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Fernandez Davila JG, Singh AK, Moore DW, Kim J, Khan JA, Lemma M, King CS, Nathan SD, Rodriguez LR, Grant GM, Moran JL. Pulmonary matrix-derived hydrogels from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis induce a proinflammatory state in lung fibroblasts in vitro. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar114. [PMID: 38985514 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-11-0428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), one of the most common forms of interstitial lung disease, is a poorly understood, chronic, and often fatal fibroproliferative condition with only two FDA-approved medications. Understanding the pathobiology of the fibroblast in IPF is critical to evaluating and discovering novel therapeutics. Using a decellularized lung matrix derived from patients with IPF, we generate three-dimensional hydrogels as in vitro models of lung physiology and characterize the phenotype of fibroblasts seeded into the hydrogels. When cultured in IPF extracellular matrix hydrogels, IPF fibroblasts display differential contractility compared with their normal counterparts, lose the classical myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin, and increase expression of proinflammatory cytokines compared with fibroblasts seeded two-dimensionally on tissue culture dishes. We validate this proinflammatory state in fibroblast-conditioned media studies with monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages. These findings add to a growing understanding of the lung microenvironment effect on fibroblast phenotypes, shed light on the potential role of fibroblasts as immune signaling hubs during lung fibrosis, and suggest intervention in fibroblast-immune cell cross-talk as a possible novel therapeutic avenue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit K Singh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110
| | - Durwood W Moore
- Department of Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110
| | - Joseph Kim
- Department of Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110
| | - Jawad A Khan
- Department of Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110
| | - Merte Lemma
- Inova Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Program, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA 22042
| | - Christopher S King
- Inova Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Program, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA 22042
| | - Steven D Nathan
- Inova Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Program, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA 22042
| | - Luis R Rodriguez
- Department of Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110
| | | | - Jeffrey L Moran
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110
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2
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Kent RN, Jewett ME, Buck TP, Said M, Hold LA, Crawford EA, Killian ML, Abraham AC, Huang AH, Baker BM. Engineered Microenvironmental Cues from Fiber-Reinforced Hydrogel Composites Drive Tenogenesis and Aligned Collagen Deposition. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2400529. [PMID: 38441411 PMCID: PMC11281874 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400529] [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: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Effective tendon regeneration following injury is contingent on appropriate differentiation of recruited cells and deposition of mature, aligned, collagenous extracellular matrix that can withstand the extreme mechanical demands placed on the tissue. As such, myriad biomaterial approaches have been explored to provide biochemical and physical cues that encourage tenogenesis and template aligned matrix deposition in lieu of dysfunctional scar tissue formation. Fiber-reinforced hydrogels present an ideal biomaterial system toward this end given their transdermal injectability, tunable stiffness over a range amenable to tenogenic differentiation of progenitors, and capacity for modular inclusion of biochemical cues. Here, tunable and modular, fiber-reinforced, synthetic hydrogels are employed to elucidate salient microenvironmental determinants of tenogenesis and aligned collagen deposition by tendon progenitor cells. Transforming growth factor β3 drives a cell fate switch toward pro-regenerative or pro-fibrotic phenotypes, which can be biased toward the former by culture in softer microenvironments or inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK activity. Furthermore, studies demonstrate that topographical anisotropy in fiber-reinforced hydrogels critically mediates the alignment of de novo collagen fibrils, reflecting native tendon architecture. These findings inform the design of cell-free, injectable, synthetic hydrogels for tendon tissue regeneration and, likely, that of a range of load-bearing connective tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert N. Kent
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Maggie E. Jewett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Trevor P. Buck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Mohamed Said
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - LeeAnn A. Hold
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Eileen A. Crawford
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Megan L. Killian
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Adam C. Abraham
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Alice H. Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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3
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Pardo A, Gomez-Florit M, Davidson MD, Öztürk-Öncel MÖ, Domingues RMA, Burdick JA, Gomes ME. Hierarchical Design of Tissue-Mimetic Fibrillar Hydrogel Scaffolds. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303167. [PMID: 38400658 PMCID: PMC11209813 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303167] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Most tissues of the human body present hierarchical fibrillar extracellular matrices (ECMs) that have a strong influence over their physicochemical properties and biological behavior. Of great interest is the introduction of this fibrillar structure to hydrogels, particularly due to the water-rich composition, cytocompatibility, and tunable properties of this class of biomaterials. Here, the main bottom-up fabrication strategies for the design and production of hierarchical biomimetic fibrillar hydrogels and their most representative applications in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are reviewed. For example, the controlled assembly/arrangement of peptides, polymeric micelles, cellulose nanoparticles (NPs), and magnetically responsive nanostructures, among others, into fibrillar hydrogels is discussed, as well as their potential use as fibrillar-like hydrogels (e.g., those from cellulose NPs) with key biofunctionalities such as electrical conductivity or remote stimulation. Finally, the major remaining barriers to the clinical translation of fibrillar hydrogels and potential future directions of research in this field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Pardo
- 3B’s Research Group I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine AvePark - Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Zona Industrial da Gandra Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B’s - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; Colloids and Polymers Physics Group, Particle Physics Department, Materials Institute (iMATUS), and Health Research Institute (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Manuel Gomez-Florit
- Group of Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering (TERCIT), Research Institute on Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Matthew D. Davidson
- BioFrontiers Institute and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - M. Özgen Öztürk-Öncel
- 3B’s Research Group I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine AvePark - Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Zona Industrial da Gandra Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B’s - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui M. A. Domingues
- 3B’s Research Group I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine AvePark - Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Zona Industrial da Gandra Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B’s - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jason A. Burdick
- BioFrontiers Institute and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Manuela E. Gomes
- 3B’s Research Group I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine AvePark - Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Zona Industrial da Gandra Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B’s - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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4
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Cassel SE, Huntington BM, Chen W, Lei P, Andreadis ST, Kloxin AM. Dynamic reporters for probing real-time activation of human fibroblasts from single cells to populations. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:026127. [PMID: 38938687 PMCID: PMC11209894 DOI: 10.1063/5.0166152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Activation of fibroblasts is pivotal for wound healing; however, persistent activation leads to maladaptive processes and is a hallmark of fibrosis, where disease mechanisms are only partially understood. Human in vitro model systems complement in vivo animal models for both hypothesis testing and drug evaluation to improve the identification of therapeutics relevant to human disease. Despite advances, a challenge remains in understanding the dynamics of human fibroblast responses to complex microenvironment stimuli, motivating the need for more advanced tools to investigate fibrotic mechanisms. This work established approaches for assessing the temporal dynamics of these responses using genetically encoded fluorescent reporters of alpha smooth muscle actin expression, an indicator of fibroblast activation. Specifically, we created a toolset of human lung fibroblast reporter cell lines from different origins (male, female; healthy, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and used three different versions of the reporter with the fluorescent protein modified to exhibit different temporal stabilities, providing temporal resolution of protein expression processes over a range of timescales. Using this toolset, we demonstrated that reporters provide insight into population shifts in response to both mechanical and biochemical cues that are not detectable by traditional end point assessments with differential responses based on cell origin. Furthermore, individual cells can also be tracked over time, with opportunities for comparison to complementary end point measurements. The establishment of this reporter toolset enables dynamic cell investigations that can be translated into more complex synthetic culture environments for elucidating disease mechanisms and evaluating therapeutics for lung fibrosis and other complex biological processes more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E. Cassel
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | - Breanna M. Huntington
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | - Wilfred Chen
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | - Pedro Lei
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260-4200, USA
| | - Stelios T. Andreadis
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260-4200, USA
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5
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Raja IS, Kim B, Han DW. Nanofibrous Material-Reinforced Printable Ink for Enhanced Cell Proliferation and Tissue Regeneration. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:363. [PMID: 38671784 PMCID: PMC11047974 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11040363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The three-dimensional (3D) printing of biomaterials, cells, and bioactive components, including growth factors, has gained interest among researchers in the field of tissue engineering (TE) with the aim of developing many scaffolds to sustain size, shape fidelity, and structure and retain viable cells inside a network. The biocompatible hydrogel employed in 3D printing should be soft enough to accommodate cell survival. At the same time, the gel should be mechanically strong to avoid the leakage of cells into the surrounding medium. Considering these basic criteria, researchers have developed nanocomposite-based printable inks with suitable mechanical and electroconductive properties. These nanomaterials, including carbon family nanomaterials, transition metal dichalcogenides, and polymeric nanoparticles, act as nanofillers and dissipate stress across polymeric networks through their electroactive interactions. Nanofiber-reinforced printable ink is one kind of nanocomposite-based ink that comprises dispersed nanofiber components in a hydrogel matrix. In this current review, we compile various TE applications of nanofiber-reinforced printable ink and describe the 3D-printing parameters, classification, and impact of cross-linkage. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bongju Kim
- Dental Life Science Research Institute, Seoul National University Dental Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea;
| | - Dong-Wook Han
- Institute of Nano-Bio Convergence, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, College of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
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6
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Dong X, Sun Q, Geng J, Liu X, Wei Q. Fiber Flexibility Reconciles Matrix Recruitment and the Fiber Modulus to Promote Cell Mechanosensing. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:4029-4037. [PMID: 38526438 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The mechanical interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix is pervasive in biological systems. On fibrous substrates, cells possess the ability to recruit neighboring fibers, thereby augmenting their own adhesion and facilitating the generation of mechanical cues. However, the matrices with high moduli impede fiber recruitment, restricting the cell mechanoresponse. Herein, by harnessing the inherent swelling properties of gelatin, the flexible gelatin methacryloyl network empowers cells to recruit fibers spanning a broad spectrum of physiological moduli during adhesion. The high flexibility concurrently facilitates the optimization of fiber distribution, deformability, and modulus, contributing to the promotion of cell mechanosensing. Consequently, the randomly distributed flexible fibers with high moduli maximize the cell adhesive forces. This study uncovers the impact of fiber recruitment on cell mechanosensing and introduces fiber flexibility as a previously unexplored property, offering an innovative perspective for the design and development of novel biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Qian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Jiwen Geng
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, and Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, Shandong Engineering Research Center of Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, and Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan 250012, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
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7
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Nizamoglu M, Alleblas F, Koster T, Borghuis T, Vonk JM, Thomas MJ, White ES, Watson CK, Timens W, El Kasmi KC, Melgert BN, Heijink IH, Burgess JK. Three dimensional fibrotic extracellular matrix directs microenvironment fiber remodeling by fibroblasts. Acta Biomater 2024; 177:118-131. [PMID: 38350556 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.008] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), for which effective treatments are limited, results in excessive and disorganized deposition of aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM). An altered ECM microenvironment is postulated to contribute to disease progression through inducing profibrotic behavior of lung fibroblasts, the main producers and regulators of ECM. Here, we examined this hypothesis in a 3D in vitro model system by growing primary human lung fibroblasts in ECM-derived hydrogels from non-fibrotic (control) or IPF lung tissue. Using this model, we compared how control and IPF lung-derived fibroblasts responded in control and fibrotic microenvironments in a combinatorial manner. Culture of fibroblasts in fibrotic hydrogels did not alter in the overall amount of collagen or glycosaminoglycans but did cause a drastic change in fiber organization compared to culture in control hydrogels. High-density collagen percentage was increased by control fibroblasts in IPF hydrogels at day 7, but decreased at day 14. In contrast, IPF fibroblasts only decreased the high-density collagen percentage at day 14, which was accompanied by enhanced fiber alignment in IPF hydrogels. Similarly, stiffness of fibrotic hydrogels was increased only by control fibroblasts by day 14 while those of control hydrogels were not altered by fibroblasts. These data highlight how the ECM-remodeling responses of fibroblasts are influenced by the origin of both the cells and the ECM. Moreover, by showing how the 3D microenvironment plays a crucial role in directing cells, our study paves the way in guiding future investigations examining fibrotic processes with respect to ECM remodeling responses of fibroblasts. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we investigated the influence of the altered extracellular matrix (ECM) in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), using a 3D in vitro model system composed of ECM-derived hydrogels from both IPF and control lungs, seeded with human IPF and control lung fibroblasts. While our results indicated that fibrotic microenvironment did not change the overall collagen or glycosaminoglycan content, it resulted in a dramatically alteration of fiber organization and mechanical properties. Control fibroblasts responded differently from IPF fibroblasts, highlighting the unique instructive role of the fibrotic ECM and the interplay with fibroblast origin. These results underscore the importance of 3D microenvironments in guiding pro-fibrotic responses, offering potential insights for future IPF therapies as well as other fibrotic diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Frederique Alleblas
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Taco Koster
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Theo Borghuis
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Judith M Vonk
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Epidemiology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew J Thomas
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Eric S White
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT, United States
| | - Carolin K Watson
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Wim Timens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Karim C El Kasmi
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Barbro N Melgert
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Irene H Heijink
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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8
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Jain N, Shashi Bhushan BL, Natarajan M, Mehta R, Saini DK, Chatterjee K. Advanced 3D In Vitro Lung Fibrosis Models: Contemporary Status, Clinical Uptake, and Prospective Outlooks. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1235-1261. [PMID: 38335198 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01499] [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] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis has been characterized as a global health problem and ranks as one of the primary causes of organ dysfunction. Currently, there is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis, and limited therapeutic options are available due to an inadequate understanding of the disease pathogenesis. The absence of advanced in vitro models replicating dynamic temporal changes observed in the tissue with the progression of the disease is a significant impediment in the development of novel antifibrotic treatments, which has motivated research on tissue-mimetic three-dimensional (3D) models. In this review, we summarize emerging trends in preparing advanced lung models to recapitulate biochemical and biomechanical processes associated with lung fibrogenesis. We begin by describing the importance of in vivo studies and highlighting the often poor correlation between preclinical research and clinical outcomes and the limitations of conventional cell culture in accurately simulating the 3D tissue microenvironment. Rapid advancement in biomaterials, biofabrication, biomicrofluidics, and related bioengineering techniques are enabling the preparation of in vitro models to reproduce the epithelium structure and operate as reliable drug screening strategies for precise prediction. Improving and understanding these model systems is necessary to find the cross-talks between growing cells and the stage at which myofibroblasts differentiate. These advanced models allow us to utilize the knowledge and identify, characterize, and hand pick medicines beneficial to the human community. The challenges of the current approaches, along with the opportunities for further research with potential for translation in this field, are presented toward developing novel treatments for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nipun Jain
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, C.V Raman Avenue, Bangalore 560012 India
| | - B L Shashi Bhushan
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Victoria Hospital, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore 560002 India
| | - M Natarajan
- Department of Pathology, Victoria Hospital, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore 560002 India
| | - Ravi Mehta
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care, Apollo Hospitals, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560011 India
| | - Deepak Kumar Saini
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, C.V Raman Avenue, Bangalore 560012 India
| | - Kaushik Chatterjee
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, C.V Raman Avenue, Bangalore 560012 India
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9
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Kim HS, Taghizadeh A, Taghizadeh M, Kim HW. Advanced materials technologies to unravel mechanobiological phenomena. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:179-196. [PMID: 37666712 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.08.002] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in materials-driven mechanobiology have yielded significant progress. Mechanobiology explores how cellular and tissue mechanics impact development, physiology, and disease, where extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamically interacts with cells. Biomaterial-based platforms emulate synthetic ECMs, offering precise control over cellular behaviors by adjusting mechanical properties. Recent technological advances enable in vitro models replicating active mechanical stimuli in vivo. These models manipulate cellular mechanics even at a subcellular level. In this review we discuss recent material-based mechanomodulatory studies in mechanobiology. We highlight the endeavors to mimic the dynamic properties of native ECM during pathophysiological processes like cellular homeostasis, lineage specification, development, aging, and disease progression. These insights may inform the design of accurate in vitro mechanomodulatory platforms that replicate ECM mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Sung Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Ali Taghizadeh
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohsen Taghizadeh
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Won Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Kolanko E, Cargnoni A, Papait A, Silini AR, Czekaj P, Parolini O. The evolution of in vitro models of lung fibrosis: promising prospects for drug discovery. Eur Respir Rev 2024; 33:230127. [PMID: 38232990 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0127-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung fibrosis is a complex process, with unknown underlying mechanisms, involving various triggers, diseases and stimuli. Different cell types (epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and macrophages) interact dynamically through multiple signalling pathways, including biochemical/molecular and mechanical signals, such as stiffness, affecting cell function and differentiation. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common fibrosing interstitial lung disease (fILD), characterised by a notably high mortality. Unfortunately, effective treatments for advanced fILD, and especially IPF and non-IPF progressive fibrosing phenotype ILD, are still lacking. The development of pharmacological therapies faces challenges due to limited knowledge of fibrosis pathogenesis and the absence of pre-clinical models accurately representing the complex features of the disease. To address these challenges, new model systems have been developed to enhance the translatability of preclinical drug testing and bridge the gap to human clinical trials. The use of two- and three-dimensional in vitro cultures derived from healthy or diseased individuals allows for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for lung fibrosis. Additionally, microfluidics systems, which replicate the respiratory system's physiology ex vivo, offer promising opportunities for the development of effective therapies, especially for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Kolanko
- Department of Cytophysiology, Katowice Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Anna Cargnoni
- Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Brescia, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Andrea Papait
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department Life Sciences and Public Health, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonietta Rosa Silini
- Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Brescia, Italy
| | - Piotr Czekaj
- Department of Cytophysiology, Katowice Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ornella Parolini
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department Life Sciences and Public Health, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Roma, Italy
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11
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Wu W, Wang Z, Zhang H, Zhang X, Tian H. circGRHPR inhibits aberrant epithelial-mesenchymal transformation progression of lung epithelial cells associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:7. [PMID: 38267743 PMCID: PMC10808371 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09839-8] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Air pollution has greatly increased the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to play a significant role in the advancement of IPF, but there is limited evidence of correlation between circRNAs and lung epithelial cells (LECs) in IPF. This research aimed to explore the influence of circRNAs on the regulation of EMT progression in LECs, with the objective of elucidating its mechanism and establishing its association with IPF. Our results suggested that the downregulation of circGRHPR in peripheral blood of clinical cases was associated with the diagnosis of IPF. Meanwhile, we found that circGRHPR was downregulated in transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1)-induced A549 and Beas-2b cells. It is a valid model to study the abnormal EMT progression of IPF-associated LECs in vitro. The overexpression of circGRHPR inhibited the abnormal EMT progression of TGF-β1-induced LECs. Furthermore, as the sponge of miR-665, circGRHPR released the expression of E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase NEDD4-like (NEDD4L), thus promoting its downstream transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (TGFBR2) ubiquitination. It is helpful to reduce the response of LECs to TGF-β1 signaling. In summary, circGRHPR/miR-665/NEDD4L axis inhibited the abnormal EMT progression of TGF-β1-induced LECs by promoting TGFBR2 ubiquitination, which provides new ideas and potential targets for the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensi Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107, Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, No. 107, Yanjiang West Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiying Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107, Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107, Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107, Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.
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12
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赵 川, 王 湘, 王 贵. [Hot Topics and Emerging Trends in Mechanobiology Research]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2024; 55:1-5. [PMID: 38322522 PMCID: PMC10839494 DOI: 10.12182/20240160104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Mechanobiology focuses on a series of important physiopathological processes, such as how cells perceive different mechanomechanical stimuli, the process of intracellular mechanotransduction, and how mechanical signals determine the behavior and fate of cells. From the initial stage of embryogenesis, to developmental biology and regenerative medicine, or even through the whole life process, mechanical signaling cascades and cellular mechanical responses in mechanobiology are of great significance in biomedical research. In recent years, research in the field of mechanobiology has undergone remarkable development. Several scientific consortia around the world have been analyzing mechanobiological processes from different perspectives, aiming to gain insights into the regulatory mechanisms by which mechanical factors affect cell fate determination. In this article, we summarized and reviewed the topics that have attracted more research interests in recent years in the field of mechanobiology, for example, arterial blood vessels, stem cell, and ion channel. We also discussed the potential trends that may emerge, such as nuclear deformation, fibrous extracellular matrix, tumor mechanobiology, cellular mechanotransduction, and piezo ion channels. In addition, we put forward new ideas concerning the limitations of mechanism research and the importance of big data analysis and mining in this field, thereby providing objective support and a systematic framework for grasping the hot research topics and exploring new research directions in the field of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- 川榕 赵
- 重庆大学生物工程学院,生物流变科学与技术教育部重点实验室,血管植入物开发国家地方联合工程实验室 (重庆 400045)College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Key Laboratory of Biorheology Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, and State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Chongqing 400045, China
- 金凤实验室 (重庆 401329)JinFeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - 湘秀 王
- 重庆大学生物工程学院,生物流变科学与技术教育部重点实验室,血管植入物开发国家地方联合工程实验室 (重庆 400045)College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Key Laboratory of Biorheology Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, and State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Chongqing 400045, China
- 金凤实验室 (重庆 401329)JinFeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - 贵学 王
- 重庆大学生物工程学院,生物流变科学与技术教育部重点实验室,血管植入物开发国家地方联合工程实验室 (重庆 400045)College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Key Laboratory of Biorheology Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, and State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Chongqing 400045, China
- 金凤实验室 (重庆 401329)JinFeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
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13
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Xiao N, Xiong S, Zhou Z, Zhong M, Bai H, Li Q, Tang Y, Xie J. Recent progress in biomaterials-driven ferroptosis for cancer therapy. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:288-307. [PMID: 38189655 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01832f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis, first suggested in 2012, is a type of non-apoptotic programmed cell death caused by the buildup of lipid peroxidation and marked by an overabundance of oxidized poly unsaturated fatty acids. During the last decade, researchers have uncovered the formation of ferroptosis and created multiple drugs aimed at it, but due to poor selectivity and pharmacokinetics, clinical application has been hindered. In recent years, biomedical discoveries and developments in nanotechnology have spurred the investigation of ferroptosis nanomaterials, providing new opportunities for the ferroptosis driven tumours treatment. Additionally, hydrogels have been widely studied in ferroptosis because of their unique 3D structure and excellent controllability. By using these biomaterials, it is possible to achieve controlled release and targeted delivery of drugs, thus increasing the potency of the drugs and minimizing adverse effects. Therefore, summarizing the biomedical nanomaterials, including hydrogels, used in ferroptosis for cancer therapy is a must. This article provides an overview of ferroptosis, detailing its properties and underlying mechanisms. It also categorizes and reviews the use of various nanomaterials in ferroptosis, along with relevant explanations and illustrations. In addition, we discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the application of nanomaterials in ferroptosis. Finally, the development prospects of this field are prospected. This review is intended to provide a foundation for the development and application of biomedical nanomaterials in ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianting Xiao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Su Xiong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Ziwei Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Min Zhong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Huayang Bai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Qiyu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Yaqin Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Jing Xie
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
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14
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Ahmed DW, Eiken MK, DePalma SJ, Helms AS, Zemans RL, Spence JR, Baker BM, Loebel C. Integrating mechanical cues with engineered platforms to explore cardiopulmonary development and disease. iScience 2023; 26:108472. [PMID: 38077130 PMCID: PMC10698280 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108472] [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] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces provide critical biological signals to cells during healthy and aberrant organ development as well as during disease processes in adults. Within the cardiopulmonary system, mechanical forces, such as shear, compressive, and tensile forces, act across various length scales, and dysregulated forces are often a leading cause of disease initiation and progression such as in bronchopulmonary dysplasia and cardiomyopathies. Engineered in vitro models have supported studies of mechanical forces in a number of tissue and disease-specific contexts, thus enabling new mechanistic insights into cardiopulmonary development and disease. This review first provides fundamental examples where mechanical forces operate at multiple length scales to ensure precise lung and heart function. Next, we survey recent engineering platforms and tools that have provided new means to probe and modulate mechanical forces across in vitro and in vivo settings. Finally, the potential for interdisciplinary collaborations to inform novel therapeutic approaches for a number of cardiopulmonary diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donia W. Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Madeline K. Eiken
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Samuel J. DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Adam S. Helms
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rachel L. Zemans
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine – Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jason R. Spence
- Department of Internal Medicine – Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Claudia Loebel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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15
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Lee MKH, Lim HK, Su C, Koh JYC, Setyawati MI, Ng KW, Hou HW, Tay CY. 3D Airway Epithelial-Fibroblast Biomimetic Microfluidic Platform to Unravel Engineered Nanoparticle-Induced Acute Stress Responses as Exposome Determinants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19223-19235. [PMID: 37933439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Insights into how biological systems respond to high- and low-dose acute environmental stressors are a fundamental aspect of exposome research. However, studying the impact of low-level environmental exposure in conventional in vitro settings is challenging. This study employed a three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic microfluidic lung-on-chip (μLOC) platform and RNA-sequencing to examine the effects of two model anthropogenic engineered nanoparticles (NPs): zinc oxide nanoparticles (Nano-ZnO) and copier center nanoparticles (Nano-CCP). The airway epithelium exposed to these NPs exhibited dose-dependent increases in cytotoxicity and barrier dysregulation (dominance of the external exposome). Interestingly, even nontoxic and low-level exposure (10 μg/mL) of the epithelium compartment to Nano-ZnO triggered chemotaxis of lung fibroblasts toward the epithelium. An increase in α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and contractile activity was also observed in these cells, indicating a bystander-like adaptive response (dominance of internal exposome). Further bioinformatics and network analysis showed that a low-dose Nano-ZnO significantly induced a robust transcriptomic response and upregulated several hub genes associated with the development of lung fibrosis. We propose that Nano-ZnO, even at a no observable effect level (NOEL) dose according to conventional standards, can function as a potent nanostressor to disrupt airway epithelium homeostasis. This leads to a cascade of profibrotic events in a cross-tissue compartment fashion. Our findings offer new insights into the early acute events of respiratory harm associated with environmental NPs exposure, paving the way for better exposomic understanding of this emerging class of anthropogenic nanopollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Kao Hui Lee
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, N4.1, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Hong Kit Lim
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, N4.1, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Chengxun Su
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Clinical Sciences Building Level 11, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Jie Yan Cheryl Koh
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, N4.1, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute, 1 CleanTech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore 637141, Singapore
| | - Magdiel Inggrid Setyawati
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, N4.1, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Kee Woei Ng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, N4.1, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute, 1 CleanTech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore 637141, Singapore
- Center for Sustainable Materials (SusMat), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637553, Singapore
| | - Han Wei Hou
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Clinical Sciences Building Level 11, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Chor Yong Tay
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, N4.1, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute, 1 CleanTech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore 637141, Singapore
- Center for Sustainable Materials (SusMat), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637553, Singapore
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16
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Qian M, Li S, Xi K, Tang J, Shen X, Liu Y, Guo R, Zhang N, Gu Y, Xu Y, Cui W, Chen L. ECM-engineered electrospun fibers with an immune cascade effect for inhibiting tissue fibrosis. Acta Biomater 2023; 171:308-326. [PMID: 37673231 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.058] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Tissue regeneration/fibrosis after injury is intricately regulated by the immune cascade reaction and extracellular matrix (ECM). Dysregulated cascade signal could jeopardize tissue homeostasis leading to fibrosis. Bioactive scaffolds mimicking natural ECM microstructure and chemistry could regulate the cascade reaction to achieve tissue regeneration. The current study constructed an ECM-engineered micro/nanofibrous scaffold using self-assembled nanofibrous collagen and decorin (DCN)-loaded microfibers to regulate the immune cascade reaction. The ECM-engineered scaffold promoted anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative effects, M2 polarization of macrophages, by nanofibrous collagen. The ECM-engineered scaffold could release DCN to inhibit inflammation-associated fibrous angiogenesis. Yet, to prevent excessive M2 activity leading to tissue fibrosis, controlled release of DCN was expected to elicit M1 activity and achieve M1/M2 balance in the repair process. Regulated cascade reaction guided favorable crosstalk between macrophages, endothelial cells and fibroblasts by proximity. Additionally, decorin could also antagonize TGF-β1 via TGF-β/Smad3 pathway to suppress fibrotic activity of fibroblasts. Hence, ECM-engineered scaffolds could exert effective regulation of the immune cascade reaction by microstructure and DCN release and achieve the balance between tissue fibrosis and regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: With the incidence of up to 74.6%, failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) has been a lingering issue in spine surgery, which poses a heavy socio-economic burden to society. Epidural fibrosis is believed to be responsible for the onset of FBSS. Current biomaterial-based strategies treating epidural fibrosis mainly rely on physical barriers and unidirectional suppression of inflammation. Regulation of the immune cascade reaction for inhibiting fibrosis has not been widely studied. Based on the simultaneous regulation of M1/M2 polarization and intercellular crosstalk, the ECM-engineered micro/nanofibrous scaffolds constructed in the current study could exert an immune cascade effect to coordinate tissue regeneration and inhibit fibrosis. This finding makes a significant contribution in the development of a treatment for epidural fibrosis and FBSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Qian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006 PR China
| | - Shun Li
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pain Management, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China
| | - Kun Xi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006 PR China
| | - Jincheng Tang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006 PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Shen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 889 Wuzhong West Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, PR China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 215600, PR China
| | - Ran Guo
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pain Management, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China
| | - Nannan Zhang
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pain Management, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China
| | - Yong Gu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006 PR China.
| | - Yun Xu
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pain Management, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China.
| | - Wenguo Cui
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai 200025, PR China.
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006 PR China.
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17
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Wahlsten A, Stracuzzi A, Lüchtefeld I, Restivo G, Lindenblatt N, Giampietro C, Ehret AE, Mazza E. Multiscale mechanical analysis of the elastic modulus of skin. Acta Biomater 2023; 170:155-168. [PMID: 37598792 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of the skin determine tissue function and regulate dermal cell behavior. Yet measuring these properties remains challenging, as evidenced by the large range of elastic moduli reported in the literature-from below one kPa to hundreds of MPa. Here, we reconcile these disparate results by dedicated experiments at both tissue and cellular length scales and by computational models considering the multiscale and multiphasic tissue structure. At the macroscopic tissue length scale, the collective behavior of the collagen fiber network under tension provides functional tissue stiffness, and its properties determine the corresponding elastic modulus (100-200 kPa). The compliant microscale environment (0.1-10 kPa), probed by atomic force microscopy, arises from the ground matrix without engaging the collagen fiber network. Our analysis indicates that indentation-based elasticity measurements, although probing tissue properties at the cell-relevant length scale, do not assess the deformation mechanisms activated by dermal cells when exerting traction forces on the extracellular matrix. Using dermal-equivalent collagen hydrogels, we demonstrate that indentation measurements of tissue stiffness do not correlate with the behavior of embedded dermal fibroblasts. These results provide a deeper understanding of tissue mechanics across length scales with important implications for skin mechanobiology and tissue engineering. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Measuring the mechanical properties of the skin is essential for understanding dermal cell mechanobiology and designing tissue-engineered skin substitutes. However, previous results reported for the elastic modulus of skin vary by six orders of magnitude. We show that two distinct deformation mechanisms, related to the tension-compression nonlinearity of the collagen fiber network, can explain the large variations in elastic moduli. Furthermore, we show that microscale indentation, which is frequently used to assess the stiffness perceived by cells, fails to engage the fiber network, and therefore cannot predict the behavior of dermal fibroblasts in stiffness-tunable fibrous hydrogels. This has important implications for how to measure and interpret the mechanical properties of soft tissues across length scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Wahlsten
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Stracuzzi
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, Zurich 8092, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Ines Lüchtefeld
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Gloriastrasse 35, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Gaetana Restivo
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Lindenblatt
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Costanza Giampietro
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, Zurich 8092, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Alexander E Ehret
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, Zurich 8092, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Edoardo Mazza
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, Zurich 8092, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland.
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18
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Johnbosco C, Karbaat L, Korthagen NM, Warmink K, Koerselman M, Coeleveld K, Becker M, van Loo B, Zoetebier B, Both S, Weinans H, Karperien M, Leijten J. Microencapsulated stem cells reduce cartilage damage in a material dependent manner following minimally invasive intra-articular injection in an OA rat model. Mater Today Bio 2023; 22:100791. [PMID: 37731960 PMCID: PMC10507156 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease of the joints for which no curative treatment exists. Intra-articular injection of stem cells is explored as a regenerative approach, but rapid clearance of cells from the injection site limits the therapeutic outcome. Microencapsulation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can extend the retention time of MSCs, but the outcomes of the few studies currently performed are conflicting. We hypothesize that the composition of the micromaterial's shell plays a deciding factor in the treatment outcome of intra-articular MSC injection. To this end, we microencapsulate MSCs using droplet microfluidic generators in flow-focus mode using various polymers and polymer concentrations. We demonstrate that polymer composition and concentration potently alter the metabolic activity as well as the secretome of MSCs. Moreover, while microencapsulation consistently prolongs the retention time of MSC injected in rat joints, distinct biodistribution within the joint is demonstrated for the various microgel formulations. Furthermore, intra-articular injections of pristine and microencapsulated MSC in OA rat joints show a strong material-dependent effect on the reduction of cartilage degradation and matrix loss. Collectively, this study highlights that micromaterial composition and concentration are key deciding factors for the therapeutic outcome of intra-articular injections of microencapsulated stem cells to treat degenerative joint diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Castro Johnbosco
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, the Netherlands
| | - Lisanne Karbaat
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, the Netherlands
| | - Nicoline M. Korthagen
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Department of equine sciences, University of Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kelly Warmink
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Michelle Koerselman
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, the Netherlands
| | - Katja Coeleveld
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Malin Becker
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, the Netherlands
| | - Bas van Loo
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, the Netherlands
| | - Bram Zoetebier
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Both
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, the Netherlands
| | - Harrie Weinans
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Leijten
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, the Netherlands
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19
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Falcucci T, Radke M, Sahoo JK, Hasturk O, Kaplan DL. Multifunctional silk vinyl sulfone-based hydrogel scaffolds for dynamic material-cell interactions. Biomaterials 2023; 300:122201. [PMID: 37348323 PMCID: PMC10366540 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122201] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Biochemical and mechanical interactions between cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix influence cell behavior and fate. Mimicking these features in vitro has prompted the design and development of biomaterials, with continuing efforts to improve tailorable systems that also incorporate dynamic chemical functionalities. The majority of these chemistries have been incorporated into synthetic biomaterials, here we focus on modifications of silk protein with dynamic features achieved via enzymatic, "click", and photo-chemistries. The one-pot synthesis of vinyl sulfone modified silk (SilkVS) can be tuned to manipulate the degree of functionalization. The resultant modified protein-based material undergoes three different gelation mechanisms, enzymatic, "click", and light-induced, to generate hydrogels for in vitro cell culture. Further, the versatility of this chemical functionality is exploited to mimic cell-ECM interactions via the incorporation of bioactive peptides and proteins or by altering the mechanical properties of the material to guide cell behavior. SilkVS is well-suited for use in in vitro culture, providing a natural protein with both tunable biochemistry and mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Falcucci
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Margaret Radke
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medford, MA, USA
| | | | - Onur Hasturk
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medford, MA, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medford, MA, USA.
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20
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Liu T, Ge Y, Chen Z, Wu L, Tian T, Yao W, Zhao J. Synergistic Modulation of a Tunable Microenvironment to Fabricate a Liver Fibrosis Chip for Drug Testing. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:4893-4906. [PMID: 37523767 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00213] [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] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a progressive physiological change that occurs after liver injury and seriously endangers human health. The lack of reliable and physiologically relevant pathological models of liver fibrosis leads to a longer drug development period and sizeable economic investment. The fabrication of a biomimetic liver-on-a-chip is significant for liver disease treatment and drug development. Here, a sandwich chip with a microwell array structure in its bottom layer was fabricated to simulate the Disse space structure of hepatic sinusoids in vitro. By synergistic modulation of the cross-linking degree of gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels and the induction of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), the early and late stages of liver fibrosis were designed in the chip. Owing to its three-dimensional-mixed-culture strategy, it was possible to construct a liver sinusoid model in vitro to allow for faithful physiological emulation. The model was further subjected to drug treatment, and it presented a significant difference in treatment response in early and late fibrosis progression. Our system provides a unique method for emulating liver function through a vitro liver fibrosis-on-a-chip, potentially paving the way for investigating human liver fibrosis and related drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, P. R. China
- Xiangfu Laboratory, Jiashan 314102, P. R. China
| | - Yuqing Ge
- Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, P. R. China
| | - Zhongping Chen
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, P. R. China
| | - Tian Tian
- Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, P. R. China
| | - Wei Yao
- Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, P. R. China
| | - Jianlong Zhao
- Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
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21
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Mereness JA, Piraino L, Chen CY, Moyston T, Song Y, Shubin A, DeLouise LA, Ovitt CE, Benoit DSW. Slow hydrogel matrix degradation enhances salivary gland mimetic phenotype. Acta Biomater 2023; 166:187-200. [PMID: 37150277 PMCID: PMC10330445 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.05.005] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
We recently developed a salivary gland tissue mimetic (SGm), comprised of salivary gland cells encapsulated in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degradable poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels within arrays of ∼320 µm diameter spherical cavities molded in PDMS. The SGm provides a functional and physiologically relevant platform well-suited to high-throughput drug screening for radioprotective compounds. However, the utility of the SGm would benefit from improved retention of acinar cell phenotype and function. We hypothesized that tuning biochemical cues presented within the PEG hydrogel matrix would improve maintenance of acinar cell phenotype and function by mimicking the natural extracellular matrix microenvironment of the intact gland. Hydrogels formed using slower-degrading MMP-sensitive peptide crosslinkers showed >2-fold increase in sphere number formed at 48 h, increased expression of acinar cell markers, and more robust response to calcium stimulation by the secretory agonist, carbachol, with reduced SGm tissue cluster disruption and outgrowth during prolonged culture. The incorporation of adhesive peptides containing RGD or IKVAV improved calcium flux response to secretory agonists at 14 days of culture. Tuning the hydrogel matrix improved cell aggregation, and promoted acinar cell phenotype, and stability of the SGm over 14 days of culture. Furthermore, combining this matrix with optimized media conditions synergistically prolonged the retention of the acinar cell phenotype in SGm. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Salivary gland (SG) dysfunction occurs due to off-target radiation due to head and neck cancer treatments. Progress in understanding gland dysfunction and developing therapeutic strategies for the SG are hampered by the lack of in vitro models, as salivary gland cells rapidly lose critical secretory function within 24 hours in vitro. Herein, we identify properties of poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel matrices that enhance the secretory phenotype of SG tissue mimetics within the previously-described SG-microbubble tissue chip environment. Combining slow-degrading hydrogels with media conditions optimized for secretory marker expression further enhanced functional secretory response and secretory marker expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared A Mereness
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, United States
| | - Lindsay Piraino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, United States; Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester, United States; Materials Science Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Chiao Yun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, United States
| | - Tracey Moyston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, United States
| | - Yuanhui Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, United States; Knight Campus Department of Bioengineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Andrew Shubin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, United States; Department of General Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Lisa A DeLouise
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, United States; Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester, United States; Materials Science Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Catherine E Ovitt
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, United States
| | - Danielle S W Benoit
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, United States; Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester, United States; Materials Science Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester, United States; Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States; Knight Campus Bioengineering Department, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States.
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22
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Dabaghi M, Carpio MB, Saraei N, Moran-Mirabal JM, Kolb MR, Hirota JA. A roadmap for developing and engineering in vitro pulmonary fibrosis models. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:021302. [PMID: 38510343 PMCID: PMC10903385 DOI: 10.1063/5.0134177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe form of pulmonary fibrosis. IPF is a fatal disease with no cure and is challenging to diagnose. Unfortunately, due to the elusive etiology of IPF and a late diagnosis, there are no cures for IPF. Two FDA-approved drugs for IPF, nintedanib and pirfenidone, slow the progression of the disease, yet fail to cure or reverse it. Furthermore, most animal models have been unable to completely recapitulate the physiology of human IPF, resulting in the failure of many drug candidates in preclinical studies. In the last few decades, the development of new IPF drugs focused on changes at the cellular level, as it was believed that the cells were the main players in IPF development and progression. However, recent studies have shed light on the critical role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in IPF development, where the ECM communicates with cells and initiates a positive feedback loop to promote fibrotic processes. Stemming from this shift in the understanding of fibrosis, there is a need to develop in vitro model systems that mimic the human lung microenvironment to better understand how biochemical and biomechanical cues drive fibrotic processes in IPF. However, current in vitro cell culture platforms, which may include substrates with different stiffness or natural hydrogels, have shortcomings in recapitulating the complexity of fibrosis. This review aims to draw a roadmap for developing advanced in vitro pulmonary fibrosis models, which can be leveraged to understand better different mechanisms involved in IPF and develop drug candidates with improved efficacy. We begin with a brief overview defining pulmonary fibrosis and highlight the importance of ECM components in the disease progression. We focus on fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the context of ECM biology and fibrotic processes, as most conventional advanced in vitro models of pulmonary fibrosis use these cell types. We transition to discussing the parameters of the 3D microenvironment that are relevant in pulmonary fibrosis progression. Finally, the review ends by summarizing the state of the art in the field and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadhossein Dabaghi
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health—Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Mabel Barreiro Carpio
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Arthur N. Bourns Science Building, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4M1, Canada
| | - Neda Saraei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Engineering Technology Building, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
| | | | - Martin R. Kolb
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health—Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4A6, Canada
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23
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Nizamoglu M, Burgess JK. Current possibilities and future opportunities provided by three-dimensional lung ECM-derived hydrogels. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1154193. [PMID: 36969853 PMCID: PMC10034771 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1154193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the complex interplay between cells and extracellular matrix (ECM), the scaffold that provides support, biochemical and biomechanical cues, is emerging as a key element underlying lung diseases. We readily acknowledge that the lung is a flexible, relatively soft tissue that is three dimensional (3D) in structure, hence a need exists to develop in vitro model systems that reflect these properties. Lung ECM-derived hydrogels have recently emerged as a model system that mimics native lung physiology; they contain most of the plethora of biochemical components in native lung, as well as reflecting the biomechanics of native tissue. Research investigating the contribution of cell:matrix interactions to acute and chronic lung diseases has begun adopting these models but has yet to harness their full potential. This perspective article provides insight about the latest advances in the development, modification, characterization and utilization of lung ECM-derived hydrogels. We highlight some opportunities for expanding research incorporating lung ECM-derived hydrogels and potential improvements for the current approaches. Expanding the capabilities of investigations using lung ECM-derived hydrogels is positioned at a cross roads of disciplines, the path to new and innovative strategies for unravelling disease underlying mechanisms will benefit greatly from interdisciplinary approaches. While challenges need to be addressed before the maximum potential can be unlocked, with the rapid pace at which this field is evolving, we are close to a future where faster, more efficient and safer drug development targeting the disrupted 3D microenvironment is possible using lung ECM-derived hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Janette K. Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Janette K. Burgess,
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24
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Pan HJ, Lee CW, Wu LY, Hsu HH, Tung YC, Liao WY, Lee CH. A 3D culture system for evaluating the combined effects of cisplatin and anti-fibrotic drugs on the growth and invasion of lung cancer cells co-cultured with fibroblasts. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:016117. [PMID: 37006781 PMCID: PMC10060027 DOI: 10.1063/5.0115464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis and fibroblast activation usually occur in the tissues surrounding a malignant tumor; therefore, anti-fibrotic drugs are used in addition to chemotherapy. A reliable technique for evaluating the combined effects of anti-fibrotic drugs and anticancer drugs would be beneficial for the development of an appropriate treatment strategy. In this study, we manufactured a three-dimensional (3D) co-culture system of fibroblasts and lung cancer cell spheroids in Matrigel supplemented with fibrin (fibrin/Matrigel) that simulated the tissue microenvironment around a solid tumor. We compared the efficacy of an anticancer drug (cisplatin) with or without pretreatments of two anti-fibrotic drugs, nintedanib and pirfenidone, on the growth and invasion of cancer cells co-cultured with fibroblasts. The results showed that the addition of nintedanib improved cisplatin's effects on suppressing the growth of cancer cell spheroids and the invasion of cancer cells. In contrast, pirfenidone did not enhance the anticancer activity of cisplatin. Nintedanib also showed higher efficacy than pirfenidone in reducing the expression of four genes in fibroblasts associated with cell adhesion, invasion, and extracellular matrix degradation. This study demonstrated that the 3D co-cultures in fibrin/Matrigel would be useful for assessing the effects of drug combinations on tumor growth and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huei-Jyuan Pan
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Lee
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yu Wu
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Heng-Hua Hsu
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chung Tung
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yu Liao
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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25
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Lee JW, Song KH. Fibrous hydrogels by electrospinning: Novel platforms for biomedical applications. J Tissue Eng 2023; 14:20417314231191881. [PMID: 37581121 PMCID: PMC10423451 DOI: 10.1177/20417314231191881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels, hydrophilic and biocompatible polymeric networks, have been used for numerous biomedical applications because they have exhibited abilities to mimic features of extracellular matrix (ECM). In particular, the hydrogels engineered with electrospinning techniques have shown great performances in biomedical applications. Electrospinning techniques are to generate polymeric micro/nanofibers that can mimic geometries of natural ECM by drawing micro/nanofibers from polymer precursors with electrical forces, followed by structural stabilization of them. By exploiting the electrospinning techniques, the fibrous hydrogels have been fabricated and utilized as 2D/3D cell culture platforms, implantable scaffolds, and wound dressings. In addition, some hydrogels that respond to external stimuli have been used to develop biosensors. For comprehensive understanding, this review covers electrospinning processes, hydrogel precursors used for electrospinning, characteristics of fibrous hydrogels and specific biomedical applications of electrospun fibrous hydrogels and highlight their potential to promote use in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Woo Lee
- Department of Nano-Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Hoon Song
- Department of Nano-Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Research Center of Brain-Machine Interface, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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26
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Caracena T, Blomberg R, Hewawasam RS, Fry ZE, Riches DWH, Magin CM. Alveolar epithelial cells and microenvironmental stiffness synergistically drive fibroblast activation in three-dimensional hydrogel lung models. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:7133-7148. [PMID: 36366982 PMCID: PMC9729409 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00827k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating lung disease that progressively and irreversibly alters the lung parenchyma, eventually leading to respiratory failure. The study of this disease has been historically challenging due to the myriad of complex processes that contribute to fibrogenesis and the inherent difficulty in accurately recreating the human pulmonary environment in vitro. Here, we describe a poly(ethylene glycol) PEG hydrogel-based three-dimensional model for the co-culture of primary murine pulmonary fibroblasts and alveolar epithelial cells that reproduces the micro-architecture, cell placement, and mechanical properties of healthy and fibrotic lung tissue. Co-cultured cells retained normal levels of viability up to at least three weeks and displayed differentiation patterns observed in vivo during IPF progression. Interrogation of protein and gene expression within this model showed that myofibroblast activation required both extracellular mechanical cues and the presence of alveolar epithelial cells. Differences in gene expression indicated that cellular co-culture induced TGF-β signaling and proliferative gene expression, while microenvironmental stiffness upregulated the expression of genes related to cell-ECM interactions. This biomaterial-based cell culture system serves as a significant step forward in the accurate recapitulation of human lung tissue in vitro and highlights the need to incorporate multiple factors that work together synergistically in vivo into models of lung biology of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Caracena
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, USA.
| | - Rachel Blomberg
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, USA.
| | - Rukshika S Hewawasam
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, USA.
| | - Zoe E Fry
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, USA.
| | - David W H Riches
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
- Department of Research, Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
| | - Chelsea M Magin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, USA.
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
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27
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Song J, Gao H, Zhang H, George OJ, Hillman AS, Fox JM, Jia X. Matrix Adhesiveness Regulates Myofibroblast Differentiation from Vocal Fold Fibroblasts in a Bio-orthogonally Cross-linked Hydrogel. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:51669-51682. [PMID: 36367478 PMCID: PMC10350853 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c13852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Repeated mechanical and chemical insults cause an irreversible alteration of extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and properties, giving rise to vocal fold scarring that is refractory to treatment. Although it is well known that fibroblast activation to myofibroblast is the key to the development of the pathology, the lack of a physiologically relevant in vitro model of vocal folds impedes mechanistic investigations on how ECM cues promote myofibroblast differentiation. Herein, we describe a bio-orthogonally cross-linked hydrogel platform that recapitulates the alteration of matrix adhesiveness due to enhanced fibronectin deposition when vocal fold wound healing is initiated. The synthetic ECM (sECM) was established via the cycloaddition reaction of tetrazine (Tz) with slow (norbornene, Nb)- and fast (trans-cyclooctene, TCO)-reacting dienophiles. The relatively slow Tz-Nb ligation allowed the establishment of the covalent hydrogel network for 3D cell encapsulation, while the rapid and efficient Tz-TCO reaction enabled precise conjugation of the cell-adhesive RGDSP peptide in the hydrogel network. To mimic the dynamic changes of ECM composition during wound healing, RGDSP was conjugated to cell-laden hydrogel constructs via a diffusion-controlled bioorthognal ligation method 3 days post encapsulation. At a low RGDSP concentration (0.2 mM), fibroblasts residing in the hydrogel remained quiescent when maintained in transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-conditioned media. However, at a high concentration (2 mM), RGDSP potentiated TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation, as evidenced by the formation of an actin cytoskeleton network, including F-actin and alpha-smooth muscle actin. The RGDSP-driven fibroblast activation to myofibroblast was accompanied with an increase in the expression of wound healing-related genes, the secretion of profibrotic cytokines, and matrix contraction required for tissue remodeling. This work represents the first step toward the establishment of a 3D hydrogel-based cellular model for studying myofibroblast differentiation in a defined niche associated with vocal fold scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Song
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Hanyuan Gao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - He Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Olivia J. George
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Ashlyn S. Hillman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Joseph. M. Fox
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Xinqiao Jia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, Delaware, USA
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28
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Wang EY, Zhao Y, Okhovatian S, Smith JB, Radisic M. Intersection of stem cell biology and engineering towards next generation in vitro models of human fibrosis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1005051. [PMID: 36338120 PMCID: PMC9630603 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1005051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Human fibrotic diseases constitute a major health problem worldwide. Fibrosis involves significant etiological heterogeneity and encompasses a wide spectrum of diseases affecting various organs. To date, many fibrosis targeted therapeutic agents failed due to inadequate efficacy and poor prognosis. In order to dissect disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic solutions for fibrosis patients, in vitro disease models have gone a long way in terms of platform development. The introduction of engineered organ-on-a-chip platforms has brought a revolutionary dimension to the current fibrosis studies and discovery of anti-fibrotic therapeutics. Advances in human induced pluripotent stem cells and tissue engineering technologies are enabling significant progress in this field. Some of the most recent breakthroughs and emerging challenges are discussed, with an emphasis on engineering strategies for platform design, development, and application of machine learning on these models for anti-fibrotic drug discovery. In this review, we discuss engineered designs to model fibrosis and how biosensor and machine learning technologies combine to facilitate mechanistic studies of fibrosis and pre-clinical drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Yan Wang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jacob B. Smith
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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29
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Cell mediated remodeling of stiffness matched collagen and fibrin scaffolds. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11736. [PMID: 35817812 PMCID: PMC9273755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14953-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells are known to continuously remodel their local extracellular matrix (ECM) and in a reciprocal way, they can also respond to mechanical and biochemical properties of their fibrous environment. In this study, we measured how stiffness around dermal fibroblasts (DFs) and human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells differs with concentration of rat tail type 1 collagen (T1C) and type of ECM. Peri-cellular stiffness was probed in four directions using multi-axes optical tweezers active microrheology (AMR). First, we found that neither cell type significantly altered local stiffness landscape at different concentrations of T1C. Next, rat tail T1C, bovine skin T1C and fibrin cell-free hydrogels were polymerized at concentrations formulated to match median stiffness value. Each of these hydrogels exhibited distinct fiber architecture. Stiffness landscape and fibronectin secretion, but not nuclear/cytoplasmic YAP ratio differed with ECM type. Further, cell response to Y27632 or BB94 treatments, inhibiting cell contractility and activity of matrix metalloproteinases, respectively, was also dependent on ECM type. Given differential effect of tested ECMs on peri-cellular stiffness landscape, treatment effect and cell properties, this study underscores the need for peri-cellular and not bulk stiffness measurements in studies on cellular mechanotransduction.
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30
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Nizamoglu M, de Hilster RHJ, Zhao F, Sharma PK, Borghuis T, Harmsen MC, Burgess JK. An in vitro model of fibrosis using crosslinked native extracellular matrix-derived hydrogels to modulate biomechanics without changing composition. Acta Biomater 2022; 147:50-62. [PMID: 35605955 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic network of proteins, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, providing structure to the tissue and biochemical and biomechanical instructions to the resident cells. In fibrosis, the composition and the organization of the ECM are altered, and these changes influence cellular behaviour. Biochemical (i. e. protein composition) and biomechanical changes in ECM take place simultaneously in vivo. Investigating these changes individually in vitro to examine their (patho)physiological effects has been difficult. In this study, we generated an in vitro model to reflect the altered mechanics of a fibrotic microenvironment through applying fibre crosslinking via ruthenium/sodium persulfate crosslinking on native lung ECM-derived hydrogels. Crosslinking of the hydrogels without changing the biochemical composition of the ECM resulted in increased stiffness and decreased viscoelastic stress relaxation. The altered stress relaxation behaviour was explained using a generalized Maxwell model. Fibre analysis of the hydrogels showed that crosslinked hydrogels had a higher percentage of matrix with a high density and a shorter average fibre length. Fibroblasts seeded on ruthenium-crosslinked lung ECM-derived hydrogels showed myofibroblastic differentiation with a loss of spindle-like morphology together with greater α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, increased nuclear area and circularity without any decrease in the viability, compared with the fibroblasts seeded on the native lung-derived ECM hydrogels. In summary, ruthenium crosslinking of native ECM-derived hydrogels provides an exciting opportunity to alter the biomechanical properties of the ECM-derived hydrogels while maintaining the protein composition of the ECM to study the influence of mechanics during fibrotic lung diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Fibrotic lung disease is characterized by changes in composition and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM fibre structure also changes due to crosslinking, which results in mechanical changes. Separating the changes in composition and mechanical properties has been difficult to date. In this study, we developed an in vitro model that allows alteration of the mechanical changes alone by applying fibre crosslinking in native lung ECM-derived hydrogels. Characterisations of the crosslinked hydrogels indicated the model mimicked mechanical properties of fibrotic lung tissue and reflected altered fibre organisation. This ECM-based fibrosis model provides a method to preserve the native protein composition while altering the mechanical properties providing an important tool, not only for lung but also other organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roderick H J de Hilster
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Fenghua Zhao
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Prashant K Sharma
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Theo Borghuis
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin C Harmsen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Long H, Vos BE, Betz T, Baker BM, Trappmann B. Nonswelling and Hydrolytically Stable Hydrogels Uncover Cellular Mechanosensing in 3D. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105325. [PMID: 35187856 PMCID: PMC9036035 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
While matrix stiffness regulates cell behavior on 2D substrates, recent studies using synthetic hydrogels have suggested that in 3D environments, cell behavior is primarily impacted by matrix degradability, independent of stiffness. However, these studies did not consider the potential impact of other confounding matrix parameters that typically covary with changes in stiffness, particularly, hydrogel swelling and hydrolytic stability, which may explain the previously observed distinctions in cell response in 2D versus 3D settings. To investigate how cells sense matrix stiffness in 3D environments, a nonswelling, hydrolytically stable, linearly elastic synthetic hydrogel model is developed in which matrix stiffness and degradability can be tuned independently. It is found that matrix degradability regulates cell spreading kinetics, while matrix stiffness dictates the final spread area once cells achieve equilibrium spreading. Importantly, the differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells toward adipocytes or osteoblasts is regulated by the spread state of progenitor cells upon initiating differentiation. These studies uncover matrix stiffness as a major regulator of cell function not just in 2D, but also in 3D environments, and identify matrix degradability as a critical microenvironmental feature in 3D that in conjunction with matrix stiffness dictates cell spreading, cytoskeletal state, and stem cell differentiation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Long
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 20Münster48149Germany
| | - Bart E. Vos
- Third Institute of Physics – BiophysicsGeorg August University GöttingenGöttingen37077Germany
| | - Timo Betz
- Third Institute of Physics – BiophysicsGeorg August University GöttingenGöttingen37077Germany
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Engineered Microenvironments and Mechanobiology LabDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Britta Trappmann
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 20Münster48149Germany
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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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Nho RS, Ballinger MN, Rojas MM, Ghadiali SN, Horowitz JC. Biomechanical Force and Cellular Stiffness in Lung Fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:750-761. [PMID: 35183510 PMCID: PMC9088200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Lung fibrosis is characterized by the continuous accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins produced by apoptosis-resistant (myo)fibroblasts. Lung epithelial injury promotes the recruitment and activation of fibroblasts, which are necessary for tissue repair and restoration of homeostasis. However, under pathologic conditions, a vicious cycle generated by profibrotic growth factors/cytokines, multicellular interactions, and matrix-associated signaling propagates the wound repair response and promotes lung fibrosis characterized not only by increased quantities of ECM proteins but also by changes in the biomechanical properties of the matrix. Importantly, changes in the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the matrix itself can serve to perpetuate fibroblast activity and propagate fibrosis, even in the absence of the initial stimulus of injury. The development of novel experimental models and methods increasingly facilitates our ability to interrogate fibrotic processes at the cellular and molecular levels. The goal of this review is to discuss the impact of ECM conditions in the development of lung fibrosis and to introduce new approaches to more accurately model the in vivo fibrotic microenvironment. This article highlights the pathologic roles of ECM in terms of mechanical force and the cellular interactions while reviewing in vitro and ex vivo models of lung fibrosis. The improved understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that contribute to lung fibrosis holds promise for identification of new therapeutic targets and improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Nho
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
| | - Megan N Ballinger
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mauricio M Rojas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Samir N Ghadiali
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jeffrey C Horowitz
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
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Beeghly GF, Amofa KY, Fischbach C, Kumar S. Regulation of Tumor Invasion by the Physical Microenvironment: Lessons from Breast and Brain Cancer. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2022; 24:29-59. [PMID: 35119915 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-110220-115419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The success of anticancer therapies is often limited by heterogeneity within and between tumors. While much attention has been devoted to understanding the intrinsic molecular diversity of tumor cells, the surrounding tissue microenvironment is also highly complex and coevolves with tumor cells to drive clinical outcomes. Here, we propose that diverse types of solid tumors share common physical motifs that change in time and space, serving as universal regulators of malignancy. We use breast cancer and glioblastoma as instructive examples and highlight how invasion in both diseases is driven by the appropriation of structural guidance cues, contact-dependent heterotypic interactions with stromal cells, and elevated interstitial fluid pressure and flow. We discuss how engineering strategies show increasing value for measuring and modeling these physical properties for mechanistic studies. Moreover, engineered systems offer great promise for developing and testing novel therapies that improve patient prognosis by normalizing the physical tumor microenvironment. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, Volume 24 is June 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett F Beeghly
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Kwasi Y Amofa
- University of California, Berkeley-University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California, USA; .,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Claudia Fischbach
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA; .,Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- University of California, Berkeley-University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California, USA; .,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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35
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Spatiotemporal control of myofibroblast activation in acoustically-responsive scaffolds via ultrasound-induced matrix stiffening. Acta Biomater 2022; 138:133-143. [PMID: 34808418 PMCID: PMC8738148 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels are often used to study the impact of biomechanical and topographical cues on cell behavior. Conventional hydrogels are designed a priori, with characteristics that cannot be dynamically changed in an externally controlled, user-defined manner. We developed a composite hydrogel, termed an acoustically-responsive scaffold (ARS), that enables non-invasive, spatiotemporally controlled modulation of mechanical and morphological properties using focused ultrasound. An ARS consists of a phase-shift emulsion distributed in a fibrin matrix. Ultrasound non-thermally vaporizes the emulsion into bubbles, which induces localized, radial compaction and stiffening of the fibrin matrix. In this in vitro study, we investigate how this mechanism can control the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, a transition correlated with substrate stiffness on 2D substrates. Matrix compaction and stiffening was shown to be highly localized using confocal and atomic force microscopies, respectively. Myofibroblast phenotype, evaluated by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunocytochemistry, significantly increased in matrix regions proximal to bubbles compared to distal regions, irrespective of the addition of exogenous transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Introduction of the TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor SB431542 abrogated the proximal enhancement. This approach providing spatiotemporal control over biophysical signals and resulting cell behavior could aid in better understanding fibrotic disease progression and the development of therapeutic interventions for chronic wounds. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Hydrogels are used in cell culture to recapitulate both biochemical and biophysical aspects of the native extracellular matrix. Biophysical cues like stiffness can impact cell behavior. However, with conventional hydrogels, there is a limited ability to actively modulate stiffness after polymerization. We have developed an ultrasound-based method of spatiotemporally-controlling mechanical and morphological properties within a composite hydrogel, termed an acoustically-responsive scaffold (ARS). Upon exposure to ultrasound, bubbles are non-thermally generated within the fibrin matrix of an ARS, thereby locally compacting and stiffening the matrix. We demonstrate how ARSs control the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts in 2D. This approach could assist with the study of fibrosis and the development of therapies for chronic wounds.
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36
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Nerger BA, Jones TM, Rose KWJ, Barqué A, Weinbaum JS, Petrie RJ, Chang J, Vanhoutte D, LaDuca K, Hubmacher D, Naba A. The matrix in focus: new directions in extracellular matrix research from the 2021 ASMB hybrid meeting. Biol Open 2022; 11:bio059156. [PMID: 34994383 PMCID: PMC8749129 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex assembly of macromolecules that provides both architectural support and molecular signals to cells and modulate their behaviors. Originally considered a passive mechanical structure, decades of research have since demonstrated how the ECM dynamically regulates a diverse set of cellular processes in development, homeostasis, and disease progression. In September 2021, the American Society for Matrix Biology (ASMB) organized a hybrid scientific meeting, integrating in-person and virtual formats, to discuss the latest developments in ECM research. Here, we highlight exciting scientific advances that emerged from the meeting including (1) the use of model systems for fundamental and translation ECM research, (2) ECM-targeting approaches as therapeutic modalities, (3) cell-ECM interactions, and (4) the ECM as a critical component of tissue engineering strategies. In addition, we discuss how the ASMB incorporated mentoring, career development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in both virtual and in-person events. Finally, we reflect on the hybrid scientific conference format and how it will help the ASMB accomplish its mission moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A. Nerger
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tia M. Jones
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Keron W. J. Rose
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Anna Barqué
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
| | - Justin S. Weinbaum
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Pathology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Ryan J. Petrie
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joan Chang
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Davy Vanhoutte
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Kendra LaDuca
- American Society for Matrix Biology, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Dirk Hubmacher
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Alexandra Naba
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
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37
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Mosquera MJ, Kim S, Bareja R, Fang Z, Cai S, Pan H, Asad M, Martin ML, Sigouros M, Rowdo FM, Ackermann S, Capuano J, Bernheim J, Cheung C, Doane A, Brady N, Singh R, Rickman DS, Prabhu V, Allen JE, Puca L, Coskun AF, Rubin MA, Beltran H, Mosquera JM, Elemento O, Singh A. Extracellular Matrix in Synthetic Hydrogel-Based Prostate Cancer Organoids Regulate Therapeutic Response to EZH2 and DRD2 Inhibitors. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2100096. [PMID: 34676924 PMCID: PMC8820841 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202100096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Following treatment with androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors, ≈20% of prostate cancer patients progress by shedding their AR-dependence. These tumors undergo epigenetic reprogramming turning castration-resistant prostate cancer adenocarcinoma (CRPC-Adeno) into neuroendocrine prostate cancer (CRPC-NEPC). No targeted therapies are available for CRPC-NEPCs, and there are minimal organoid models to discover new therapeutic targets against these aggressive tumors. Here, using a combination of patient tumor proteomics, RNA sequencing, spatial-omics, and a synthetic hydrogel-based organoid, putative extracellular matrix (ECM) cues that regulate the phenotypic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic underpinnings of CRPC-NEPCs are defined. Short-term culture in tumor-expressed ECM differentially regulated DNA methylation and mobilized genes in CRPC-NEPCs. The ECM type distinctly regulates the response to small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic targets and Dopamine Receptor D2 (DRD2), the latter being an understudied target in neuroendocrine tumors. In vivo patient-derived xenograft in immunocompromised mice showed strong anti-tumor response when treated with a DRD2 inhibitor. Finally, we demonstrate that therapeutic response in CRPC-NEPCs under drug-resistant ECM conditions can be overcome by first cellular reprogramming with epigenetic inhibitors, followed by DRD2 treatment. The synthetic organoids suggest the regulatory role of ECM in therapeutic response to targeted therapies in CRPC-NEPCs and enable the discovery of therapies to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Mosquera
- Sibley School of Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Sungwoong Kim
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Rohan Bareja
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Zhou Fang
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Shuangyi Cai
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Heng Pan
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Muhammad Asad
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Maria Laura Martin
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Michael Sigouros
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Florencia M Rowdo
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Sarah Ackermann
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Jared Capuano
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Jacob Bernheim
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Cynthia Cheung
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Ashley Doane
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Nicholas Brady
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Richa Singh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - David S Rickman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | | | | | - Loredana Puca
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Ahmet F Coskun
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Mark A Rubin
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Himisha Beltran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Juan Miguel Mosquera
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Ankur Singh
- Sibley School of Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
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Cao H, Duan L, Zhang Y, Cao J, Zhang K. Current hydrogel advances in physicochemical and biological response-driven biomedical application diversity. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:426. [PMID: 34916490 PMCID: PMC8674418 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00830-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel is a type of versatile platform with various biomedical applications after rational structure and functional design that leverages on material engineering to modulate its physicochemical properties (e.g., stiffness, pore size, viscoelasticity, microarchitecture, degradability, ligand presentation, stimulus-responsive properties, etc.) and influence cell signaling cascades and fate. In the past few decades, a plethora of pioneering studies have been implemented to explore the cell-hydrogel matrix interactions and figure out the underlying mechanisms, paving the way to the lab-to-clinic translation of hydrogel-based therapies. In this review, we first introduced the physicochemical properties of hydrogels and their fabrication approaches concisely. Subsequently, the comprehensive description and deep discussion were elucidated, wherein the influences of different hydrogels properties on cell behaviors and cellular signaling events were highlighted. These behaviors or events included integrin clustering, focal adhesion (FA) complex accumulation and activation, cytoskeleton rearrangement, protein cyto-nuclei shuttling and activation (e.g., Yes-associated protein (YAP), catenin, etc.), cellular compartment reorganization, gene expression, and further cell biology modulation (e.g., spreading, migration, proliferation, lineage commitment, etc.). Based on them, current in vitro and in vivo hydrogel applications that mainly covered diseases models, various cell delivery protocols for tissue regeneration and disease therapy, smart drug carrier, bioimaging, biosensor, and conductive wearable/implantable biodevices, etc. were further summarized and discussed. More significantly, the clinical translation potential and trials of hydrogels were presented, accompanied with which the remaining challenges and future perspectives in this field were emphasized. Collectively, the comprehensive and deep insights in this review will shed light on the design principles of new biomedical hydrogels to understand and modulate cellular processes, which are available for providing significant indications for future hydrogel design and serving for a broad range of biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Cao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 610064, Chengdu, P. R. China
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Lixia Duan
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Cao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 610064, Chengdu, P. R. China.
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Stojkov G, Niyazov Z, Picchioni F, Bose RK. Relationship between Structure and Rheology of Hydrogels for Various Applications. Gels 2021; 7:255. [PMID: 34940315 PMCID: PMC8700820 DOI: 10.3390/gels7040255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels have gained a lot of attention with their widespread use in different industrial applications. The versatility in the synthesis and the nature of the precursor reactants allow for a varying range of hydrogels with different mechanical and rheological properties. Understanding of the rheological behavior and the relationship between the chemical structure and the resulting properties is crucial, and is the focus of this review. Specifically, we include detailed discussion on the correlation between the rheological characteristics of hydrogels and their possible applications. Different rheological tests such as time, temperature and frequency sweep, among others, are described and the results of those tests are reported. The most prevalent applications of hydrogels are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ranjita K. Bose
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Product Technology, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands; (G.S.); (Z.N.); (F.P.)
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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: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [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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Matera DL, Lee AT, Hiraki HL, Baker BM. The Role of Rho GTPases During Fibroblast Spreading, Migration, and Myofibroblast Differentiation in 3D Synthetic Fibrous Matrices. Cell Mol Bioeng 2021; 14:381-396. [PMID: 34777599 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-021-00698-5] [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: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Connective tissue repair and mechanosensing are tightly entwined in vivo and occur within a complex three-dimensional (3D), fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM). Typically driven by activated fibroblasts, wound repair involves well-defined steps of cell spreading, migration, proliferation, and fibrous ECM deposition. While the role of Rho GTPases in regulating these processes has been explored extensively in two-dimensional cell culture models, much less is known about their role in more physiologic, 3D environments. Methods We employed a 3D, fibrous and protease-sensitive hydrogel model of interstitial ECM to study the interplay between Rho GTPases and fibrous matrix cues in fibroblasts during wound healing. Results Modulating fiber density within protease-sensitive hydrogels, we confirmed previous findings that heightened fiber density promotes fibroblast spreading and proliferation. The presence of matrix fibers furthermore corresponded to increased cell migration speeds and macroscopic hydrogel contraction arising from fibroblast generated forces. During fibroblast spreading, Rac1 and RhoA GTPase activity proved crucial for fiber-mediated cell spreading and contact guidance along matrix fibers, while Cdc42 was dispensable. In contrast, interplay between RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 contributed to fiber-mediated myofibroblast differentiation and matrix contraction over longer time scales. Conclusion These observations may provide insights into tissue repair processes in vivo and motivate the incorporation of cell-adhesive fibers within synthetic hydrogels for material-guided wound repair strategies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-021-00698-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Matera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Alexander T Lee
- Department of Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Harrison L Hiraki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2174 Lurie BME Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2174 Lurie BME Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
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Novak C, Ballinger MN, Ghadiali S. Mechanobiology of Pulmonary Diseases: A Review of Engineering Tools to Understand Lung Mechanotransduction. J Biomech Eng 2021; 143:110801. [PMID: 33973005 PMCID: PMC8299813 DOI: 10.1115/1.4051118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cells within the lung micro-environment are continuously subjected to dynamic mechanical stimuli which are converted into biochemical signaling events in a process known as mechanotransduction. In pulmonary diseases, the abrogated mechanical conditions modify the homeostatic signaling which influences cellular phenotype and disease progression. The use of in vitro models has significantly expanded our understanding of lung mechanotransduction mechanisms. However, our ability to match complex facets of the lung including three-dimensionality, multicellular interactions, and multiple simultaneous forces is limited and it has proven difficult to replicate and control these factors in vitro. The goal of this review is to (a) outline the anatomy of the pulmonary system and the mechanical stimuli that reside therein, (b) describe how disease impacts the mechanical micro-environment of the lung, and (c) summarize how existing in vitro models have contributed to our current understanding of pulmonary mechanotransduction. We also highlight critical needs in the pulmonary mechanotransduction field with an emphasis on next-generation devices that can simulate the complex mechanical and cellular environment of the lung. This review provides a comprehensive basis for understanding the current state of knowledge in pulmonary mechanotransduction and identifying the areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caymen Novak
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, 473 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Megan N. Ballinger
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, 473 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Samir Ghadiali
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, 473 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, 2124N Fontana Labs, 140 West 19th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210
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Wang WY, Kent RN, Huang SA, Jarman EH, Shikanov EH, Davidson CD, Hiraki HL, Lin D, Wall MA, Matera DL, Shin JW, Polacheck WJ, Shikanov A, Baker BM. Direct comparison of angiogenesis in natural and synthetic biomaterials reveals that matrix porosity regulates endothelial cell invasion speed and sprout diameter. Acta Biomater 2021; 135:260-273. [PMID: 34469789 PMCID: PMC8595798 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vascularization of large, diffusion-hindered biomaterial implants requires an understanding of how extracellular matrix (ECM) properties regulate angiogenesis. Sundry biomaterials assessed across many disparate angiogenesis assays have highlighted ECM determinants that influence this complex multicellular process. However, the abundance of material platforms, each with unique parameters to model endothelial cell (EC) sprouting presents additional challenges of interpretation and comparison between studies. In this work we directly compared the angiogenic potential of commonly utilized natural (collagen and fibrin) and synthetic dextran vinyl sulfone (DexVS) hydrogels in a multiplexed angiogenesis-on-a-chip platform. Modulating matrix density of collagen and fibrin hydrogels confirmed prior findings that increases in matrix density correspond to increased EC invasion as connected, multicellular sprouts, but with decreased invasion speeds. Angiogenesis in synthetic DexVS hydrogels, however, resulted in fewer multicellular sprouts. Characterizing hydrogel Young's modulus and permeability (a measure of matrix porosity), we identified matrix permeability to significantly correlate with EC invasion depth and sprout diameter. Although microporous collagen and fibrin hydrogels produced lumenized sprouts in vitro, they rapidly resorbed post-implantation into the murine epididymal fat pad. In contrast, DexVS hydrogels proved comparatively stable. To enhance angiogenesis within DexVS hydrogels, we incorporated sacrificial microgels to generate cell-scale pores throughout the hydrogel. Microporous DexVS hydrogels resulted in lumenized sprouts in vitro and enhanced cell invasion in vivo. Towards the design of vascularized biomaterials for long-term regenerative therapies, this work suggests that synthetic biomaterials offer improved size and shape control following implantation and that tuning matrix porosity may better support host angiogenesis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding how extracellular matrix properties govern angiogenesis will inform biomaterial design for engineering vascularized implantable grafts. Here, we utilized a multiplexed angiogenesis-on-a-chip platform to compare the angiogenic potential of natural (collagen and fibrin) and synthetic dextran vinyl sulfone (DexVS) hydrogels. Characterization of matrix properties and sprout morphometrics across these materials points to matrix porosity as a critical regulator of sprout invasion speed and diameter, supported by the observation that nanoporous DexVS hydrogels yielded endothelial cell sprouts that were not perfusable. To enhance angiogenesis into synthetic hydrogels, we incorporated sacrificial microgels to generate microporosity. We find that microporosity increased sprout diameter in vitro and cell invasion in vivo. This work establishes a composite materials approach to enhance the vascularization of synthetic hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Y Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Robert N Kent
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Stephanie A Huang
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, United States
| | - Evan H Jarman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Eve H Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Christopher D Davidson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Harrison L Hiraki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Daphne Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Monica A Wall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Daniel L Matera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Jae-Won Shin
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine & Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, United States
| | - William J Polacheck
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, United States; McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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Kim S, Choi C, Cha C. Mechanotopography-Driven Design of Dispersible Nanofiber-Laden Hydrogel as a 3D Cell Culture Platform for Investigating Tissue Fibrosis. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2101109. [PMID: 34494395 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is one of the most frequent occurrences during one's lifetime, identified by various physiological changes including, most notably, excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite its physiological importance, it is still a significant challenge to conduct a systematic investigation of tissue fibrosis, mainly due to the lack of in vitro 3D tissue model that can accurately portray the characteristic features of fibrotic events. Herein, a hybrid hydrogel system incorporating dispersible nanofibers is developed to emulate highly collagenous deposits formed within a fibrotic tissue leading to altered mechanotopographical properties. Micrometer-length, aqueous-stable nanofibers consisting of crosslinked gelatin network embedded with graphene oxide (GO) or reduced graphene (rGO) are infused into hydrogel, resulting in controllable mechanotopographical properties while maintaining permeability sufficiently enough for various cellular activities. Ultimately, the ability to induce fibrotic behavior of fibroblasts cultured in these mechanotopography-controlled, nanofiber-laden hydrogels is investigated in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suntae Kim
- Center for Multidimensional Programmable Matter, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Cholong Choi
- Center for Multidimensional Programmable Matter, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaenyung Cha
- Center for Multidimensional Programmable Matter, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
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Wang Y, Wang Q, Luo S, Chen Z, Zheng X, Kankala RK, Chen A, Wang S. 3D bioprinting of conductive hydrogel for enhanced myogenic differentiation. Regen Biomater 2021; 8:rbab035. [PMID: 34408909 PMCID: PMC8363764 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, hydrogels have gained enormous interest in three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting toward developing functional substitutes for tissue remolding. However, it is highly challenging to transmit electrical signals to cells due to the limited electrical conductivity of the bioprinted hydrogels. Herein, we demonstrate the 3D bioprinting-assisted fabrication of a conductive hydrogel scaffold based on poly-3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene (PEDOT) nanoparticles (NPs) deposited in gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) for enhanced myogenic differentiation of mouse myoblasts (C2C12 cells). Initially, PEDOT NPs are dispersed in the hydrogel uniformly to enhance the conductive property of the hydrogel scaffold. Notably, the incorporated PEDOT NPs showed minimal influence on the printing ability of GelMA. Then, C2C12 cells are successfully encapsulated within GelMA/PEDOT conductive hydrogels using 3D extrusion bioprinting. Furthermore, the proliferation, migration and differentiation efficacies of C2C12 cells in the highly conductive GelMA/PEDOT composite scaffolds are demonstrated using various in vitro investigations of live/dead staining, F-actin staining, desmin and myogenin immunofluorescence staining. Finally, the effects of electrical signals on the stimulation of the scaffolds are investigated toward the myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells and the formation of myotubes in vitro. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that the fabrication of the conductive hydrogels provides a feasible approach for the encapsulation of cells and the regeneration of the muscle tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, P. R. China
| | - Qingshuai Wang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
| | - Shengchang Luo
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
| | - Zhoujiang Chen
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology (Huaqiao University), Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Zheng
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology (Huaqiao University), Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
| | - Ranjith Kumar Kankala
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology (Huaqiao University), Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
| | - Aizheng Chen
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology (Huaqiao University), Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
| | - Shibin Wang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology (Huaqiao University), Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
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Tomaszewski CE, DiLillo KM, Baker BM, Arnold KB, Shikanov A. Sequestered cell-secreted extracellular matrix proteins improve murine folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation for fertility preservation. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:313-324. [PMID: 33766798 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic matrices offer a high degree of control and tunability for mimicking extracellular matrix functions of native tissue, allowing the study of disease and development in vitro. In this study, we functionalized degradable poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels with extracellular matrix (ECM)-sequestering peptides aiming to recapitulate the native ECM composition for culture and maturation of ovarian follicular organoids. We hypothesized that ECM-sequestering peptides would facilitate deposition and retention of cell-secreted ECM molecules, thereby recreating cell-matrix interactions in otherwise bioinert PEG hydrogels. Specifically, heparin-binding peptide from antithrombin III (HBP), heparan sulfate binding peptide derived from laminin (AG73), basement membrane binder peptide (BMB), and heparan sulfate binding region of placental growth factor 2 (RRR) tethered to a PEG hydrogel significantly improved follicle survival, growth and maturation compared to PEG-Cys, a mechanically similar but biologically inert control. Immunohistochemical analysis of the hydrogel surrounding cultured follicles confirmed sequestration and retention of laminin, collagen I, perlecan, and fibronectin in ECM-sequestering hydrogels but not in bioinert PEG-Cys hydrogels. The media from follicles cultured in PEG-AG73, PEG-BMB, and PEG-RRR also had significantly higher concentrations of factors known to regulate follicle development compared to PEG-Cys. PEG-AG73 and PEG-BMB were the most beneficial for promoting follicle maturation, likely because AG73 and BMB mimic basement membrane interactions which are crucial for follicle development. Here we have shown that functionalizing PEG with ECM-sequestering peptides allows cell-secreted ECM to be retained within the hydrogels, restoring critical cell-matrix interactions and promoting healthy organoid development in a fully synthetic culture system. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Here we present a novel approach for sequestering and retaining cell-secreted extracellular matrix in a fully synthetic material for organoid culture. We have engineered a biomimetic poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel functionalized with extracellular matrix-binding peptides to recapitulate the ovarian microenvironment. Incorporation of these peptides allows ovarian follicles to recreate their native matrix with the sequestered ECM that subsequently binds growth factors, facilitating follicle maturation. The novel design resulted in improved outcomes of folliculogenesis, potentially developing a fertility preservation option for young women undergoing sterilizing treatments for cancer. The fully synthetic and modular nature of this biomimetic material holds promise for other tissue engineering applications as it allows encapsulated cells to rebuild their native microenvironments in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Tomaszewski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Katarina M DiLillo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Kelly B Arnold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Tayler IM, Stowers RS. Engineering hydrogels for personalized disease modeling and regenerative medicine. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:4-22. [PMID: 33882354 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Technological innovations and advances in scientific understanding have created an environment where data can be collected, analyzed, and interpreted at scale, ushering in the era of personalized medicine. The ability to isolate cells from individual patients offers tremendous promise if those cells can be used to generate functional tissue replacements or used in disease modeling to determine optimal treatment strategies. Here, we review recent progress in the use of hydrogels to create artificial cellular microenvironments for personalized tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, as well as to develop personalized disease models. We highlight engineering strategies to control stem cell fate through hydrogel design, and the use of hydrogels in combination with organoids, advanced imaging methods, and novel bioprinting techniques to generate functional tissues. We also discuss the use of hydrogels to study molecular mechanisms underlying diseases and to create personalized in vitro disease models to complement existing pre-clinical models. Continued progress in the development of engineered hydrogels, in combination with other emerging technologies, will be essential to realize the immense potential of personalized medicine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this review, we cover recent advances in hydrogel engineering strategies with applications in personalized medicine. Specifically, we focus on material systems to expand or control differentiation of patient-derived stem cells, and hydrogels to reprogram somatic cells to pluripotent states. We then review applications of hydrogels in developing personalized engineered tissues. We also highlight the use of hydrogel systems as personalized disease models, focusing on specific examples in fibrosis and cancer, and more broadly on drug screening strategies using patient-derived cells and hydrogels. We believe this review will be a valuable contribution to the Special Issue and the readership of Acta Biomaterialia will appreciate the comprehensive overview of the utility of hydrogels in the developing field of personalized medicine.
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Cao H, Cheng HS, Wang JK, Tan NS, Tay CY. A 3D physio-mimetic interpenetrating network-based platform to decode the pro and anti-tumorigenic properties of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:448-460. [PMID: 33766799 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) biomaterials with physiologically relevant and experimentally tractable biomechanical features are important platforms to advance our understanding of the influence of tissue mechanics in disease progression. Herein, an interpenetrating network (IPN) of collagen and alginate 3D culture system with tunable extracellular microstructure and mechanics is exploited as a tumor stroma proxy to study phenotypic plasticity of colorectal cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). In combination with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis, we demonstrated that tuning the storage modulus of the IPN hydrogel between 49 and 419 Pa can trigger a reversible switch between an inflammatory (i-state, α-SMAlowIL-6high) and myofibroblastic (m-state, α-SMAhighIL-6low) state in CAF that is dependent on the polymer network confinement effect and ROS-HIF1-α mechanotransduction signaling axis. Secretome from m-state CAF upregulated several epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) transcripts and induced robust scattering in DLD-1, HCT116, and SW480 human colorectal adenocarcinoma, while the EMT-inducing capacity is muted in i-state CAF, suggestive of an anti-tumorigenic role. Our findings were further validated through Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), which showed that cytokines secreted at higher levels by i-state CAF are correlated (p < 0.05) with good overall colorectal cancer patient survival. Therefore, 3D network density and spatial cellular confinement are critical biophysical determinants that can profoundly influence CAF states, paracrine signaling, and EMT-inducing potential. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The communication between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) contributes to tumor metastasis. CAF represent a diverse population of cellular subsets that can either promote or restrain tumor progression. However, the origin and cause of CAF heterogeneity remain elusive, limiting CAF-directed therapies for clinical use. We studied the dynamic phenotypes of CAF using a 3D physio-mimetic culture platform consisting of an interpenetrating collagen-alginate network. Combined with transcriptomic stratification and correlative analysis using cancer patient dataset, we showed phenotypic interconversion between inflammatory and myofibroblastic states, with anti- and pro-tumorigenic functions, in human colorectal CAF. This multidisciplinary study reveals the functional diversity of colorectal CAF caused by biophysical cues. The finding will influence the development of new CAF biomarkers and cancer therapies.
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Turnover of type I and III collagen predicts progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res 2021; 22:205. [PMID: 34261485 PMCID: PMC8281632 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01801-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by the accumulation of fibrillar collagens in the alveolar space resulting in reduced pulmonary function and a high mortality rate. Biomarkers measuring the turnover of type I and III collagen could provide valuable information for prognosis and treatment decisions in IPF. METHODS Serological biomarkers reflecting the formation of type III collagen (PRO-C3) and degradation of type I (C1M) and III collagen (C3M) were evaluated in a real-world cohort of 178 newly diagnosed IPF patients. Blood samples and clinical data were collected at baseline, six, and 12 months. Baseline and longitudinal biomarker levels were related to disease progression of IPF (defined as ≥ 5% decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) and/or ≥ 10% decline in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) and/or all-cause mortality at 12 months). Furthermore, we analysed differences in percentage change of biomarker levels from baseline between patients receiving antifibrotic treatment or not. RESULTS Increased baseline levels of type I and III collagen turnover biomarkers were associated with a greater risk of disease progression within 12 months compared to patients with a low baseline type I and III collagen turnover. Patients with progressive disease had higher serum levels of C1M (P = 0.038) and PRO-C3 (P = 0.0022) compared to those with stable disease over one year. There were no differences in biomarker levels between patients receiving pirfenidone, nintedanib, or no antifibrotics. CONCLUSION Baseline levels of type I and III collagen turnover were associated with disease progression within 12 months in a real-world cohort of IPF patients. Longitudinal biomarker levels of type I and III collagen turnover were related to progressive disease. Moreover, antifibrotic therapy did not affect type I and III collagen turnover biomarkers in these patients. PRO-C3 and C1M may be potential biomarkers for a progressive disease behavior in IPF.
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Khalil NN, McCain ML. Engineering the Cellular Microenvironment of Post-infarct Myocardium on a Chip. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:709871. [PMID: 34336962 PMCID: PMC8316619 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.709871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarctions are one of the most common forms of cardiac injury and death worldwide. Infarctions cause immediate necrosis in a localized region of the myocardium, which is followed by a repair process with inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation phases. This repair process culminates in the formation of scar tissue, which often leads to heart failure in the months or years after the initial injury. In each reparative phase, the infarct microenvironment is characterized by distinct biochemical, physical, and mechanical features, such as inflammatory cytokine production, localized hypoxia, and tissue stiffening, which likely each contribute to physiological and pathological tissue remodeling by mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Traditionally, simplified two-dimensional cell culture systems or animal models have been implemented to elucidate basic pathophysiological mechanisms or predict drug responses following myocardial infarction. However, these conventional approaches offer limited spatiotemporal control over relevant features of the post-infarct cellular microenvironment. To address these gaps, Organ on a Chip models of post-infarct myocardium have recently emerged as new paradigms for dissecting the highly complex, heterogeneous, and dynamic post-infarct microenvironment. In this review, we describe recent Organ on a Chip models of post-infarct myocardium, including their limitations and future opportunities in disease modeling and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie N Khalil
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Megan L McCain
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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