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Kirchner Z, Geohagan A, Truszkowska A. A Vicsek-type model of confined cancer cells with variable clustering affinities. Integr Biol (Camb) 2024; 16:zyae005. [PMID: 38402577 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyae005] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Clustering of cells is an essential component of many biological processes from tissue formation to cancer metastasis. We develop a minimal, Vicsek-based model of cellular interactions that robustly and accurately captures the variable propensity of different cells to form groups when confined. We calibrate and validate the model with experimental data on clustering affinities of four lines of tumor cells. We then show that cell clustering or separation tendencies are retained in environments with higher cell number densities and in cell mixtures. Finally, we calibrate our model with experimental measurements on the separation of cells treated with anti-clustering agents and find that treated cells maintain their distances in denser suspensions. We show that the model reconstructs several cell interaction mechanisms, which makes it suitable for exploring the dynamics of cell cluster formation as well as cell separation. Insight: We developed a model of cellular interactions that captures the clustering and separation of cells in an enclosure. Our model is particularly relevant for microfluidic systems with confined cells and we centered our work around one such emerging assay for the detection and research on clustering breast cancer cells. We calibrated our model using the existing experimental data and used it to explore the functionality of the assay under a broader set of conditions than originally considered. Future usages of our model can include purely theoretical and computational considerations, exploring experimental devices, and supporting research on small to medium-sized cell clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Kirchner
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | - Anna Geohagan
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | - Agnieszka Truszkowska
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA
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2
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Mosier JA, Fabiano ED, Ludolph CM, White AE, Reinhart-King CA. Confinement primes cells for faster migration by polarizing active mitochondria. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 6:209-220. [PMID: 38125598 PMCID: PMC10729874 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00478c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical cues in the tumor microenvironment interplay with internal cellular processes to control cancer cell migration. Microscale pores present in tumor tissue confer varying degrees of confinement on migrating cells, increasing matrix contact and inducing cytoskeletal rearrangement. Previously, we observed that increased collagen matrix contact significantly increased cell migration speed and cell-induced strains within the matrix. However, the effects of this confinement on future cell migration are not fully understood. Here, we use a collagen microtrack platform to determine the effect of confinement on priming MDA-MB-231 cancer cells for fast migration. We show that migration through a confined track results in increased speed and accumulation of migratory machinery, including actin and active mitochondria, in the front of migrating breast cancer cells. By designing microtracks that allow cells to first navigate a region of high confinement, then a region of low confinement, we assessed whether migration in high confinement changes future migratory behavior. Indeed, cells maintain their speed attained in high confinement even after exiting to a region of low confinement, indicating that cells maintain memory of previous matrix cues to fuel fast migration. Active mitochondria maintain their location at the front of the cell even after cells leave high confinement. Furthermore, knocking out vinculin to disrupt focal adhesions disrupts active mitochondrial localization and disrupts the fast migration seen upon release from confinement. Together, these data suggest that active mitochondrial localization in confinement may facilitate fast migration post-confinement. By better understanding how confinement contributes to future cancer cell migration, we can identify potential therapeutic targets to inhibit breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna A Mosier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Nashville TN USA
| | - Emily D Fabiano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Nashville TN USA
| | - Catherine M Ludolph
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin Austin TX USA
| | - Addison E White
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Nashville TN USA
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3
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Beunk L, Wen N, van Helvert S, Bekker B, Ran L, Kang R, Paulat T, Syga S, Deutsch A, Friedl P, Wolf K. Cell jamming in a collagen-based interface assay is tuned by collagen density and proteolysis. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260207. [PMID: 37987169 PMCID: PMC10753497 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260207] [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: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cell invasion into heterogenous interstitial tissues consisting of network-, channel- or rift-like architectures involves both matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated tissue remodeling and cell shape adaptation to tissue geometry. Three-dimensional (3D) models composed of either porous or linearly aligned architectures have added to the understanding of how physical spacing principles affect migration efficacy; however, the relative contribution of each architecture to decision making in the presence of varying MMP availability is not known. Here, we developed an interface assay containing a cleft between two high-density collagen lattices, and we used this assay to probe tumor cell invasion efficacy, invasion mode and MMP dependence in concert. In silico modeling predicted facilitated cell migration into confining clefts independently of MMP activity, whereas migration into dense porous matrix was predicted to require matrix degradation. This prediction was verified experimentally, where inhibition of collagen degradation was found to strongly compromise migration into 3D collagen in a density-dependent manner, but interface-guided migration remained effective, occurring by cell jamming. The 3D interface assay reported here may serve as a suitable model to better understand the impact of in vivo-relevant interstitial tissue topologies on tumor invasion patterning and responses to molecular interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne Beunk
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
| | - Nan Wen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd van Helvert
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
| | - Bram Bekker
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Science, Mathematics and Informatics, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Ran
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Science, Mathematics and Informatics, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ross Kang
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Science, Mathematics and Informatics, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Paulat
- Department of Innovative Computing, Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technical University Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Simon Syga
- Department of Innovative Computing, Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technical University Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Deutsch
- Department of Innovative Computing, Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technical University Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Friedl
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Katarina Wolf
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, The Netherlands
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4
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Du Z, Yang S, Gong Q, Lin Z, Xiao G, Mi S. Research of restricted migration evaluation of MDA-MB-231 cells in 2D and 3D co-culture models. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:2219-2226. [PMID: 38240216 PMCID: PMC10903235 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231214269] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The restricted migration evaluation is conducive to more complex tumor migration research because of the conformity with in vivo tumors. However, the differences between restricted and unrestricted cell migration and the distinction between different evaluation methods have not been systematically studied, hindering related research. In this study, by constructing the restricted environments on chips, the influence of co-culture conditions on the cancer cell migration capacity was studied. The results showed that the restricted channels can discriminate the influence of weak tumor environmental factors on complex tumor migration behaviors by limiting the free growth instinct of tumor cells. Through the comparison of 2D and 3D restricted migration methods, the extracellular matrix (ECM) restriction was also helpful in distinguishing the influence of the weak tumor environmental factor. However, the 3D ECM can better reflect the tortuosity of the cell migration process and the cooperative behavior among cancer cells. In the anticancer drug evaluation, 3D ECM can more accurately reflect the cytotoxicity of drugs and is more consistent with the drug resistance in the human body. In conclusion, the research will help to distinguish different evaluation methods of cancer cell migration, help researchers select appropriate evaluation models, and promote the research of tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichang Du
- College of Marine Equipment and Mechanical Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
- Bio-manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shaohui Yang
- College of Marine Equipment and Mechanical Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Renewable Energy Equipment of Fujian Province, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Qingzhong Gong
- College of Marine Equipment and Mechanical Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Zhonghua Lin
- College of Marine Equipment and Mechanical Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Guohong Xiao
- College of Marine Equipment and Mechanical Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Shengli Mi
- Bio-manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Zhovmer AS, Manning A, Smith C, Wang J, Ma X, Tsygankov D, Dokholyan NV, Cartagena-Rivera AX, Singh RK, Tabdanov ED. Septins Enable T Cell Contact Guidance via Amoeboid-Mesenchymal Switch. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.26.559597. [PMID: 37808814 PMCID: PMC10557721 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.26.559597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Lymphocytes exit circulation and enter in-tissue guided migration toward sites of tissue pathologies, damage, infection, or inflammation. By continuously sensing and adapting to the guiding chemo-mechano-structural properties of the tissues, lymphocytes dynamically alternate and combine their amoeboid (non-adhesive) and mesenchymal (adhesive) migration modes. However, which mechanisms guide and balance different migration modes are largely unclear. Here we report that suppression of septins GTPase activity induces an abrupt amoeboid-to-mesenchymal transition of T cell migration mode, characterized by a distinct, highly deformable integrin-dependent immune cell contact guidance. Surprisingly, the T cell actomyosin cortex contractility becomes diminished, dispensable and antagonistic to mesenchymal-like migration mode. Instead, mesenchymal-like T cells rely on microtubule stabilization and their non-canonical dynein motor activity for high fidelity contact guidance. Our results establish septin's GTPase activity as an important on/off switch for integrin-dependent migration of T lymphocytes, enabling their dynein-driven fluid-like mesenchymal propulsion along the complex adhesion cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Zhovmer
- Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Alexis Manning
- Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Chynna Smith
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Departments of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Xuefei Ma
- Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Denis Tsygankov
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Departments of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University Hershey-Hummelstown, PA, USA
| | - Alexander X Cartagena-Rivera
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rakesh K Singh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Erdem D Tabdanov
- Departments of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
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6
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Rollins ZA, Faller R, George SC. A dynamic biomimetic model of the membrane-bound CD4-CD3-TCR complex during pMHC disengagement. Biophys J 2023; 122:3133-3145. [PMID: 37381600 PMCID: PMC10432225 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The coordinated (dis)engagement of the membrane-bound T cell receptor (TCR)-CD3-CD4 complex from the peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) is fundamental to TCR signal transduction and T cell effector function. As such, an atomic-scale understanding would not only enhance our basic understanding of the adaptive immune response but would also accelerate the rational design of TCRs for immunotherapy. In this study, we explore the impact of the CD4 coreceptor on the TCR-pMHC (dis)engagement by constructing a molecular-level biomimetic model of the CD3-TCR-pMHC and CD4-CD3-TCR-pMHC complexes within a lipid bilayer. After allowing the system complexes to equilibrate (engage), we use steered molecular dynamics to dissociate (disengage) the pMHC. We find that 1) the CD4 confines the pMHC closer to the T cell by 1.8 nm at equilibrium; 2) CD4 confinement shifts the TCR along the MHC binding groove engaging a different set of amino acids and enhancing the TCR-pMHC bond lifetime; 3) the CD4 translocates under load increasing the interaction strength between the CD4-pMHC, CD4-TCR, and CD4-CD3; and 4) upon dissociation, the CD3-TCR complex undergoes structural oscillation and increased energetic fluctuation between the CD3-TCR and CD3-lipids. These atomic-level simulations provide mechanistic insight on how the CD4 coreceptor impacts TCR-pMHC (dis)engagement. More specifically, our results provide further support (enhanced bond lifetime) for a force-dependent kinetic proofreading model and identify an alternate set of amino acids in the TCR that dominate the TCR-pMHC interaction and could thus impact the design of TCRs for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Rollins
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Roland Faller
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Steven C George
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, California.
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7
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Legátová A, Pelantová M, Rösel D, Brábek J, Škarková A. The emerging role of microtubules in invasion plasticity. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1118171. [PMID: 36860323 PMCID: PMC9969133 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1118171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of cells to switch between different invasive modes during metastasis, also known as invasion plasticity, is an important characteristic of tumor cells that makes them able to resist treatment targeted to a particular invasion mode. Due to the rapid changes in cell morphology during the transition between mesenchymal and amoeboid invasion, it is evident that this process requires remodeling of the cytoskeleton. Although the role of the actin cytoskeleton in cell invasion and plasticity is already quite well described, the contribution of microtubules is not yet fully clarified. It is not easy to infer whether destabilization of microtubules leads to higher invasiveness or the opposite since the complex microtubular network acts differently in diverse invasive modes. While mesenchymal migration typically requires microtubules at the leading edge of migrating cells to stabilize protrusions and form adhesive structures, amoeboid invasion is possible even in the absence of long, stable microtubules, albeit there are also cases of amoeboid cells where microtubules contribute to effective migration. Moreover, complex crosstalk of microtubules with other cytoskeletal networks participates in invasion regulation. Altogether, microtubules play an important role in tumor cell plasticity and can be therefore targeted to affect not only cell proliferation but also invasive properties of migrating cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Legátová
- Department of Cell Biology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia,Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University (BIOCEV), Vestec u Prahy, Czechia
| | - Markéta Pelantová
- Department of Cell Biology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia,Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University (BIOCEV), Vestec u Prahy, Czechia
| | - Daniel Rösel
- Department of Cell Biology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia,Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University (BIOCEV), Vestec u Prahy, Czechia
| | - Jan Brábek
- Department of Cell Biology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia,Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University (BIOCEV), Vestec u Prahy, Czechia
| | - Aneta Škarková
- Department of Cell Biology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia,Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University (BIOCEV), Vestec u Prahy, Czechia,*Correspondence: Aneta Škarková,
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8
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Rowe MM, Wang W, Taufalele PV, Reinhart-King CA. AGE-breaker ALT711 reverses glycation-mediated cancer cell migration. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:8504-8513. [PMID: 36325938 PMCID: PMC10287025 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00004k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is associated with increased risk of breast cancer and worse prognoses for cancer patients. Hyperglycemia can result in increased glycation, the process wherein crosslinkages are formed between sugars and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins through the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). Although accumulation of AGEs occurs naturally in vivo over time, it is greatly accelerated by the hyperglycemic environment of diabetic patients. AGE accumulation has been linked to stiffening-related diseases such as hypertension, cancer metastasis, and neurodegenerative disorders. In response, several AGE-inhibiting and AGE-breaking drugs have received significant attention for their ability to reduce AGE accumulation. The resulting effects of these drugs on cell behavior is not well understood. In this study, we measured cancer cell migration in glycated collagen with and without the AGE-breaking drug alagebrium chloride (ALT711) to investigate the drug's ability to disrupt ECM crosslinks and reduce tumor cell spreading, contractility, and migration. The mechanical properties and chemical composition of collagen glycated with increasing concentrations of glucose with and without ALT711 treatment were measured. Increasing glucose concentration resulted in increased AGE accumulation and matrix stiffness as well as increased cancer cell contractility, elongation, and migration. Treatment with ALT711 significantly lowered AGE accumulation within the collagen, decreased collagen stiffness, and reduced cell migration. These findings suggest that while hyperglycemia can increase collagen matrix stiffness, resulting in increased breast cancer cell migration, an AGE-breaker can reverse this phenotype and may be a viable treatment option for reducing cancer cell migration due to glycation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Rowe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
| | - Paul V Taufalele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
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9
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Schwager SC, Mosier JA, Padmanabhan RS, White A, Xing Q, Hapach LA, Taufalele PV, Ortiz I, Reinhart-King CA. Link between glucose metabolism and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition drives triple-negative breast cancer migratory heterogeneity. iScience 2022; 25:105190. [PMID: 36274934 PMCID: PMC9579510 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular and environmental cues result in heterogeneous cancer cell populations with different metabolic and migratory behaviors. Although glucose metabolism and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition have previously been linked, we aim to understand how this relationship fuels cancer cell migration. We show that while glycolysis drives single-cell migration in confining microtracks, fast and slow cells display different migratory sensitivities to glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation inhibition. Phenotypic sorting of highly and weakly migratory subpopulations (MDA+, MDA-) reveals that more mesenchymal, highly migratory MDA+ preferentially use glycolysis while more epithelial, weakly migratory MDA- utilize mitochondrial respiration. These phenotypes are plastic and MDA+ can be made less glycolytic, mesenchymal, and migratory and MDA- can be made more glycolytic, mesenchymal, and migratory via modulation of glucose metabolism or EMT. These findings reveal an intrinsic link between EMT and glucose metabolism that controls migration. Identifying mechanisms fueling phenotypic heterogeneity is essential to develop targeted metastatic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha C. Schwager
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
| | - Jenna A. Mosier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
| | - Reethi S. Padmanabhan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
| | - Addison White
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
| | - Qinzhe Xing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
| | - Lauren A. Hapach
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Paul V. Taufalele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
| | - Ismael Ortiz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
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10
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Millet M, Bollmann E, Ringuette Goulet C, Bernard G, Chabaud S, Huot MÉ, Pouliot F, Bolduc S, Bordeleau F. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in a 3D Engineered Tissue Model Induce Tumor-like Matrix Stiffening and EMT Transition. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153810. [PMID: 35954473 PMCID: PMC9367573 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The physical properties of a tumor, such as stiffness, are important drivers of tumor progression. However, current in vitro tumor models fail to recapitulate the full range of physical properties observed in solid tumors. Here, we proposed a 3D self-assembly engineered bladder model using cancer-associated fibroblasts in which stromal cells produce their extracellular matrix. We then proceeded to assess how our model recapitulates biological and mechanical features found in tumors. We confirmed that stroma assembled by cancer-associated fibroblasts have increased extracellular matrix content and display increased remodeling and higher stiffness. Moreover, normal urothelial cells seeded on the tumor model displayed a mechanotransduction response, increased cell proliferation, cell infiltration within stroma, and displayed features of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Altogether, we demonstrated that our cancer-associated fibroblast-derived tumor stroma recapitulates several biological and physical features expected from a tumor-like environment and, thus, provides the basis for more accurate cancer models. Abstract A tumor microenvironment is characterized by its altered mechanical properties. However, most models remain unable to faithfully recreate the mechanical properties of a tumor. Engineered models based on the self-assembly method have the potential to better recapitulate the stroma architecture and composition. Here, we used the self-assembly method based on a bladder tissue model to engineer a tumor-like environment. The tissue-engineered tumor models were reconstituted from stroma-derived healthy primary fibroblasts (HFs) induced into cancer-associated fibroblast cells (iCAFs) along with an urothelium overlay. The iCAFs-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) composition was found to be stiffer, with increased ECM deposition and remodeling. The urothelial cells overlaid on the iCAFs-derived ECM were more contractile, as measured by quantitative polarization microscopy, and displayed increased YAP nuclear translocation. We further showed that the proliferation and expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker in the urothelial cells correlate with the increased stiffness of the iCAFs-derived ECM. Our data showed an increased expression of EMT markers within the urothelium on the iCAFs-derived ECM. Together, our results demonstrate that our tissue-engineered tumor model can achieve stiffness levels comparable to that of a bladder tumor, while triggering a tumor-like response from the urothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martial Millet
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Enola Bollmann
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Cassandra Ringuette Goulet
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division), Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Geneviève Bernard
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division), Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Stéphane Chabaud
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division), Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marc-Étienne Huot
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Frédéric Pouliot
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bolduc
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division), Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - François Bordeleau
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-418-525-4444 (ext. 15554)
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11
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Beunk L, Bakker GJ, van Ens D, Bugter J, Gal F, Svoren M, Friedl P, Wolf K. Actomyosin contractility requirements and reciprocal cell-tissue mechanics for cancer cell invasion through collagen-based channels. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2022; 45:48. [PMID: 35575822 PMCID: PMC9110550 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-022-00182-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The interstitial tumor microenvironment is composed of heterogeneously organized collagen-rich porous networks as well as channel-like structures and interfaces which provide both barriers and guidance for invading cells. Tumor cells invading 3D random porous collagen networks depend upon actomyosin contractility to deform and translocate the nucleus, whereas Rho/Rho-associated kinase-dependent contractility is largely dispensable for migration in stiff capillary-like confining microtracks. To investigate whether this dichotomy of actomyosin contractility dependence also applies to physiological, deformable linear collagen environments, we developed nearly barrier-free collagen-scaffold microtracks of varying cross section using two-photon laser ablation. Both very narrow and wide tracks supported single-cell migration by either outward pushing of collagen up to four times when tracks were narrow, or cell pulling on collagen walls down to 50% of the original diameter by traction forces of up to 40 nN when tracks were wide, resulting in track widths optimized to single-cell diameter. Targeting actomyosin contractility by synthetic inhibitors increased cell elongation and nuclear shape change in narrow tracks and abolished cell-mediated deformation of both wide and narrow tracks. Accordingly, migration speeds in all channel widths reduced, with migration rates of around 45-65% of the original speed persisting. Together, the data suggest that cells engage actomyosin contraction to reciprocally adjust both own morphology and linear track width to optimal size for effective cellular locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne Beunk
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan Bakker
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Diede van Ens
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Bugter
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Floris Gal
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Svoren
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Friedl
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Cancer Genomics Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Katarina Wolf
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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12
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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: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.7] [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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13
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Juste-Lanas Y, Guerrero PE, Camacho-Gomez D, Hervas-Raluy S, García-Aznar JM, Gómez-Benito MJ. Confined Cell Migration and Asymmetric Hydraulic Environments to Evaluate The Metastatic Potential of Cancer Cells. J Biomech Eng 2021; 144:1129080. [PMID: 34864878 DOI: 10.1115/1.4053143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis, a hallmark of cancer development, is also the leading reason for most cancer-related deaths. Furthermore, cancer cells are highly adaptable to microenvironments and can migrate along pre-existing channel-like tracks of anatomical structures. However, more representative three-dimensional models are required to reproduce the heterogeneity of metastatic cell migration in vivo to further understand the metastasis mechanism and develop novel therapeutic strategies against it. Here, we designed and fabricated different microfluidic-based devices that recreate confined migration and diverse environments with asymmetric hydraulic resistances. Our results show different migratory potential between metastatic and nonmetastatic cancer cells in confined environments. Moreover, although nonmetastatic cells have not been tested against barotaxis due to their low migration capacity, metastatic cells present an enhanced preference to migrate through the lowest resistance path, being sensitive to barotaxis. This device, approaching the study of metastasis capability based on confined cell migration and barotactic cell decisions, may pave the way for the implementation of such technology to determine and screen the metastatic potential of certain cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yago Juste-Lanas
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pedro E Guerrero
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Daniel Camacho-Gomez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Silvia Hervas-Raluy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - J M García-Aznar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María José Gómez-Benito
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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14
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Tsujita K, Satow R, Asada S, Nakamura Y, Arnes L, Sako K, Fujita Y, Fukami K, Itoh T. Homeostatic membrane tension constrains cancer cell dissemination by counteracting BAR protein assembly. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5930. [PMID: 34635648 PMCID: PMC8505629 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26156-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignancy is associated with changes in cell mechanics that contribute to extensive cell deformation required for metastatic dissemination. We hypothesized that the cell-intrinsic physical factors that maintain epithelial cell mechanics could function as tumor suppressors. Here we show, using optical tweezers, genetic interference, mechanical perturbations, and in vivo studies, that epithelial cells maintain higher plasma membrane (PM) tension than their metastatic counterparts and that high PM tension potently inhibits cancer cell migration and invasion by counteracting membrane curvature sensing/generating BAR family proteins. This tensional homeostasis is achieved by membrane-to-cortex attachment (MCA) regulated by ERM proteins, whose disruption spontaneously transforms epithelial cells into a mesenchymal migratory phenotype powered by BAR proteins. Consistently, the forced expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-inducing transcription factors results in decreased PM tension. In metastatic cells, increasing PM tension by manipulating MCA is sufficient to suppress both mesenchymal and amoeboid 3D migration, tumor invasion, and metastasis by compromising membrane-mediated mechanosignaling by BAR proteins, thereby uncovering a previously undescribed mechanical tumor suppressor mechanism. Changes in cell mechanics contribute to cancer cell dissemination. Here the authors show that high plasma membrane (PM) tension inhibits cancer dissemination by counteracting mechanosensitive BAR family protein assembly, while restoration of PM tension phenotypically convert malignant cells into a non-motile epithelial cell state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Tsujita
- Biosignal Research Center, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan. .,Division of Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan. .,AMED-PRIME, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, 100-0004, Japan.
| | - Reiko Satow
- Laboratory of Genome and Biosignals, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Shinobu Asada
- Laboratory of Genome and Biosignals, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Nakamura
- Laboratory of Genome and Biosignals, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan.,Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Luis Arnes
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Keisuke Sako
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, 565-8565, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Fujita
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Fukami
- Laboratory of Genome and Biosignals, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Toshiki Itoh
- Biosignal Research Center, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan.,Division of Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
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15
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Hapach LA, Carey SP, Schwager SC, Taufalele PV, Wang W, Mosier JA, Ortiz-Otero N, McArdle TJ, Goldblatt ZE, Lampi MC, Bordeleau F, Marshall JR, Richardson IM, Li J, King MR, Reinhart-King CA. Phenotypic Heterogeneity and Metastasis of Breast Cancer Cells. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3649-3663. [PMID: 33975882 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-1799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although intratumoral genomic heterogeneity can impede cancer research and treatment, less is known about the effects of phenotypic heterogeneities. To investigate the role of cell migration heterogeneities in metastasis, we phenotypically sorted metastatic breast cancer cells into two subpopulations based on migration ability. Although migration is typically considered to be associated with metastasis, when injected orthotopically in vivo, the weakly migratory subpopulation metastasized significantly more than the highly migratory subpopulation. To investigate the mechanism behind this observation, both subpopulations were assessed at each stage of the metastatic cascade, including dissemination from the primary tumor, survival in the circulation, extravasation, and colonization. Although both subpopulations performed each step successfully, weakly migratory cells presented as circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters in the circulation, suggesting clustering as one potential mechanism behind the increased metastasis of weakly migratory cells. RNA sequencing revealed weakly migratory subpopulations to be more epithelial and highly migratory subpopulations to be more mesenchymal. Depletion of E-cadherin expression from weakly migratory cells abrogated metastasis. Conversely, induction of E-cadherin expression in highly migratory cells increased metastasis. Clinical patient data and blood samples showed that CTC clustering and E-cadherin expression are both associated with worsened patient outcome. This study demonstrates that deconvolving phenotypic heterogeneities can reveal fundamental insights into metastatic progression. More specifically, these results indicate that migratory ability does not necessarily correlate with metastatic potential and that E-cadherin promotes metastasis in phenotypically sorted breast cancer cell subpopulations by enabling CTC clustering. SIGNIFICANCE: This study employs phenotypic cell sorting for migration to reveal a weakly migratory, highly metastatic breast cancer cell subpopulation regulated by E-cadherin, highlighting the dichotomy between cancer cell migration and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Hapach
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shawn P Carey
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Samantha C Schwager
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Paul V Taufalele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jenna A Mosier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Nerymar Ortiz-Otero
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | | | - Zachary E Goldblatt
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Marsha C Lampi
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Francois Bordeleau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Québec, Canada
| | - Jocelyn R Marshall
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Isaac M Richardson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jiahe Li
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Michael R King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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16
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Wu Y, Zanotelli MR, Zhang J, Reinhart-King CA. Matrix-driven changes in metabolism support cytoskeletal activity to promote cell migration. Biophys J 2021; 120:1705-1717. [PMID: 33705759 PMCID: PMC8204337 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The microenvironment provides both active and passive mechanical cues that regulate cell morphology, adhesion, migration, and metabolism. Although the cellular response to those mechanical cues often requires energy-intensive actin cytoskeletal remodeling and actomyosin contractility, it remains unclear how cells dynamically adapt their metabolic activity to altered mechanical cues to support migration. Here, we investigated the changes in cellular metabolic activity in response to different two-dimensional and three-dimensional microenvironmental conditions and how these changes relate to cytoskeletal activity and migration. Utilizing collagen micropatterning on polyacrylamide gels, intracellular energy levels and oxidative phosphorylation were found to be correlated with cell elongation and spreading and necessary for membrane ruffling. To determine whether this relationship holds in more physiological three-dimensional matrices, collagen matrices were used to show that intracellular energy state was also correlated with protrusive activity and increased with matrix density. Pharmacological inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation revealed that cancer cells rely on oxidative phosphorylation to meet the elevated energy requirements for protrusive activity and migration in denser matrices. Together, these findings suggest that mechanical regulation of cytoskeletal activity during spreading and migration by the physical microenvironment is driven by an altered metabolic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Matthew R Zanotelli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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17
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Evers TMJ, Holt LJ, Alberti S, Mashaghi A. Reciprocal regulation of cellular mechanics and metabolism. Nat Metab 2021; 3:456-468. [PMID: 33875882 PMCID: PMC8863344 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-021-00384-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Metabolism and mechanics are intrinsically intertwined. External forces, sensed through the cytoskeleton or distortion of the cell and organelles, induce metabolic changes in the cell. The resulting changes in metabolism, in turn, feed back to regulate every level of cell biology, including the mechanical properties of cells and tissues. Here we examine the links between metabolism and mechanics, highlighting signalling pathways involved in the regulation and response to cellular mechanosensing. We consider how forces and metabolism regulate one another through nanoscale molecular sensors, micrometre-scale cytoskeletal networks, organelles and dynamic biomolecular condensates. Understanding this cross-talk will create diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities for metabolic disorders such as cancer, cardiovascular pathologies and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom M J Evers
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Faculty of Science, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Liam J Holt
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Simon Alberti
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alireza Mashaghi
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Faculty of Science, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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18
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Chen Z, Ma N, Sun X, Li Q, Zeng Y, Chen F, Sun S, Xu J, Zhang J, Ye H, Ge J, Zhang Z, Cui X, Leong K, Chen Y, Gu Z. Automated evaluation of tumor spheroid behavior in 3D culture using deep learning-based recognition. Biomaterials 2021; 272:120770. [PMID: 33798957 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional in vitro tumor models provide more physiologically relevant responses to drugs than 2D models, but the lack of proper evaluation indices and the laborious quantitation of tumor behavior in 3D have limited the use of 3D tumor models in large-scale preclinical drug screening. Here we propose two indices of 3D tumor invasiveness-the excess perimeter index (EPI) and the multiscale entropy index (MSEI)-and combine these indices with a new convolutional neural network-based algorithm for tumor spheroid boundary detection. This new algorithm for 3D tumor boundary detection and invasiveness analysis is more accurate than any other existing algorithms. We apply this spheroid monitoring and AI-based recognition technique ("SMART") to evaluating the invasiveness of tumor spheroids grown from tumor cell lines and from primary tumor cells in 3D culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaozao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China; Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215163, China
| | - Ning Ma
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
| | - Xiaowei Sun
- Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215163, China
| | - Qiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215163, China
| | - Shiqi Sun
- Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215163, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215163, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215163, China
| | - Huan Ye
- Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215163, China
| | - Jianjun Ge
- Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215163, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
| | - Xingran Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
| | - Kam Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Yang Chen
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China.
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China; Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215163, China.
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19
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Morales X, Cortés-Domínguez I, Ortiz-de-Solorzano C. Modeling the Mechanobiology of Cancer Cell Migration Using 3D Biomimetic Hydrogels. Gels 2021; 7:17. [PMID: 33673091 PMCID: PMC7930983 DOI: 10.3390/gels7010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how cancer cells migrate, and how this migration is affected by the mechanical and chemical composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical to investigate and possibly interfere with the metastatic process, which is responsible for most cancer-related deaths. In this article we review the state of the art about the use of hydrogel-based three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds as artificial platforms to model the mechanobiology of cancer cell migration. We start by briefly reviewing the concept and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the materials commonly used to recreate the cancerous ECM. Then we summarize the most relevant knowledge about the mechanobiology of cancer cell migration that has been obtained using 3D hydrogel scaffolds, and relate those discoveries to what has been observed in the clinical management of solid tumors. Finally, we review some recent methodological developments, specifically the use of novel bioprinting techniques and microfluidics to create realistic hydrogel-based models of the cancer ECM, and some of their applications in the context of the study of cancer cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carlos Ortiz-de-Solorzano
- IDISNA, Ciberonc and Solid Tumors and Biomarkers Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (X.M.); (I.C.-D.)
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20
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Lee HP, Alisafaei F, Adebawale K, Chang J, Shenoy VB, Chaudhuri O. The nuclear piston activates mechanosensitive ion channels to generate cell migration paths in confining microenvironments. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/2/eabd4058. [PMID: 33523987 PMCID: PMC7793582 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd4058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration in confining microenvironments is limited by the ability of the stiff nucleus to deform through pores when migration paths are preexisting and elastic, but how cells generate these paths remains unclear. Here, we reveal a mechanism by which the nucleus mechanically generates migration paths for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in confining microenvironments. MSCs migrate robustly in nanoporous, confining hydrogels that are viscoelastic and plastic but not in hydrogels that are more elastic. To migrate, MSCs first extend thin protrusions that widen over time because of a nuclear piston, thus opening up a migration path in a confining matrix. Theoretical modeling and experiments indicate that the nucleus pushing into the protrusion activates mechanosensitive ion channels, leading to an influx of ions that increases osmotic pressure, which outcompetes hydrostatic pressure to drive protrusion expansion. Thus, instead of limiting migration, the nucleus powers migration by generating migration paths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Pyo Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Farid Alisafaei
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kolade Adebawale
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Julie Chang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Vivek B Shenoy
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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21
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Norris EG, Dalecki D, Hocking DC. Using Acoustic Fields to Fabricate ECM-Based Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine Applications. RECENT PROGRESS IN MATERIALS 2020; 2:1-24. [PMID: 33604591 PMCID: PMC7889011 DOI: 10.21926/rpm.2003018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound is emerging as a promising tool for both characterizing and fabricating engineered biomaterials. Ultrasound-based technologies offer a diverse toolbox with outstanding capacity for optimization and customization within a variety of therapeutic contexts, including improved extracellular matrix-based materials for regenerative medicine applications. Non-invasive ultrasound fabrication tools include the use of thermal and mechanical effects of acoustic waves to modify the structure and function of extracellular matrix scaffolds both directly, and indirectly via biochemical and cellular mediators. Materials derived from components of native extracellular matrix are an essential component of engineered biomaterials designed to stimulate cell and tissue functions and repair or replace injured tissues. Thus, continued investigations into biological and acoustic mechanisms by which ultrasound can be used to manipulate extracellular matrix components within three-dimensional hydrogels hold much potential to enable the production of improved biomaterials for clinical and research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma G Norris
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Diane Dalecki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Denise C Hocking
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
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22
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Luthria G, Li R, Wang S, Prytyskach M, Kohler RH, Lauffenburger DA, Mitchison TJ, Weissleder R, Miller MA. In vivo microscopy reveals macrophage polarization locally promotes coherent microtubule dynamics in migrating cancer cells. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3521. [PMID: 32665556 PMCID: PMC7360550 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17147-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) mediate mitosis, directional signaling, and are therapeutic targets in cancer. Yet in vivo analysis of cancer cell MT behavior within the tumor microenvironment remains challenging. Here we developed an imaging pipeline using plus-end tip tracking and intravital microscopy to quantify MT dynamics in live xenograft tumor models. Among analyzed features, cancer cells in vivo displayed higher coherent orientation of MT dynamics along their cell major axes compared with 2D in vitro cultures, and distinct from 3D collagen gel cultures. This in vivo MT phenotype was reproduced in vitro when cells were co-cultured with IL4-polarized MΦ. MΦ depletion, MT disruption, targeted kinase inhibition, and altered MΦ polarization via IL10R blockade all reduced MT coherence and/or tumor cell elongation. We show that MT coherence is a defining feature for in vivo tumor cell dynamics and migration, modulated by local signaling from pro-tumor macrophages. The regulation of microtubule (MT) dynamics in cancer cells within the tumor microenvironment is less understood. Here, the authors develop an imaging platform to examine MT dynamics in live xenograft models and show that pro-tumor macrophages modulate MT coherence and alignment to promote cancer cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Luthria
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ran Li
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Stephanie Wang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02181, USA
| | - Mark Prytyskach
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Rainer H Kohler
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Douglas A Lauffenburger
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02181, USA
| | - Timothy J Mitchison
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Miles A Miller
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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23
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Zanotelli MR, Chada NC, Johnson CA, Reinhart-King CA. The Physical Microenvironment of Tumors: Characterization and Clinical Impact. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1142/s1793048020300029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. As tightly controlled extracellular matrix homeostasis is lost during tumor progression, a dysregulated extracellular matrix can significantly alter cellular phenotype and drive malignancy. Altered physical properties of the tumor microenvironment alter cancer cell behavior, limit delivery and efficacy of therapies, and correlate with tumorigenesis and patient prognosis. The physical features of the extracellular matrix during tumor progression have been characterized; however, a wide range of methods have been used between studies and cancer types resulting in a large range of reported values. Here, we discuss the significant mechanical and structural properties of the tumor microenvironment, summarizing their reported values and clinical impact across cancer type and grade. We attempt to integrate the values in the literature to identify sources of reported differences and commonalities to better understand how aberrant extracellular matrix dynamics contribute to cancer progression. An intimate understanding of altered matrix properties during malignant transformation will be crucial in effectively detecting, monitoring, and treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Zanotelli
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14583, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Neil C. Chada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - C. Andrew Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Cynthia A. Reinhart-King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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24
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Doolin MT, Moriarty RA, Stroka KM. Mechanosensing of Mechanical Confinement by Mesenchymal-Like Cells. Front Physiol 2020; 11:365. [PMID: 32390868 PMCID: PMC7193100 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and tumor cells have the unique capability to migrate out of their native environment and either home or metastasize, respectively, through extremely heterogeneous environments to a distant location. Once there, they can either aid in tissue regrowth or impart an immunomodulatory effect in the case of MSCs, or form secondary tumors in the case of tumor cells. During these journeys, cells experience physically confining forces that impinge on the cell body and the nucleus, ultimately causing a multitude of cellular changes. Most drastically, confining individual MSCs within hydrogels or confining monolayers of MSCs within agarose wells can sway MSC lineage commitment, while applying a confining compressive stress to metastatic tumor cells can increase their invasiveness. In this review, we seek to understand the signaling cascades that occur as cells sense confining forces and how that translates to behavioral changes, including elongated and multinucleated cell morphologies, novel migrational mechanisms, and altered gene expression, leading to a unique MSC secretome that could hold great promise for anti-inflammatory treatments. Through comparison of these altered behaviors, we aim to discern how MSCs alter their lineage selection, while tumor cells may become more aggressive and invasive. Synthesizing this information can be useful for employing MSCs for therapeutic approaches through systemic injections or tissue engineered grafts, and developing improved strategies for metastatic cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary T. Doolin
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Rebecca A. Moriarty
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Kimberly M. Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
- Maryland Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
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25
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Microtubule-Actomyosin Mechanical Cooperation during Contact Guidance Sensing. Cell Rep 2019; 25:328-338.e5. [PMID: 30304674 PMCID: PMC6226003 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell migration through and away from tumors is driven in part by migration along aligned extracellular matrix, a process known as contact guidance (CG). To concurrently study the influence of architectural and mechanical regulators of CG sensing, we developed a set of CG platforms. Using flat and nanotextured substrates with variable architectures and stiffness, we show that CG sensing is regulated by substrate stiffness and define a mechanical role for microtubules and actomyosin-microtubule interactions during CG sensing. Furthermore, we show that Arp2/3-dependent lamellipodia dynamics can compete with aligned protrusions to diminish the CG response and define Arp2/3- and Formins-dependent actin architectures that regulate microtu-bule-dependent protrusions, which promote the CG response. Thus, our work represents a comprehen-sive examination of the physical mechanisms influ-encing CG sensing. Aligned extracellular matrix architectures in tumors direct migration of invasive cancer cells. Tabdanov et al. show that the mechanical properties of aligned extracellular matrix environments influence invasive cell behavior and define a mechanical role for microtubules and actomyosin-microtubule interactions during sensing of contact guidance cues that arise from aligned extracellular matrix.
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26
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Mosier JA, Rahman-Zaman A, Zanotelli MR, VanderBurgh JA, Bordeleau F, Hoffman BD, Reinhart-King CA. Extent of Cell Confinement in Microtracks Affects Speed and Results in Differential Matrix Strains. Biophys J 2019; 117:1692-1701. [PMID: 31623884 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
During metastasis, cancer cells navigate through a spatially heterogeneous extracellular matrix (ECM). Physical properties of ECM, including the degree of confinement, influence cell migration behavior. Here, utilizing in vitro three-dimensional collagen microtracks, we demonstrate that cell-ECM interactions, specifically the degree of spatial confinement, regulate migratory behavior. We found that cells migrate faster when they are fully confined, contacting all four walls (top, bottom, and two sides) of a collagen microtrack, compared with cells that are partially confined, contacting less than four walls. When fully confined, cells exhibit fewer but larger vinculin-containing adhesions and create greater strains in the surrounding matrix directed toward the cell body. In contrast, partially confined cells develop a more elongated morphology with smaller but significantly more vinculin-containing adhesions and displace the surrounding matrix less than fully confined cells. The resulting effect of increasing cell contractility via Rho activation is dependent on the number of walls with which the cell is in contact. Although matrix strains increase in both fully and partially confined cells, cells that are partially confined increase speed, whereas those in full confinement decrease speed. Together, these results suggest that the degree of cell-ECM contact during confined migration is a key determinant of speed, morphology, and cell-generated substrate strains during motility, and these factors may work in tandem to facilitate metastatic cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna A Mosier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Aniqua Rahman-Zaman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Matthew R Zanotelli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Jacob A VanderBurgh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Francois Bordeleau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Dép. Biologie Moléculaire, Biochimie Médicale et Pathologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Brenton D Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Cynthia A Reinhart-King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
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27
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Energetic costs regulated by cell mechanics and confinement are predictive of migration path during decision-making. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4185. [PMID: 31519914 PMCID: PMC6744572 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12155-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell migration during the invasion-metastasis cascade requires cancer cells to navigate a spatially complex microenvironment that presents directional choices to migrating cells. Here, we investigate cellular energetics during migration decision-making in confined spaces. Theoretical and experimental data show that energetic costs for migration through confined spaces are mediated by a balance between cell and matrix compliance as well as the degree of spatial confinement to direct decision-making. Energetic costs, driven by the cellular work needed to generate force for matrix displacement, increase with increasing cell stiffness, matrix stiffness, and degree of spatial confinement, limiting migration. By assessing energetic costs between possible migration paths, we can predict the probability of migration choice. Our findings indicate that motility in confined spaces imposes high energetic demands on migrating cells, and cells migrate in the direction of least confinement to minimize energetic costs. Therefore, therapeutically targeting metabolism may limit cancer cell migration and metastasis.
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28
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Wang M, Cheng B, Yang Y, Liu H, Huang G, Han L, Li F, Xu F. Microchannel Stiffness and Confinement Jointly Induce the Mesenchymal-Amoeboid Transition of Cancer Cell Migration. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:5949-5958. [PMID: 31414817 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b01597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The physical confinement of cell microenvironment could enhance the invasive capability and drug resistance of cancer cells. However, due to the lack of in vitro experimental platform to mimic both stiffness and confinement of the tumor microenvironment, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we developed a hydrogel-based microchannel platform with independently tunable channel stiffness and width in a physiological range. We found that the migration speed of the cancer cell is influenced by the synergistic effect of channel stiffness and width. In addition, the mesenchymal-amoeboid transition has a strong correlation with the channel stiffness. Besides, with a developed computational model, the role of nuclear stiffness on cancer migration speed and thus the mesenchymal-amoeboid transition in microchannels was also revealed. This platform is capable of mimicking the native physical microenvironment during metastasis, providing a powerful tool for high-throughput screening applications and investigating the interaction between cancer migration and biophysical microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lichun Han
- Department of Anesthesia , Xi'an Daxing Hospital , Xi'an 710049 , P.R. China
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29
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Li Y, Sun SX. Transition from Actin-Driven to Water-Driven Cell Migration Depends on External Hydraulic Resistance. Biophys J 2019; 114:2965-2973. [PMID: 29925032 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells in vivo can reside in diverse physical and biochemical environments. For example, epithelial cells typically live in a two-dimensional (2D) environment, whereas metastatic cancer cells can move through dense three-dimensional matrices. These distinct environments impose different kinds of mechanical forces on cells and thus potentially can influence the mechanism of cell migration. For example, cell movement on 2D flat surfaces is mostly driven by forces from focal adhesion and actin polymerization, whereas in confined geometries, it can be driven by water permeation. In this work, we utilize a two-phase model of the cellular cytoplasm in which the mechanics of the cytosol and the F-actin network are treated on an equal footing. Using conservation laws and simple force balance considerations, we are able to describe the contributions of water flux, actin polymerization and flow, and focal adhesions to cell migration both on 2D surfaces and in confined spaces. The theory shows how cell migration can seamlessly transition from a focal adhesion- and actin-based mechanism on 2D surfaces to a water-based mechanism in confined geometries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizeng Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sean X Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
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30
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Hapach LA, Mosier JA, Wang W, Reinhart-King CA. Engineered models to parse apart the metastatic cascade. NPJ Precis Oncol 2019; 3:20. [PMID: 31453371 PMCID: PMC6704099 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-019-0092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While considerable progress has been made in studying genetic and cellular aspects of metastasis with in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal models, the driving mechanisms of each step of metastasis are still relatively unclear due to their complexity. Moreover, little progress has been made in understanding how cellular fitness in one step of the metastatic cascade correlates with ability to survive other subsequent steps. Engineered models incorporate tools such as tailored biomaterials and microfabrication to mimic human disease progression, which when coupled with advanced quantification methods permit comparisons to human patient samples and in vivo studies. Here, we review novel tools and techniques that have been recently developed to dissect key features of the metastatic cascade using primary patient samples and highly representative microenvironments for the purposes of advancing personalized medicine and precision oncology. Although improvements are needed to increase tractability and accessibility while faithfully simulating the in vivo microenvironment, these models are powerful experimental platforms for understanding cancer biology, furthering drug screening, and facilitating development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. Hapach
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
| | - Jenna A. Mosier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
| | - Cynthia A. Reinhart-King
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
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31
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Zuela-Sopilniak N, Lammerding J. Engineering approaches to studying cancer cell migration in three-dimensional environments. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180219. [PMID: 31431175 PMCID: PMC6627017 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases of our time, with 17 million new cancer cases and 9.5 million cancer deaths in 2018 worldwide. The mortality associated with cancer results primarily from metastasis, i.e. the spreading of cancer cells from the primary tumour to other organs. The invasion and migration of cells through basement membranes, tight interstitial spaces and endothelial cell layers are key steps in the metastatic cascade. Recent studies demonstrated that cell migration through three-dimensional environments that mimic the in vivo conditions significantly differs from their migration on two-dimensional surfaces. Here, we review recent technological advances made in the field of cancer research that provide more 'true to the source' experimental platforms and measurements for the study of cancer cell invasion and migration in three-dimensional environments. These include microfabrication, three-dimensional bioprinting and intravital imaging tools, along with force and stiffness measurements of cells and their environments. These techniques will enable new studies that better reflect the physiological environment found in vivo, thereby producing more robust results. The knowledge achieved through these studies will aid in the development of new treatment options with the potential to ultimately lighten the devastating cost cancer inflicts on patients and their families. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Forces in cancer: interdisciplinary approaches in tumour mechanobiology'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Lammerding
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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32
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Azimzade Y, Saberi AA, Sahimi M. Regulation of migration of chemotactic tumor cells by the spatial distribution of collagen fiber orientation. Phys Rev E 2019; 99:062414. [PMID: 31330715 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.99.062414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Collagen fibers, an important component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), can both inhibit and promote cellular migration. In vitro studies have revealed that the fibers' orientations are crucial to cellular invasion, while in vivo investigations have led to the development of tumor-associated collagen signatures (TACS) as an important prognostic factor. Studying biophysical regulation of cell invasion and the effect of the fibers' orientation not only deepens our understanding of the phenomenon, but also helps classify the TACSs precisely, which is currently lacking. We present a stochastic model for random or chemotactic migration of cells in fibrous ECM, and study the role of the various factors in it. The model provides a framework for quantitative classification of the TACSs, and reproduces quantitatively recent experimental data for cell motility. It also indicates that the spatial distribution of the fibers' orientations and extended correlations between them, hitherto ignored, as well as dynamics of cellular motion all contribute to regulation of the cells' invasion length, which represents a measure of metastatic risk. Although the fibers' orientations trivially affect randomly moving cells, their effect on chemotactic cells is completely nontrivial and unexplored, which we study in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youness Azimzade
- Department of Physics, The University of Tehran, Tehran 14395-547, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Saberi
- Department of Physics, The University of Tehran, Tehran 14395-547, Iran
| | - Muhammad Sahimi
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-1211, USA
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33
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Mohammed D, Versaevel M, Bruyère C, Alaimo L, Luciano M, Vercruysse E, Procès A, Gabriele S. Innovative Tools for Mechanobiology: Unraveling Outside-In and Inside-Out Mechanotransduction. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:162. [PMID: 31380357 PMCID: PMC6646473 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells and tissues can sense and react to the modifications of the physico-chemical properties of the extracellular environment (ECM) through integrin-based adhesion sites and adapt their physiological response in a process called mechanotransduction. Due to their critical localization at the cell-ECM interface, transmembrane integrins are mediators of bidirectional signaling, playing a key role in “outside-in” and “inside-out” signal transduction. After presenting the basic conceptual fundamentals related to cell mechanobiology, we review the current state-of-the-art technologies that facilitate the understanding of mechanotransduction signaling pathways. Finally, we highlight innovative technological developments that can help to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying nuclear mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danahe Mohammed
- Mechanobiology and Soft Matter Group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Marie Versaevel
- Mechanobiology and Soft Matter Group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Céline Bruyère
- Mechanobiology and Soft Matter Group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Laura Alaimo
- Mechanobiology and Soft Matter Group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Marine Luciano
- Mechanobiology and Soft Matter Group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Eléonore Vercruysse
- Mechanobiology and Soft Matter Group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Anthony Procès
- Mechanobiology and Soft Matter Group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Sylvain Gabriele
- Mechanobiology and Soft Matter Group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
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34
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Fibroblasts stimulate macrophage migration in interconnected extracellular matrices through tunnel formation and fiber alignment. Biomaterials 2019; 209:88-102. [PMID: 31030083 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In vivo, macrophages and fibroblasts navigate through and remodel the three-dimensional (3D) extra-cellular matrix (ECM). The orientation of fibers, the porosity, and degree of cross-linking can change the interconnectivity of the ECM and affect cell migration. In turn, migrating cells can alter their microenvironment. To study the relationships between ECM interconnectivity and migration of cells, we assembled collagen hydrogels with dense (DCN) or with loosely interconnected networks (LCN). We find that in DCNs, RAW 264.7 macrophages in monocultures were virtually stationary. In DCN co-cultures, Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts created tunnels that provided conduits for macrophage migration. In LCNs, fibroblasts aligned fibers up to a distance of 100 μm, which provided tracks for macrophages. Intra-cellular and extra-cellular fluorescent fragments of internalized and degraded collagen were detected inside both cell types as well as around their cell peripheries. Macrophages expressed higher levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor associated protein (uPARAP)/mannose receptor 1 (CD206) compared to α2β1 indicating that collagen internalization in these cells occurred primarily via integrin-independent mechanisms. Network remodeling indicated by higher Young's modulus was observed in fibroblast monocultures as a result of TGF-β secretion. This work unveils new roles for fibroblasts in forming tunnels in networked ECM to modulate macrophage migration.
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35
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Schwager SC, Taufalele PV, Reinhart-King CA. Cell-Cell Mechanical Communication in Cancer. Cell Mol Bioeng 2019; 12:1-14. [PMID: 31565083 PMCID: PMC6764766 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-018-00564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Communication between cancer cells enables cancer progression and metastasis. While cell-cell communication in cancer has primarily been examined through chemical mechanisms, recent evidence suggests that mechanical communication through cell-cell junctions and cell-ECM linkages is also an important mediator of cancer progression. Cancer and stromal cells remodel the ECM through a variety of mechanisms, including matrix degradation, cross-linking, deposition, and physical remodeling. Cancer cells sense these mechanical environmental changes through cell-matrix adhesion complexes and subsequently alter their tension between both neighboring cells and the surrounding matrix, thereby altering the force landscape within the microenvironment. This communication not only allows cancer cells to communicate with each other, but allows stromal cells to communicate with cancer cells through matrix remodeling. Here, we review the mechanisms of intercellular force transmission, the subsequent matrix remodeling, and the implications of this mechanical communication on cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha C. Schwager
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, PMB 351631, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
| | - Paul V. Taufalele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, PMB 351631, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
| | - Cynthia A. Reinhart-King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, PMB 351631, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
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36
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Osuala KO, Ji K, Mattingly RR, Sloane BF. Breast Cancer: Proteolysis and Migration. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1152:401-411. [PMID: 31456196 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-20301-6_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Understanding breast cancer cell proteolysis and migration is crucial for developing novel therapies to prevent local and distant metastases. Human cancer cells utilize many biological functions comparable to those observed during embryogenesis conferring the cancer cells with survival advantages. One such advantage is the ability to secrete proteases into the tumor microenvironment in order to remodel the extracellular matrix to facilitate migration. These proteases degrade the extracellular matrix, which initially functions as a barrier to cancer cell escape from their site of origin. The extracellular matrix also functions as a reservoir for growth factors that can be released by the secreted proteases and thereby further aid tumor growth and progression. Other survival advantages of tumor cells include: the ability to utilize multiple modes of motility, thrive in acidic microenvironments, and the tumor cell's ability to hijack stromal and immune cells to foster their own migration and survival. In order to reduce metastasis, we must focus our efforts on addressing the survival advantages that tumor cells have acquired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingsley O Osuala
- Department of Pharmacology and Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Kyungmin Ji
- Department of Pharmacology and Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Raymond R Mattingly
- Department of Pharmacology and Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Bonnie F Sloane
- Department of Pharmacology and Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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Wong AD, Russell LM, Katt ME, Searson PC. Chemotherapeutic Drug Delivery and Quantitative Analysis of Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Migration in a Tissue-Engineered Three-Dimensional Microvessel Model of the Tumor Microenvironment. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2018; 5:633-643. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b00877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Wong
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology (INBT), Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Luisa M. Russell
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology (INBT), Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Moriah E. Katt
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology (INBT), Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Peter C. Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology (INBT), Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
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38
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Cancer invasion into musculature: Mechanics, molecules and implications. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 93:36-45. [PMID: 30009945 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Tumor invasion along structural interphases of surrounding tumor-free tissue represents a key process during tumor progression. Much attention has been devoted to mechanisms of tumor cell migration within extracellular matrix (ECM)-rich connective tissue, however a comprehensive understanding of tumor invasion into tissue of higher structural complexity, such as muscle tissue, is lacking. Muscle invasion in cancer patients is often associated with destructive growth and worsened prognosis. Here, we review biochemical, geometrical and mechanical cues of smooth and skeletal muscle tissues and their relevance for guided invasion of cancer cells. As integrating concept, muscle-organizing ECM-rich surfaces of the epi-, peri- and endomysium provide cleft-like confined spaces along interfaces between dynamic muscle cells, which provide molecular and physical cues that guide migrating cancer cells, forming a possible contribution to cancer progression.
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Puls TJ, Tan X, Husain M, Whittington CF, Fishel ML, Voytik-Harbin SL. Development of a Novel 3D Tumor-tissue Invasion Model for High-throughput, High-content Phenotypic Drug Screening. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13039. [PMID: 30158688 PMCID: PMC6115445 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31138-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While much progress has been made in the war on cancer, highly invasive cancers such as pancreatic cancer remain difficult to treat and anti-cancer clinical trial success rates remain low. One shortcoming of the drug development process that underlies these problems is the lack of predictive, pathophysiologically relevant preclinical models of invasive tumor phenotypes. While present-day 3D spheroid invasion models more accurately recreate tumor invasion than traditional 2D models, their shortcomings include poor reproducibility and inability to interface with automated, high-throughput systems. To address this gap, a novel 3D tumor-tissue invasion model which supports rapid, reproducible setup and user-definition of tumor and surrounding tissue compartments was developed. High-cell density tumor compartments were created using a custom-designed fabrication system and standardized oligomeric type I collagen to define and modulate ECM physical properties. Pancreatic cancer cell lines used within this model showed expected differential invasive phenotypes. Low-passage, patient-derived pancreatic cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts were used to increase model pathophysiologic relevance, yielding fibroblast-mediated tumor invasion and matrix alignment. Additionally, a proof-of-concept multiplex drug screening assay was applied to highlight this model's ability to interface with automated imaging systems and showcase its potential as a predictive tool for high-throughput, high-content drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Puls
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Xiaohong Tan
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Mahera Husain
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Catherine F Whittington
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Department of Oncology, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA
| | - Melissa L Fishel
- Department of Pediatrics, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Pancreatic Cancer Signature Center, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Sherry L Voytik-Harbin
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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40
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Wolf KJ, Lee S, Kumar S. A 3D topographical model of parenchymal infiltration and perivascular invasion in glioblastoma. APL Bioeng 2018; 2. [PMID: 29855630 DOI: 10.1063/1.5021059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and invasive primary brain cancer. GBM tumors are characterized by diffuse infiltration, with tumor cells invading slowly through the hyaluronic acid (HA)-rich parenchyma toward vascular beds and then migrating rapidly along microvasculature. Progress in understanding local infiltration, vascular homing, and perivascular invasion is limited by the absence of culture models that recapitulate these hallmark processes. Here, we introduce a platform for GBM invasion consisting of a tumor-like cell reservoir and a parallel open channel "vessel" embedded in the 3D HA-RGD matrix. We show that this simple paradigm is sufficient to capture multi-step invasion and transitions in cell morphology and speed reminiscent of those seen in GBM. Specifically, seeded tumor cells grow into multicellular masses that expand and invade the surrounding HA-RGD matrices while extending long (10-100 μm), thin protrusions resembling those observed for GBM in vivo. Upon encountering the channel, cells orient along the channel wall, adopt a 2D-like morphology, and migrate rapidly along the channel. Structured illumination microscopy reveals distinct cytoskeletal architectures for cells invading through the HA matrix versus those migrating along the vascular channel. Substitution of collagen I in place of HA-RGD supports the same sequence of events but with faster local invasion and a more mesenchymal morphology. These results indicate that topographical effects are generalizable across matrix formulations, but the mechanisms underlying invasion are matrix-dependent. We anticipate that our reductionist paradigm should speed the development of mechanistic hypotheses that could be tested in more complex tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J Wolf
- University of California, Berkeley - University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Stacey Lee
- University of California, Berkeley - University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- University of California, Berkeley - University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
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41
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Exposing Cell-Itary Confinement: Understanding the Mechanisms of Confined Single Cell Migration. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1092:139-157. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-95294-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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42
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Zanotelli MR, Goldblatt ZE, Miller JP, Bordeleau F, Li J, VanderBurgh JA, Lampi MC, King MR, Reinhart-King CA. Regulation of ATP utilization during metastatic cell migration by collagen architecture. Mol Biol Cell 2018; 29:1-9. [PMID: 29118073 PMCID: PMC5746062 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e17-01-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell migration in a three-dimensional matrix requires that cells either remodel the surrounding matrix fibers and/or squeeze between the fibers to move. Matrix degradation, matrix remodeling, and changes in cell shape each require cells to expend energy. While significant research has been performed to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms guiding metastatic migration, less is known about cellular energy regulation and utilization during three-dimensional cancer cell migration. Here we introduce the use of the genetically encoded fluorescent biomarkers, PercevalHR and pHRed, to quantitatively assess ATP, ADP, and pH levels in MDA-MB-231 metastatic cancer cells as a function of the local collagen microenvironment. We find that the use of the probe is an effective tool for exploring the thermodynamics of cancer cell migration and invasion. Specifically, we find that the ATP:ADP ratio increases in cells in denser matrices, where migration is impaired, and it decreases in cells in aligned collagen matrices, where migration is facilitated. When migration is pharmacologically inhibited, the ATP:ADP ratio decreases. Together, our data indicate that matrix architecture alters cellular energetics and that intracellular ATP:ADP ratio is related to the ability of cancer cells to effectively migrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Zanotelli
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Zachary E Goldblatt
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Joseph P Miller
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Francois Bordeleau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212
| | - Jiahe Li
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Jacob A VanderBurgh
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Marsha C Lampi
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Michael R King
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212
| | - Cynthia A Reinhart-King
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212
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43
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Ford AJ, Rajagopalan P. Extracellular matrix remodeling in 3D: implications in tissue homeostasis and disease progression. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 10:e1503. [PMID: 29171177 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role in regulating cell behavior during tissue homeostasis and in disease progression. Through a combination of adhesion, contraction, alignment of ECM proteins and subsequent degradation, cells change the chemical, mechanical, and physical properties of their surrounding matrix. Other contributing factors to matrix remodeling are the de novo synthesis of ECM proteins, post-translational modifications and receptor-mediated internalization. In this review, we highlight how each of these processes contributes to the maintenance of homeostasis and in disease conditions such as cancer and liver fibrosis. This article is categorized under: Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Ford
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Padmavathy Rajagopalan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,ICTAS Center for Systems Biology of Engineered Tissues, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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44
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Lintz M, Muñoz A, Reinhart-King CA. The Mechanics of Single Cell and Collective Migration of Tumor Cells. J Biomech Eng 2017; 139:2580907. [PMID: 27814431 DOI: 10.1115/1.4035121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is a dynamic process in which cancer cells navigate the tumor microenvironment, largely guided by external chemical and mechanical cues. Our current understanding of metastatic cell migration has relied primarily on studies of single cell migration, most of which have been performed using two-dimensional (2D) cell culture techniques and, more recently, using three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds. However, the current paradigm focused on single cell movements is shifting toward the idea that collective migration is likely one of the primary modes of migration during metastasis of many solid tumors. Not surprisingly, the mechanics of collective migration differ significantly from single cell movements. As such, techniques must be developed that enable in-depth analysis of collective migration, and those for examining single cell migration should be adopted and modified to study collective migration to allow for accurate comparison of the two. In this review, we will describe engineering approaches for studying metastatic migration, both single cell and collective, and how these approaches have yielded significant insight into the mechanics governing each process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Lintz
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 309 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Adam Muñoz
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 309 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Cynthia A Reinhart-King
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 302 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853 e-mail:
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Abstract
The principles of engineering and physics have been applied to oncology for nearly 50 years. Engineers and physical scientists have made contributions to all aspects of cancer biology, from quantitative understanding of tumour growth and progression to improved detection and treatment of cancer. Many early efforts focused on experimental and computational modelling of drug distribution, cell cycle kinetics and tumour growth dynamics. In the past decade, we have witnessed exponential growth at the interface of engineering, physics and oncology that has been fuelled by advances in fields including materials science, microfabrication, nanomedicine, microfluidics, imaging, and catalysed by new programmes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), Physical Sciences in Oncology, and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Alliance for Nanotechnology. Here, we review the advances made at the interface of engineering and physical sciences and oncology in four important areas: the physical microenvironment of the tumour and technological advances in drug delivery; cellular and molecular imaging; and microfluidics and microfabrication. We discussthe research advances, opportunities and challenges for integrating engineering and physical sciences with oncology to develop new methods to study, detect and treat cancer, and we also describe the future outlook for these emerging areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 240 Skirkanich Hall, 210 S. 33rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, David H. Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories of Tumour Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Cox 7, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Robert Langer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, David H. Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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46
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Alobaidi AA, Sun B. Probing three-dimensional collective cancer invasion with DIGME. CANCER CONVERGENCE 2017; 1:1. [PMID: 29623954 PMCID: PMC5876692 DOI: 10.1186/s41236-017-0004-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multicellular pattern formation plays an important role in developmental biology, cancer metastasis and wound healing. While many physical factors have been shown to regulate these multicellular processes, the role of ECM micro-to-meso scale geometry has been poorly understood in 3D collective cancer invasion. RESULTS We have developed a mechanical-based strategy, Diskoid In Geometrically Micropatterned ECM (DIGME). DIGME allows easy engineering of the shape of 3D tissue organoid, the mesoscale ECM heterogeneity, and the fiber alignment of collagen-based ECM all at the same time. We have employed DIGME to study the 3D invasion of MDA-MB-231 diskoids in engineered collagen matrix. We find that the collective cancer invasion is closely regulated by the micro-to-meso scale geometry of the ECM. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that DIGME provides a simple yet powerful tool to probe 3D dynamics of tissue organoids in physically patterned microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani A. Alobaidi
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Weniger Hall, Corvallis, OR USA
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Weniger Hall, Corvallis, OR USA
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47
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Rahman-Zaman A, Shan S, Reinhart-King CA. Cell Migration in Microfabricated 3D Collagen Microtracks is Mediated through the Prometastatic Protein Girdin. Cell Mol Bioeng 2017; 11:1-10. [PMID: 29403565 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-017-0511-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In vivo, cancer cells can utilize tube-like microtracks formed within the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the stroma as 'highways' to escape the primary tumor, however very little is known about the molecular mechanisms that govern cell migration through these microtracks. Cell polarization and actin organization are both essential for efficient cell migration and cells are known to migrate very unidirectionally in confined spaces. In this study, we focused on understanding the role of Girdin during unidirectional migration. Girdin is a prometastatic protein known to be involved in cell polarity by directly interacting with the cell polarity protein Par-3 (Partitioning defective-3) and also known as an actin binding protein. Methods We utilized a microfabricated platform to recreate these microtracks in vitro using collagen and used siRNA to knockdown Girdin in MDA-MB-231 cells. Results Our data indicate that knockdown of Girdin results in decreased cell speed during 3D collagen microtrack migration. Loss of Girdin also results in altered cell morphology and cell orientation. Moreover, Girdin-depletion impairs actin organization and stress fiber formation, which can be restored by upregulating the GTPase RhoA. Activation of RhoA induces actin stress fiber formation, restores elongated migratory cell shape and partial cell migration in 3D collagen microtracks in the absence of Girdin. Conclusions Our data suggest that Girdin helps directional migration in collagen microtracks by promoting actin cytoskeletal organization and maintaining morphological cell polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniqua Rahman-Zaman
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Shuo Shan
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Cynthia A Reinhart-King
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, PMB 351631, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
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48
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Myer NM, Myers KA. CLASP1 regulates endothelial cell branching morphology and directed migration. Biol Open 2017; 6:1502-1515. [PMID: 28860131 PMCID: PMC5665473 DOI: 10.1242/bio.028571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cell (EC) branching is critically dependent upon the dynamic nature of the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton. Extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanosensing is a prominent mechanism by which cytoskeletal reorganization is achieved; yet how ECM-induced signaling is able to target cytoskeletal reorganization intracellularly to facilitate productive EC branching morphogenesis is not known. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the composition and density of the ECM drive the regulation of MT growth dynamics in ECs by targeting the MT stabilizing protein, cytoplasmic linker associated protein 1 (CLASP1). High-resolution fluorescent microscopy coupled with computational image analysis reveal that CLASP1 promotes slow MT growth on glass ECMs and promotes short-lived MT growth on high-density collagen-I and fibronectin ECMs. Within EC branches, engagement of either high-density collagen-I or high-density fibronectin ECMs results in reduced MT growth speeds, while CLASP1-dependent effects on MT dynamics promotes elevated numbers of short, branched protrusions that guide persistent and directed EC migration. Summary: CLASP1 modulates microtubule dynamics with sub-cellular specificity in response to extracellular matrix density and composition. CLASP1 effects on microtubules promote short, branched protrusions that guide persistent and directional EC migration. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper as part of the supplementary information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Myer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Kenneth A Myers
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
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49
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Advanced biomaterials and microengineering technologies to recapitulate the stepwise process of cancer metastasis. Biomaterials 2017; 133:176-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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50
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Sant GR, Knopf KB, Albala DM. Live-single-cell phenotypic cancer biomarkers-future role in precision oncology? NPJ Precis Oncol 2017; 1:21. [PMID: 29872705 PMCID: PMC5871838 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-017-0025-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The promise of precision and personalized medicine is rooted in accurate, highly sensitive, and specific disease biomarkers. This is particularly true for cancer-a disease characterized by marked tumor heterogeneity and diverse molecular signatures. Although thousands of biomarkers have been described, only a very small number have been successfully translated into clinical use. Undoubtedly, there is need for rapid, quantitative, and more cost effective biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and prognosis, to allow for better risk stratification and aid clinicians in making personalized treatment decisions. This is particularly true for cancers where specific biomarkers are either not available (e.g., renal cell carcinoma) or where current biomarkers tend to classify individuals into broad risk categories unable to accurately assess individual tumor aggressiveness and adverse pathology potential (e.g., prostate cancer), thereby leading to problems of over-diagnosis and over-treatment of indolent cancer and under-treatment of aggressive cancer. This perspective highlights an emerging class of cancer biomarkers-live-single-cell phenotypic biomarkers, as compared to genomic biomarkers, and their potential application for cancer diagnosis, risk-stratification, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grannum R Sant
- Department of Urology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 82 Dennison Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 UK
| | - Kevin B Knopf
- Cancer Commons, 35050 El Camino Real, Los Altos, CA 94022 USA
| | - David M Albala
- 3Department of Urology, Crouse Hospital, Syracuse, NY USA
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