1
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Zou J, Wu B, Tao Y, Liu Z, Zhao H, Wang P, Liang Y, Qu J, Zhang S. Inhibition of the rapamycin-insensitive mTORC1 /4E-BP1 axis attenuates TGF-β1-induced fibrotic response in human Tenon's fibroblasts. Exp Eye Res 2024; 244:109927. [PMID: 38750784 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Subconjunctival fibrosis is the major cause of failure in both conventional and modern minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGSs) with subconjunctival filtration. The search for safe and effective anti-fibrotic agents is critical for improving long-term surgical outcomes. In this study, we investigated the effect of inhibiting the rapamycin-insensitive mTORC1/4E-BP1 axis on the transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)-induced fibrotic responses in human Tenon's fibroblasts (HTFs), as well as in a rat model of glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS). Primary cultured HTFs were treated with 3 ng/mL TGF-β1 for 24 h, followed by treatment with 10 μM CZ415 for additional 24 h. Rapamycin (10 μM) was utilized as a control for mTORC1/4E-BP1 signaling insensitivity. The expression levels of fibrosis-associated molecules were measured using quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence analysis. Cell migration was assessed through the scratch wound assay. Additionally, a rat model of GFS was employed to evaluate the anti-fibrotic effect of CZ415 in vivo. Our findings indicated that both rapamycin and CZ415 treatment significantly reduced the TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation, migration, and the expression of pro-fibrotic factors in HTFs. CZ415 also more effectively inhibited TGF-β1-mediated collagen synthesis in HTFs compared to rapamycin. Activation of mTORC1/4E-BP signaling following TGF-β1 exposure was highly suppressed by CZ415 but was only modestly inhibited by rapamycin. Furthermore, CZ415 was found to decrease subconjunctival collagen deposition in rats post GFS. Our results suggest that rapamycin-insensitive mTORC1/4E-BP1 signaling plays a critical role in TGF-β1-driven collagen synthesis in HTFs. This study demonstrated that inhibition of the mTORC1/4E-BP1 axis offers superior anti-fibrotic efficacy compared to rapamycin and represents a promising target for improving the success rate of both traditional and modern GFSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Zou
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Binrong Wu
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yan Tao
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zuimeng Liu
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huanyu Zhao
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Pin Wang
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuanbo Liang
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Wenzhou, China; Glaucoma Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jia Qu
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Shaodan Zhang
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Wenzhou, China; Glaucoma Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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2
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Deymier AC, Deymier PA. Open-system force-elongation relationship of collagen in chemo-mechanical equilibrium with water. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 152:106464. [PMID: 38367533 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
A significant deformation mechanism of collagen at low loads is molecular uncoiling and rearrangement. Although the effect of hydration and cross-linking has been investigated at larger loads when collagen undergoes molecular sliding, their effects on collagen molecular reorganization remain unclear. Here we develop two thermodynamic models that use the notion of open-system elasticity to elucidate the effect of swelling due to water uptake during deformation of collagen networks under low and high cross-linking conditions. With low crosslinking, entropic contributions dominate resulting in rejection of solvent from the polymer network leading to reduced collagen stiffness with increased loads. Contrarily, high cross-linking inhibits initial coiling and structural kinking and the mechanical behavior is dominated by elastic energy. In this configuration, the solvent content depends on the sign of the applied load resulting in a non-linear open-system stress-strain relationship. The models provide insight on the parameters that impact the stress-strain relationships of hydrated collagen and can inform the way collagenous matrices are treated both in medical and laboratory settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Deymier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA.
| | - P A Deymier
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
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3
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Kwiatos N, Atila D, Puchalski M, Kumaravel V, Steinbüchel A. Cyanophycin modifications for applications in tissue scaffolding. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:264. [PMID: 38489042 PMCID: PMC10943155 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13088-4] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Cyanophycin (CGP) is a polypeptide consisting of amino acids-aspartic acid in the backbone and arginine in the side chain. Owing to its resemblance to cell adhesive motifs in the body, it can be considered suitable for use in biomedical applications as a novel component to facilitate cell attachment and tissue regeneration. Although it has vast potential applications, starting with nutrition, through drug delivery and tissue engineering to the production of value-added chemicals and biomaterials, CGP has not been brought to the industry yet. To develop scaffolds using CGP powder produced by bacteria, its properties (e.g., biocompatibility, morphology, biodegradability, and mechanical strength) should be tailored in terms of the requirements of the targeted tissue. Crosslinking commonly stands for a primary modification method for renovating biomaterial features to these extents. Herein, we aimed to crosslink CGP for the first time and present a comparative study of different methods of CGP crosslinking including chemical, physical, and enzymatic methods by utilizing glutaraldehyde (GTA), UV exposure, genipin, 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS), and monoamine oxidase (MAO). Crosslinking efficacy varied among the samples crosslinked via the different crosslinking methods. All crosslinked CGP were non-cytotoxic to L929 cells, except for the groups with higher GTA concentrations. We conclude that CGP is a promising candidate for scaffolding purposes to be used as part of a composite with other biomaterials to maintain the integrity of scaffolds. The initiative study demonstrated the unknown characteristics of crosslinked CGP, even though its feasibility for biomedical applications should be confirmed by further examinations. KEY POINTS: • Cyanophycin was crosslinked by 5 different methods • Crosslinked cyanophycin is non-cytotoxic to L929 cells • Crosslinked cyanophycin is a promising new material for scaffolding purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kwiatos
- International Centre for Research on Innovative Biobased Materials-International Research Agenda (ICRI-BioM), Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, Łódź, Poland.
| | - Deniz Atila
- International Centre for Research on Innovative Biobased Materials-International Research Agenda (ICRI-BioM), Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, Łódź, Poland
| | - Michał Puchalski
- Institute of Material Science of Textile and Polymer Composites, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116, Łódź, Poland
| | - Vignesh Kumaravel
- International Centre for Research on Innovative Biobased Materials-International Research Agenda (ICRI-BioM), Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, Łódź, Poland.
| | - Alexander Steinbüchel
- International Centre for Research on Innovative Biobased Materials-International Research Agenda (ICRI-BioM), Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, Łódź, Poland
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4
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Lloyd SM, He Y. Exploring Extracellular Matrix Crosslinking as a Therapeutic Approach to Fibrosis. Cells 2024; 13:438. [PMID: 38474402 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support for tissues and regulatory signals for resident cells. ECM requires a careful balance between protein accumulation and degradation for homeostasis. Disruption of this balance can lead to pathological processes such as fibrosis in organs across the body. Post-translational crosslinking modifications to ECM proteins such as collagens alter ECM structure and function. Dysregulation of crosslinking enzymes as well as changes in crosslinking composition are prevalent in fibrosis. Because of the crucial roles these ECM crosslinking pathways play in disease, the enzymes that govern crosslinking events are being explored as therapeutic targets for fibrosis. Here, we review in depth the molecular mechanisms underlying ECM crosslinking, how ECM crosslinking contributes to fibrosis, and the therapeutic strategies being explored to target ECM crosslinking in fibrosis to restore normal tissue structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Lloyd
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Yupeng He
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
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5
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Kurt I, Kulhan M, AlAshqar A, Borahay MA. Uterine Collagen Cross-Linking: Biology, Role in Disorders, and Therapeutic Implications. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:645-660. [PMID: 37907804 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01386-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Collagen is an essential constituent of the uterine extracellular matrix that provides biomechanical strength, resilience, structural integrity, and the tensile properties necessary for the normal functioning of the uterus. Cross-linking is a fundamental step in collagen biosynthesis and is critical for its normal biophysical properties. This step occurs enzymatically via lysyl oxidase (LOX) or non-enzymatically with the production of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Cross-links found in uterine tissue include the reducible dehydro-dihydroxylysinonorleucine (deH-DHLNL), dehydro-hydroxylysinonorleucine (deH-HLNL), and histidinohydroxymerodesmosine (HHMD); and the non-reducible pyridinoline (PYD), deoxy-pyridinoline (DPD); and a trace of pentosidine (PEN). Collagen cross-links are instrumental for uterine tissue integrity and the continuation of a healthy pregnancy. Decreased cervical cross-link density is observed in preterm birth, whereas increased tissue stiffness caused by increased cross-link density is a pathogenic feature of uterine fibroids. AGEs disrupt embryo development, decidualization, implantation, and trophoblast invasion. Uterine collagen cross-linking regulators include steroid hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, prostaglandins, proteoglycans, metalloproteinases, lysyl oxidases, nitric oxide, nicotine, and vitamin D. Thus, uterine collagen cross-linking presents an opportunity to design therapeutic targets and warrants further investigation in common uterine disorders, such as uterine fibroids, cervical insufficiency, preterm birth, dystocia, endometriosis, and adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irem Kurt
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, 42000, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Kulhan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, 42000, Konya, Turkey
| | - Abdelrahman AlAshqar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Mostafa A Borahay
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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6
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Kowalewski A, Forde NR. Fluence-dependent degradation of fibrillar type I collagen by 222 nm far-UVC radiation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0292298. [PMID: 38165863 PMCID: PMC10760738 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
For more than 100 years, germicidal lamps emitting 254 nm ultraviolet (UV) radiation have been used for drinking-water disinfection and surface sterilization. However, due to the carcinogenic nature of 254 nm UV, these lamps have been unable to be used for clinical procedures such as wound or surgical site sterilization. Recently, technical advances have facilitated a new generation of germicidal lamp whose emissions centre at 222 nm. These novel 222 nm lamps have commensurate antimicrobial properties to 254 nm lamps while producing few short- or long-term health effects in humans upon external skin exposure. However, to realize the full clinical potential of 222 nm UV, its safety upon internal tissue exposure must also be considered. Type I collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body, where it self-assembles into fibrils which play a crucial role in connective tissue structure and function. In this work, we investigate the effect of 222 nm UV radiation on type I collagen fibrils in vitro. We show that collagen's response to irradiation with 222 nm UV is fluence-dependent, ranging from no detectable fibril damage at low fluences to complete fibril degradation and polypeptide chain scission at high fluences. However, we also show that fibril degradation is significantly attenuated by increasing collagen sample thickness. Given the low fluence threshold for bacterial inactivation and the macroscopic thickness of collagenous tissues in vivo, our results suggest a range of 222 nm UV fluences which may inactivate pathogenic bacteria without causing significant damage to fibrillar collagen. This presents an initial step toward the validation of 222 nm UV radiation for internal tissue disinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Kowalewski
- Department of Physics, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Nancy R. Forde
- Department of Physics, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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7
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Hou J, Yang Y, Han X. Machine Learning and Single-Cell Analysis Identify Molecular Features of IPF-Associated Fibroblast Subtypes and Their Implications on IPF Prognosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:94. [PMID: 38203265 PMCID: PMC10778894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010094] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating lung disease of unknown cause, and the involvement of fibroblasts in its pathogenesis is well recognized. However, a comprehensive understanding of fibroblasts' heterogeneity, their molecular characteristics, and their clinical relevance in IPF is lacking. In this study, we aimed to systematically classify fibroblast populations, uncover the molecular and biological features of fibroblast subtypes in fibrotic lung tissue, and establish an IPF-associated, fibroblast-related predictive model for IPF. Herein, a meticulous analysis of scRNA-seq data obtained from lung tissues of both normal and IPF patients was conducted to identify fibroblast subpopulations in fibrotic lung tissues. In addition, hdWGCNA was utilized to identify co-expressed gene modules associated with IPF-related fibroblasts. Furthermore, we explored the prognostic utility of signature genes for these IPF-related fibroblast subtypes using a machine learning-based approach. Two predominant fibroblast subpopulations, termed IPF-related fibroblasts, were identified in fibrotic lung tissues. Additionally, we identified co-expressed gene modules that are closely associated with IPF-fibroblasts by utilizing hdWGCNA. We identified gene signatures that hold promise as prognostic markers in IPF. Moreover, we constructed a predictive model specifically focused on IPF-fibroblasts which can be utilized to assess disease prognosis in IPF patients. These findings have the potential to improve disease prediction and facilitate targeted interventions for patients with IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Canter of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China;
| | | | - Xin Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Canter of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China;
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8
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Lyu C, Kong W, Liu Z, Wang S, Zhao P, Liang K, Niu Y, Yang W, Xiang C, Hu X, Li X, Du Y. Advanced glycation end-products as mediators of the aberrant crosslinking of extracellular matrix in scarred liver tissue. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1437-1454. [PMID: 37037967 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix of cirrhotic liver tissue is highly crosslinked. Here we show that advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) mediate crosslinking in liver extracellular matrix and that high levels of crosslinking are a hallmark of cirrhosis. We used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to quantify the degree of crosslinking of the matrix of decellularized cirrhotic liver samples from patients and from two mouse models of liver fibrosis and show that the structure, biomechanics and degree of AGE-mediated crosslinking of the matrices can be recapitulated in collagen matrix crosslinked by AGEs in vitro. Analyses via cryo-electron microscopy and optical tweezers revealed that crosslinked collagen fibrils form thick bundles with reduced stress relaxation rates; moreover, they resist remodelling by macrophages, leading to reductions in their levels of adhesion-associated proteins, altering HDAC3 expression and the organization of their cytoskeleton, and promoting a type II immune response of macrophages. We also show that rosmarinic acid inhibited AGE-mediated crosslinking and alleviated the progression of fibrosis in mice. Our findings support the development of therapeutics targeting crosslinked extracellular matrix in scarred liver tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Lyu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenyu Kong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Sihan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kaini Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yudi Niu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Canhong Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xueming Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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9
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Wu D, Wu J, Liu H, Shi S, Wang L, Huang Y, Yu X, Lei Z, Ouyang T, Shen J, Wu G, Wang S. A biomimetic renal fibrosis progression model on-chip evaluates anti-fibrotic effects longitudinally in a dynamic fibrogenic niche. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4708-4725. [PMID: 37840380 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00393k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Although renal fibrosis can advance chronic kidney disease and progressively lead to end-stage renal failure, no effective anti-fibrotic drugs have been clinically approved. To aid drug development, we developed a biomimetic renal fibrosis progression model on-chip to evaluate anti-fibrotic effects of natural killer cell-derived extracellular vesicles and pirfenidone (PFD) across different fibrotic stages. First, the dynamic interplay between fibroblasts and kidney-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) resembling the fibrogenic niche on-chip demonstrated that myofibroblasts induced by stiff ECM in 3 days were reversed to fibroblasts by switching to soft ECM, which was within 2, but not 7 days. Second, PFD significantly down-regulated the expression of α-SMA in NRK-49F in medium ECM, as opposed to stiff ECM. Third, a study in rats showed that early administration of PFD significantly inhibited renal fibrosis in terms of the expression levels of α-SMA and YAP. Taken together, both on-chip and animal models indicate the importance of early anti-fibrotic intervention for checking the progression of renal fibrosis. Therefore, this renal fibrosis progression on-chip with a feature of recapitulating dynamic biochemical and biophysical cues can be readily used to assess anti-fibrotic candidates and to explore the tipping point when the fibrotic fate can be rescued for better medical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Institute for Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Rare Diseases, Endocrinology and Metabolism Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, and, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
- Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, City of Future Medicine, Chengdu, 641400, China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- Institute for Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Institute for Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Shengyu Shi
- Institute for Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Liangwen Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yixiao Huang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xiaorui Yu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Zhuoyue Lei
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Tanliang Ouyang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Jia Shen
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Guohua Wu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Rare Diseases, Endocrinology and Metabolism Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, and, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, City of Future Medicine, Chengdu, 641400, China
| | - Shuqi Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, City of Future Medicine, Chengdu, 641400, China
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10
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Ezzo M, Hinz B. Novel approaches to target fibroblast mechanotransduction in fibroproliferative diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108528. [PMID: 37708995 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to changes in mechanical environment is vital in conditions of organ injury when the architecture of normal tissues is disturbed or lost. Among the various cellular players that respond to injury, fibroblasts take center stage in re-establishing tissue integrity by secreting and organizing extracellular matrix into stabilizing scar tissue. Activation, activity, survival, and death of scar-forming fibroblasts are tightly controlled by mechanical environment and proper mechanotransduction ensures that fibroblast activities cease after completion of the tissue repair process. Conversely, dysregulated mechanotransduction often results in fibroblast over-activation or persistence beyond the state of normal repair. The resulting pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix is called fibrosis, a condition that has been associated with over 40% of all deaths in the industrialized countries. Consequently, elements in fibroblast mechanotransduction are scrutinized for their suitability as anti-fibrotic therapeutic targets. We review the current knowledge on mechanically relevant factors in the fibroblast extracellular environment, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion structures, stretch-activated membrane channels, stress-regulated cytoskeletal structures, and co-transcription factors. We critically discuss the targetability of these elements in therapeutic approaches and their progress in pre-clinical and/or clinical trials to treat organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Ezzo
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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11
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Zhang Q, An ZY, Jiang W, Jin WL, He XY. Collagen code in tumor microenvironment: Functions, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115390. [PMID: 37660648 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial in cancer progression, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important TME component. Collagen is a major ECM component that contributes to tumor cell infiltration, expansion, and distant metastasis during cancer progression. Recent studies reported that collagen is deposited in the TME to form a collagen wall along which tumor cells can infiltrate and prevent drugs from working on the tumor cells. Collagen-tumor cell interaction is complex and requires the activation of multiple signaling pathways for biochemical and mechanical signaling interventions. In this review, we examine the effect of collagen deposition in the TME on tumor progression and discuss the interaction between collagen and tumor cells. This review aims to illustrate the functions and mechanisms of collagen in tumor progression in the TME and its role in tumor therapy. The findings indicated collagen in the TME appears to be a better target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, PR China
| | - Zi-Yi An
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, PR China; Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei 230001, PR China
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China.
| | - Xin-Yang He
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, PR China; Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital), Hefei 230001, PR China.
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12
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Zhao P, Sun T, Lyu C, Liang K, Du Y. Cell mediated ECM-degradation as an emerging tool for anti-fibrotic strategy. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 12:29. [PMID: 37653282 PMCID: PMC10471565 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-023-00172-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Investigation into the role of cells with respect to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is still in its infancy. Particularly, ECM degradation is an indispensable process during the recovery from fibrosis. Cells with ECM degradation ability due to the secretion of various matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have emerged as novel contributors to the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In this review, we focus on the ECM degradation ability of cells associated with the repertoire of MMPs that facilitate the attenuation of fibrosis through the inhibition of ECM deposition. Besides, innovative approaches to engineering and characterizing cells with degradation ability, as well as elucidating the mechanism of the ECM degradation, are also illustrated. Studies conducted to date on the use of cell-based degradation for therapeutic purposes to combat fibrosis are summarized. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of cells with high degradation ability, hoping to bridge the gap between benchside research and bedside applications in treating fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tian Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Cheng Lyu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Kaini Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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13
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Laursen SH, Hansen SG, Taskin MB, Chen M, Wogensen L, Nygaard JV, Axelsen SM. Electrospun nanofiber mesh with connective tissue growth factor and mesenchymal stem cells for pelvic floor repair: Long-term study. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2023; 111:392-401. [PMID: 36075108 PMCID: PMC10087977 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects many women, with an estimated lifetime risk of surgical intervention of 18.7%. There is a need for alternative approaches as the use of synthetic nondegradable mesh was stopped due to severe adverse events, and as current methods for pelvic floor repair have high POP recurrence rates. Thus, we hypothesized that electrospun degradable meshes with stem cells and growth factor were safe and durable for the long term in elderly rats. In an abdominal repair model, electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) meshes coated with connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)/PEG-fibrinogen (PF) and rat mesenchymal stem cells were implanted in elderly female rats and removed after in average 53 weeks (53-week group). Collagen amount and production were quantified by qPCR and Western blotting. Moreover, histological appearance and biomechanical properties were evaluated. Results were compared with previous results of young rats with identical mesh implanted for 24 weeks (24-week group). The 53-week group differed from the 24-week group in terms of (1) reduced collagen III, (2) strong reduction in foreign body response, and (3) altered histological appearance. We found comparable biomechanical properties, aside from higher, not significant, mean tissue stiffness in the 53-week group. Lastly, we identified mesh components 53 weeks after implantation. This study provides new insights into future POP repair in postmenopausal women by showing how CTGF/PF-coated electrospun PCL meshes with stem cells exhibit sufficient support, biocompatibility, and no mesh-related complications long term in an abdominal repair model in elderly rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Husted Laursen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Mehmet Berat Taskin
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Menglin Chen
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering - Medical Biotechnology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Jens Vinge Nygaard
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering - Medical Biotechnology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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14
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Liu H, Fan P, Jin F, Huang G, Guo X, Xu F. Dynamic and static biomechanical traits of cardiac fibrosis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1042030. [PMID: 36394025 PMCID: PMC9659743 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1042030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathology in cardiovascular diseases which are reported as the leading cause of death globally. In recent decades, accumulating evidence has shown that the biomechanical traits of fibrosis play important roles in cardiac fibrosis initiation, progression and treatment. In this review, we summarize the four main distinct biomechanical traits (i.e., stretch, fluid shear stress, ECM microarchitecture, and ECM stiffness) and categorize them into two different types (i.e., static and dynamic), mainly consulting the unique characteristic of the heart. Moreover, we also provide a comprehensive overview of the effect of different biomechanical traits on cardiac fibrosis, their transduction mechanisms, and in-vitro engineered models targeting biomechanical traits that will aid the identification and prediction of mechano-based therapeutic targets to ameliorate cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengbei Fan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fanli Jin
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guoyou Huang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Guoyou Huang, ; Xiaogang Guo, ; Feng Xu,
| | - Xiaogang Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guoyou Huang, ; Xiaogang Guo, ; Feng Xu,
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Guoyou Huang, ; Xiaogang Guo, ; Feng Xu,
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15
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Saygili E, Devamoglu U, Goker-Bagca B, Goksel O, Biray-Avci C, Goksel T, Yesil-Celiktas O. A drug-responsive multicellular human spheroid model to recapitulate drug-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Biomed Mater 2022; 17. [PMID: 35617946 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ac73cd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Associated with a high mortality rate, pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the end stage of several interstitial lung diseases. Although many factors are linked to PF progression, initiation of the fibrotic process remains to be studied. Current research focused on generating new strategies to gain a better understanding of the underlying disease mechanism as the animal models remain insufficient to reflect human physiology. Herein, to account complex cellular interactions within the fibrotic tissue, a multicellular spheroid (MCS) model where human bronchial epithelial cells incorporated with human lung fibroblasts was generated and treated with bleomycin (BLM) to emulate drug-induced PF. Recapitulating the epithelial-interstitial microenvironment, the findings successfully reflected the PF disease, where excessive alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I secretion were noted along with the morphological changes in response to BLM. Moreover, increased levels of fibrotic linked COL13A1, MMP2, WNT3 and decreased expression level of CDH1 provide evidence for the model reliability on fibrosis modelling. Subsequent administration of the FDA approved nintedanib and pirfenidone anti-fibrotic drugs proved the drug-responsiveness of the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ecem Saygili
- Department of Bioengineering, Ege University, Department of Bioengineering, Bornova, Izmir, 35040, TURKEY
| | - Utku Devamoglu
- Department of Bioengineering, Ege University, Department of Bioengineering, Bornova, Izmir, 35040, TURKEY
| | - Bakiye Goker-Bagca
- Department of Medical Biology, Adnan Menderes University, Department of Medical Biology, Aydin, Aydin, 09010, TURKEY
| | - Ozlem Goksel
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine / EgeSAM-Ege University Translational Pulmonary Research Center, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, 35040, TURKEY
| | - Cigir Biray-Avci
- Department of Medical Biology, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, 35040, TURKEY
| | - Tuncay Goksel
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine / EgeSAM-Ege University Translational Pulmonary Research Center, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, 35040, TURKEY
| | - Ozlem Yesil-Celiktas
- Department of Bioengineering / EgeSAM-Ege University Translational Pulmonary Research Center, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, 35040, TURKEY
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16
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Matrix Metalloproteinases Shape the Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010146. [PMID: 35008569 PMCID: PMC8745566 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression with uncontrolled tumor growth, local invasion, and metastasis depends largely on the proteolytic activity of numerous matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which affect tissue integrity, immune cell recruitment, and tissue turnover by degrading extracellular matrix (ECM) components and by releasing matrikines, cell surface-bound cytokines, growth factors, or their receptors. Among the MMPs, MMP-14 is the driving force behind extracellular matrix and tissue destruction during cancer invasion and metastasis. MMP-14 also influences both intercellular as well as cell-matrix communication by regulating the activity of many plasma membrane-anchored and extracellular proteins. Cancer cells and other cells of the tumor stroma, embedded in a common extracellular matrix, interact with their matrix by means of various adhesive structures, of which particularly invadopodia are capable to remodel the matrix through spatially and temporally finely tuned proteolysis. As a deeper understanding of the underlying functional mechanisms is beneficial for the development of new prognostic and predictive markers and for targeted therapies, this review examined the current knowledge of the interplay of the various MMPs in the cancer context on the protein, subcellular, and cellular level with a focus on MMP14.
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Elham Badali, Hosseini M, Mohajer M, Hassanzadeh S, Saghati S, Hilborn J, Khanmohammadi M. Enzymatic Crosslinked Hydrogels for Biomedical Application. POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES A 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0965545x22030026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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18
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Long Y, Niu Y, Liang K, Du Y. Mechanical communication in fibrosis progression. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 32:70-90. [PMID: 34810063 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical hallmarks of fibrotic microenvironments are both outcomes and causes of fibrosis progression. Understanding how cells sense and transmit mechanical cues in the interplay with extracellular matrix (ECM) and hemodynamic forces is a significant challenge. Recent advances highlight the evolvement of intracellular mechanotransduction pathways responding to ECM remodeling and abnormal hemodynamics (i.e., low and disturbed shear stress, pathological stretch, and increased pressure), which are prevalent biomechanical characteristics of fibrosis in multiple organs (e.g., liver, lung, and heart). Here, we envisage the mechanical communication in cell-ECM, cell-hemodynamics and cell-ECM-cell crosstalk (namely paratensile signaling) during fibrosis expansion. We also provide a comprehensive overview of in vitro and in silico engineering systems for disease modeling that will aid the identification and prediction of mechano-based therapeutic targets to ameliorate fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Long
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Joint Graduate Program of Peking-Tsinghua-National Institute of Biological Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yudi Niu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Kaini Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Joint Graduate Program of Peking-Tsinghua-National Institute of Biological Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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