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Son DO, Benitez R, Diao L, Hinz B. How to Keep Myofibroblasts under Control: Culture of Mouse Skin Fibroblasts on Soft Substrates. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1923-1934. [PMID: 39078357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.05.033] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
During the physiological healing of skin wounds, fibroblasts recruited from the uninjured adjacent dermis and deeper subcutaneous fascia layers are transiently activated into myofibroblasts to first secrete and then contract collagen-rich extracellular matrix into a mechanically resistant scar. Scar tissue restores skin integrity after damage but comes at the expense of poor esthetics and loss of tissue function. Stiff scar matrix also mechanically activates various precursor cells into myofibroblasts in a positive feedback loop. Persistent myofibroblast activation results in pathologic accumulation of fibrous collagen and hypertrophic scarring, called fibrosis. Consequently, the mechanisms of fibroblast-to-myofibroblast activation and persistence are studied to develop antifibrotic and prohealing treatments. Mechanistic understanding often starts in a plastic cell culture dish. This can be problematic because contact of fibroblasts with tissue culture plastic or glass surfaces invariably generates myofibroblast phenotypes in standard culture. We describe a straight-forward method to produce soft cell culture surfaces for fibroblast isolation and continued culture and highlight key advantages and limitations of the approach. Adding a layer of elastic silicone polymer tunable to the softness of normal skin and the stiffness of pathologic scars allows to control mechanical fibroblast activation while preserving the simplicity of conventional 2-dimensional cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Ok Son
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Raquel Benitez
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Li Diao
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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2
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Younesi FS, Hinz B. The Myofibroblast Fate of Therapeutic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Regeneration, Repair, or Despair? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8712. [PMID: 39201399 PMCID: PMC11354465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168712] [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: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can be isolated from various tissues of healthy or patient donors to be retransplanted in cell therapies. Because the number of MSCs obtained from biopsies is typically too low for direct clinical application, MSC expansion in cell culture is required. However, ex vivo amplification often reduces the desired MSC regenerative potential and enhances undesired traits, such as activation into fibrogenic myofibroblasts. Transiently activated myofibroblasts restore tissue integrity after organ injury by producing and contracting extracellular matrix into scar tissue. In contrast, persistent myofibroblasts cause excessive scarring-called fibrosis-that destroys organ function. In this review, we focus on the relevance and molecular mechanisms of myofibroblast activation upon contact with stiff cell culture plastic or recipient scar tissue, such as hypertrophic scars of large skin burns. We discuss cell mechanoperception mechanisms such as integrins and stretch-activated channels, mechanotransduction through the contractile actin cytoskeleton, and conversion of mechanical signals into transcriptional programs via mechanosensitive co-transcription factors, such as YAP, TAZ, and MRTF. We further elaborate how prolonged mechanical stress can create persistent myofibroblast memory by direct mechanotransduction to the nucleus that can evoke lasting epigenetic modifications at the DNA level, such as histone methylation and acetylation. We conclude by projecting how cell culture mechanics can be modulated to generate MSCs, which epigenetically protected against myofibroblast activation and transport desired regeneration potential to the recipient tissue environment in clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Sadat Younesi
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada;
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada;
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
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3
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Smits JJHM, van der Pol A, Goumans MJ, Bouten CVC, Jorba I. GelMA hydrogel dual photo-crosslinking to dynamically modulate ECM stiffness. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1363525. [PMID: 38966190 PMCID: PMC11222782 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1363525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The dynamic nature of the extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly its stiffness, plays a pivotal role in cellular behavior, especially after myocardial infarction (MI), where cardiac fibroblasts (cFbs) are key in ECM remodeling. This study explores the effects of dynamic stiffness changes on cFb activation and ECM production, addressing a gap in understanding the dynamics of ECM stiffness and their impact on cellular behavior. Utilizing gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels, we developed a model to dynamically alter the stiffness of cFb environment through a two-step photocrosslinking process. By inducing a quiescent state in cFbs with a TGF-β inhibitor, we ensured the direct observation of cFbs-responses to the engineered mechanical environment. Our findings demonstrate that the mechanical history of substrates significantly influences cFb activation and ECM-related gene expression. Cells that were initially cultured for 24 h on the soft substrate remained more quiescent when the hydrogel was stiffened compared to cells cultured directly to a stiff static substrate. This underscores the importance of past mechanical history in cellular behavior. The present study offers new insights into the role of ECM stiffness changes in regulating cellular behavior, with significant implications for understanding tissue remodeling processes, such as in post-MI scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephina J. H. M. Smits
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Atze van der Pol
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Marie José Goumans
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V. C. Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Ignasi Jorba
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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4
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Atkins D, Rosas JM, Månsson LK, Shahverdi N, Dey SS, Pitenis AA. Survival-Associated Cellular Response Maintained in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) Switched Between Soft and Stiff 3D Microgel Culture. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:2177-2187. [PMID: 38466617 PMCID: PMC11005012 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01079] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for about 90% of all pancreatic cancer cases. Five-year survival rates have remained below 12% since the 1970s, in part due to the difficulty in detection prior to metastasis (migration and invasion into neighboring organs and glands). Mechanical memory is a concept that has emerged over the past decade that may provide a path toward understanding how invading PDAC cells "remember" the mechanical properties of their diseased ("stiff", elastic modulus, E ≈ 10 kPa) microenvironment even while invading a healthy ("soft", E ≈ 1 kPa) microenvironment. Here, we investigated the role of mechanical priming by culturing a dilute suspension of PDAC (FG) cells within a 3D, rheologically tunable microgel platform from hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties. We conducted a suite of acute (short-term) priming studies where we cultured PDAC cells in either a soft (E ≈ 1 kPa) or stiff (E ≈ 10 kPa) environment for 6 h, then removed and placed them into a new soft or stiff 3D environment for another 18 h. Following these steps, we conducted RNA-seq analyses to quantify gene expression. Initial priming in the 3D culture showed persistent gene expression for the duration of the study, regardless of the subsequent environments (stiff or soft). Stiff 3D culture was associated with the downregulation of tumor suppressors (LATS1, BCAR3, CDKN2C), as well as the upregulation of cancer-associated genes (RAC3). Immunofluorescence staining (BCAR3, RAC3) further supported the persistence of this cellular response, with BCAR3 upregulated in soft culture and RAC3 upregulated in stiff-primed culture. Stiff-primed genes were stratified against patient data found in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Upregulated genes in stiff-primed 3D culture were associated with decreased survival in patient data, suggesting a link between patient survival and mechanical priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dixon
J. Atkins
- Department
of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Jonah M. Rosas
- Department
of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Lisa K. Månsson
- Materials
Department, University of California Santa
Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Nima Shahverdi
- Molecular,
Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Siddharth S. Dey
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University
of California Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of California
Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Angela A. Pitenis
- Materials
Department, University of California Santa
Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
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5
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Xie RH, Gong SG, Song J, Wu PP, Hu WL. Effect of mesenchymal stromal cells transplantation on the outcomes of patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Res 2024; 42:753-768. [PMID: 37991925 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapy has been explored as a new regenerative treatment for osteoarthritis in the field of regenerative medicine. However, the efficacy of stem cell transplantation from different sources for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) remains controversial. This study integrates and evaluates the previously published data of stem cell transplantation for KOA to explore the curative effect of different stem cells. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on stem cell therapy for KOA. Measures of efficacy included Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Lequesne index, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (LKSS), and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Joint injury was evaluated through the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS) system. We analyzed 16 studies involving 875 KOA patients. The stem cell treatment showed significant VAS reduction from the third month onwards. Subgroup analysis suggested the most significant pain relief at different postoperative months came from adipose-derived and umbilical cord-derived stem cells. Autologous adipose tissue resulted in better pain alleviation compared with allogenic. However, autologous bone marrow stem cells did not show increased pain relief over allogeneic ones. Combination therapy (HA and/or PRP) showed no effect. Autologous adipose-derived stem cells demonstrate the most effective recovery of knee joint function. In WORMS assessment, there was no significant difference between the stem cell group and control. Stem cell transplantation proved safe and effective for KOA treatment. Different sources stem cells have a good effect on alleviating knee joint pain, restoring knee joint function, and minimizing patient trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Hui Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, Jiujiang First People's Hospital, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shi-Guo Gong
- Department of Orthopedics, Jiujiang First People's Hospital, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jiao Song
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Jiujiang College, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ping-Ping Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang College, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wen-Long Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang College, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, China
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6
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Cambria E, Coughlin MF, Floryan MA, Offeddu GS, Shelton SE, Kamm RD. Linking cell mechanical memory and cancer metastasis. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:216-228. [PMID: 38238471 PMCID: PMC11146605 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00656-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis causes most cancer-related deaths; however, the efficacy of anti-metastatic drugs is limited by incomplete understanding of the biological mechanisms that drive metastasis. Focusing on the mechanics of metastasis, we propose that the ability of tumour cells to survive the metastatic process is enhanced by mechanical stresses in the primary tumour microenvironment that select for well-adapted cells. In this Perspective, we suggest that biophysical adaptations favourable for metastasis are retained via mechanical memory, such that the extent of memory is influenced by both the magnitude and duration of the mechanical stress. Among the mechanical cues present in the primary tumour microenvironment, we focus on high matrix stiffness to illustrate how it alters tumour cell proliferation, survival, secretion of molecular factors, force generation, deformability, migration and invasion. We particularly centre our discussion on potential mechanisms of mechanical memory formation and retention via mechanotransduction and persistent epigenetic changes. Indeed, we propose that the biophysical adaptations that are induced by this process are retained throughout the metastatic process to improve tumour cell extravasation, survival and colonization in the distant organ. Deciphering mechanical memory mechanisms will be key to discovering a new class of anti-metastatic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cambria
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Mark F Coughlin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marie A Floryan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Giovanni S Offeddu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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7
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李 驰, 樊 瑜, 郑 丽. [Differentiation of stem cells regulated by biophysical cues]. SHENG WU YI XUE GONG CHENG XUE ZA ZHI = JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING = SHENGWU YIXUE GONGCHENGXUE ZAZHI 2023; 40:609-616. [PMID: 37666749 PMCID: PMC10477397 DOI: 10.7507/1001-5515.202208002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells have been regarded with promising application potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation abilities. However, their fate is relied on their local microenvironment, or niche. Recent studied have demonstrated that biophysical factors, defined as physical microenvironment in which stem cells located play a vital role in regulating stem cell committed differentiation. In vitro, synthetic physical microenvironments can be used to precisely control a variety of biophysical properties. On this basis, the effect of biophysical properties such as matrix stiffness, matrix topography and mechanical force on the committed differentiation of stem cells was further investigated. This paper summarizes the approach of mechanical models of artificial physical microenvironment and reviews the effects of different biophysical characteristics on stem cell differentiation, in order to provide reference for future research and development in related fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- 驰宇 李
- 北京航空航天大学 生物与医学工程学院 北京市生物医学工程高精尖创新中心 生物力学与力生物学教育部重点实验室(北京 100083)Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - 瑜波 樊
- 北京航空航天大学 生物与医学工程学院 北京市生物医学工程高精尖创新中心 生物力学与力生物学教育部重点实验室(北京 100083)Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - 丽沙 郑
- 北京航空航天大学 生物与医学工程学院 北京市生物医学工程高精尖创新中心 生物力学与力生物学教育部重点实验室(北京 100083)Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
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8
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Scott AK, Rafuse M, Neu CP. Mechanically induced alterations in chromatin architecture guide the balance between cell plasticity and mechanical memory. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1084759. [PMID: 37143893 PMCID: PMC10151697 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1084759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity, or adaptability, of a cell determines its ability to survive and function within changing cellular environments. Changes in the mechanical environment, ranging from stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM) to physical stress such as tension, compression, and shear, are critical environmental cues that influence phenotypic plasticity and stability. Furthermore, an exposure to a prior mechanical signal has been demonstrated to play a fundamental role in modulating phenotypic changes that persist even after the mechanical stimulus is removed, creating stable mechanical memories. In this mini review, our objective is to highlight how the mechanical environment alters both phenotypic plasticity and stable memories through changes in chromatin architecture, mainly focusing on examples in cardiac tissue. We first explore how cell phenotypic plasticity is modulated in response to changes in the mechanical environment, and then connect the changes in phenotypic plasticity to changes in chromatin architecture that reflect short-term and long-term memories. Finally, we discuss how elucidating the mechanisms behind mechanically induced chromatin architecture that lead to cell adaptations and retention of stable mechanical memories could uncover treatment methods to prevent mal-adaptive permanent disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne K. Scott
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Michael Rafuse
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Corey P. Neu
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
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9
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Schuster R, Younesi F, Ezzo M, Hinz B. The Role of Myofibroblasts in Physiological and Pathological Tissue Repair. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2023; 15:cshperspect.a041231. [PMID: 36123034 PMCID: PMC9808581 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are the construction workers of wound healing and repair damaged tissues by producing and organizing collagen/extracellular matrix (ECM) into scar tissue. Scar tissue effectively and quickly restores the mechanical integrity of lost tissue architecture but comes at the price of lost tissue functionality. Fibrotic diseases caused by excessive or persistent myofibroblast activity can lead to organ failure. This review defines myofibroblast terminology, phenotypic characteristics, and functions. We will focus on the central role of the cell, ECM, and tissue mechanics in regulating tissue repair by controlling myofibroblast action. Additionally, we will discuss how therapies based on mechanical intervention potentially ameliorate wound healing outcomes. Although myofibroblast physiology and pathology affect all organs, we will emphasize cutaneous wound healing and hypertrophic scarring as paradigms for normal tissue repair versus fibrosis. A central message of this review is that myofibroblasts can be activated from multiple cell sources, varying with local environment and type of injury, to either restore tissue integrity and organ function or create an inappropriate mechanical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Schuster
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Younesi
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Maya Ezzo
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
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10
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Pieroth S, Heras‐Bautista CO, Hamad S, Brockmeier K, Hescheler J, Pfannkuche K, Schmidt AM. Poly(acrylamide) Spheroids with Tunable Elasticity for Scalable Cell Culture Applications. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.202200246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Pieroth
- Chemistry Department Institute for Physical Chemistry University of Cologne 50939 Cologne Germany
| | - Carlos O. Heras‐Bautista
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology Institute for Neurophysiology University of Cologne Medical Faculty and University Hospital 50931 Cologne Germany
| | - Sarkawt Hamad
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology Institute for Neurophysiology University of Cologne Medical Faculty and University Hospital 50931 Cologne Germany
- Biology Department Faculty of Science Soran University Soran Kurdistan Region JGXP+9QW Iraq
- Marga‐and‐Walter‐Boll Laboratory for Cardiac Tissue Engineering University of Cologne 50931 Cologne Germany
| | - Konrad Brockmeier
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology University Hospital of Cologne 50937 Cologne Germany
| | - Jürgen Hescheler
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology Institute for Neurophysiology University of Cologne Medical Faculty and University Hospital 50931 Cologne Germany
| | - Kurt Pfannkuche
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology Institute for Neurophysiology University of Cologne Medical Faculty and University Hospital 50931 Cologne Germany
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology University Hospital of Cologne 50937 Cologne Germany
- Marga‐and‐Walter‐Boll Laboratory for Cardiac Tissue Engineering University of Cologne 50931 Cologne Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) University of Cologne 50931 Cologne Germany
| | - Annette M. Schmidt
- Chemistry Department Institute for Physical Chemistry University of Cologne 50939 Cologne Germany
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11
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Matrix stiffness and architecture drive fibro-adipogenic progenitors' activation into myofibroblasts. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13582. [PMID: 35945422 PMCID: PMC9363488 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17852-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are essential in supporting regeneration in skeletal muscle, but in muscle pathologies FAPs the are main source of excess extracellular matrix (ECM) resulting in fibrosis. Fibrotic ECM has altered mechanical and architectural properties, but the feedback onto FAPs of stiffness or ECM properties is largely unknown. In this study, FAPs’ sensitivity to their ECM substrate was assessed using collagen coated polyacrylamide to control substrate stiffness and collagen hydrogels to engineer concentration, crosslinking, fibril size, and alignment. FAPs on substrates of fibrotic stiffnesses had increased myofibroblast activation, depicted by αSMA expression, compared to substrates mimicking healthy muscle, which correlated strongly YAP nuclear localization. Surprisingly, fibrosis associated collagen crosslinking and larger fibril size inhibited myofibroblast activation, which was independent of YAP localization. Additionally, collagen crosslinking and larger fibril diameters were associated with decreased remodeling of the collagenous substrate as measured by second harmonic generation imaging. Inhibition of YAP activity through verteporfin reduced myofibroblast activation on stiff substrates but not substrates with altered architecture. This study is the first to demonstrate that fibrotic muscle stiffness can elicit FAP activation to myofibroblasts through YAP signaling. However, fibrotic collagen architecture actually inhibits myofibroblast activation through a YAP independent mechanism. These data expand knowledge of FAPs sensitivity to ECM and illuminate targets to block FAP’s from driving progression of muscle fibrosis.
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12
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Barnett H, Shevchuk M, Peppas NA, Caldorera-Moore M. Influence of extracellular cues of hydrogel biomaterials on stem cell fate. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE. POLYMER EDITION 2022; 33:1324-1347. [PMID: 35297325 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2022.2054398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on creating functional tissue through the combination of biomimetic scaffolds, a cell source, and biochemical/physiochemical cues. Stem cells are often used as the cell source due to their multipotent properties and autologous sourcing; however, the combination of physical and chemical cues that regulate their behavior creates challenges in reproducibly directing them to a specific fate. Hydrogel biomaterials are widely explored as tissue scaffolds due to their innate biomimetic properties and tailorability. For these constructs to be successful, properties such as surface chemistry and spatial configuration, stiffness, and degradability of the biomaterial used for the scaffold framework should be analogous to the natural environment of the tissue they are repairing/replacing. This is imperative, as cues from the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) influence stem cell behavior and direct cell differentiation to a specific lineage. Hydrogels offer great promise as tools to control stem cell fate, as researchers can modulate the degradation rates, mechanical properties, swelling behavior, and chemical properties of the biomaterial scaffold to mimic the instructive cues of the native ECM. Discussion of the advantages and challenges of utilizing hydrogel biomaterials as the basis of tissue scaffolds is reviewed herein, as well as specific examples of hydrogels in tissue engineering and advances in hydrogel research to achieve desired cell phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley Barnett
- School of Sciences, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA
| | - Mariya Shevchuk
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Institute of Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Nicholas A Peppas
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Institute of Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mary Caldorera-Moore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA
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13
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Hixon KR, Katz DB, McKenzie JA, Miller AN, Guilak F, Silva MJ. Cryogel Scaffold-Mediated Delivery of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Promotes Healing in Murine Model of Atrophic Non-Union. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:851904. [PMID: 35600896 PMCID: PMC9117654 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.851904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-union is defined as the permanent failure of a bone to heal and occurs clinically in 5% of fractures. Atrophic non-unions, characterized by absent/minimal callus formation, are poorly understood and difficult to treat. We recently demonstrated a novel murine model of atrophic non-union in the 3.6Col1A1-tk (Col1-tk) mouse, wherein dosing with the nucleoside analog ganciclovir (GCV) was used to deplete proliferating osteoprogenitor cells, leading to a radiographic and biomechanical non-union after the mid-shaft femur fracture. Using this Col1-tk atrophic non-union model, we hypothesized that the scaffold-mediated lentiviral delivery of doxycycline-inducible BMP-2 transgenes would induce osteogenesis at the fracture site. Cryogel scaffolds were used as a vehicle for GFP+ and BMP-2+ cell delivery to the site of non-union. Cryogel scaffolds were biofabricated through the cross-linking of a chitosan-gelatin polymer solution at subzero temperatures, which results in a macroporous, spongy structure that may be advantageous for a bone regeneration application. Murine adipose-derived stem cells were seeded onto the cryogel scaffolds, where they underwent lentiviral transduction. Following the establishment of atrophic non-unions in the femurs of Col1-tk mice (4 weeks post-fracture), transduced, seeded scaffolds were surgically placed around the site of non-union, and the animals were given doxycycline water to induce BMP-2 production. Controls included GFP+ cells on the cryogel scaffolds, acellular scaffolds, and sham (no scaffold). Weekly radiographs were taken, and endpoint analysis included micro-CT and histological staining. After 2 weeks of implantation, the BMP-2+ scaffolds were infiltrated with cartilage and woven bone at the non-union site, while GFP+ scaffolds had woven bone formation. Later, timepoints of 8 weeks had woven bone and vessel formation within the BMP-2+ and GFP + scaffolds with cortical bridging of the original fracture site in both groups. Overall, the cell-seeded cryogels promoted osseous healing. However, while the addition of BMP-2 promoted the endochondral ossification, it may provide a slower route to healing. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential for cellularized cryogel scaffolds to enhance the healing of non-unions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Hixon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Dakota B. Katz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Shriners Hospitals for Children—St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jennifer A. McKenzie
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Anna N. Miller
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Farshid Guilak
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Shriners Hospitals for Children—St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Matthew J. Silva
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
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14
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Metabolic labeling of secreted matrix to investigate cell-material interactions in tissue engineering and mechanobiology. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:618-648. [PMID: 35140408 PMCID: PMC8985381 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00652-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Re-creating features of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) with engineered biomaterials has become a valuable tool to probe the influence of ECM properties on cellular functions (e.g., differentiation) and toward the engineering of tissues. However, characterization of newly secreted (nascent) matrix and turnover, which are important in the context of cells interacting with these biomaterials, has been limited by a lack of tools. We developed a protocol to visualize and quantify the spatiotemporal evolution of newly synthesized and deposited matrix by cells that are either cultured atop (2D) or embedded within (3D) biomaterial systems (e.g., hydrogels, fibrous matrices). This technique relies on the incorporation of a noncanonical amino acid (azidohomoalanine) into proteins as they are synthesized. Deposited nascent ECM components are then visualized with fluorescent cyclooctynes via copper-free cycloaddition for spatiotemporal analysis or modified with cleavable biotin probes for identification. Here we describe the preparation of hyaluronic acid hydrogels through ultraviolet or visible light induced cross-linking for 2D and 3D cell culture, as well as the fluorescent labeling of nascent ECM deposited by cells during culture. We also provide protocols for secondary immunofluorescence of specific ECM components and ImageJ-based ECM quantification methods. Hyaluronic acid polymer synthesis takes 2 weeks to complete, and hydrogel formation for 2D or 3D cell culture is performed in 2-3 h. Lastly, we detail the identification of nascent proteins, including enrichment, preparation and analysis with mass spectrometry, which can be completed in 10 d.
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15
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David MA, Reiter AJ, Dunham CL, Castile RM, Abraham JA, Iannucci LE, Shah ID, Havlioglu N, Chamberlain AM, Lake SP. Pleiotropic Effects of Simvastatin and Losartan in Preclinical Models of Post-Traumatic Elbow Contracture. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:803403. [PMID: 35265595 PMCID: PMC8899197 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.803403] [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: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Elbow trauma can lead to post-traumatic joint contracture (PTJC), which is characterized by loss of motion associated with capsule/ligament fibrosis and cartilage damage. Unfortunately, current therapies are often unsuccessful or cause complications. This study aimed to determine the effects of prophylactically administered simvastatin (SV) and losartan (LS) in two preclinical models of elbow PTJC: an in vivo elbow-specific rat injury model and an in vitro collagen gel contraction assay. The in vivo elbow rat (n = 3-10/group) injury model evaluated the effects of orally administered SV and LS at two dosing strategies [i.e., low dose/high frequency/short duration (D1) vs. high dose/low frequency/long duration (D2)] on post-mortem elbow range of motion (via biomechanical testing) as well as capsule fibrosis and cartilage damage (via histopathology). The in vitro gel contraction assay coupled with live/dead staining (n = 3-19/group) evaluated the effects of SV and LS at various concentrations (i.e., 1, 10, 100 µM) and durations (i.e., continuous, short, or delayed) on the contractibility and viability of fibroblasts/myofibroblasts [i.e., NIH3T3 fibroblasts with endogenous transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1)]. In vivo, no drug strategy prevented elbow contracture biomechanically. Histologically, only SV-D2 modestly reduced capsule fibrosis but maintained elevated cellularity and tissue hypertrophy, and both SV strategies lessened cartilage damage. SV modest benefits were localized to the anterior region, not the posterior, of the joint. Neither LS strategy had meaningful benefits in capsule nor cartilage. In vitro, irrespective of the presence of TGFβ1, SV (≥10 μM) prevented gel contraction partly by decreasing cell viability (100 μM). In contrast, LS did not prevent gel contraction or affect cell viability. This study demonstrates that SV, but not LS, might be suitable prophylactic drug therapy in two preclinical models of elbow PTJC. Results provide initial insight to guide future preclinical studies aimed at preventing or mitigating elbow PTJC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. David
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Alex J. Reiter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Chelsey L. Dunham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ryan M. Castile
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - James A. Abraham
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Leanne E. Iannucci
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ishani D. Shah
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Necat Havlioglu
- Department of Pathology, John Cochran VA Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Aaron M. Chamberlain
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Spencer P. Lake
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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16
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Sutthiwanjampa C, Shin BH, Ryu NE, Kang SH, Heo CY, Park H. Assessment of human adipose-derived stem cell on surface-modified silicone implant to reduce capsular contracture formation. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 7:e10260. [PMID: 35111952 PMCID: PMC8780897 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical devices made from poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based silicone implants have been broadly used owing to their inert properties, biocompatibility, and low toxicity. However, long-term implantation is usually associated with complications, such as capsular contracture due to excessive local inflammatory response, subsequently requiring implant removal. Therefore, modification of the silicone surface to reduce a risk of capsular contracture has attracted increasing attention. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) are known to provide potentially therapeutic applications for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and reconstructive surgery. Herein, hASCs coating on a PDMS (hASC-PDMS) or itaconic acid (IA)-conjugated PDMS (hASC-IA-PDMS) surface is examined to determine its biocompatibility for reducing capsular contracture on the PDMS surface. In vitro cell cytotoxicity evaluation showed that hASCs on IA-PDMS exhibit higher cell viability than hASCs on PDMS. A lower release of proinflammatory cytokines is observed in hASC-PDMS and hASC-IA-PDMS compared to the cells on plate. Multiple factors, including in vivo mRNA expression levels of cytokines related to fibrosis; number of inflammatory cells; number of macrophages and myofibroblasts; capsule thickness; and collagen density following implantation in rats for 60 days, indicate that incorporated coating hASCs on PDMSs most effectively reduces capsular contracture. This study demonstrates the potential of hASCs coating for the modification of PDMS surfaces in enhancing surface biocompatibility for reducing capsular contracture of PDMS-based medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Byung Ho Shin
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringCollege of Medicine, Seoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Na Eun Ryu
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung‐Ang UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Shin Hyuk Kang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryChung‐Ang University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Chan Yeong Heo
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringCollege of Medicine, Seoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgerySeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program for BioengineeringCollege of Engineering, Seoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryCollege of Medicine, Seoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Hansoo Park
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung‐Ang UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
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17
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Li ZJ, Wang LQ, Li YZ, Wang CY, Huang JZ, Yu NZ, Long X. Application of adipose-derived stem cells in treating fibrosis. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1747-1761. [PMID: 34909121 PMCID: PMC8641015 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i11.1747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the hyperactivation of fibroblasts that results in excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, which is involved in numerous pathological changes and diseases. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are promising seed cells for regenerative medicine due to their bountiful source, low immunogenicity and lack of ethical issues. Their anti-fibrosis, immunomodulation, angiogenesis and other therapeutic effects have made them suitable for treating fibrosis-related diseases. Here, we review the literature on ASCs treating fibrosis, elaborate and discuss their mechanisms of action, changes in disease environment, ways to enhance therapeutic effects, as well as current preclinical and clinical studies, in order to provide a general picture of ASCs treating fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu-Jun Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital of Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Li-Quan Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital of Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yun-Zhu Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital of Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Chen-Yu Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital of Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jiu-Zuo Huang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital of Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Nan-Ze Yu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital of Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiao Long
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital of Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
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18
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Berger AJ, Anvari G, Bellas E. Mechanical Memory Impairs Adipose-Derived Stem Cell (ASC) Adipogenic Capacity After Long-Term In Vitro Expansion. Cell Mol Bioeng 2021; 14:397-408. [PMID: 34777600 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-021-00705-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) hold great promise for clinical applications such as soft tissue regeneration and for in vitro tissue models and are notably easy to derive in large numbers. Specifically, ASCs provide an advantage for in vitro models of adipose tissue, where they can be employed as tissue specific cells and for patient specific models. However, ASC in vitro expansion may unintentionally reduce adipogenic capacity due to the stiffness of tissue culture plastic (TCPS). Methods Here, we expanded freshly isolated ASCs on soft and stiff substrates for 4 passages before adipogenic differentiation. At the last passage we swapped the substrate from stiff to soft, or soft to stiff to determine if short term exposure to a different substrate altered adipogenic capacity. Results Expansion on stiff substrates reduced adipogenic capacity by 50% which was not rescued by swapping to a soft substrate for the last passage. Stiff substrates had greater nuclear area and gene expression of nesprin-2, a protein that mediates the tension of the nuclear envelope by tethering it to the actin cytoskeleton. Upon swapping to a soft substrate, the nuclear area was reduced but nesprin-2 levels did not fully recover, which differentially regulated cell commitment transcriptional factors. Conclusion Therefore, in vitro expansion on stiff substrates must be carefully considered when the end-goal of the expansion is for adipose tissue or soft tissue applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Berger
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, 1947 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| | - Golnaz Anvari
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, 1947 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| | - Evangelia Bellas
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, 1947 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA.,Department of Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
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19
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Price CC, Mathur J, Boerckel JD, Pathak A, Shenoy VB. Dynamic self-reinforcement of gene expression determines acquisition of cellular mechanical memory. Biophys J 2021; 120:5074-5089. [PMID: 34627766 PMCID: PMC8633715 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanotransduction describes activation of gene expression by changes in the cell's physical microenvironment. Recent experiments show that mechanotransduction can lead to long-term "mechanical memory," in which cells cultured on stiff substrates for sufficient time (priming phase) maintain altered phenotype after switching to soft substrates (dissipation phase) as compared to unprimed controls. The timescale of memory acquisition and retention is orders of magnitude larger than the timescale of mechanosensitive cellular signaling, and memory retention time changes continuously with priming time. We develop a model that captures these features by accounting for positive reinforcement in mechanical signaling. The sensitivity of reinforcement represents the dynamic transcriptional state of the cell composed of protein lifetimes and three-dimensional chromatin organization. Our model provides a single framework connecting microenvironment mechanical history to cellular outcomes ranging from no memory to terminal differentiation. Predicting cellular memory of environmental changes can help engineer cellular dynamics through changes in culture environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Price
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jairaj Mathur
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joel D Boerckel
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Amit Pathak
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | - Vivek B Shenoy
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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20
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Abstract
Talins are cytoskeletal linker proteins that consist of an N-terminal head domain, a flexible neck region and a C-terminal rod domain made of 13 helical bundles. The head domain binds integrin β-subunit cytoplasmic tails, which triggers integrin conformational activation to increase affinity for extracellular matrix proteins. The rod domain links to actin filaments inside the cell to transmit mechanical loads and serves as a mechanosensitive signalling hub for the recruitment of many other proteins. The α-helical bundles function as force-dependent switches - proteins that interact with folded bundles are displaced when force induces unfolding, exposing previously cryptic binding sites for other ligands. This leads to the notion of a talin code. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we propose that the multiple switches within the talin rod function to process and store time- and force-dependent mechanical and chemical information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin T. Goult
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Nicholas H. Brown
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing St., Cambridge CB2 1DY, UK
| | - Martin A. Schwartz
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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21
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Yadav P, Chatterjee K, Saini DK. Senescent cells in 3D culture show suppressed senescence signatures. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:6461-6473. [PMID: 34582533 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00536g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cellular senescence, an irreversible proliferation arrested but viable cellular state, has been implicated in the progression of several age-associated pathologies. A vast amount of information about senescence has been acquired in cultured cells; however, senescence in living organisms (in vivo) remains poorly understood, mainly because of technical limitations. Furthermore, it is now widely recognized that three-dimensional (3D) culture systems are a better mimic of the in vivo physiology. Herein, senescence was induced in HeLa cells by irradiation. Non-senescent or senescent cells were cultured in soft 3D polymer scaffolds and compared with cells in conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture. This work shows that the morphology of the senescent cells markedly varies between substrates/culture platforms, driving the differences in the cytoskeletal organization, cellular division, and nanomechanical properties. One characteristic feature of senescent cells on 2D culture systems is the enlarged and flattened morphology; however, such drastic changes are not seen in vivo. This is an artificial effect of the substrate, which renders such non-physiological morphology to senescent cells. In the 3D scaffolds, this artifact is reduced. Hence, it serves as a better mimic of tissues, leading to reduced expression of senescence-associated genes, implying that the 3D scaffolds suppress the senescence in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Yadav
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, C.V Raman Avenue, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Kaushik Chatterjee
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, C.V Raman Avenue, Bangalore 560012, India.,Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, C.V Raman Avenue, Bangalore 560012, India.
| | - Deepak Kumar Saini
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, C.V Raman Avenue, Bangalore 560012, India.,Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, C.V Raman Avenue, Bangalore 560012, India.
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22
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Barcellona MN, Speer JE, Jing L, Patil DS, Gupta MC, Buchowski JM, Setton LA. Bioactive in situ crosslinkable polymer-peptide hydrogel for cell delivery to the intervertebral disc in a rat model. Acta Biomater 2021; 131:117-127. [PMID: 34229105 PMCID: PMC9157564 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is associated with
significant biochemical and morphological changes that include a loss of disc
height, decreased water content and decreased cellularity. Cell delivery has
been widely explored as a strategy to supplement the nucleus pulposus (NP)
region of the degenerated IVD in both pre-clinical and clinical trials, using
progenitor or primary cell sources. We previously demonstrated an ability for a
polymer-peptide hydrogel, serving as a culture substrate, to promote adult NP
cells to undergo a shift from a degenerative fibroblast-like state to a
juvenile-like NP phenotype. In the current study, we evaluate the ability for
this peptide-functionalized hydrogel to serve as a bioactive system for cell
delivery, retention and preservation of a biosynthetic phenotype for primary IVD
cells delivered to the rat caudal disc in an anular puncture degeneration model.
Our data suggest that encapsulation of adult degenerative human NP cells in a
stiff formulation of the hydrogel functionalized with laminin-mimetic peptides
IKVAV and AG73 can promote cell viability and increased biosynthetic activity
for this population in 3D culture in vitro. Delivery of the
peptide-functionalized biomaterial with primary rat cells to the degenerated IVD
supported NP cell retention and NP-specific protein expression in
vivo, and promoted improved disc height index (DHI) values and
endplate organization compared to untreated degenerated controls. The results of
this study suggest the physical cues of this peptide-functionalized hydrogel can
serve as a supportive carrier for cell delivery to the IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos N Barcellona
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, United States
| | - Julie E Speer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, United States
| | - Liufang Jing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, United States
| | - Deepanjali S Patil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, United States
| | - Munish C Gupta
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Jacob M Buchowski
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Lori A Setton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, United States; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, United States.
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23
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Speer J, Barcellona M, Jing L, Liu B, Lu M, Kelly M, Buchowski J, Zebala L, Luhmann S, Gupta M, Setton L. Integrin-mediated interactions with a laminin-presenting substrate modulate biosynthesis and phenotypic expression for cells of the human nucleus pulposus. Eur Cell Mater 2021; 41:793-810. [PMID: 34160056 PMCID: PMC8378851 DOI: 10.22203/ecm.v041a50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
With aging and pathology, cells of the nucleus pulposus (NP) de-differentiate towards a fibroblast-like phenotype, a change that contributes to degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD). Laminin isoforms are a component of the NP extracellular matrix during development but largely disappear in the adult NP tissue. Exposing human adult NP cells to hydrogels made from PEGylated-laminin-111 (PEGLM) has been shown to regulate NP cell behaviors and promote cells to assume a biosynthetically active state with gene/protein expression and morphology consistent with those observed in juvenile NP cells. However, the mechanism regulating this effect has remained unknown. In the present study, the integrin subunits that promote adult degenerative NP cell interactions with laminin-111 are identified by performing integrin blocking studies along with assays of intracellular signaling and cell phenotype. The findings indicate that integrin α3 is a primary regulator of cell attachment to laminin and is associated with phosphorylation of signaling molecules downstream of integrin engagement (ERK 1/2 and GSK3β). Sustained effects of blocking integrin α3 were also demonstrated including decreased expression of phenotypic markers, reduced biosynthesis, and altered cytoskeletal organization. Furthermore, blocking both integrin α3 and additional integrin subunits elicited changes in cell clustering, but did not alter the phenotype of single cells. These findings reveal that integrin- mediated interactions through integrin α3 are critical in the process by which NP cells sense and alter phenotype in response to culture upon laminin and further suggest that targeting integrin α3 has potential for reversing or slowing degenerative changes to the NP cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Speer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - M. Barcellona
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - L. Jing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - B. Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - M. Lu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - M. Kelly
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - J. Buchowski
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - L. Zebala
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - S. Luhmann
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - M. Gupta
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - L. Setton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO, USA,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO, USA,Address for correspondence: Dr. Lori A. Setton, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1097, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA. Telephone number: +1 3149356164,
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Speer JE, Barcellona MN, Lu MY, Zha Z, Jing L, Gupta MC, Buchowski JM, Kelly MP, Setton LA. Development of a library of laminin-mimetic peptide hydrogels for control of nucleus pulposus cell behaviors. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:20417314211021220. [PMID: 34188794 PMCID: PMC8211742 DOI: 10.1177/20417314211021220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleus pulposus (NP) of the intervertebral disc plays a critical role in
distributing mechanical loads to the axial skeleton. Alterations in NP cells and,
consequently, NP matrix are some of the earliest changes in the development of disc
degeneration. Previous studies demonstrated a role for laminin-presenting biomaterials in
promoting a healthy phenotype for human NP cells from degenerated tissue. Here we
investigate the use of laminin-mimetic peptides presented individually or in combination
on a poly(ethylene) glycol hydrogel as a platform to modulate the behaviors of
degenerative human NP cells. Data confirm that NP cells attach to select laminin-mimetic
peptides that results in cell signaling downstream of integrin and syndecan binding.
Furthermore, the peptide-functionalized hydrogels demonstrate an ability to promote cell
behaviors that mimic that of full-length laminins. These results identify a set of
peptides that can be used to regulate NP cell behaviors toward a regenerative engineering
strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie E Speer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Marcos N Barcellona
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael Y Lu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zizhen Zha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Liufang Jing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Munish C Gupta
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jacob M Buchowski
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael P Kelly
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lori A Setton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Gui C, Parson J, Meyer GA. Harnessing adipose stem cell diversity in regenerative medicine. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:021501. [PMID: 33834153 PMCID: PMC8018797 DOI: 10.1063/5.0038101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from lipoaspirate in the early 2000s, adipose tissue has been a darling of regenerative medicine. It is abundant, easy to access, and contains high concentrations of stem cells (ADSCs) exhibiting multipotency, proregenerative paracrine signaling, and immunomodulation-a winning combination for stem cell-based therapeutics. While basic science, preclinical and clinical findings back up the translational potential of ADSCs, the vast majority of these used cells from a single location-subcutaneous abdominal fat. New data highlight incredible diversity in the adipose morphology and function in different anatomical locations or depots. Even in isolation, ADSCs retain a memory of this diversity, suggesting that the optimal adipose source material for ADSC isolation may be application specific. This review discusses our current understanding of the heterogeneity in the adipose organ, how that heterogeneity translates into depot-specific ADSC characteristics, and how atypical ADSC populations might be harnessed for regenerative medicine applications. While our understanding of the breadth of ADSC heterogeneity is still in its infancy, clear trends are emerging for application-specific sourcing to improve regenerative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Gui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Jacob Parson
- Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Gretchen A. Meyer
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: (314) 286-1425. Fax: (314) 747-0674
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