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Xu D, Xiao H, Wang S, Li H, Chen HJ, Liu C, Hu N. Universal and Sensitive Drug Assessment Biosensing Platform Using Optimal Mechanical Beating Detection of Single Cardiomyocyte. ACS NANO 2022; 16:15484-15494. [PMID: 36094397 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c08049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The preclinical assessment of efficacy and safety is essential for cardiovascular drug development in order to guarantee effective prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and avoid human health endangerment and a huge waste of resources. Rhythmic mechanical beating as one of the crucial cardiomyocyte properties has been exploited to establish a drug assessment biosensing platform. However, the conventional label-free biosensing platforms are difficult to perform high-throughput and high-resolution mechanical beating detection for a single cardiomyocyte, while label-based strategies are limited by pharmacologically adverse effects and phototoxicity. Herein, we propose a biosensing platform involving the multichannel electrode array device and the universal mechanical beating detection system. The platform can determine the optimal characteristic working frequency of different devices and dynamically interrogate the viability of multisite single cardiomyocytes to establish the optimized cell-based model for sensitive drug assessment. The subtle changes of mechanical beating signals induced by cardiovascular drugs can be detected by the platform, thereby demonstrating its high performance in pharmacological assessment. The universal and sensitive drug assessment biosensing platform is believed to be widely applied in cardiology investigating and preclinical drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hongbo Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shuzhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hongbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hui-Jiuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ning Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou 311200, China
- Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
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2
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Dou W, Malhi M, Zhao Q, Wang L, Huang Z, Law J, Liu N, Simmons CA, Maynes JT, Sun Y. Microengineered platforms for characterizing the contractile function of in vitro cardiac models. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2022; 8:26. [PMID: 35299653 PMCID: PMC8882466 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-021-00344-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Emerging heart-on-a-chip platforms are promising approaches to establish cardiac cell/tissue models in vitro for research on cardiac physiology, disease modeling and drug cardiotoxicity as well as for therapeutic discovery. Challenges still exist in obtaining the complete capability of in situ sensing to fully evaluate the complex functional properties of cardiac cell/tissue models. Changes to contractile strength (contractility) and beating regularity (rhythm) are particularly important to generate accurate, predictive models. Developing new platforms and technologies to assess the contractile functions of in vitro cardiac models is essential to provide information on cell/tissue physiologies, drug-induced inotropic responses, and the mechanisms of cardiac diseases. In this review, we discuss recent advances in biosensing platforms for the measurement of contractile functions of in vitro cardiac models, including single cardiomyocytes, 2D monolayers of cardiomyocytes, and 3D cardiac tissues. The characteristics and performance of current platforms are reviewed in terms of sensing principles, measured parameters, performance, cell sources, cell/tissue model configurations, advantages, and limitations. In addition, we highlight applications of these platforms and relevant discoveries in fundamental investigations, drug testing, and disease modeling. Furthermore, challenges and future outlooks of heart-on-a-chip platforms for in vitro measurement of cardiac functional properties are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkun Dou
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8 Canada
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
| | - Manpreet Malhi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 Canada
| | - Qili Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System and the Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350 China
| | - Li Wang
- School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353 China
| | - Zongjie Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8 Canada
| | - Junhui Law
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8 Canada
| | - Na Liu
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Craig A. Simmons
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8 Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9 Canada
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1 Canada
| | - Jason T. Maynes
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 Canada
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8 Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9 Canada
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4 Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A1 Canada
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3
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Lewalle A, Campbell KS, Campbell SG, Milburn GN, Niederer SA. Functional and structural differences between skinned and intact muscle preparations. J Gen Physiol 2022; 154:e202112990. [PMID: 35045156 PMCID: PMC8929306 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202112990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofilaments and their associated proteins, which together constitute the sarcomeres, provide the molecular-level basis for contractile function in all muscle types. In intact muscle, sarcomere-level contraction is strongly coupled to other cellular subsystems, in particular the sarcolemmal membrane. Skinned muscle preparations (where the sarcolemma has been removed or permeabilized) are an experimental system designed to probe contractile mechanisms independently of the sarcolemma. Over the last few decades, experiments performed using permeabilized preparations have been invaluable for clarifying the understanding of contractile mechanisms in both skeletal and cardiac muscle. Today, the technique is increasingly harnessed for preclinical and/or pharmacological studies that seek to understand how interventions will impact intact muscle contraction. In this context, intrinsic functional and structural differences between skinned and intact muscle pose a major interpretational challenge. This review first surveys measurements that highlight these differences in terms of the sarcomere structure, passive and active tension generation, and calcium dependence. We then highlight the main practical challenges and caveats faced by experimentalists seeking to emulate the physiological conditions of intact muscle. Gaining an awareness of these complexities is essential for putting experiments in due perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Lewalle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Kenneth S. Campbell
- Department of Physiology and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Stuart G. Campbell
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Gregory N. Milburn
- Department of Physiology and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Steven A. Niederer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
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Turnbull IC, Zhu W, Stillitano F, Chien CC, Gaitas A. A micromachined force sensing apparatus and method for human engineered cardiac tissue and induced pluripotent stem cell characterization. SENSORS AND ACTUATORS. A, PHYSICAL 2021; 331:112874. [PMID: 34305317 PMCID: PMC8294102 DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2021.112874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cell derived-cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) have great potential for cell therapy, drug assessment, and for understanding the pathophysiology and genetic underpinnings of cardiac diseases. Contraction forces are one of the most important characteristics of cardiac function and are predictors of healthy and diseased states. Cantilever techniques, such as atomic force microscopy, measure the vertical force of a single cell, while systems designed to more closely resemble the physical heart function, such as engineered cardiac tissue held by end-posts, measure the axial force. One important question is how do these two force measurements correlate? By establishing a correlation of the axial and vertical force, we will be one step closer in being able to use single cell iPSC-CMs as models. A novel micromachined sensor for measuring force contractions of engineered tissue has been developed. Using this novel sensor, a correlation between axial force and vertical force is experimentally established. This finding supports the use of vertical measurements as an alternative to tissue measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weibin Zhu
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | | | - Chen-Chi Chien
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Angelo Gaitas
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
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Beltrán SM, Slepian MJ, Taylor RE. Extending the Capabilities of Molecular Force Sensors via DNA Nanotechnology. Crit Rev Biomed Eng 2021; 48:1-16. [PMID: 32749116 DOI: 10.1615/critrevbiomedeng.2020033450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
At the nanoscale, pushing, pulling, and shearing forces drive biochemical processes in development and remodeling as well as in wound healing and disease progression. Research in the field of mechanobiology investigates not only how these loads affect biochemical signaling pathways but also how signaling pathways respond to local loading by triggering mechanical changes such as regional stiffening of a tissue. This feedback between mechanical and biochemical signaling is increasingly recognized as fundamental in embryonic development, tissue morphogenesis, cell signaling, and disease pathogenesis. Historically, the interdisciplinary field of mechanobiology has been driven by the development of technologies for measuring and manipulating cellular and molecular forces, with each new tool enabling vast new lines of inquiry. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the manufacturing and capabilities of molecular-scale force and strain sensors. We also demonstrate how DNA nanotechnology has been critical to the enhancement of existing techniques and to the development of unique capabilities for future mechanosensor assembly. DNA is a responsive and programmable building material for sensor fabrication. It enables the systematic interrogation of molecular biomechanics with forces at the 1- to 200-pN scale that are needed to elucidate the fundamental means by which cells and proteins transduce mechanical signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana M Beltrán
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marvin J Slepian
- Department of Medicine and Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona, Tucson; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson
| | - Rebecca E Taylor
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Gao L, Wang J, Guan S, Du M, Wu K, Xu K, Zou L, Tian H, Fang Y. Magnetic Actuation of Flexible Microelectrode Arrays for Neural Activity Recordings. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:8032-8039. [PMID: 31580687 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b03232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Implantable microelectrodes that can be remotely actuated via external fields are promising tools to interface with biological systems at a high degree of precision. Here, we report the development of flexible magnetic microelectrodes (FMμEs) that can be remotely actuated by magnetic fields. The FMμEs consist of flexible microelectrodes integrated with dielectrically encapsulated FeNi (iron-nickel) alloy microactuators. Both magnetic torque- and force-driven actuation of the FMμEs have been demonstrated. Nanoplatinum-coated FMμEs have been applied for in vivo recordings of neural activities from peripheral nerves and cerebral cortex of mice. Moreover, owing to their ultrasmall sizes and mechanical compliance with neural tissues, chronically implanted FMμEs elicited greatly reduced neuronal cell loss in mouse brain compared to conventional stiff probes. The FMμEs open up a variety of new opportunities for electrically interfacing with biological systems in a controlled and minimally invasive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology , Beijing 100190 , P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , P. R. China
| | - Jinfen Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology , Beijing 100190 , P. R. China
- State Key Laboratories of Transducer Technology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , P. R. China
| | - Shouliang Guan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology , Beijing 100190 , P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , P. R. China
| | - Mingde Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology , Beijing 100190 , P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , P. R. China
- Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering , Aalto University , Espoo FI-00076 , Finland
| | - Kun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of High Temperature Gas Dynamics , Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , P. R. China
| | - Ke Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology , Beijing 100190 , P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , P. R. China
| | - Liang Zou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology , Beijing 100190 , P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , P. R. China
| | - Huihui Tian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology , Beijing 100190 , P. R. China
| | - Ying Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology , Beijing 100190 , P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , P. R. China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 200031 , P. R. China
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7
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Zhang C, Wang W, He W, Xi N, Wang Y, Liu L. Dynamic Model for Characterizing Contractile Behaviors and Mechanical Properties of a Cardiomyocyte. Biophys J 2018; 114:188-200. [PMID: 29320686 PMCID: PMC5773758 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on the contractile dynamics of heart cells have attracted broad attention for the development of both heart disease therapies and cardiomyocyte-actuated micro-robotics. In this study, a linear dynamic model of a single cardiomyocyte cell was proposed at the subcellular scale to characterize the contractile behaviors of heart cells, with system parameters representing the mechanical properties of the subcellular components of living cardiomyocytes. The system parameters of the dynamic model were identified with the cellular beating pattern measured by a scanning ion conductance microscope. The experiments were implemented with cardiomyocytes in one control group and two experimental groups with the drugs cytochalasin-D or nocodazole, to identify the system parameters of the model based on scanning ion conductance microscope measurements, measurement of the cellular Young's modulus with atomic force microscopy indentation, measurement of cellular contraction forces using the micro-pillar technique, and immunofluorescence staining and imaging of the cytoskeleton. The proposed mathematical model was both indirectly and qualitatively verified by the variation in cytoskeleton, beating amplitude, and contractility of cardiomyocytes among the control and the experimental groups, as well as directly and quantitatively validated by the simulation and the significant consistency of 90.5% in the comparison between the ratios of the Young's modulus and the equivalent comprehensive cellular elasticities of cells in the experimental groups to those in the control group. Apart from mechanical properties (mass, elasticity, and viscosity) of subcellular structures, other properties of cardiomyocytes have also been studied, such as the properties of the relative action potential pattern and cellular beating frequency. This work has potential implications for research on cytobiology, drug screening, mechanisms of the heart, and cardiomyocyte-based bio-syncretic robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenxue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China.
| | - Wenhui He
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ning Xi
- Emerging Technologies Institute, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, University of Hong Kong Pokfulam, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Yuechao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Lianqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China.
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8
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Adding dimension to cellular mechanotransduction: Advances in biomedical engineering of multiaxial cell-stretch systems and their application to cardiovascular biomechanics and mechano-signaling. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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9
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Schönleitner P, Schotten U, Antoons G. Mechanosensitivity of microdomain calcium signalling in the heart. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017. [PMID: 28648626 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2017.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In cardiac myocytes, calcium (Ca2+) signalling is tightly controlled in dedicated microdomains. At the dyad, i.e. the narrow cleft between t-tubules and junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), many signalling pathways combine to control Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release during contraction. Local Ca2+ gradients also exist in regions where SR and mitochondria are in close contact to regulate energetic demands. Loss of microdomain structures, or dysregulation of local Ca2+ fluxes in cardiac disease, is often associated with oxidative stress, contractile dysfunction and arrhythmias. Ca2+ signalling at these microdomains is highly mechanosensitive. Recent work has demonstrated that increasing mechanical load triggers rapid local Ca2+ releases that are not reflected by changes in global Ca2+. Key mechanisms involve rapid mechanotransduction with reactive oxygen species or nitric oxide as primary signalling molecules targeting SR or mitochondria microdomains depending on the nature of the mechanical stimulus. This review summarizes the most recent insights in rapid Ca2+ microdomain mechanosensitivity and re-evaluates its (patho)physiological significance in the context of historical data on the macroscopic role of Ca2+ in acute force adaptation and mechanically-induced arrhythmias. We distinguish between preload and afterload mediated effects on local Ca2+ release, and highlight differences between atrial and ventricular myocytes. Finally, we provide an outlook for further investigation in chronic models of abnormal mechanics (eg post-myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation), to identify the clinical significance of disturbed Ca2+ mechanosensitivity for arrhythmogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Schönleitner
- Dept of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Uli Schotten
- Dept of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Gudrun Antoons
- Dept of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
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10
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Grespan E, Martewicz S, Serena E, Le Houerou V, Rühe J, Elvassore N. Analysis of Calcium Transients and Uniaxial Contraction Force in Single Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes on Microstructured Elastic Substrate with Spatially Controlled Surface Chemistries. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2016; 32:12190-12201. [PMID: 27643958 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b03138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical activity of cardiomyocytes is the result of a process called excitation-contraction coupling (ECC). A membrane depolarization wave induces a transient cytosolic calcium concentration increase that triggers activation of calcium-sensitive contractile proteins, leading to cell contraction and force generation. An experimental setup capable of acquiring simultaneously all ECC features would have an enormous impact on cardiac drug development and disease study. In this work, we develop a microengineered elastomeric substrate with tailor-made surface chemistry to measure simultaneously the uniaxial contraction force and the calcium transients generated by single human cardiomyocytes in vitro. Microreplication followed by photocuring is used to generate an array consisting of elastomeric micropillars. A second photochemical process is employed to spatially control the surface chemistry of the elastomeric pillar. As result, human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs) can be confined in rectangular cell-adhesive areas, which induce cell elongation and promote suspended cell anchoring between two adjacent micropillars. In this end-to-end conformation, confocal fluorescence microscopy allows simultaneous detection of calcium transients and micropillar deflection induced by a single-cell uniaxial contraction force. Computational finite elements modeling (FEM) and 3D reconstruction of the cell-pillar interface allow force quantification. The platform is used to follow calcium dynamics and contraction force evolution in hESC-CMs cultures over the course of several weeks. Our results show how a biomaterial-based platform can be a versatile tool for in vitro assaying of cardiac functional properties of single-cell human cardiomyocytes, with applications in both in vitro developmental studies and drug screening on cardiac cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Grespan
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience , Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Sebastian Martewicz
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova , Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine , Via Orus 2, 35129 Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Serena
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova , Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine , Via Orus 2, 35129 Padua, Italy
| | - Vincent Le Houerou
- Institute Charles Sadron, University of Strasbourg , 23 rue du Loess, 84047 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jürgen Rühe
- Department for Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg , Georges-Köhler Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicola Elvassore
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova , Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine , Via Orus 2, 35129 Padua, Italy
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11
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Zhao ZH, Jin CL, Jang JH, Wu YN, Kim SJ, Jin HH, Cui L, Zhang YH. Assessment of Myofilament Ca2+ Sensitivity Underlying Cardiac Excitation-contraction Coupling. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27501399 DOI: 10.3791/54057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias are the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, the mechanism of pathogenesis and myocardial malfunction in the diseased heart remains to be fully clarified. Recent compelling evidence demonstrates that changes in the myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity affect intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis and ion channel activities in cardiac myocytes, the essential mechanisms responsible for the cardiac action potential and contraction in healthy and diseased hearts. Indeed, activities of ion channels and transporters underlying cardiac action potentials (e.g., Na(+), Ca(2+) and K(+) channels and the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger) and intracellular Ca(2+) handling proteins (e.g., ryanodine receptors and Ca(2+)-ATPase in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SERCA2a) or phospholamban and its phosphorylation) are conventionally measured to evaluate the fundamental mechanisms of cardiac excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. Both electrical activities in the membrane and intracellular Ca(2+) changes are the trigger signals of E-C coupling, whereas myofilament is the functional unit of contraction and relaxation, and myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity is imperative in the implementation of myofibril performance. Nevertheless, few studies incorporate myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity into the functional analysis of the myocardium unless it is the focus of the study. Here, we describe a protocol that measures sarcomere shortening/re-lengthening and the intracellular Ca(2+) level using Fura-2 AM (ratiometric detection) and evaluate the changes of myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity in cardiac myocytes from rat hearts. The main aim is to emphasize that myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity should be taken into consideration in E-C coupling for mechanistic analysis. Comprehensive investigation of ion channels, ion transporters, intracellular Ca(2+) handling, and myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity that underlie myocyte contractility in healthy and diseased hearts will provide valuable information for designing more effective strategies of translational and therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zai Hao Zhao
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine
| | - Chun Li Jin
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine
| | - Ji Hyun Jang
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine
| | - Yu Na Wu
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine
| | - Sung Joon Kim
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine
| | | | - Lan Cui
- Yan Bian University Hospital;
| | - Yin Hua Zhang
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine; Yan Bian University Hospital; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester;
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12
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Aguettaz E, Lopez JJ, Krzesiak A, Lipskaia L, Adnot S, Hajjar RJ, Cognard C, Constantin B, Sebille S. Axial stretch-dependent cation entry in dystrophic cardiomyopathy: Involvement of several TRPs channels. Cell Calcium 2016; 59:145-155. [PMID: 26803937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), deficiency of the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin leads to well-described defects in skeletal muscle but also to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In cardiac cells, the subsarcolemmal localization of dystrophin is thought to protect the membrane from mechanical stress. The dystrophin deficiency leads to membrane instability and a high stress-induced Ca(2+) influx due to dysregulation of sarcolemmal channels such as stretch-activated channels (SACs). In this work divalent cation entry has been explored in isolated ventricular Wild Type (WT) and mdx cardiomyocytes in two different conditions: at rest and during the application of an axial stretch. At rest, our results suggest that activation of TRPV2 channels participates to a constitutive basal cation entry in mdx cardiomyocytes.Using microcarbon fibres technique, an axial stretchwas applied to mimic effects of physiological conditions of ventricular filling and study on cation influx bythe Mn(2+)-quenching techniquedemonstrated a high stretch-dependentcationic influx in dystrophic cells, partially due to SACs. Involvement of TRPs channels in this excessive Ca(2+) influx has been investigated using specific modulators and demonstratedboth sarcolemmal localization and an abnormal activity of TRPV2 channels. In conclusion, TRPV2 channels are demonstrated here to play a key role in cation influx and dysregulation in dystrophin deficient cardiomyocytes, enhanced in stretching conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Aguettaz
- Laboratoire de Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM CNRS ERL 7368), Equipe Transferts Ioniques et Rythmicité Cardiaque (TIRC), Université de Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France
| | - J J Lopez
- Laboratoire de Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM CNRS ERL 7368), Equipe Calcium et Microenvironnement des Cellules Souches (CMCS), Université de Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France
| | - A Krzesiak
- Laboratoire de Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM CNRS ERL 7368), Equipe Transferts Ioniques et Rythmicité Cardiaque (TIRC), Université de Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France
| | - L Lipskaia
- INSERM U955 and Département de Physiologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, AP-HP, Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), 94010 Créteil, France.,Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - S Adnot
- INSERM U955 and Département de Physiologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, AP-HP, Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), 94010 Créteil, France
| | - R J Hajjar
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - C Cognard
- Laboratoire de Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM CNRS ERL 7368), Equipe Transferts Ioniques et Rythmicité Cardiaque (TIRC), Université de Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France
| | - B Constantin
- Laboratoire de Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM CNRS ERL 7368), Equipe Calcium et Microenvironnement des Cellules Souches (CMCS), Université de Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France
| | - S Sebille
- Laboratoire de Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM CNRS ERL 7368), Equipe Transferts Ioniques et Rythmicité Cardiaque (TIRC), Université de Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France
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13
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Rodriguez ML, Graham BT, Pabon LM, Han SJ, Murry CE, Sniadecki NJ. Measuring the contractile forces of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes with arrays of microposts. J Biomech Eng 2015; 136:051005. [PMID: 24615475 DOI: 10.1115/1.4027145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes hold promise for heart repair, disease modeling, drug screening, and for studies of developmental biology. All of these applications can be improved by assessing the contractility of cardiomyocytes at the single cell level. We have developed an in vitro platform for assessing the contractile performance of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes that is compatible with other common endpoints such as microscopy and molecular biology. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) were seeded onto elastomeric micropost arrays in order to characterize the contractile force, velocity, and power produced by these cells. We assessed contractile function by tracking the deflection of microposts beneath an individual hiPSC-CM with optical microscopy. Immunofluorescent staining of these cells was employed to assess their spread area, nucleation, and sarcomeric structure on the microposts. Following seeding of hiPSC-CMs onto microposts coated with fibronectin, laminin, and collagen IV, we found that hiPSC-CMs on laminin coatings demonstrated higher attachment, spread area, and contractile velocity than those seeded on fibronectin or collagen IV coatings. Under optimized conditions, hiPSC-CMs spread to an area of approximately 420 μm2, generated systolic forces of approximately 15 nN/cell, showed contraction and relaxation rates of 1.74 μm/s and 1.46 μm/s, respectively, and had a peak contraction power of 29 fW. Thus, elastomeric micropost arrays can be used to study the contractile strength and kinetics of hiPSC-CMs. This system should facilitate studies of hiPSC-CM maturation, disease modeling, and drug screens as well as fundamental studies of human cardiac contraction.
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Carlsen RW, Sitti M. Bio-hybrid cell-based actuators for microsystems. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2014; 10:3831-51. [PMID: 24895215 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201400384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
As we move towards the miniaturization of devices to perform tasks at the nano and microscale, it has become increasingly important to develop new methods for actuation, sensing, and control. Over the past decade, bio-hybrid methods have been investigated as a promising new approach to overcome the challenges of scaling down robotic and other functional devices. These methods integrate biological cells with artificial components and therefore, can take advantage of the intrinsic actuation and sensing functionalities of biological cells. Here, the recent advancements in bio-hybrid actuation are reviewed, and the challenges associated with the design, fabrication, and control of bio-hybrid microsystems are discussed. As a case study, focus is put on the development of bacteria-driven microswimmers, which has been investigated as a targeted drug delivery carrier. Finally, a future outlook for the development of these systems is provided. The continued integration of biological and artificial components is envisioned to enable the performance of tasks at a smaller and smaller scale in the future, leading to the parallel and distributed operation of functional systems at the microscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Wright Carlsen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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15
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Cardiac tissue structure, properties, and performance: a materials science perspective. Ann Biomed Eng 2014; 42:2003-13. [PMID: 25081385 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-014-1071-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
From an engineering perspective, many forms of heart disease can be thought of as a reduction in biomaterial performance, in which the biomaterial is the tissue comprising the ventricular wall. In materials science, the structure and properties of a material are recognized to be interconnected with performance. In addition, for most measurements of structure, properties, and performance, some processing is required. Here, we review the current state of knowledge regarding cardiac tissue structure, properties, and performance as well as the processing steps taken to acquire those measurements. Understanding the impact of these factors and their interactions may enhance our understanding of heart function and heart failure. We also review design considerations for cardiac tissue property and performance measurements because, to date, most data on cardiac tissue has been obtained under non-physiological loading conditions. Novel measurement systems that account for these design considerations may improve future experiments and lead to greater insight into cardiac tissue structure, properties, and ultimately performance.
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Seo K, Inagaki M, Hidaka I, Fukano H, Sugimachi M, Hisada T, Nishimura S, Sugiura S. Relevance of cardiomyocyte mechano-electric coupling to stretch-induced arrhythmias: optical voltage/calcium measurement in mechanically stimulated cells, tissues and organs. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 115:129-39. [PMID: 25084395 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Stretch-induced arrhythmias are multi-scale phenomena in which alterations in channel activities and/or calcium handling lead to the organ level derangement of the heart rhythm. To understand how cellular mechano-electric coupling (MEC) leads to stretch-induced arrhythmias at the organ level, we developed stretching devices and optical voltage/calcium measurement techniques optimized to each cardiac level. This review introduces these experimental techniques of (1) optical voltage measurement coupled with a carbon-fiber technique for single isolated cardiomyocytes, (2) optical voltage mapping combined with motion tracking technique for myocardial tissue/whole heart preparations and (3) real-time calcium imaging coupled with a laser optical trap technique for cardiomyocytes. Following the overview of each methodology, results are presented. We conclude that individual MEC in cardiomyocytes can be heterogeneous at the ventricular level, especially when moderate amplitude mechanical stretches are applied to the heart, and that this heterogeneous MEC can evoke focal excitation that develops into re-entrant arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinya Seo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Masashi Inagaki
- Department of Cardiovascular Dynamics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-0873, Japan.
| | - Ichiro Hidaka
- Division of Physical and Health Education, Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Hana Fukano
- Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8563, Japan.
| | - Masaru Sugimachi
- Department of Cardiovascular Dynamics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-0873, Japan.
| | - Toshiaki Hisada
- Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8563, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Nishimura
- Research Division of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Translational Systems Biology and Medicine Initiative, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Seiryo Sugiura
- Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8563, Japan.
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17
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Taylor RE, Kim K, Sun N, Park SJ, Sim JY, Fajardo G, Bernstein D, Wu JC, Pruitt BL. Sacrificial layer technique for axial force post assay of immature cardiomyocytes. Biomed Microdevices 2013; 15:171-81. [PMID: 23007494 PMCID: PMC3545035 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-012-9710-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Immature primary and stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes provide useful models for fundamental studies of heart development and cardiac disease, and offer potential for patient specific drug testing and differentiation protocols aimed at cardiac grafts. To assess their potential for augmenting heart function, and to gain insight into cardiac growth and disease, tissue engineers must quantify the contractile forces of these single cells. Currently, axial contractile forces of isolated adult heart cells can only be measured by two-point methods such as carbon fiber techniques, which cannot be applied to neonatal and stem cell-derived heart cells because they are more difficult to handle and lack a persistent shape. Here we present a novel axial technique for measuring the contractile forces of isolated immature cardiomyocytes. We overcome cell manipulation and patterning challenges by using a thermoresponsive sacrificial support layer in conjunction with arrays of widely separated elastomeric microposts. Our approach has the potential to be high-throughput, is functionally analogous to current gold-standard axial force assays for adult heart cells, and prescribes elongated cell shapes without protein patterning. Finally, we calibrate these force posts with piezoresistive cantilevers to dramatically reduce measurement error typical for soft polymer-based force assays. We report quantitative measurements of peak contractile forces up to 146 nN with post stiffness standard error (26 nN) far better than that based on geometry and stiffness estimates alone. The addition of sacrificial layers to future 2D and 3D cell culture platforms will enable improved cell placement and the complex suspension of cells across 3D constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Taylor
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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18
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Peterson P, Kalda M, Vendelin M. Real-time determination of sarcomere length of a single cardiomyocyte during contraction. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2012; 304:C519-31. [PMID: 23255581 PMCID: PMC3671565 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00032.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sarcomere length of a cardiomyocyte is an important control parameter for physiology studies on a single cell level; for instance, its accurate determination in real time is essential for performing single cardiomyocyte contraction experiments. The aim of this work is to develop an efficient and accurate method for estimating a mean sarcomere length of a contracting cardiomyocyte using microscopy images as an input. The novelty in developed method lies in 1) using unbiased measure of similarities to eliminate systematic errors from conventional autocorrelation function (ACF)-based methods when applied to region of interest of an image, 2) using a semianalytical, seminumerical approach for evaluating the similarity measure to take into account spatial dependence of neighboring image pixels, and 3) using a detrend algorithm to extract the sarcomere striation pattern content from the microscopy images. The developed sarcomere length estimation procedure has superior computational efficiency and estimation accuracy compared with the conventional ACF and spectral analysis-based methods using fast Fourier transform. As shown by analyzing synthetic images with the known periodicity, the estimates obtained by the developed method are more accurate at the subpixel level than ones obtained using ACF analysis. When applied in practice on rat cardiomyocytes, our method was found to be robust to the choice of the region of interest that may 1) include projections of carbon fibers and nucleus, 2) have uneven background, and 3) be slightly disoriented with respect to average direction of sarcomere striation pattern. The developed method is implemented in open-source software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pearu Peterson
- Laboratory of Systems Biology, Institute of Cybernetics, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia 21, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia.
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19
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Prosser BL, Khairallah RJ, Ziman AP, Ward CW, Lederer WJ. X-ROS signaling in the heart and skeletal muscle: stretch-dependent local ROS regulates [Ca²⁺]i. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2012; 58:172-81. [PMID: 23220288 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2012.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Revised: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
X-ROS signaling is a novel redox signaling pathway that links mechanical stress to changes in [Ca(2+)]i. This pathway is activated rapidly and locally within a muscle cell under physiological conditions, but can also contribute to Ca(2+)-dependent arrhythmia in the heart and to the dystrophic phenotype in the heart and skeletal muscle. Upon physiologic cellular stretch, microtubules serve as mechanotransducers to activate NADPH oxidase 2 in the transverse tubules and sarcolemmal membranes to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the heart, the ROS acts locally to activate ryanodine receptor Ca(2+) release channels in the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum, increasing the Ca(2+) spark rate and "tuning" excitation-contraction coupling. In the skeletal muscle, where Ca(2+) sparks are not normally observed, the X-ROS signaling process is muted. However in muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and dysferlinopathy, X-ROS signaling operates at a high level and contributes to myopathy. Importantly, Ca(2+) permeable stretch-activated channels are activated by X-ROS and contribute to skeletal muscle pathology. Here we review X-ROS signaling and mechanotransduction in striated muscle, and highlight important questions to drive future work on stretch-dependent signaling. We conclude that X-ROS provides an exciting mechanism for the mechanical control of redox and Ca(2+) signaling, but much work is needed to establish its contribution to physiologic and pathophysiologic processes in diverse cell systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L Prosser
- Department of Physiology, Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology (BioMET), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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20
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Bazan C, Barba DT, Hawkins T, Nguyen H, Anderson S, Vazquez-Hidalgo E, Lemus R, Moore J, Mitchell J, Martinez J, Moore D, Larsen J, Paolini P. Contractility assessment in enzymatically isolated cardiomyocytes. Biophys Rev 2012; 4:231-243. [PMID: 28510074 PMCID: PMC5425706 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-012-0082-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of enzymatically isolated cardiac myocytes is ubiquitous in modern cardiovascular research. Parallels established between cardiomyocyte shortening responses and those of intact tissue make the cardiomyocyte an invaluable experimental model of cardiac function. Much of our understanding regarding the fundamental processes underlying heart function is owed to our increasing capabilities in single-cell stimulation and direct or indirect observation, as well as quantitative analysis of such cells. Of the many important mechanisms and functions that can be readily assessed in cardiomyocytes at all stages of development, contractility is the most representative and one of the most revealing. The purpose of this review is to provide a survey of various methodological approaches in the literature used to assess adult and neonatal cardiomyocyte contractility. The various methods employed to evaluate the contractile behavior of enzymatically isolated mammalian cardiac myocytes can be conveniently divided into two general categories-those employing optical (image)-based systems and those that use transducer-based technologies. This survey is by no means complete, but we have made an effort to include the most popular methods in terms of reliability and accessibility. These techniques are in constant evolution and hold great promise for the next generation of breakthrough studies in cell biology for the prevention, treatment, and cure of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Bazan
- Computational Science Research Center Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Laboratory, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1245, USA.
| | - David Torres Barba
- Computational Science Research Center Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Laboratory, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1245, USA
| | - Trevor Hawkins
- Computational Science Research Center Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Laboratory, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1245, USA
| | - Hung Nguyen
- Computational Science Research Center Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Laboratory, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1245, USA
| | - Samantha Anderson
- Computational Science Research Center Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Laboratory, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1245, USA
| | - Esteban Vazquez-Hidalgo
- Computational Science Research Center Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Laboratory, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1245, USA
| | - Rosa Lemus
- Computational Science Research Center Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Laboratory, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1245, USA
| | - J'Terrell Moore
- Computational Science Research Center Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Laboratory, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1245, USA
| | - Jeremy Mitchell
- Computational Science Research Center Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Laboratory, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1245, USA
| | - Johanna Martinez
- Computational Science Research Center Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Laboratory, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1245, USA
| | - Delnita Moore
- Computational Science Research Center Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Laboratory, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1245, USA
| | - Jessica Larsen
- Computational Science Research Center Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Laboratory, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1245, USA
| | - Paul Paolini
- Computational Science Research Center Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Laboratory, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1245, USA
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The zebrafish as a novel animal model to study the molecular mechanisms of mechano-electrical feedback in the heart. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 110:154-65. [PMID: 22835662 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2012.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Altered mechanical loading of the heart leads to hypertrophy, decompensated heart failure and fatal arrhythmias. However, the molecular mechanisms that link mechanical and electrical dysfunction remain poorly understood. Growing evidence suggest that ventricular electrical remodeling (VER) is a process that can be induced by altered mechanical stress, creating persistent electrophysiological changes that predispose the heart to life-threatening arrhythmias. While VER is clearly a physiological property of the human heart, as evidenced by "T wave memory", it is also thought to occur in a variety of pathological states associated with altered ventricular activation such as bundle branch block, myocardial infarction, and cardiac pacing. Animal models that are currently being used for investigating stretch-induced VER have significant limitations. The zebrafish has recently emerged as an attractive animal model for studying cardiovascular disease and could overcome some of these limitations. Owing to its extensively sequenced genome, high conservation of gene function, and the comprehensive genetic resources that are available in this model, the zebrafish may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive detrimental electrical remodeling in response to stretch. Here, we have established a zebrafish model to study mechano-electrical feedback in the heart, which combines efficient genetic manipulation with high-precision stretch and high-resolution electrophysiology. In this model, only 90 min of ventricular stretch caused VER and recapitulated key features of VER found previously in the mammalian heart. Our data suggest that the zebrafish model is a powerful platform for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying mechano-electrical feedback and VER in the heart.
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22
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Davis J, Yasuda S, Palpant NJ, Martindale J, Stevenson T, Converso K, Metzger JM. Diastolic dysfunction and thin filament dysregulation resulting from excitation-contraction uncoupling in a mouse model of restrictive cardiomyopathy. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2012; 53:446-57. [PMID: 22683325 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2012.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Revised: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) has been linked to mutations in the thin filament regulatory protein cardiac troponin I (cTnI). As the pathogenesis of RCM from genotype to clinical phenotype is not fully understood, transgenic (Tg) mice were generated with cardiac specific expression of an RCM-linked missense mutation (R193H) in cTnI. R193H Tg mouse hearts with 15% stoichiometric replacement had smaller hearts and significantly elevated end diastolic pressures (EDP) in vivo. Using a unique carbon microfiber-based assay, membrane intact R193H adult cardiac myocytes generated higher passive tensions across a range of physiologic sarcomere lengths resulting in significant Ca(2+) independent cellular diastolic tone that was manifest in vivo as elevated organ-level EDP. Sarcomere relaxation and Ca(2+) decay was uncoupled in isolated R193H Tg adult myocytes due to the increase in myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity of tension, decreased passive compliance of the sarcomere, and adaptive in vivo changes in which phospholamban (PLN) content was decreased. Further evidence of Ca(2+) and mechanical uncoupling in R193H Tg myocytes was demonstrated by the biphasic response of relaxation to increased pacing frequency versus the negative staircase seen with Ca(2+) decay. In comparison, non-transgenic myocyte relaxation closely paralleled the accelerated Ca(2+) decay. Ca(2+) transient amplitude was also significantly blunted in R193H Tg myocytes despite normal mechanical shortening resulting in myocyte hypercontractility when compared to non-transgenics. These results identify for the first time that a single point mutation in cTnI, R193H, directly causes elevated EDP due to a myocyte intrinsic loss of compliance independent of Ca(2+) cycling or altered cardiac morphology. The compound influence of impaired relaxation and elevated EDP represents a clinically severe form of diastolic dysfunction similar to the hemodynamic state documented in RCM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Davis
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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King NMP, Methawasin M, Nedrud J, Harrell N, Chung CS, Helmes M, Granzier H. Mouse intact cardiac myocyte mechanics: cross-bridge and titin-based stress in unactivated cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 137:81-91. [PMID: 21187335 PMCID: PMC3010058 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201010499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A carbon fiber-based cell attachment and force measurement system was used to measure the diastolic stress-sarcomere length (SL) relation of mouse intact cardiomyocytes, before and after the addition of actomyosin inhibitors (2,3-butanedione monoxime [BDM] or blebbistatin). Stress was measured during the diastolic interval of twitching myocytes that were stretched at 100% base length/second. Diastolic stress increased close to linear from 0 at SL 1.85 µm to 4.2 mN/mm(2) at SL 2.1 µm. The actomyosin inhibitors BDM and blebbistatin significantly lowered diastolic stress by ∼1.5 mN/mm(2) (at SL 2.1 µm, ∼30% of total), suggesting that during diastole actomyosin interaction is not fully switched off. To test this further, calcium sensitivity of skinned myocytes was studied under conditions that simulate diastole: 37°C, presence of Dextran T500 to compress the myofilament lattice to the physiological level, and [Ca(2+)] from below to above 100 nM. Mean active stress was significantly increased at [Ca(2+)] > 55 nM (pCa 7.25) and was ∼0.7 mN/mm(2) at 100 nM [Ca(2+)] (pCa 7.0) and ∼1.3 mN/mm(2) at 175 nM Ca(2+) (pCa 6.75). Inhibiting active stress in intact cells attached to carbon fibers at their resting SL and stretching the cells while first measuring restoring stress (pushing outward) and then passive stress (pulling inward) made it possible to determine the passive cell's mechanical slack SL as ∼1.95 µm and the restoring stiffness and passive stiffness of the cells around the slack SL each as ∼17 mN/mm(2)/µm/SL. Comparison between the results of intact and skinned cells shows that titin is the main contributor to restoring stress and passive stress of intact cells, but that under physiological conditions, calcium sensitivity is sufficiently high for actomyosin interaction to contribute to diastolic stress. These findings are relevant for understanding diastolic function and for future studies of diastolic heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M P King
- Department of Physiology and Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA. granzier@email.arizona.edu
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Fujita H, Dau VT, Shimizu K, Hatsuda R, Sugiyama S, Nagamori E. Designing of a Si-MEMS device with an integrated skeletal muscle cell-based bio-actuator. Biomed Microdevices 2010; 13:123-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s10544-010-9477-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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25
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Liou YM, Hsieh SR, Wu TJ, Chen JY. Green tea extract given before regional myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in rats improves myocardial contractility by attenuating calcium overload. Pflugers Arch 2010; 460:1003-14. [PMID: 20922441 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-010-0881-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2010] [Revised: 09/06/2010] [Accepted: 09/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence for a negative correlation between green tea consumption and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to examine whether green tea extract (GTE) given before regional myocardial ischemia could improve depression of myocardial contractility by preventing cytosolic Ca(2+) overload. Regional ischemia-reperfusion (IR) was induced in rats by ligating the left anterior descending branch for 20 min, then releasing the ligature. Ligation induced ventricular arrhythmias in rats without GTE pretreatment, but decreased arrhythmogenesis was seen in rats pretreated 30 min earlier with GTE (400 mg/kg). During reperfusion, arrhythmias only occurred during the initial 5 min, and GTE pretreatment had no effect. After overnight recovery, serum cTnI levels were greatly increased in control post-IR rats but only slightly elevated in GTE-pretreated post-IR rats. Myocardial contractility measured by echocardiography was still depressed after 3 days in control post-IR rats, but not in GTE-pretreated post-IR rats. No myocardial ischemic injury was seen in post-IR rats with or without GTE pretreatment. Using freshly isolated single heart myocytes, GTE was found to attenuate the post-IR injury-associated cytosolic Ca(2+) overload and modulate changes in the levels and distribution of myofibril, adherens junction, and gap junction proteins. In summary, GTE pretreatment protects cardiomyocytes from IR injury by preventing cytosolic Ca(2+) overload, myofibril disruption, and alterations in adherens and gap junction protein expression and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ming Liou
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
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26
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Abstract
Living cells and tissues experience mechanical forces in their physiological environments that are known to affect many cellular processes. Also of importance are the mechanical properties of cells, as well as the microforces generated by cellular processes themselves in their microenvironments. The difficulty associated with studying these phenomena in vivo has led to alternatives such as using in vitro models. The need for experimental techniques for investigating cellular biomechanics and mechanobiology in vitro has fueled an evolution in the technology used in these studies. Particularly noteworthy are some of the new biomicroelectromechanical systems (Bio-MEMS) devices and techniques that have been introduced to the field. We describe some of the cellular micromechanical techniques and methods that have been developed for in vitro studies, and provide summaries of the ranges of measured values of various biomechanical quantities. We also briefly address some of our experiences in using these methods and include modifications we have introduced in order to improve them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kweku A Addae-Mensah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - John P Wikswo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
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27
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Toward physiological conditions for cell analyses: forces of heart muscle cells suspended between elastic micropillars. Biophys J 2007; 94:1854-66. [PMID: 17981895 DOI: 10.1529/biophysj.107.115766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost each mammalian cell permanently applies forces to its environment. These forces are essential for many vital processes such as tissue formation or cell movement. In turn, the environmental conditions of cells strongly affect force production. Here we report on the development of an array of elastomeric micropillars as cellular environment. Within these micropillar arrays, we cultivated rat heart muscle cells (cardiac myocytes). For lattice constants between 20 and 30 mum, cells strongly preferred spanning between the elastic micropillars over adhering to the underlying flat substrate. In addition, the architectures of the cytoskeleton and of protein complexes formed for adhesion were strongly dependent on the environment of the cell. On flat parts of the substrates, we observed prominent stress fibers and focal adhesion sites. In contrast, cells suspended between micropillars exhibited well organized myofibers and costameric adhesions at the locations of Z-bands. These observations argue for close-to-nature environmental conditions within micropillar arrays. Resting as well as contraction forces of myocytes resulted in measurable pillar bending. Using an approximate theoretical treatment of elastically founded micropillars, we calculated average cell forces of 140 nN in the relaxed and 400 nN in the contracted state.
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28
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Tanaka Y, Sato K, Shimizu T, Yamato M, Okano T, Kitamori T. Biological cells on microchips: New technologies and applications. Biosens Bioelectron 2007; 23:449-58. [PMID: 17881213 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2007.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2007] [Revised: 07/23/2007] [Accepted: 08/03/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Integration of various chemical devices and complex operations onto a microchip, which is often referred to as a micro total analysis system (mu-TAS) or lab-on-a-chip, creates extremely efficient devices that exploit the advantages of a microspace. Furthermore, as the scale of the fluidic microvolume is roughly proportional to living cell sizes and processing capabilities, cells and micro chemical systems can be combined to develop practical prototypical microdevices. This approach has led to development of tools for investigating cellular functions, biochemical reactors and bioassay systems, as well as hybrid bio/artificial tissue engineered organs. Recently, bio-microactuators exploiting mechanical properties of cells powered without external energy sources have also been reported. This review focuses on new technologies involving cell-based devices on microchips, with a special emphasis on bio-microactuators. Firstly, we review systems to place and handle cells on a microchip. Secondly, we review bio-microactuators developed using single or a few driving cells. Finally, we review bio-microactuators developed using numerous cells or tissue to generate stronger forces. Understanding fundamental concepts behind the distinct features and performance characteristics of these cell-based micro-systems will lead to development of new devices that will be exploited in various fields in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo Tanaka
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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29
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Garcia-Webb MG, Taberner AJ, Hogan NC, Hunter IW. A modular instrument for exploring the mechanics of cardiac myocytes. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2007; 293:H866-74. [PMID: 17308002 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.01055.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The cardiac ventricular myocyte is a key experimental system for exploring the mechanical properties of the diseased and healthy heart. Millions of primary myocytes, which remain viable for 4–6 h, can be readily isolated from animal models. However, currently available instrumentation allows the mechanical properties of only a few physically loaded myocytes to be explored within 4–6 h. Here we describe a modular and inexpensive prototype instrument that could form the basis of an array of devices for probing the mechanical properties of single mammalian myocytes in parallel. This device would greatly increase the throughput of scientific experimentation and could be applied as a high-content screening instrument in the pharmaceutical industry. The instrument module consists of two independently controlled Lorentz force actuators-force transducers in the form of 0.025 × 1 × 5 mm stainless steel cantilevers with 0.5 m/N compliance and 360-Hz resonant frequency. Optical position sensors focused on each cantilever provide position and force resolution of <1 nm/√Hz and <2 nN/√Hz, respectively. The motor structure can produce peak displacements and forces of ±200 μm and ±400 μN, respectively. Custom Visual Basic.Net software provides data acquisition, signal processing, and digital control of cantilever position. The functionality of the instrument was demonstrated by implementation of novel methodologies for loading and attaching healthy mammalian ventricular myocytes to the force sensor and actuator and use of stochastic system identification techniques to measure their passive dynamic stiffness at various sarcomere lengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Garcia-Webb
- Department of Bioengineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 3-147 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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30
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Sugiura S, Nishimura S, Yasuda S, Hosoya Y, Katoh K. Carbon fiber technique for the investigation of single-cell mechanics in intact cardiac myocytes. Nat Protoc 2007; 1:1453-7. [PMID: 17406434 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2006.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This protocol describes a method for attaching single isolated cardiac myocytes to carbon fibers for mechanical manipulation and measurement. This method relies on cell-adhesive carbon fibers that attach easily to the cell membrane without causing damage, and is thus applicable to intact myocytes. To connect the carbon fiber to micromanipulators, a fiber holder with glass capillaries must first be fabricated. After connection of the fibers to the micromanipulators, firm attachment is easily established by gently pressing the fiber tip onto the cell membrane. Unlike other methods, this technique does not require vast technical expertise, and therefore greatly facilitates experiments. This method enables detection of the effect of drugs, genetic defects or the expression of exogenous proteins on both active and passive properties of cardiac myocytes. In combination with other experimental procedures, this technique can also be applied to the study of mechano-transduction. This protocol can be completed in 3.5 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiryo Sugiura
- Computational Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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31
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Nagayama K, Yanagihara S, Matsumoto T. A novel micro tensile tester with feed-back control for viscoelastic analysis of single isolated smooth muscle cells. Med Eng Phys 2007; 29:620-8. [PMID: 17123857 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2006.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2005] [Revised: 08/09/2006] [Accepted: 08/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A novel micro tensile tester was developed to measure the viscoelastic properties of single isolated cells. A specimen cell was held with two glass micropipettes, the tips of which were coated with a urethane resin adhesive. One pipette was rigid and fixed in position, and the other was deflectable and could be moved by a laboratory-made piezoelectric actuator to stretch the specimen. The actuator was made of an originally designed lever mechanism which can magnify the deformation of conventional piezoceramic actuator and allowed for sufficient displacement up to 150 microm. The distance between the two pipette tips was obtained by real-time image processing and kept constant following stepwise stretching with an accuracy of +/-0.1 microm by changing the voltage applied to the piezoceramics under feed-back control. The force applied to the cell was measured by the deflection of a cantilever part of the deflectable pipette. The stress relaxation test was performed for cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells. The cells were stretched by 75% and their length was kept constant. Viscoelastic analysis with a standard linear solid showed that the relaxation time constant of the isolated smooth muscle cells was 250+/-42 s (n=8, mean+/-S.E.M.) which was over six times longer than that reported for vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Nagayama
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan.
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32
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Iribe G, Helmes M, Kohl P. Force-length relations in isolated intact cardiomyocytes subjected to dynamic changes in mechanical load. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2006; 292:H1487-97. [PMID: 17098830 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00909.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We developed a dynamic force-length (FL) control system for single intact cardiomyocytes that uses a pair of compliant, computer-controlled, and piezo translator (PZT)-positioned carbon fibers (CF). CF are attached to opposite cell ends to afford dynamic and bidirectional control of the cell's mechanical environment. PZT and CF tip positions, as well as sarcomere length (SL), are simultaneously monitored in real time, and passive/active forces are calculated from CF bending. Cell force and length were dynamically adjusted by corresponding changes in PZT position, to achieve isometric, isotonic, or work-loop style contractions. Functionality of the technique was assessed by studying FL behavior of guinea pig intact cardiomyocytes. End-diastolic and end-systolic FL relations, obtained with varying preload and/or afterloads, were near linear, independent of the mode of contraction, and overlapping for the range of end-diastolic SLs tested (1.85-2.05 micro m). Instantaneous elastance curves, obtained from FL relation curves, showed an afterload-dependent decrease in time to peak elastance and slowed relaxation with both increased preload and afterload. The ability of the present system to independently and dynamically control preload, afterload, and transition between end-diastolic and end-systolic FL coordinates provides a valuable extension to the range of tools available for the study of single cardiomyocyte mechanics, to foster its interrelation with whole heart pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gentaro Iribe
- Cardiac Mechano-Electric Feedback Group, Dept of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Univ of Oxford, Sherrington Bldg, Parks Road, Oxford, UK.
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33
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Park J, Ryu J, Choi SK, Seo E, Cha JM, Ryu S, Kim J, Kim B, Lee SH. Real-time measurement of the contractile forces of self-organized cardiomyocytes on hybrid biopolymer microcantilevers. Anal Chem 2006; 77:6571-80. [PMID: 16223242 DOI: 10.1021/ac0507800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We present a microfabricated hybrid biopolymer microcantilever, in which the contractile force of self-organized cardiomyocytes can be measured and studied, as a prototype for the development of cell-driven actuators. The microcantilever is made of a flexible, transparent, biocompatible poly(dimethylsiloxane) substrate, using a simple microfabrication technique. Seeding and culturing cardiomyocytes on the specific cantilever allows us to perform highly sensitive, quantitative, and noninvasive measurement of the contractile force of the self-organized cells in real time. The motions of the microcantilever showed good agreement with an analytical solution based on Stoney's equation and finite element modeling (FEM) of the hybrid system. Immunostaining of the cells on the hybrid system showed continuous high-order coalignment of actin filaments and parallel sarcomeric organization in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the microcantilever without structural constraints, such as microgrooves or lines, and proved our FEM and the synchronous contraction of cardiomyocytes. The presented device should facilitate measurement of the contractile force of self-organized cardiomyocytes on a specific area, which may help the understanding of heart failure and the design of optimal hybrid biopolymer actuators, as well as assist development of a microscale cell-driven motor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungyul Park
- Microsystem Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 131, Cheongryang, Seoul 138-791, Korea
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34
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Deguchi S, Ohashi T, Sato M. Tensile properties of single stress fibers isolated from cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. J Biomech 2005; 39:2603-10. [PMID: 16216252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2005.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2005] [Accepted: 08/29/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Stress fibers (SFs), a contractile bundle of actin filaments, play a critical role in mechanotransduction in adherent cells; yet, the mechanical properties of SFs are poorly understood. Here, we measured tensile properties of single SFs by in vitro manipulation with cantilevers. SFs were isolated from cultured vascular smooth muscle cells with a combination of low ionic-strength extraction and detergent extraction and were stretched until breaking. The breaking force and the Young's modulus (assuming that SFs were isotropic) were, on average, 377 nN and 1.45 MPa, which were approximately 600-fold greater and three orders of magnitude lower, respectively, than those of actin filaments reported previously. Strain-induced stiffening was observed in the force-strain curve. We also found that the extracted SFs shortened to approximately 80% of the original length in an ATP-independent manner after they were dislodged from the substrate, suggesting that SFs had preexisting strain in the cytoplasm. The force required for stretching the single SFs from the zero-stress length back to the original length was approximately 10 nN, which was comparable with the traction force level applied by adherent cells at single adhesion sites to maintain cell integrity. These results suggest that SFs can bear intracellular stresses that may affect overall cell mechanical properties and will impact interpretation of intracellular stress distribution and force-transmission mechanism in adherent cells.
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MESH Headings
- Actinin/analysis
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Cattle
- Cells, Cultured
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/chemistry
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/chemistry
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/physiology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/ultrastructure
- Myosin Heavy Chains/analysis
- Stress Fibers/chemistry
- Stress Fibers/physiology
- Stress Fibers/ultrastructure
- Stress, Mechanical
- Tensile Strength
- Vinculin/analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Deguchi
- Department of Bioengineering and Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 9808579, Japan.
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35
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Yasuda S, Townsend D, Michele DE, Favre EG, Day SM, Metzger JM. Dystrophic heart failure blocked by membrane sealant poloxamer. Nature 2005; 436:1025-9. [PMID: 16025101 DOI: 10.1038/nature03844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2005] [Accepted: 05/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Dystrophin deficiency causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in humans, an inherited and progressive disease of striated muscle deterioration that frequently involves pronounced cardiomyopathy. Heart failure is the second leading cause of fatalities in DMD. Progress towards defining the molecular basis of disease in DMD has mostly come from studies on skeletal muscle, with comparatively little attention directed to cardiac muscle. The pathophysiological mechanisms involved in cardiac myocytes may differ significantly from skeletal myofibres; this is underscored by the presence of significant cardiac disease in patients with truncated or reduced levels of dystrophin but without skeletal muscle disease. Here we show that intact, isolated dystrophin-deficient cardiac myocytes have reduced compliance and increased susceptibility to stretch-mediated calcium overload, leading to cell contracture and death, and that application of the membrane sealant poloxamer 188 corrects these defects in vitro. In vivo administration of poloxamer 188 to dystrophic mice instantly improved ventricular geometry and blocked the development of acute cardiac failure during a dobutamine-mediated stress protocol. Once issues relating to optimal dosing and long-term effects of poloxamer 188 in humans have been resolved, chemical-based membrane sealants could represent a new therapeutic approach for preventing or reversing the progression of cardiomyopathy and heart failure in muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soichiro Yasuda
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0622, USA
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36
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DEGUCHI S, OHASHI T, SATO M. Newly Designed Tensile Test System for in vitro Measurement of Mechanical Properties of Cytoskeletal Filaments. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1299/jsmec.48.396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shinji DEGUCHI
- Department of Bioengineering and Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University
- Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University
| | - Toshiro OHASHI
- Department of Bioengineering and Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University
| | - Masaaki SATO
- Department of Bioengineering and Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University
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37
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Okada JI, Sugiura S, Nishimura S, Hisada T. Three-dimensional simulation of calcium waves and contraction in cardiomyocytes using the finite element method. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2004; 288:C510-22. [PMID: 15496481 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00261.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the characteristics and underlying mechanisms of Ca(2+) wave propagation, we developed a three-dimensional (3-D) simulator of cardiac myocytes, in which the sarcolemma, myofibril, and Z-line structure with Ca(2+) release sites were modeled as separate structures using the finite element method. Similarly to previous studies, we assumed that Ca(2+) diffusion from one release site to another and Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release were the basic mechanisms, but use of the finite element method enabled us to simulate not only the wave propagation in 3-D space but also the active shortening of the myocytes. Therefore, in addition to the dependence of the Ca(2+) wave propagation velocity on the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) content and affinity of troponin C for Ca(2+), we were able to evaluate the influence of active shortening on the propagation velocity. Furthermore, if the initial Ca(2+) release took place in the proximity of the nucleus, spiral Ca(2+) waves evolved and spread in a complex manner, suggesting that this phenomenon has the potential for arrhythmogenicity. The present 3-D simulator, with its ability to study the interaction between Ca(2+) waves and contraction, will serve as a useful tool for studying the mechanism of this complex phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-ichi Okada
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology of the Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama, Japan.
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38
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Coutu P, Metzger JM. Genetic manipulation of calcium-handling proteins in cardiac myocytes. II. Mathematical modeling studies. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2004; 288:H613-31. [PMID: 15331371 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00425.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We developed a mathematical model specific to rat ventricular myocytes that includes electrophysiological representation, ionic homeostasis, force production, and sarcomere movement. We used this model to interpret, analyze, and compare two genetic manipulations that have been shown to increase myocyte relaxation rates, parvalbumin (Parv) de novo expression, and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA2a) overexpression. The model was used to seek mechanistic insights into 1) the relative contribution of two mechanisms by which SERCA2a overexpression modifies Ca2+ sequestration, i.e., more pumps and an increase in the SERCA2a-to-phospholamban ratio, 2) the mechanisms behind postrest potentiation and how Parv and SERCA2a influence this response, and 3) why Parv myocytes retain their fast kinetics when endogenous SERCA2a is partially impaired by thapsigargin (a condition used to mimic diastolic dysfunction). The model was also utilized to predict whether Parv metal-binding characteristics might be modified to improve diastolic and systolic functions and whether Parv or SERCA2a might affect diastolic Ca2+ levels and myocyte energetics. One outcome of the model was to demonstrate a higher peak and total ATP consumption in SERCA2a myocytes and more even distribution of ATP throughout the cardiac cycle in Parv myocytes. This may have implications for failing hearts that are energetically compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Coutu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0622, USA
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39
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Nishimura S, Yasuda SI, Katoh M, Yamada KP, Yamashita H, Saeki Y, Sunagawa K, Nagai R, Hisada T, Sugiura S. Single cell mechanics of rat cardiomyocytes under isometric, unloaded, and physiologically loaded conditions. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2004; 287:H196-202. [PMID: 15001443 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00948.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
One of the most salient characteristics of the heart is its ability to adjust work output to external load. To examine whether a single cardiomyocyte preparation retains this property, we measured the contractile function of a single rat cardiomyocyte under a wide range of loading conditions using a force-length measurement system implemented with adaptive control. A pair of carbon fibers was used to clamp the cardiomyocyte, attached to each end under a microscope. One fiber was stiff, serving as a mechanical anchor, while the bending motion of the compliant fiber was monitored for force-length measurement. Furthermore, by controlling the position of the compliant fiber using a piezoelectric translator based on adaptive control, we could change load dynamically during contractions. Under unloaded conditions, maximal shortening velocity was 106 +/- 8.9 microm/s (n = 13 cells), and, under isometric conditions, peak developed force reached 5,720 nN (41.6 +/- 5.6 mN/mm(2); n = 17 cells). When we simulated physiological working conditions consisting of an isometric contraction, followed by shortening and relaxation, the average work output was 828 +/- 123 J/m(3) (n = 20 cells). The top left corners of tension-length loops obtained under all of these conditions approximate a line, analogous to the end-systolic pressure-volume relation of the ventricle. All of the functional characteristics described were analogous to those established by studies using papillary muscle or trabeculae preparations. In conclusion, the present results confirmed the fact that each myocyte forms the functional basis for ventricular function and that single cell mechanics can be a link between subcellular events and ventricular mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Nishimura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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40
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Yasuda SI, Sugiura S, Yamashita H, Nishimura S, Saeki Y, Momomura SI, Katoh K, Nagai R, Sugi H. Unloaded shortening increases peak of Ca2+ transients but accelerates their decay in rat single cardiac myocytes. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2003; 285:H470-5. [PMID: 12714336 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00012.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
It is of paramount importance to investigate the relation between the time-dependent change in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) (Ca2+ transients) and the mechanical activity of isolated single myocytes to understand the regulatory mechanisms of heart function. However, because of technical difficulties in performing mechanical measurements with single myocytes, the simultaneous recording of Ca2+ transients and mechanical activity has mainly been performed with multicellular cardiac preparations that give conflicting results concerning Ca2+ transients during isometric twitches and during twitches with unloaded shortening. In the present study, we coupled intracellular Ca2+ measurement optics with a force measurement system using carbon fibers to examine the relation between Ca2+ transients and the mechanical activity of rat single ventricular myocytes over a wide range of load. To minimize the possible load dependence of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ loading, contraction mode was switched at every twitch from unloaded shortening to isometric contraction. During a twitch with unloaded shortening, the Ca2+ transients exhibited a higher peak and a higher rate of decay than transients during an isometric twitch. Similarly, when we changed the contraction mode in every pair of twitches, Ca2+ transients were dependent only on the mode of contraction. Mechanical uncoupling with 2,3-butanedione monoxime abolished this dependence on the mode of contraction. Our results suggest that Ca2+ transients reflect the affinity of troponin C for Ca2+, which is influenced by the change in strain on the thin filament but not by the length change per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-ichiro Yasuda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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41
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Sugiura S, Yasuda SI, Yamashita H, Kato K, Saeki Y, Kaneko H, Suda Y, Nagai R, Sugi H. Measurement of Force Developed by a Single Cardiac Myocyte Using Novel Carbon Fibers. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2003; 538:381-6; discussion 386-7. [PMID: 15098684 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-9029-7_35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
In order to study the mechanical activity of a single cardiac myocyte under a wide range of load, we have developed a novel force measurement system using carbon fibers. Newly fabricated Graphite Reinforced by Carbon (GRC) fibers greatly facilitate the firm attachment of cell membrane to the fibers. A pair of fibers was attached to both ends of the cell; the rigid fiber as a mechanical ground and the compliant fiber for the strain gauge. By connecting the compliant fiber to the piezoelectric translator and applying the position signal to the driver, we could make the myocyte contract under isometric condition. Feedback control of the system also enabled us to study the relation between work output and the load. This system can be a useful tool in studying the mechanical activity of the cardiac myocyte under genetic as well as pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiryo Sugiura
- Author Institute of Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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