymer. Biofabrication 2020; 12:045032. [DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abb295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
9
|
Lee J, Armenta Ochoa M, Maceda P, Yoon E, Samarneh L, Wong M, Baker AB. A high throughput screening system for studying the effects of applied mechanical forces on reprogramming factor expression. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15469. [PMID: 32963285 PMCID: PMC7508814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72158-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces are important in the regulation of physiological homeostasis and the development of disease. The application of mechanical forces to cultured cells is often performed using specialized systems that lack the flexibility and throughput of other biological techniques. In this study, we developed a high throughput platform for applying complex dynamic mechanical forces to cultured cells. We validated the system for its ability to accurately apply parallel mechanical stretch in a 96 well plate format in 576 well simultaneously. Using this system, we screened for optimized conditions to stimulate increases in Oct-4 and other transcription factor expression in mouse fibroblasts. Using high throughput mechanobiological screening assays, we identified small molecules that can synergistically enhance the increase in reprograming-related gene expression in mouse fibroblasts when combined with mechanical loading. Taken together, our findings demonstrate a new powerful tool for investigating the mechanobiological mechanisms of disease and performing drug screening in the presence of applied mechanical load.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, BME 5.202D, C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Miguel Armenta Ochoa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, BME 5.202D, C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Pablo Maceda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, BME 5.202D, C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Eun Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, BME 5.202D, C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Lara Samarneh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, BME 5.202D, C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Mitchell Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, BME 5.202D, C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Aaron B Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, BME 5.202D, C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA. .,Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. .,The Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. .,Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery and Regenerative Medicine, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Seelbinder B, Scott AK, Nelson I, Schneider SE, Calahan K, Neu CP. TENSCell: Imaging of Stretch-Activated Cells Reveals Divergent Nuclear Behavior and Tension. Biophys J 2020; 118:2627-2640. [PMID: 32407683 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of cellular and nuclear mechanosensation are unclear, partially because of a lack of methods that can reveal dynamic processes. Here, we present a new concept for a low-cost, three-dimensionally printed device that enables high-magnification imaging of cells during stretch. We observed that nuclei of mouse embryonic skin fibroblasts underwent rapid (within minutes) and divergent responses, characterized by nuclear area expansion during 5% strain but nuclear area shrinkage during 20% strain. Only responses to low strain were dependent on calcium signaling, whereas actin inhibition abrogated all nuclear responses and increased nuclear strain transfer and DNA damage. Imaging of actin dynamics during stretch revealed similar divergent trends, with F-actin shifting away from (5% strain) or toward (20% strain) the nuclear periphery. Our findings emphasize the importance of simultaneous stimulation and data acquisition to capture mechanosensitive responses and suggest that mechanical confinement of nuclei through actin may be a protective mechanism during high mechanical stretch or loading.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Seelbinder
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Adrienne K Scott
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Isabel Nelson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Stephanie E Schneider
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Kristin Calahan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Corey P Neu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Verstreken CM, Labouesse C, Agley CC, Chalut KJ. Embryonic stem cells become mechanoresponsive upon exit from ground state of pluripotency. Open Biol 2020; 9:180203. [PMID: 30958114 PMCID: PMC6367133 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell fate decisions are driven by a broad array of signals, both chemical and mechanical. Although much progress has been made in our understanding of the impact of chemical signals on cell fate choice, much less is known about the role and influence of mechanical signalling, particularly in embryonic stem (ES) cells. Many studies use substrates with different stiffness to study mechanical signalling, but changing substrate stiffness can induce secondary effects which are difficult to disentangle from the direct effects of forces/mechanical signals. To probe the direct impact of mechanical stress on cells, we developed an adaptable cell substrate stretcher to exert specific, reproducible forces on cells. Using this device to test the response of ES cells to tensile strain, we found that cells experienced a transient influx of calcium followed by an upregulation of the so-called immediate and early genes. On longer time scales, however, ES cells in ground state conditions were largely insensitive to mechanical stress. Nonetheless, as ES cells exited the ground state, their susceptibility to mechanical signals increased, resulting in broad transcriptional changes. Our findings suggest that exit from ground state of pluripotency is unaffected by mechanical signals, but that these signals could become important during the next stage of lineage specification. A better understanding of this process could improve our understanding of cell fate choice in early development and improve protocols for differentiation guided by mechanical cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C M Verstreken
- 1 Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.,2 Wellcome Trust/Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 1QR , UK
| | - C Labouesse
- 2 Wellcome Trust/Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 1QR , UK
| | - C C Agley
- 2 Wellcome Trust/Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 1QR , UK
| | - K J Chalut
- 1 Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.,2 Wellcome Trust/Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 1QR , UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dow LP, Khankhel AH, Abram J, Valentine MT. 3D-printable cell crowding device enables imaging of live cells in compression. Biotechniques 2020; 68:275-278. [PMID: 32096656 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2019-0160] [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] Open
Abstract
We designed and fabricated, using low-cost 3D printing technologies, a device that enables direct control of cell density in epithelial monolayers. The device operates by varying the tension of a silicone substrate upon which the cells are adhered. Multiple devices can be manufactured easily and placed in any standard incubator. This allows long-term culturing of cells on pretensioned substrates until the user decreases the tension, thereby inducing compressive forces in plane and subsequent instantaneous cell crowding. Moreover, the low-profile device is completely portable and can be mounted directly onto an inverted optical microscope. This enables visualization of the morphology and dynamics of living cells in stretched or compressed conditions using a wide range of high-resolution microscopy techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam P Dow
- Biomolecular Science & Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Aimal H Khankhel
- Biomolecular Science & Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - John Abram
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Megan T Valentine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Daulagala AC, Yost J, Yeganegi A, Richardson WJ, Yost MJ, Kourtidis A. A Simple Method to Test Mechanical Strain on Epithelial Cell Monolayers Using a 3D-Printed Stretcher. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2367:235-247. [PMID: 32789778 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2020_314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With the realization that mechanical forces mediate many biological processes and contribute to disease progression, researchers are focusing on developing new methods to understand the role of mechanotransduction in biological systems. Despite recent advances in stretching devices that analyze the effects of mechanical strain in vitro, there are still possibilities to develop new equipment. For example, many of these devices tend be expensive, whereas few have been designed to assess the effects of mechanical strain driven by the extracellular matrix (ECM) to epithelial cell monolayers and to cell-cell adhesion. In this chapter, we introduce a cost-efficient, user-friendly, 3D-printed stretching device that can be used to test the effects of mechanical strain on cultured epithelial cells. Evaluation of the device using speckle-tracking shows homogeneous strain distribution along the horizontal plane of membranes at 2.5% and 5% strains, supporting the reliability of the device. Since cell-cell junctions are mechanosensitive protein complexes, we hereby used this device to examine effects on cell-cell adhesion. For this, we used colon epithelial Caco2 cell monolayers that well-differentiate in culture and form mature adherens junctions. Subjecting Caco2 cells to 2.5% and 5% strain using our device resulted in significant reduction in the localization of the core adherens junction component E-cadherin at areas of cell-cell contact and its increased translocation to the cytoplasm, which in agreement with other methodologies showing that increased ECM-driven strain negatively affects cell-cell adhesion. In summary, we here present a new, cost-effective, homemade device that can be reliably used to examine effects of mechanical strain on epithelial cell monolayers and cell-cell adhesion, in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Daulagala
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - John Yost
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | | | - Michael J Yost
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Antonis Kourtidis
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pneumatic unidirectional cell stretching device for mechanobiological studies of cardiomyocytes. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2019; 19:291-303. [PMID: 31444593 PMCID: PMC7005075 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-019-01211-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we present a transparent mechanical stimulation device capable of uniaxial stimulation, which is compatible with standard bioanalytical methods used in cellular mechanobiology. We validate the functionality of the uniaxial stimulation system using human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). The pneumatically controlled device is fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and provides uniaxial strain and superior optical performance compatible with standard inverted microscopy techniques used for bioanalytics (e.g., fluorescence microscopy and calcium imaging). Therefore, it allows for a continuous investigation of the cell state during stretching experiments. The paper introduces design and fabrication of the device, characterizes the mechanical performance of the device and demonstrates the compatibility with standard bioanalytical analysis tools. Imaging modalities, such as high-resolution live cell phase contrast imaging and video recordings, fluorescent imaging and calcium imaging are possible to perform in the device. Utilizing the different imaging modalities and proposed stretching device, we demonstrate the capability of the device for extensive further studies of hiPSC-CMs. We also demonstrate that sarcomere structures of hiPSC-CMs organize and orient perpendicular to uniaxial strain axis and thus express more maturated nature of cardiomyocytes.
Collapse
|
15
|
Kumar A, Shutova MS, Tanaka K, Iwamoto DV, Calderwood DA, Svitkina TM, Schwartz MA. Filamin A mediates isotropic distribution of applied force across the actin network. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:2481-2491. [PMID: 31315944 PMCID: PMC6683746 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201901086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, Kumar et al. use their previously developed talin tension sensor to study the immediate response of cells to uniaxial stretch. Tension measurements together with high-resolution electron microscopy reveal a novel role for the actin cross-linking protein filamin A in mediating tensional symmetry within the F-actin network. Cell sensing of externally applied mechanical strain through integrin-mediated adhesions is critical in development and physiology of muscle, lung, tendon, and arteries, among others. We examined the effects of strain on force transmission through the essential cytoskeletal linker talin. Using a fluorescence-based talin tension sensor (TS), we found that uniaxial stretch of cells on elastic substrates increased tension on talin, which was unexpectedly independent of the orientation of the focal adhesions relative to the direction of strain. High-resolution electron microscopy of the actin cytoskeleton revealed that stress fibers (SFs) are integrated into an isotropic network of cortical actin filaments in which filamin A (FlnA) localizes preferentially to points of intersection between SFs and cortical actin. Knockdown (KD) of FlnA resulted in more isolated, less integrated SFs. After FlnA KD, tension on talin was polarized in the direction of stretch, while FlnA reexpression restored tensional symmetry. These data demonstrate that a FlnA-dependent cortical actin network distributes applied forces over the entire cytoskeleton–matrix interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Kumar
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Maria S Shutova
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Keiichiro Tanaka
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | | | - David A Calderwood
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT.,Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Martin A Schwartz
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT .,Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mayer CR, Arsenovic PT, Bathula K, Denis KB, Conway DE. Characterization of 3D Printed Stretching Devices for Imaging Force Transmission in Live-Cells. Cell Mol Bioeng 2019; 12:289-300. [PMID: 31719915 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-019-00579-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cell stretch is a method which can rapidly apply mechanical force through cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesions and can be utilized to better understand underlying biophysical questions related to intracellular force transmission and mechanotransduction. Methods 3D printable stretching devices suitable for live-cell fluorescent imaging were designed using finite element modeling and validated experimentally. These devices were then used along with FRET based nesprin-2G force sensitive biosensors as well as live cell fluorescent staining to understand how the nucleus responds to externally applied mechanical force in cells with both intact LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex and cells with the LINC complex disrupted using expression of dominant negative KASH protein. Results The devices were shown to provide a larger strain ranges (300% uniaxial and 60% biaxial) than currently available commercial or academic designs we are aware of. Under uniaxial deformation, the deformation of the nucleus of NIH 3T3 cells per unit of imposed cell strain was shown to be approximately 50% higher in control cells compared to cells with a disrupted LINC complex. Under biaxial deformation, MDCK II cells showed permanent changes in the nuclear morphology as well as actin organization upon unloading, indicating that failure, plastic deformation, or remodeling of the cytoskeleton is occurring in response to the applied stretch. Conclusion Development and open distribution of low-cost, 3D-printable uniaxial and biaxial cell stretching devices compatible with live-cell fluorescent imaging allows a wider range of researchers to investigate mechanical influences on biological questions with only a minimal investment of resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carl R Mayer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
| | - Paul T Arsenovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
| | - Kranthidhar Bathula
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
| | - Kevin B Denis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
| | - Daniel E Conway
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bashirzadeh Y, Dumbali S, Qian S, Maruthamuthu V. Mechanical response of an epithelial island subject to uniaxial stretch on a hybrid silicone substrate. Cell Mol Bioeng 2019; 12:33-40. [PMID: 31105800 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-018-00560-1] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The mechanical response of large multi-cellular collectives to external stretch has remained largely unexplored, despite its relevance to normal function and to external challenges faced by some tissues. Here, we introduced a simple hybrid silicone substrate to enable external stretch while providing a physiologically relevant physical micro-environment for cells. Methods We micropatterned epithelial islands on the substrate using a stencil to allow for a circular island shape without restraining island edges. We then used traction force microscopy to determine the strain energy and the inter-cellular sheet tension within the island as a function of time after stretch. Results While the strain energy stored in the substrate for unstretched cell islands stayed constant over time, a uniaxial 10% stretch resulted in an abrupt increase, followed by sustained increase in the strain energy of the islands over tens of minutes, indicating slower dynamics than for single cells reported previously. The sheet tension at the island mid-line perpendicular to the stretch direction also more than doubled compared to unstretched islands. Interestingly, the sheet tension at the island mid-line parallel to the stretch direction also reached similar levels over tens of minutes indicating the tendency of the island to homogenize its internal stress. Conclusions We found that the sheet tension within large epithelial islands depends on its direction relative to that of the stretch initially, but not at longer times. We suggest that the hybrid silicone substrate provides for an accessible substrate for studying the mechanobiology of large epithelial cell islands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yashar Bashirzadeh
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, 4635 Hampton Blvd, 238e Kaufman, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
| | - Sandeep Dumbali
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, 4635 Hampton Blvd, 238e Kaufman, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
| | - Shizhi Qian
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, 4635 Hampton Blvd, 238e Kaufman, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
| | - Venkat Maruthamuthu
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, 4635 Hampton Blvd, 238e Kaufman, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Friedrich O, Merten AL, Schneidereit D, Guo Y, Schürmann S, Martinac B. Stretch in Focus: 2D Inplane Cell Stretch Systems for Studies of Cardiac Mechano-Signaling. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:55. [PMID: 30972334 PMCID: PMC6445849 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanobiology is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary research field, involving biophysics, molecular and cell biology, biomedical engineering, and medicine. Rapid progress has been possible due to emerging devices and tools engineered for studies of the effect of mechanical forces, such as stretch or shear force, impacting on biological cells and tissues. In response to such mechanical stimuli, cells possess various mechanosensors among which mechanosensitive ion channels are molecular transducers designed to convert mechanical stimuli into electrical and/or biochemical intracellular signals on millisecond time scales. To study their role in cellular signaling pathways, devices have been engineered that enable application of different strain protocols to cells allowing for determination of the stress-strain relationship or other, preferably optical, readouts. Frequently, these devices are mounted on fluorescence microscopes, allowing simultaneous investigation of cellular mechanotransduction processes combined with live-cell imaging. Mechanical stress in organs/tissues can be complex and multiaxial, e.g., in hollow organs, like lung alveoli, bladder, or the heart. Therefore, biomedical engineers have, in recent years, developed devices based on elastomeric membranes for application of biaxial or multiaxial stretch to 2D substrate-adhered or even 3D-embedded cells. Here, we review application of stretch technologies to cellular mechanotransduction with a focus on cardiovascular systems. We also present new results obtained by our IsoStretcher device to examine mechanosensitivity of adult ventricular cardiomyocytes. We show that sudden isotropic stretch of cardiomyocytes can already trigger arrhythmic Ca2+ transients on the single cell level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Mechanosensory Biophysics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Muscle Research Center Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Merten
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Muscle Research Center Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dominik Schneidereit
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Muscle Research Center Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yang Guo
- Mechanosensory Biophysics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Sebastian Schürmann
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Boris Martinac
- Mechanosensory Biophysics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ho KKY, Wang YL, Wu J, Liu AP. Advanced Microfluidic Device Designed for Cyclic Compression of Single Adherent Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:148. [PMID: 30386779 PMCID: PMC6198036 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells in our body experience different types of stress including compression, tension, and shear. It has been shown that some cells experience permanent plastic deformation after a mechanical tensile load was removed. However, it was unclear whether cells are plastically deformed after repetitive compressive loading and unloading. There have been few tools available to exert cyclic compression at the single cell level. To address technical challenges found in a previous microfluidic compression device, we developed a new single-cell microfluidic compression device that combines an elastomeric membrane block geometry to ensure a flat contact surface and microcontact printing to confine cell spreading within cell trapping chambers. The design of the block geometry inside the compression chamber was optimized by using computational simulations. Additionally, we have implemented step-wise pneumatically controlled cell trapping to allow more compression chambers to be incorporated while minimizing mechanical perturbation on trapped cells. Using breast epithelial MCF10A cells stably expressing a fluorescent actin marker, we successfully demonstrated the new device design by separately trapping single cells in different chambers, confining cell spreading on microcontact printed islands, and applying cyclic planar compression onto single cells. We found that there is no permanent deformation after a 0.5 Hz cyclic compressive load for 6 min was removed. Overall, the development of the single-cell compression microfluidic device opens up new opportunities in mechanobiology and cell mechanics studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K. Y. Ho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ying Lin Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Allen P. Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Minami K, Hayashi T, Sato K, Nakahara T. Development of micro mechanical device having two-dimensional array of micro chambers for cell stretching. Biomed Microdevices 2018; 20:10. [PMID: 29305659 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-017-0256-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents a novel cell stretching micro device having two-dimensional array of micro chambers. It enables an in situ time-lapse observation of stretched cell by using an optical microscope with high measurement efficiency. The presented device consists of a cell culture dish and the array of micro chambers made of silicone elastomer and extension structures made of photocurable resin, and is fabricated with MEMS technology. The fabrication process of the thin micro chamber array combines photoresist mold and lift-off process based on conventional photolithography. The fabricated device has 134micro chambers in 5μm or less thickness. It was demonstrated that the fabricated micro device could be used to make in-situ time-lapse observation of cell responses to stretching under optical microscopy. In addition, the influence of the chamber thickness to the quality of the microscope image observed was evaluated. It is confirmed that the proposed device having two-dimensional array of the thin micro chambers makes it possible to observe cell response for stretch stimuli with high quality and efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Minami
- Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, 2-6-1 Tokiwadai, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8611, Japan.
| | - T Hayashi
- Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, 2-6-1 Tokiwadai, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8611, Japan
| | - K Sato
- Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami Josanjima, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8506, Japan
| | - T Nakahara
- Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, 2-6-1 Tokiwadai, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8611, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Raj A, Dixit M, Doble M, Sen AK. A combined experimental and theoretical approach towards mechanophenotyping of biological cells using a constricted microchannel. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:3704-3716. [PMID: 28983550 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00599g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
We report a combined experimental and theoretical technique that enables the characterization of various mechanical properties of biological cells. The cells were infused into a microfluidic device that comprises multiple parallel micro-constrictions to eliminate device clogging and facilitate characterization of cells of different sizes and types on a single device. The extension ratio λ and transit velocity Uc of the cells were measured using high-speed and high-resolution imaging which were then used in a theoretical model to predict the Young's modulus Ec = f(λ, Uc) of the cells. The predicted Young's modulus Ec values for three different cell lines (182 ± 34.74 Pa for MDA MB 231, 360 ± 75 Pa for MCF 10A and, 763 ± 93 Pa for HeLa) compare well with those reported in the literature from micropipette measurements and atomic force microscopy measurement within 10% and 15%, respectively. Also, the Young's modulus of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with 50 μM 4-hyrdroxyacetophenone (for localization of myosin II) for 30 min was found out to be 260 ± 52 Pa. The entry time te of cells into the micro-constrictions was predicted using the model and validated using experimentally measured data. The entry and transit behaviors of cells in the micro-constriction including cell deformation (extension ratio λ) and velocity Uc were experimentally measured and used to predict various cell properties such as the Young's modulus, cytoplasmic viscosity and induced hydrodynamic resistance of different types of cells. The proposed combined experimental and theoretical approach leads to a new paradigm for mechanophenotyping of biological cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Raj
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai-600036, India.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
An Electromagnetically Actuated Double-Sided Cell-Stretching Device for Mechanobiology Research. MICROMACHINES 2017; 8:mi8080256. [PMID: 30400447 PMCID: PMC6190231 DOI: 10.3390/mi8080256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cellular response to mechanical stimuli is an integral part of cell homeostasis. The interaction of the extracellular matrix with the mechanical stress plays an important role in cytoskeleton organisation and cell alignment. Insights from the response can be utilised to develop cell culture methods that achieve predefined cell patterns, which are critical for tissue remodelling and cell therapy. We report the working principle, design, simulation, and characterisation of a novel electromagnetic cell stretching platform based on the double-sided axial stretching approach. The device is capable of introducing a cyclic and static strain pattern on a cell culture. The platform was tested with fibroblasts. The experimental results are consistent with the previously reported cytoskeleton reorganisation and cell reorientation induced by strain. Our observations suggest that the cell orientation is highly influenced by external mechanical cues. Cells reorganise their cytoskeletons to avoid external strain and to maintain intact extracellular matrix arrangements.
Collapse
|
23
|
Campeau MA, Lortie A, Tremblay P, Béliveau MO, Dubé D, Langelier È, Rouleau L. Effect of manufacturing and experimental conditions on the mechanical and surface properties of silicone elastomer scaffolds used in endothelial mechanobiological studies. Biomed Eng Online 2017; 16:90. [PMID: 28705250 PMCID: PMC5513328 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-017-0380-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mechanobiological studies allow the characterization of cell response to mechanical stresses. Cells need to be supported by a material with properties similar to the physiological environment. Silicone elastomers have been used to produce various in vitro scaffolds of different geometries for endothelial cell studies given its relevant mechanical, optical and surface properties. However, obtaining defined and repeatable properties is a challenge as depending on the different manufacturing and processing steps, mechanical and surface properties may vary significantly between research groups. Methods The impact of different manufacturing and processing methods on the mechanical and surface properties was assessed by measuring the Young’s modulus and the contact angle. Silicone samples were produced using different curing temperatures and processed with different sterilization techniques and hydrophilization conditions. Results Different curing temperatures were used to obtain materials of different stiffness with a chosen silicone elastomer, i.e. Sylgard 184®. Sterilization by boiling had a tendency to stiffen samples cured at lower temperatures whereas UV and ethanol did not alter the material properties. Hydrophilization using sulphuric acid allowed to decrease surface hydrophobicity, however this effect was lost over time as hydrophobic recovery occurred. Extended contact with water maintained decreased hydrophobicity up to 7 days. Mechanobiological studies require complete cell coverage of the scaffolds used prior to mechanical stresses exposure. Different concentrations of fibronectin and collagen were used to coat the scaffolds and cell seeding density was varied to optimize cell coverage. Conclusion This study highlights the potential bias introduced by manufacturing and processing conditions needed in the preparation of scaffolds used in mechanobiological studies involving endothelial cells. As manufacturing, processing and cell culture conditions are known to influence cell adhesion and function, they should be more thoroughly assessed by research groups that perform such mechanobiological studies using silicone. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12938-017-0380-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Campeau
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Audrey Lortie
- Département de génie chimique et biotechnologique, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Pierrick Tremblay
- Département de génie chimique et biotechnologique, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Marc-Olivier Béliveau
- Département de génie chimique et biotechnologique, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Dominic Dubé
- Département de génie mécanique, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Ève Langelier
- Département de génie mécanique, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada.,Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Léonie Rouleau
- Département de génie mécanique, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada. .,Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Feola AJ, Coudrillier B, Mulvihill J, Geraldes DM, Vo NT, Albon J, Abel RL, Samuels BC, Ethier CR. Deformation of the Lamina Cribrosa and Optic Nerve Due to Changes in Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:2070-2078. [PMID: 28389675 PMCID: PMC6733531 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-21393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFp) changes are involved or implicated in various ocular conditions including glaucoma, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and visual impairment and intracranial pressure syndrome. However, little is known about the effects of CSFp on lamina cribrosa and retrolaminar neural tissue (RLNT) biomechanics, potentially important in these conditions. Our goal was to use an experimental approach to visualize and quantify the deformation of these tissues as CSFp increased. Methods The posterior eye and RLNT of porcine eyes (n = 3) were imaged using synchrotron radiation phase-contrast micro-computed tomography (PC μCT) at an intraocular pressure of 15 mm Hg and CSFps of 4, 10, 20, and 30 mm Hg. Scans of each tissue region were acquired at each CSFp step and analyzed using digital volume correlation to determine 3-dimensional tissue deformations. Results Elevating CSFp increased the strain in the lamina cribrosa and RLNT of all three specimens, with the largest strains occurring in the RLNT. Relative to the baseline CSFp of 4 mm Hg, at 30 mm Hg, the lamina cribrosa experienced a mean first and third principal strain of 4.4% and −3.5%, respectively. The corresponding values for the RLNT were 9.5% and −9.1%. Conclusions CSFp has a significant impact on the strain distributions within the lamina cribrosa and, more prominently, within the RLNT. Elevations in CSFp were positively correlated with increasing deformations in each region and may play a role in ocular pathologies linked to changes in CSFp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Feola
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Baptiste Coudrillier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States 2Exponent, Inc., Menlo Park, California, United States
| | - John Mulvihill
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States 3School of Engineering/Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Diogo M Geraldes
- Biomechanics Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nghia T Vo
- Diamond Light Source, Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Albon
- Optic Nerve Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom 7Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Richard L Abel
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Brian C Samuels
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - C Ross Ethier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang X, Wang W, Li F, Voiculescu I. Stretchable impedance sensor for mammalian cell proliferation measurements. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:2054-2066. [PMID: 28513702 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00375g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the fabrication and testing of a novel stretchable electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) lab on a chip device. This is the first time that ECIS electrodes were fabricated on a stretchable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate and ECIS measurements were performed on mammalian cells exposed to cyclic strain. The stretchable ECIS biosensors simulate in vitro the dynamic environment of organisms, such as pulsation, bending and stretching, which enables investigations on cell behavior that undergoes mechanical stimuli in biological tissue. Usually cell-based assays used in cell mechanobiology rely on endpoint cell tests, which provide a limited view on dynamic cellular mechanisms. The ECIS technique is a label-free, real-time and noninvasive method to monitor the cellular response to mechanical stimuli. Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) have been used in this research because the BAECs are exposed in vivo to cyclic physiologic elongation produced by blood circulation in the arteries. These innovative stretchable ECIS biosensors were used to analyze the proliferation of BAECs under different cyclic mechanical stimulations. The results of fluorescence based cell proliferation assays confirmed that the stretchable ECIS sensors were able to analyze in real-time the BAEC proliferation. The novel stretchable ECIS sensor has the ability to analyse cell proliferation, determine the cell number and density, and apply mechanical stimulation at the same time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Zhang
- The City College of New York, Mechanical Engineering Department, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Liu AP, Chaudhuri O, Parekh SH. New advances in probing cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Integr Biol (Camb) 2017; 9:383-405. [PMID: 28352896 PMCID: PMC5708530 DOI: 10.1039/c6ib00251j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural and biochemical support to cells within tissues. An emerging body of evidence has established that the ECM plays a key role in cell mechanotransduction - the study of coupling between mechanical inputs and cellular phenotype - through either mediating transmission of forces to the cells, or presenting mechanical cues that guide cellular behaviors. Recent progress in cell mechanotransduction research has been facilitated by advances of experimental tools, particularly microtechnologies, engineered biomaterials, and imaging and analytical methods. Microtechnologies have enabled the design and fabrication of controlled physical microenvironments for the study and measurement of cell-ECM interactions. Advances in engineered biomaterials have allowed researchers to develop synthetic ECMs that mimic tissue microenvironments and investigate the impact of altered physicochemical properties on various cellular processes. Finally, advanced imaging and spectroscopy techniques have facilitated the visualization of the complex interaction between cells and ECM in vitro and in living tissues. This review will highlight the application of recent innovations in these areas to probing cell-ECM interactions. We believe cross-disciplinary approaches, combining aspects of the different technologies reviewed here, will inspire innovative ideas to further elucidate the secrets of ECM-mediated cell control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allen P. Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI 48109 , USA .
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI 48109 , USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI 48109 , USA
- Biophysics Program , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI 48109 , USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering , Stanford University , Stanford , CA 94305 , USA .
| | - Sapun H. Parekh
- Department of Molecular Spectroscopy , Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research , Mainz 55128 , Germany .
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ribas J, Zhang YS, Pitrez PR, Leijten J, Miscuglio M, Rouwkema J, Dokmeci MR, Nissan X, Ferreira L, Khademhosseini A. Biomechanical Strain Exacerbates Inflammation on a Progeria-on-a-Chip Model. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2017; 13:10.1002/smll.201603737. [PMID: 28211642 PMCID: PMC5545787 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201603737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip platforms seek to recapitulate the complex microenvironment of human organs using miniaturized microfluidic devices. Besides modeling healthy organs, these devices have been used to model diseases, yielding new insights into pathophysiology. Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a premature aging disease showing accelerated vascular aging, leading to the death of patients due to cardiovascular diseases. HGPS targets primarily vascular cells, which reside in mechanically active tissues. Here, a progeria-on-a-chip model is developed and the effects of biomechanical strain are examined in the context of vascular aging and disease. Physiological strain induces a contractile phenotype in primary smooth muscle cells (SMCs), while a pathological strain induces a hypertensive phenotype similar to that of angiotensin II treatment. Interestingly, SMCs derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells of HGPS donors (HGPS iPS-SMCs), but not from healthy donors, show an exacerbated inflammatory response to strain. In particular, increased levels of inflammation markers as well as DNA damage are observed. Pharmacological intervention reverses the strain-induced damage by shifting gene expression profile away from inflammation. The progeria-on-a-chip is a relevant platform to study biomechanics in vascular biology, particularly in the setting of vascular disease and aging, while simultaneously facilitating the discovery of new drugs and/or therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Ribas
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Doctoral Program in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Patrícia R. Pitrez
- CNC-Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jeroen Leijten
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Mario Miscuglio
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jeroen Rouwkema
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Mehmet Remzi Dokmeci
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xavier Nissan
- INSERM U861, I-STEM, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, Evry Cedex 91030, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Renner DJ, Ewald ML, Kim T, Yamada S. Biochemical analysis of force-sensitive responses using a large-scale cell stretch device. Cell Adh Migr 2017; 11:504-513. [PMID: 28129019 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2016.1276147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical force has emerged as a key regulator of tissue homeostasis, and plays an important role in embryogenesis, tissue regeneration, and disease progression. Currently, the details of protein interactions under elevated physical stress are largely missing, therefore, preventing the fundamental, molecular understanding of mechano-transduction. This is in part due to the difficulty isolating large quantities of cell lysates exposed to force-bearing conditions for biochemical analysis. We designed a simple, easy-to-fabricate, large-scale cell stretch device for the analysis of force-sensitive cell responses. Using proximal biotinylation (BioID) analysis or phospho-specific antibodies, we detected force-sensitive biochemical changes in cells exposed to prolonged cyclic substrate stretch. For example, using promiscuous biotin ligase BirA* tagged α-catenin, the biotinylation of myosin IIA increased with stretch, suggesting the close proximity of myosin IIA to α-catenin under a force bearing condition. Furthermore, using phospho-specific antibodies, Akt phosphorylation was reduced upon stretch while Src phosphorylation was unchanged. Interestingly, phosphorylation of GSK3β, a downstream effector of Akt pathway, was also reduced with stretch, while the phosphorylation of other Akt effectors was unchanged. These data suggest that the Akt-GSK3β pathway is force-sensitive. This simple cell stretch device enables biochemical analysis of force-sensitive responses and has potential to uncover molecules underlying mechano-transduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derrick J Renner
- a Biomedical Engineering Department , University of California , Davis, Davis , CA , USA
| | - Makena L Ewald
- a Biomedical Engineering Department , University of California , Davis, Davis , CA , USA
| | - Timothy Kim
- a Biomedical Engineering Department , University of California , Davis, Davis , CA , USA
| | - Soichiro Yamada
- a Biomedical Engineering Department , University of California , Davis, Davis , CA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kamble H, Barton MJ, Jun M, Park S, Nguyen NT. Cell stretching devices as research tools: engineering and biological considerations. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:3193-203. [PMID: 27440436 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00607h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cells within the human body are subjected to continuous, cyclic mechanical strain caused by various organ functions, movement, and growth. Cells are well known to have the ability to sense and respond to mechanical stimuli. This process is referred to as mechanotransduction. A better understanding of mechanotransduction is of great interest to clinicians and scientists alike to improve clinical diagnosis and understanding of medical pathology. However, the complexity involved in in vivo biological systems creates a need for better in vitro technologies, which can closely mimic the cells' microenvironment using induced mechanical strain. This technology gap motivates the development of cell stretching devices for better understanding of the cell response to mechanical stimuli. This review focuses on the engineering and biological considerations for the development of such cell stretching devices. The paper discusses different types of stretching concepts, major design consideration and biological aspects of cell stretching and provides a perspective for future development in this research area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harshad Kamble
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Matthew J Barton
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Myeongjun Jun
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sungsu Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, QLD 4111, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Seriani S, Del Favero G, Mahaffey J, Marko D, Gallina P, Long CS, Mestroni L, Sbaizero O. The cell-stretcher: A novel device for the mechanical stimulation of cell populations. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2016; 87:084301. [PMID: 27587132 DOI: 10.1063/1.4959884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical stimulation appears to be a critical modulator for many aspects of biology, both of living tissue and cells. The cell-stretcher, a novel device for the mechanical uniaxial stimulation of populations of cells, is described. The system is based on a variable stroke cam-lever-tappet mechanism which allows the delivery of cyclic stimuli with frequencies of up to 10 Hz and deformation between 1% and 20%. The kinematics is presented and a simulation of the dynamics of the system is shown, in order to compute the contact forces in the mechanism. The cells, following cultivation and preparation, are plated on an ad hoc polydimethylsiloxane membrane which is then loaded on the clamps of the cell-stretcher via force-adjustable magnetic couplings. In order to show the viability of the experimentation and biocompatibility of the cell-stretcher, a set of two in vitro tests were performed. Human epithelial carcinoma cell line A431 and Adult Mouse Ventricular Fibroblasts (AMVFs) from a dual reporter mouse were subject to 0.5 Hz, 24 h cyclic stretching at 15% strain, and to 48 h stimulation at 0.5 Hz and 15% strain, respectively. Visual analysis was performed on A431, showing definite morphological changes in the form of cellular extroflections in the direction of stimulation compared to an unstimulated control. A cytometric analysis was performed on the AMVF population. Results show a post-stimulation live-dead ratio deviance of less than 6% compared to control, which proves that the environment created by the cell-stretcher is suitable for in vitro experimentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Seriani
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - G Del Favero
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Mahaffey
- Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - D Marko
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - P Gallina
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - C S Long
- University of Colorado and Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado 80204, USA
| | - L Mestroni
- Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - O Sbaizero
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Liu AP. Biophysical Tools for Cellular and Subcellular Mechanical Actuation of Cell Signaling. Biophys J 2016; 111:1112-1118. [PMID: 27456131 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Revised: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to spatially control cell signaling can help resolve fundamental biological questions. Optogenetic and chemical dimerization techniques along with fluorescent biosensors to report cell signaling activities have enabled researchers to both visualize and perturb biochemistry in living cells. A number of approaches based on mechanical actuation using force-field gradients have emerged as complementary technologies to manipulate cell signaling in real time. This review covers several technologies, including optical, magnetic, and acoustic control of cell signaling and behavior and highlights some studies that have led to novel insights. I will also discuss some future direction on repurposing mechanosensitive channel for mechanical actuation of spatial cell signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allen P Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Harshad K, Jun M, Park S, Barton MJ, Vadivelu RK, St John J, Nguyen NT. An electromagnetic cell-stretching device for mechanotransduction studies of olfactory ensheathing cells. Biomed Microdevices 2016; 18:45. [DOI: 10.1007/s10544-016-0071-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
33
|
Schürmann S, Wagner S, Herlitze S, Fischer C, Gumbrecht S, Wirth-Hücking A, Prölß G, Lautscham LA, Fabry B, Goldmann WH, Nikolova-Krstevski V, Martinac B, Friedrich O. The IsoStretcher: An isotropic cell stretch device to study mechanical biosensor pathways in living cells. Biosens Bioelectron 2016; 81:363-372. [PMID: 26991603 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mechanosensation in many organs (e.g. lungs, heart, gut) is mediated by biosensors (like mechanosensitive ion channels), which convert mechanical stimuli into electrical and/or biochemical signals. To study those pathways, technical devices are needed that apply strain profiles to cells, and ideally allow simultaneous live-cell microscopy analysis. Strain profiles in organs can be complex and multiaxial, e.g. in hollow organs. Most devices in mechanobiology apply longitudinal uniaxial stretch to adhered cells using elastomeric membranes to study mechanical biosensors. Recent approaches in biomedical engineering have employed intelligent systems to apply biaxial or multiaxial stretch to cells. Here, we present an isotropic cell stretch system (IsoStretcher) that overcomes some previous limitations. Our system uses a rotational swivel mechanism that translates into a radial displacement of hooks attached to small circular silicone membranes. Isotropicity and focus stability are demonstrated with fluorescent beads, and transmission efficiency of elastomer membrane stretch to cellular area change in HeLa/HEK cells. Applying our system to lamin-A overexpressing fibrosarcoma cells, we found a markedly reduced stretch of cell area, indicative of a stiffer cytoskeleton. We also investigated stretch-activated Ca(2+) entry into atrial HL-1 myocytes. 10% isotropic stretch induced robust oscillating increases in intracellular Fluo-4 Ca(2+) fluorescence. Store-operated Ca(2+) entry was not detected in these cells. The Isostretcher provides a useful versatile tool for mechanobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Schürmann
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Wagner
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; Department of Physics, Biophysics Group, FAU, Henkestr. 91, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Herlitze
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - C Fischer
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Gumbrecht
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - A Wirth-Hücking
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - G Prölß
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - L A Lautscham
- Department of Physics, Biophysics Group, FAU, Henkestr. 91, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - B Fabry
- Department of Physics, Biophysics Group, FAU, Henkestr. 91, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - W H Goldmann
- Department of Physics, Biophysics Group, FAU, Henkestr. 91, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - V Nikolova-Krstevski
- Molecular Cardiology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Sydney, Australia
| | - B Martinac
- Mechanosensory Biophysics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
| | - O Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
|
35
|
Aydin O, Aksoy B, Akalin OB, Bayraktar H, Alaca BE. Time-resolved local strain tracking microscopy for cell mechanics. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2016; 87:023905. [PMID: 26931864 DOI: 10.1063/1.4941715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A uniaxial cell stretching technique to measure time-resolved local substrate strain while simultaneously imaging adherent cells is presented. The experimental setup comprises a uniaxial stretcher platform compatible with inverted microscopy and transparent elastomer samples with embedded fluorescent beads. This integration enables the acquisition of real-time spatiotemporal data, which is then processed using a single-particle tracking algorithm to track the positions of fluorescent beads for the subsequent computation of local strain. The present local strain tracking method is demonstrated using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) samples of rectangular and dogbone geometries. The comparison of experimental results and finite element simulations for the two sample geometries illustrates the capability of the present system to accurately quantify local deformation even when the strain distribution is non-uniform over the sample. For a regular dogbone sample, the experimentally obtained value of local strain at the center of the sample is 77%, while the average strain calculated using the applied cross-head displacement is 48%. This observation indicates that considerable errors may arise when cross-head measurement is utilized to estimate strain in the case of non-uniform sample geometry. Finally, the compatibility of the proposed platform with biological samples is tested using a unibody PDMS sample with a well to contain cells and culture media. HeLa S3 cells are plated on collagen-coated samples and cell adhesion and proliferation are observed. Samples with adherent cells are then stretched to demonstrate simultaneous cell imaging and tracking of embedded fluorescent beads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O Aydin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sariyer 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - B Aksoy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sariyer 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - O B Akalin
- Biomedical Science and Engineering, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sariyer 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - H Bayraktar
- Biomedical Science and Engineering, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sariyer 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - B E Alaca
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sariyer 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Wang J, Fan B, Wei Y, Suo X, Ding Y. A simple multi-well stretching device to induce inflammatory responses of vascular endothelial cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:360-367. [PMID: 26669969 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01416f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We herein introduce a novel multi-well stretching device that is made of three polydimethylsiloxane layers, consisting of a top hole-punched layer, middle thin membrane, and bottom patterned layer. It is the first time that such a simple device has been used to supply axisymmetric and nonuniform strains to cells cultured on well bottoms that are stretchable. These mechanical stimuli can somewhat mimic the stretching at the bending sites of blood vessels, where the strains are complicated. In this device, nonuniform strain is given to cells through the deformation of a membrane from a flat surface to a spherical cap during the injection of a certain volume of water into the chamber between the middle membrane and bottom layer. EA.hy926 cells (a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line) were seeded on the well bottoms and exposed to axisymmetric strain under a 5, 10, 15, and 20% degree of deformation of the membrane. The cellular responses were characterized in terms of cell morphology, cell viability, and expression of inflammatory mRNAs and proteins. With increasing the degree of deformation, the cells exhibited an inclination toward detachment and apoptosis; meanwhile the expression of inflammatory mRNAs and proteins, such as MCP-1, IL-8, IL-6 and ICAM-1, showed a significant increment. The obtained results demonstrate that the inflammatory responses of EA.hy926 cells can be induced by increasing the magnitude of the strain. This simple device provides a useful tool for in vitro investigation of the inflammatory mechanisms related to vascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Wang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Beiyuan Fan
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Yuanchen Wei
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xingmei Suo
- School of information engineering, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Yongsheng Ding
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ugolini GS, Rasponi M, Pavesi A, Santoro R, Kamm R, Fiore GB, Pesce M, Soncini M. On-chip assessment of human primary cardiac fibroblasts proliferative responses to uniaxial cyclic mechanical strain. Biotechnol Bioeng 2015; 113:859-69. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.25847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering; Politecnico di Milano; Milan Italy
| | - Andrea Pavesi
- BioSyM IRG; Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology; Singapore
| | - Rosaria Santoro
- Unità di Ingegneria Tissutale Cardiovascolare; Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS; Milan Italy
| | - Roger Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge Massachusetts
| | | | - Maurizio Pesce
- Unità di Ingegneria Tissutale Cardiovascolare; Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS; Milan Italy
| | - Monica Soncini
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering; Politecnico di Milano; Milan Italy
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li W, Lucioni T, Guo X, Smelser A, Guthold M. Highly Stretchable, Biocompatible, Striated Substrate Made from Fugitive Glue. MATERIALS 2015. [PMCID: PMC5455748 DOI: 10.3390/ma8063508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
We developed a novel substrate made from fugitive glue (styrenic block copolymer) that can be used to analyze the effects of large strains on biological samples. The substrate has the following attributes: (1) It is easy to make from inexpensive components; (2) It is transparent and can be used in optical microscopy; (3) It is extremely stretchable as it can be stretched up to 700% strain; (4) It can be micro-molded, for example we created micro-ridges that are 6 μm high and 13 μm wide; (5) It is adhesive to biological fibers (we tested fibrin fibers), and can be used to uniformly stretch those fibers; (6) It is non-toxic to cells (we tested human mammary epithelial cells); (7) It can tolerate various salt concentrations up to 5 M NaCl and low (pH 0) and high (pH 14) pH values. Stretching of this extraordinary stretchable substrate is relatively uniform and thus, can be used to test multiple cells or fibers in parallel under the same conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, 7507 Reynolda Station, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA; E-Mails: (W.L.); (T.L.); (X.G.)
| | - Tomas Lucioni
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, 7507 Reynolda Station, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA; E-Mails: (W.L.); (T.L.); (X.G.)
| | - Xinyi Guo
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, 7507 Reynolda Station, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA; E-Mails: (W.L.); (T.L.); (X.G.)
| | - Amanda Smelser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Martin Guthold
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, 7507 Reynolda Station, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA; E-Mails: (W.L.); (T.L.); (X.G.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-336-758-4977; Fax: +1-336-758-6142
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Shao Y, Tan X, Novitski R, Muqaddam M, List P, Williamson L, Fu J, Liu AP. Uniaxial cell stretching device for live-cell imaging of mechanosensitive cellular functions. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2013; 84:114304. [PMID: 24289415 PMCID: PMC3862604 DOI: 10.1063/1.4832977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
External mechanical stretch plays an important role in regulating cellular behaviors through intracellular mechanosensitive and mechanotransductive machineries such as the F-actin cytoskeleton (CSK) structures and focal adhesions (FAs) anchoring the F-actin CSK to the extracellular environment. Studying the mechanoresponsive behaviors of the F-actin CSK and FAs in response to cell stretch has great importance for further understanding mechanotransduction and mechanobiology. In this work, we developed a novel cell stretching device combining dynamic directional cell stretch with in situ subcellular live-cell imaging. Using a cam and follower mechanism and applying a standard mathematical model for cam design, we generated different dynamic stretch outputs. By examining stretch-mediated FA dynamics under step-function static stretch and the realignment of cell morphology and the F-actin CSK under cyclic stretch, we demonstrated successful applications of our cell stretching device for mechanobiology studies where external stretch plays an important role in regulating subcellular molecular dynamics and cellular phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shao
- Integrated Biosystems and Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|