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Simmons DW, Malayath G, Schuftan DR, Guo J, Oguntuyo K, Ramahdita G, Sun Y, Jordan SD, Munsell MK, Kandalaft B, Pear M, Rentschler SL, Huebsch N. Engineered tissue geometry and Plakophilin-2 regulate electrophysiology of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:016118. [PMID: 38476404 PMCID: PMC10932571 DOI: 10.1063/5.0160677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Engineered heart tissues have been created to study cardiac biology and disease in a setting that more closely mimics in vivo heart muscle than 2D monolayer culture. Previously published studies suggest that geometrically anisotropic micro-environments are crucial for inducing "in vivo like" physiology from immature cardiomyocytes. We hypothesized that the degree of cardiomyocyte alignment and prestress within engineered tissues is regulated by tissue geometry and, subsequently, drives electrophysiological development. Thus, we studied the effects of tissue geometry on electrophysiology of micro-heart muscle arrays (μHM) engineered from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Elongated tissue geometries elicited cardiomyocyte shape and electrophysiology changes led to adaptations that yielded increased calcium intake during each contraction cycle. Strikingly, pharmacologic studies revealed that a threshold of prestress and/or cellular alignment is required for sodium channel function, whereas L-type calcium and rapidly rectifying potassium channels were largely insensitive to these changes. Concurrently, tissue elongation upregulated sodium channel (NaV1.5) and gap junction (Connexin 43, Cx43) protein expression. Based on these observations, we leveraged elongated μHM to study the impact of loss-of-function mutation in Plakophilin 2 (PKP2), a desmosome protein implicated in arrhythmogenic disease. Within μHM, PKP2 knockout cardiomyocytes had cellular morphology similar to what was observed in isogenic controls. However, PKP2-/- tissues exhibited lower conduction velocity and no functional sodium current. PKP2 knockout μHM exhibited geometrically linked upregulation of sodium channel but not Cx43, suggesting that post-translational mechanisms, including a lack of ion channel-gap junction communication, may underlie the lower conduction velocity observed in tissues harboring this genetic defect. Altogether, these observations demonstrate that simple, scalable micro-tissue systems can provide the physiologic stresses necessary to induce electrical remodeling of iPS-CM to enable studies on the electrophysiologic consequences of disease-associated genomic variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W. Simmons
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis McKelvey School of Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Ganesh Malayath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis McKelvey School of Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - David R. Schuftan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis McKelvey School of Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Jingxuan Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis McKelvey School of Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Kasoorelope Oguntuyo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis McKelvey School of Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Ghiska Ramahdita
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis McKelvey School of Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Yuwen Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis McKelvey School of Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Samuel D. Jordan
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Mary K. Munsell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis McKelvey School of Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Brennan Kandalaft
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis McKelvey School of Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Missy Pear
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis McKelvey School of Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Stacey L. Rentschler
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Nathaniel Huebsch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis McKelvey School of Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
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2
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Cao S, Buchholz KS, Tan P, Stowe JC, Wang A, Fowler A, Knaus KR, Khalilimeybodi A, Zambon AC, Omens JH, Saucerman JJ, McCulloch AD. Differential sensitivity to longitudinal and transverse stretch mediates transcriptional responses in mouse neonatal ventricular myocytes. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H370-H384. [PMID: 38063811 PMCID: PMC11245882 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00562.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
To identify how cardiomyocyte mechanosensitive signaling pathways are regulated by anisotropic stretch, micropatterned mouse neonatal cardiomyocytes were stretched primarily longitudinally or transversely to the myofiber axis. Four hours of static, longitudinal stretch induced differential expression of 557 genes, compared with 30 induced by transverse stretch, measured using RNA-seq. A logic-based ordinary differential equation model of the cardiac myocyte mechanosignaling network, extended to include the transcriptional regulation and expression of 784 genes, correctly predicted measured expression changes due to anisotropic stretch with 69% accuracy. The model also predicted published transcriptional responses to mechanical load in vitro or in vivo with 63-91% accuracy. The observed differences between transverse and longitudinal stretch responses were not explained by differential activation of specific pathways but rather by an approximately twofold greater sensitivity to longitudinal stretch than transverse stretch. In vitro experiments confirmed model predictions that stretch-induced gene expression is more sensitive to angiotensin II and endothelin-1, via RhoA and MAP kinases, than to the three membrane ion channels upstream of calcium signaling in the network. Quantitative cardiomyocyte gene expression differs substantially with the axis of maximum principal stretch relative to the myofilament axis, but this difference is due primarily to differences in stretch sensitivity rather than to selective activation of mechanosignaling pathways.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Anisotropic stretch applied to micropatterned neonatal mouse ventricular myocytes induced markedly greater acute transcriptional responses when the major axis of stretch was parallel to the myofilament axis than when it was transverse. Analysis with a novel quantitative network model of mechanoregulated cardiomyocyte gene expression suggests that this difference is explained by higher cell sensitivity to longitudinal loading than transverse loading than by the activation of differential signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulin Cao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Kyle S Buchholz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Philip Tan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Jennifer C Stowe
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Ariel Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Annabelle Fowler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Katherine R Knaus
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Ali Khalilimeybodi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Alexander C Zambon
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, California, United States
| | - Jeffrey H Omens
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Jeffrey J Saucerman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Andrew D McCulloch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
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3
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Ng R, Gokhan I, Stankey P, Akar FG, Campbell SG. Chronic diastolic stretch unmasks conduction defects in an in vitro model of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H1373-H1385. [PMID: 37830983 PMCID: PMC10977872 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00709.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
We seek to elucidate the precise nature of mechanical loading that precipitates conduction deficits in a concealed-phase model of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). ACM is a progressive disorder often resulting from mutations in desmosomal proteins. Exercise has been shown to worsen disease progression and unmask arrhythmia vulnerability, yet the underlying pathomechanisms may depend on the type and intensity of exercise. Because exercise causes myriad changes to multiple inter-dependent hemodynamic parameters, it is difficult to isolate its effects to specific changes in mechanical load. Here, we use engineered heart tissues (EHTs) with iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes expressing R451G desmoplakin, an ACM-linked mutation, which results in a functionally null model of desmoplakin (DSP). We also use a novel bioreactor to independently perturb tissue strain at different time points during the cardiac cycle. We culture EHTs under three strain regimes: normal physiological shortening; increased diastolic stretch, simulating high preload; and isometric culture, simulating high afterload. DSPR451G EHTs that have been cultured isometrically undergo adaptation, with no change in action potential parameters, conduction velocity, or contractile function, a phenotype confirmed by global proteomic analysis. However, when DSPR451G EHTs are subjected to increased diastolic stretch, they exhibit concomitant reductions in conduction velocity and the expression of connexin-43. These effects are rescued by inhibition of both lysosome activity and ERK signaling. Our results indicate that the response of DSPR451G EHTs to mechanical stimuli depends on the strain and the timing of the applied stimulus, with increased diastolic stretch unmasking conduction deficits in a concealed-phase model of ACM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Ng
- Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | | | | | - Fadi G Akar
- Cardiovascular Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Stuart G Campbell
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
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4
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Nielsen MS, van Opbergen CJM, van Veen TAB, Delmar M. The intercalated disc: a unique organelle for electromechanical synchrony in cardiomyocytes. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2271-2319. [PMID: 36731030 PMCID: PMC10191137 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The intercalated disc (ID) is a highly specialized structure that connects cardiomyocytes via mechanical and electrical junctions. Although described in some detail by light microscopy in the 19th century, it was in 1966 that electron microscopy images showed that the ID represented apposing cell borders and provided detailed insight into the complex ID nanostructure. Since then, much has been learned about the ID and its molecular composition, and it has become evident that a large number of proteins, not all of them involved in direct cell-to-cell coupling via mechanical or gap junctions, reside at the ID. Furthermore, an increasing number of functional interactions between ID components are emerging, leading to the concept that the ID is not the sum of isolated molecular silos but an interacting molecular complex, an "organelle" where components work in concert to bring about electrical and mechanical synchrony. The aim of the present review is to give a short historical account of the ID's discovery and an updated overview of its composition and organization, followed by a discussion of the physiological implications of the ID architecture and the local intermolecular interactions. The latter will focus on both the importance of normal conduction of cardiac action potentials as well as the impact on the pathophysiology of arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten S Nielsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chantal J M van Opbergen
- The Leon Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University Grossmann School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
| | - Toon A B van Veen
- Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mario Delmar
- The Leon Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University Grossmann School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
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5
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Schultz TI, Raucci FJ, Salloum FN. Cardiovascular Disease in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2022; 7:608-625. [PMID: 35818510 PMCID: PMC9270569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in patients with DMD. DMD has no cure, and there is no current consensus for treatment of DMD cardiomyopathy. This review discusses therapeutic strategies to potentially reduce or prevent cardiac dysfunction in DMD patients. Additional studies are needed to firmly establish optimal treatment modalities for DMD cardiomyopathy.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating disease affecting approximately 1 in every 3,500 male births worldwide. Multiple mutations in the dystrophin gene have been implicated as underlying causes of DMD. However, there remains no cure for patients with DMD, and cardiomyopathy has become the most common cause of death in the affected population. Extensive research is under way investigating molecular mechanisms that highlight potential therapeutic targets for the development of pharmacotherapy for DMD cardiomyopathy. In this paper, the authors perform a literature review reporting on recent ongoing efforts to identify novel therapeutic strategies to reduce, prevent, or reverse progression of cardiac dysfunction in DMD.
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6
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Sharma A, Gupta S, Archana S, Verma RS. Emerging Trends in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Applications for Cardiac Regenerative Therapy: Current Status and Advances. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:1546-1602. [PMID: 35122226 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10314-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Irreversible myocardium infarction is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) related death and its quantum is expected to grow in coming years. Pharmacological intervention has been at the forefront to ameliorate injury-related morbidity and mortality. However, its outcomes are highly skewed. As an alternative, stem cell-based tissue engineering/regenerative medicine has been explored quite extensively to regenerate the damaged myocardium. The therapeutic modality that has been most widely studied both preclinically and clinically is based on adult multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) delivered to the injured heart. However, there is debate over the mechanistic therapeutic role of MSC in generating functional beating cardiomyocytes. This review intends to emphasize the role and use of MSC in cardiac regenerative therapy (CRT). We have elucidated in detail, the various aspects related to the history and progress of MSC use in cardiac tissue engineering and its multiple strategies to drive cardiomyogenesis. We have further discussed with a focus on the various therapeutic mechanism uncovered in recent times that has a significant role in ameliorating heart-related problems. We reviewed recent and advanced technologies using MSC to develop/create tissue construct for use in cardiac regenerative therapy. Finally, we have provided the latest update on the usage of MSC in clinical trials and discussed the outcome of such studies in realizing the full potential of MSC use in clinical management of cardiac injury as a cellular therapy module.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akriti Sharma
- Stem Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Santosh Gupta
- Stem Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Archana
- Stem Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rama Shanker Verma
- Stem Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamil Nadu, India.
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7
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Morsink M, Severino P, Luna-Ceron E, Hussain MA, Sobahi N, Shin SR. Effects of electrically conductive nano-biomaterials on regulating cardiomyocyte behavior for cardiac repair and regeneration. Acta Biomater 2022; 139:141-156. [PMID: 34818579 PMCID: PMC11041526 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) represents one of the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases, with a highly relevant and impactful role in public health. Despite the therapeutic advances of the last decades, MI still begets extensive death rates around the world. The pathophysiology of the disease correlates with cardiomyocyte necrosis, caused by an imbalance in the demand of oxygen to cardiac tissues, resulting from obstruction of the coronary flow. To alleviate the severe effects of MI, the use of various biomaterials exhibit vast potential in cardiac repair and regeneration, acting as native extracellular matrices. These hydrogels have been combined with nano sized or functional materials which possess unique electrical, mechanical, and topographical properties that play important roles in regulating phenotypes and the contractile function of cardiomyocytes even in adverse microenvironments. These nano-biomaterials' differential properties have led to substantial healing on in vivo cardiac injury models by promoting fibrotic scar reduction, hemodynamic function preservation, and benign cardiac remodeling. In this review, we discuss the interplay of the unique physical properties of electrically conductive nano-biomaterials, are able to manipulate the phenotypes and the electrophysiological behavior of cardiomyocytes in vitro, and can enhance heart regeneration in vivo. Consequently, the understanding of the decisive roles of the nano-biomaterials discussed in this review could be useful for designing novel nano-biomaterials in future research for cardiac tissue engineering and regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study introduced and deciphered the understanding of the role of multimodal cues in recent advances of electrically conductive nano-biomaterials on cardiac tissue engineering. Compared with other review papers, which mainly describe these studies based on various types of electrically conductive nano-biomaterials, in this review paper we mainly discussed the interplay of the unique physical properties (electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, and topography) of electrically conductive nano-biomaterials, which would allow them to manipulate phenotypes and the electrophysiological behavior of cardiomyocytes in vitro and to enhance heart regeneration in vivo. Consequently, understanding the decisive roles of the nano-biomaterials discussed in the review could help design novel nano-biomaterials in future research for cardiac tissue engineering and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaretha Morsink
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America; Translational Liver Research, Department of Medical Cell BioPhysics, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands; Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Patrícia Severino
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America; University of Tiradentes (Unit), Biotechnological Postgraduate Program. Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, 49010-390 Aracaju, Brazil; Institute of Technology and Research (ITP), Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology Laboratory (LNMed), Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, 49010-390 Aracaju, Brazil; Tiradentes Institute, 150 Mt Vernon St, Dorchester, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Eder Luna-Ceron
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
| | - Mohammad A Hussain
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21569, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nebras Sobahi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21569, Saudi Arabia
| | - Su Ryon Shin
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America.
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8
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Nicin L, Wagner JUG, Luxán G, Dimmeler S. Fibroblast-mediated intercellular crosstalk in the healthy and diseased heart. FEBS Lett 2021; 596:638-654. [PMID: 34787896 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts constitute a major cell population in the heart. They secrete extracellular matrix components and various other factors shaping the microenvironment of the heart. In silico analysis of intercellular communication based on single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that fibroblasts are the source of the majority of outgoing signals to other cell types. This observation suggests that fibroblasts play key roles in orchestrating cellular interactions that maintain organ homeostasis but that can also contribute to disease states. Here, we will review the current knowledge of fibroblast interactions in the healthy, diseased, and aging heart. We focus on the interactions that fibroblasts establish with other cells of the heart, specifically cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells and immune cells, and particularly those relying on paracrine, electrical, and exosomal communication modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Nicin
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Julian U G Wagner
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Guillermo Luxán
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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9
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Öztürk Ş, Shahbazi R, Zeybek ND, Kurum B, Gultekinoglu M, Aksoy EA, Demircin M, Ulubayram K. Assessment of electromechanically stimulated bone marrow stem cells seeded acellular cardiac patch in a rat myocardial infarct model. Biomed Mater 2021; 16. [PMID: 34330118 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ac199a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated cardiomyogenic differentiation of electromechanically stimulated rat bone marrow-derived stem cells (rt-BMSCs) on an acellular bovine pericardium (aBP) and we looked at the functioning of this engineered patch in a rat myocardial infarct (MI) model. aBP was prepared using a detergent-based decellularization procedure followed by rt-BMSCs seeding, and electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical stimulations (3 millisecond pulses of 5 V cm-1at 1 Hz, 5% stretching) to enhance cardiomyogenic differentiation. Furthermore, the electromechanically stimulated patch was applied to the MI region over 3 weeks. After this period, the retrieved patch and infarct region were evaluated for the presence of calcification, inflammatory reaction (CD68), patch to host tissue cell migration, and structural sarcomere protein expressions. In conjunction with any sign of calcification, a higher number of BrdU-labelled cells, and a low level of CD68 positive cells were observed in the infarct region under electromechanically stimulated conditions compared with static conditions. More importantly, MHC, SAC, Troponin T, and N-cad positive cells were observed in both infarct region, and retrieved engineered patch after 3 weeks. In a clear alignment with other results, our developed acellular patch promoted the expression of cardiomyogenic differentiation factors under electromechanical stimulation. Our engineered patch showed a successful integration with the host tissue followed by the cell migration to the infarct region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şükrü Öztürk
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Sıhhiye, Altındağ, Ankara 06100, Turkey.,Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Reza Shahbazi
- Hematology/Oncology Division, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Naciye Dilara Zeybek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Barıs Kurum
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Turkey
| | - Merve Gultekinoglu
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Sıhhiye, Altındağ, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Eda Ayse Aksoy
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Sıhhiye, Altındağ, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Metin Demircin
- Departments of Thoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kezban Ulubayram
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Sıhhiye, Altındağ, Ankara 06100, Turkey.,Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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10
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Gasperetti A, James CA, Cerrone M, Delmar M, Calkins H, Duru F. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and sports activity: from molecular pathways in diseased hearts to new insights into the athletic heart mimicry. Eur Heart J 2021; 42:1231-1243. [PMID: 33200174 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited disease associated with a high risk of sudden cardiac death. Among other factors, physical exercise has been clearly identified as a strong determinant of phenotypic expression of the disease, arrhythmia risk, and disease progression. Because of this, current guidelines advise that individuals with ARVC should not participate in competitive or frequent high-intensity endurance exercise. Exercise-induced electrical and morphological para-physiological remodelling (the so-called 'athlete's heart') may mimic several of the classic features of ARVC. Therefore, the current International Task Force Criteria for disease diagnosis may not perform as well in athletes. Clear adjudication between the two conditions is often a real challenge, with false positives, that may lead to unnecessary treatments, and false negatives, which may leave patients unprotected, both of which are equally inacceptable. This review aims to summarize the molecular interactions caused by physical activity in inducing cardiac structural alterations, and the impact of sports on arrhythmia occurrence and other clinical consequences in patients with ARVC, and help the physicians in setting the two conditions apart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gasperetti
- Division of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cynthia A James
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Marina Cerrone
- Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mario Delmar
- Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Hugh Calkins
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Firat Duru
- Division of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 71, Zurich 8006, Switzerland
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11
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Shi H, Wang C, Ma Z. Stimuli-responsive biomaterials for cardiac tissue engineering and dynamic mechanobiology. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:011506. [PMID: 33688616 PMCID: PMC7929620 DOI: 10.1063/5.0025378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the term "smart materials" was put forward in the 1980s, stimuli-responsive biomaterials have been used as powerful tools in tissue engineering, mechanobiology, and clinical applications. For the purpose of myocardial repair and regeneration, stimuli-responsive biomaterials are employed to fabricate hydrogels and nanoparticles for targeted delivery of therapeutic drugs and cells, which have been proved to alleviate disease progression and enhance tissue regeneration. By reproducing the sophisticated and dynamic microenvironment of the native heart, stimuli-responsive biomaterials have also been used to engineer dynamic culture systems to understand how cardiac cells and tissues respond to progressive changes in extracellular microenvironments, enabling the investigation of dynamic cell mechanobiology. Here, we provide an overview of stimuli-responsive biomaterials used in cardiovascular research applications, with a specific focus on cardiac tissue engineering and dynamic cell mechanobiology. We also discuss how these smart materials can be utilized to mimic the dynamic microenvironment during heart development, which might provide an opportunity to reveal the fundamental mechanisms of cardiomyogenesis and cardiac maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhen Ma
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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12
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Hall C, Gehmlich K, Denning C, Pavlovic D. Complex Relationship Between Cardiac Fibroblasts and Cardiomyocytes in Health and Disease. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e019338. [PMID: 33586463 PMCID: PMC8174279 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.019338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts are the primary cell type responsible for deposition of extracellular matrix in the heart, providing support to the contracting myocardium and contributing to a myriad of physiological signaling processes. Despite the importance of fibrosis in processes of wound healing, excessive fibroblast proliferation and activation can lead to pathological remodeling, driving heart failure and the onset of arrhythmias. Our understanding of the mechanisms driving the cardiac fibroblast activation and proliferation is expanding, and evidence for their direct and indirect effects on cardiac myocyte function is accumulating. In this review, we focus on the importance of the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and the cross talk of cardiac fibroblasts with cardiac myocytes. We also consider the current use of models used to explore these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Hall
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom
| | - Katja Gehmlich
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Radcliffe Department of Medicine and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence Oxford University of Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Chris Denning
- Biodiscovery Institute University of Nottingham United Kingdom
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom
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13
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Zhang R, Guo T, Han Y, Huang H, Shi J, Hu J, Li H, Wang J, Saleem A, Zhou P, Lan F. Design of synthetic microenvironments to promote the maturation of human pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2020; 109:949-960. [PMID: 33231364 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cardiomyocyte like cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC-CMs) have a good application perspective in many fields such as disease modeling, drug screening and clinical treatment. However, these are severely hampered by the fact that hPSC-CMs are immature compared to adult human cardiomyocytes. Therefore, many approaches such as genetic manipulation, biochemical factors supplement, mechanical stress, electrical stimulation and three-dimensional culture have been developed to promote the maturation of hPSC-CMs. Recently, establishing in vitro synthetic artificial microenvironments based on the in vivo development program of cardiomyocytes has achieved much attention due to their inherent properties such as stiffness, plasticity, nanotopography and chemical functionality. In this review, the achievements and deficiency of reported synthetic microenvironments that mainly discussed comprehensive biological, chemical, and physical factors, as well as three-dimensional culture were mainly discussed, which have significance to improve the microenvironment design and accelerate the maturation of hPSC-CMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- School and hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tianwei Guo
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Han
- School and hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongxin Huang
- School and hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiaxuan Hu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongjiao Li
- School and hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianlin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Amina Saleem
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- School and hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Feng Lan
- National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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14
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Pretorius D, Kahn-Krell AM, LaBarge WC, Lou X, Kannappan R, Pollard AE, Fast VG, Berry JL, Eberhardt AW, Zhang J. Fabrication and characterization of a thick, viable bi-layered stem cell-derived surrogate for future myocardial tissue regeneration. Biomed Mater 2020; 16. [PMID: 33053512 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/abc107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac tissue surrogates show promise for restoring mechanical and electrical function in infarcted left ventricular (LV) myocardium. For these cardiac surrogates to be useful in vivo, they are required to support synchronous and forceful contraction over the infarcted region. These design requirements necessitate a thickness sufficient to produce a useful contractile force, an area large enough to cover an infarcted region, and prevascularization to overcome diffusion limitations. Attempts to meet these requirements have been hampered by diffusion limits of oxygen and nutrients (100-200 μm) leading to necrotic regions.This study demonstrates a novel layer-by-layer (LbL) fabrication method used to produce tissue surrogates that meet these requirements and mimic normal myocardium in form and function. Thick (1.5-2 mm) LbL cardiac tissues created from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells were assessed, in vitro, over a four week period for viability (< 5.6 ± 1.4 % nectrotic cells), cell morphology, viscoelastic properties and functionality. Viscoelastic properties of the cardiac surrogates were determined via stress relaxation response modeling and compared to native murine LV tissue. Viscoelastic characterization showed that the generalized Maxwell model of order 4 described the samples well (0.7 < R2 < 0.98). Functional performance assessment showed enhanced t-tubule network development, gap junction communication as well as conduction velocity (16.9 ± 2.3 cm s-1). These results demonstrate that LbL fabrication can be utilized successfully in creating complex, functional cardiac surrogates for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Pretorius
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Volker Hall Room G094, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294-2182, UNITED STATES
| | - Asher M Kahn-Krell
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Wesley C LaBarge
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Xi Lou
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Ramaswamy Kannappan
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Andrew E Pollard
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Vladimir G Fast
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Joel L Berry
- School of Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Alan W Eberhardt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Jianyi Zhang
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
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15
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Wang K, Liu Y, Huang S, Li H, Hou J, Huang J, Chen J, Feng K, Liang M, Chen G, Wu Z. Does an imbalance in circulating vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) cause atrial fibrillation in patients with valvular heart disease? J Thorac Dis 2019; 11:5509-5516. [PMID: 32030270 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2019.11.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) can stimulate fibrosis within the atrium and ventricle. We hypothesized that there is a relationship between the serum VEGFs/soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFRs) levels and AF in patients with valvular heart disease (VHD). This provides a new paradigm for studying AF. Methods The plasma levels of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 100 people, consisting of AF patients (long-standing, persistent AF; n=49), sinus rhythm (SR) patients (n=31) and healthy controls (n=20), were included in this study. Results The plasma levels of VEGF-A were significantly higher in AF patients compared to healthy control (P<0.05). The plasma levels of sVEGFR-1 were significantly higher in AF compared to SR (P<0.05). The plasma levels of sVEGFR-2 were significantly lower in AF patients compared to SR patients and healthy controls (both P<0.05). There was a significant and negative correlation between AF and the sVEGFR-2 levels in the groups (r=-0.432, P=0.000). Conclusions An imbalance in VEGFs and sVEGFRs may contribute to AF by breaking the balance of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Additionally, sVEGFR-2 may be an important biomarker of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keke Wang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.,Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Medicine University, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Suiqing Huang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Ministry of Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Huayang Li
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jian Hou
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Ministry of Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiaxing Huang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiantao Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Kangni Feng
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Mengya Liang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Guangxian Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhongkai Wu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Ministry of Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Zhao G, Bao X, Huang G, Xu F, Zhang X. Differential Effects of Directional Cyclic Stretching on the Functionalities of Engineered Cardiac Tissues. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 2:3508-3519. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guoxu Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- School of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Xi’an Technological University, Xi’an 710021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuejiao Bao
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoyou Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
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17
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Hosoyama K, Ahumada M, Goel K, Ruel M, Suuronen EJ, Alarcon EI. Electroconductive materials as biomimetic platforms for tissue regeneration. Biotechnol Adv 2019; 37:444-458. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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18
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Li J, Lu Y, Wang D, Quan F, Chen X, Sun R, Zhao S, Yang Z, Tao W, Ding D, Gao X, Cao Q, Zhao D, Qi R, Chen C, He L, Hu K, Chen Z, Yang Y, Luo Y. Schisandrin B prevents ulcerative colitis and colitis-associated-cancer by activating focal adhesion kinase and influence on gut microbiota in an in vivo and in vitro model. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 854:9-21. [PMID: 30951716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.03.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) has a close relationship with ulcerative colitis (UC). Therapeutic effect of Schisandrin B (SchB) on UC and CAC remains largely unknown. We investigated the preventative effect of SchB on the dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) model of UC and azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS model of CAC. Furthermore, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation and influence on commensal microbiota are important for UC treatment. Impact on FAK activation by SchB in UC development was evaluated in vivo and vitro. We also conducted 16S rRNA sequencing to detect regulation of gut microbiota by SchB. Enhanced protection of intestinal epithelial barrier by SchB through activating FAK contributed to protective effect on colon for the fact that protection of SchB can be reversed by inhibition of FAK phosphorylation. Furthermore, influence on gut microbiota by SchB also played a significant role in UC prevention. Our results revealed that SchB was potent to prevent UC by enhancing protection of intestinal epithelial barrier and influence on gut microbiota, which led to inhibition of CAC. SchB was potential to become a new treatment for UC and prevention of CAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Li
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Duowei Wang
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Fei Quan
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Sen Zhao
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Zhisen Yang
- No.30 Middle School of Taiyuan, Taiyuan, 030002, China
| | - Weiyan Tao
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Dong Ding
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Xinghua Gao
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Qiuhua Cao
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Dandan Zhao
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Ran Qi
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Vocational Institute of Commerce, Nanjing, 211168, China
| | - Lihua He
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Kaiyong Hu
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Pharmacology Department, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Yong Yang
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Yan Luo
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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19
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Tellios N, Feng M, Chen N, Liu H, Tellios V, Wang M, Li X, Chang CA, Hutnik C. Mechanical stretch upregulates connexin43 in human trabecular meshwork cells. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 47:787-794. [PMID: 30816600 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients have hallmark increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) and noted dysfunction of the trabecular meshwork (TM). Connexin43 (Cx43) is a gap junction widely expressed on the TM that is important for intercellular communication. The human gene is known as gap junction alpha-1 (GJA1). Since the role of Cx43 in the TM is not fully understood, we set out to determine the effect of excess mechanical stretch on cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (hTMCs) and to specifically investigate the effect of stretch on Cx43 expression and function. METHODS Primary hTMCs were cultured and subjected to 48 hours of 15% cyclic mechanical stretch at a frequency of 1 Hz. Levels of apoptosis and necrosis secondary to stretch were investigated using colorimetric assays. The effect of stretch on gap junction Cx43 and GJA1 was investigated by RT-PCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. The migration of Lucifer Yellow dye was used to assess intercellular communication. RESULTS Stretch significantly increased the rates of apoptosis and necrosis in hTMCs. The increased rate of injury in stretched hTMCs was further associated with significant upregulation of GJA1 mRNA and Cx43 protein. Upregulation of Cx43 protein was concomitant to increased intercellular communication. CONCLUSIONS We have shown stretch to increase GJA1 gene and Cx43 protein expression, as well as intercellular communication. We have further shown stretch to be injurious to hTMCs. Upregulation of Cx43 in the hTM subsequent to stretch is a novel finding, which may be useful in elucidating the mechanism of TM injury in POAG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ivey Eye Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nancy Chen
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hong Liu
- Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vasiliki Tellios
- Department of Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary Wang
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiangji Li
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Caitlin A Chang
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cindy Hutnik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ivey Eye Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, London, Ontario, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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20
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Hosoyama K, Ahumada M, McTiernan CD, Davis DR, Variola F, Ruel M, Liang W, Suuronen EJ, Alarcon EI. Nanoengineered Electroconductive Collagen-Based Cardiac Patch for Infarcted Myocardium Repair. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:44668-44677. [PMID: 30508481 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b18844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We have prepared and tested in vivo a novel nanoengineered hybrid electroconductive cardiac patch for treating the infarcted myocardium. Of the prepared and tested patches, only those containing spherical nanogold were able to increase connexin-43 expression in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes cultured under electrical stimulation. In vivo data indicated that only nano-gold-containing patches were able to recover cardiac function. Histological analysis also revealed that connexin-43 levels and blood vessel density were increased, while the scar size was reduced for animals that received the nanogold patch. Thus, our study indicates that the incorporation of electroconductive properties into a collagen-based cardiac patch can improve its therapeutic potential for treating myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiro Hosoyama
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Division of Cardiac Surgery , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1Y 4W7 , Canada
| | - Manuel Ahumada
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Division of Cardiac Surgery , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1Y 4W7 , Canada
- Bionanomaterials Chemistry and Engineering Laboratory & Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1H 8M5 , Canada
| | - Christopher D McTiernan
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Division of Cardiac Surgery , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1Y 4W7 , Canada
- Bionanomaterials Chemistry and Engineering Laboratory & Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1H 8M5 , Canada
| | - Darryl R Davis
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1Y 4W7 , Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1H 8M5 , Canada
| | - Fabio Variola
- Department of Mechanical Engineering , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1N 6N5 , Canada
| | - Marc Ruel
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Division of Cardiac Surgery , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1Y 4W7 , Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1H 8M5 , Canada
| | - Wenbin Liang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1H 8M5 , Canada
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1Y 4W7 , Canada
| | - Erik J Suuronen
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Division of Cardiac Surgery , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1Y 4W7 , Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1H 8M5 , Canada
| | - Emilio I Alarcon
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Division of Cardiac Surgery , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1Y 4W7 , Canada
- Bionanomaterials Chemistry and Engineering Laboratory & Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1H 8M5 , Canada
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21
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Wu F, Gao A, Liu J, Shen Y, Xu P, Meng J, Wen T, Xu L, Xu H. High Modulus Conductive Hydrogels Enhance In Vitro Maturation and Contractile Function of Primary Cardiomyocytes for Uses in Drug Screening. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:e1800990. [PMID: 30565899 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201800990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Effective and quick screening and cardiotoxicity assessment are very crucial for drug development. Here, a novel composite hydrogel composed of carbon fibers (CFs) with high conductivity and modulus with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is reported. The conductivity of the composite hydrogel PVA/CFs is similar to that of natural heart tissue, and the elastic modulus is close to that of natural heart tissue during systole, due to the incorporation of CFs. PVA/CFs remarkably enhance the maturation of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCM) in vitro by upregulating the expression of α-actinin, troponin T, and connexin-43, activating the signaling pathway of α5 and β1 integrin-dependent ILK/p-AKT, and increasing the level of RhoA and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. As a result, the engineered cell sheet-like constructs NRCM@PVA/CFs display much more synchronous, stable, and robust beating behavior than NRCM@PVA. When exposed to doxorubicin or isoprenaline, NRCM@PVA/CFs can retain effective beating for much longer time or change the contractile rate much faster than NRCM@PVA, respectively, therefore representing a promising heart-like platform for in vitro drug screening and cardiotoxicity assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxin Wu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100010 China
| | - Aijun Gao
- National Carbon Fiber Engineering Technology Center; Beijing University of Chemical Technology; Beijing 100029 China
| | - Jian Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100010 China
| | - Yaoyi Shen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100010 China
| | - Panpan Xu
- National Carbon Fiber Engineering Technology Center; Beijing University of Chemical Technology; Beijing 100029 China
| | - Jie Meng
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100010 China
| | - Tao Wen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100010 China
| | - Lianghua Xu
- National Carbon Fiber Engineering Technology Center; Beijing University of Chemical Technology; Beijing 100029 China
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100010 China
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Chen Z, Xu N, Chong D, Guan S, Jiang C, Yang Z, Li C. Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase facilitates the organization of cardiomyocytes during mid-gestation through modulating protein geranylgeranylation in mouse heart. Cardiovasc Res 2018; 114:965-978. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvy042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center and School of Medicine, Nanjing University, National Resource Center for Mutant Mice, #22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, People’s Republic of China
| | - Na Xu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center and School of Medicine, Nanjing University, National Resource Center for Mutant Mice, #22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, People’s Republic of China
| | - Danyang Chong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center and School of Medicine, Nanjing University, National Resource Center for Mutant Mice, #22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shan Guan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center and School of Medicine, Nanjing University, National Resource Center for Mutant Mice, #22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen Jiang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center and School of Medicine, Nanjing University, National Resource Center for Mutant Mice, #22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongzhou Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center and School of Medicine, Nanjing University, National Resource Center for Mutant Mice, #22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaojun Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center and School of Medicine, Nanjing University, National Resource Center for Mutant Mice, #22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, People’s Republic of China
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Carbon nanotube-composite hydrogels promote intercalated disc assembly in engineered cardiac tissues through β1-integrin mediated FAK and RhoA pathway. Acta Biomater 2017; 48:88-99. [PMID: 27769942 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based hydrogels have been shown to support cardiomyocyte growth and function. However, their role in cellular integrity among cardiomyocytes has not been studied in detail and the mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. Here, single walled CNTs incorporated into gelatin with methacrylate anhydride (CNT/GelMA) hydrogels were utilized to construct cardiac tissues, which enhanced cardiomyocyte adhesion and maturation. Furthermore, through the use of immunohistochemical staining, transmission electron microscopy and intracellular calcium transient measurement, the incorporation of CNTs into the scaffolds was observed to markedly enhance the assembly and formation in the cardiac constructs. Importantly, we further explored the underlying mechanism behind these effects through the use of immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. The β1-integrin-mediated FAK and RhoA signaling pathways were found to be responsible for CNT-induced upregulation of electrical and mechanical junction proteins respectively. Together, our study provides new insights into the facilitative effects of CNTs on ID formation, which has important significance for improving the quality of engineered cardiac tissue and applying them to cardiac regenerative therapies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Currently, the bottleneck to engineering cardiac tissues (ECTs) for cardiac regeneration is the lack of efficient cellular integrity among adjacent cells, especially the insufficient remodeling of intercalated discs (IDs) in ECTs. Recently, carbon nanotube (CNT) hydrogels provide an advantageous supporting microenvironment and therefore benefit greatly the functional performance of ECTs. Although their beneficial effect in modulating ECT performance is evident, the influence of CNTs on structural integrity of ECTs has not been studied in detail, and the mechanisms underlying the process remain to be determined. Here, we utilized carbon nanotube incorporated into gelatin with methacrylate anhydride (CNT/GelMA) hydrogels to construct cardiac tissues, determined the influence of CNTs on intercalated discs (IDs) assembly and formation and explored the underlying mechanisms.
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Shradhanjali A, Riehl BD, Kwon IK, Lim JY. Cardiomyocyte stretching for regenerative medicine and hypertrophy study. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13770-015-0010-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Veerman CC, Kosmidis G, Mummery CL, Casini S, Verkerk AO, Bellin M. Immaturity of Human Stem-Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes in Culture: Fatal Flaw or Soluble Problem? Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:1035-52. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christiaan C. Veerman
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Georgios Kosmidis
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Christine L. Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Simona Casini
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Arie O. Verkerk
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Milena Bellin
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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26
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Sun H, Lü S, Jiang XX, Li X, Li H, Lin Q, Mou Y, Zhao Y, Han Y, Zhou J, Wang C. Carbon nanotubes enhance intercalated disc assembly in cardiac myocytes via the β1-integrin-mediated signaling pathway. Biomaterials 2015; 55:84-95. [PMID: 25934454 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer a new paradigm for constructing functional cardiac patches and repairing myocardial infarction (MI). However, little is known about how CNTs enhance the mechanical integrity and electrophysiological function of cardiac myocytes. To address this issue, we investigated the regularity and precise mechanism of the influence of CNTs on the assembly of intercalated disc (IDs). Here, single walled CNTs incorporated into collagen substrates were utilized as growth supports for neonatal cardiomyocytes, which enhanced cardiomyocyte adhesion and maturation. Furthermore, through the use of immunohistochemical staining, western blotting, transmission electron microscopy, and intracellular calcium transient measurement, we discovered that the addition of CNTs remarkably increased ID-related protein expression and enhanced ID assembly and functionality. On that basis, we further explored the underlying mechanism for how CNTs enhanced ID assembly through the use of immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. We found that the β1-integrin-mediated signaling pathway mediated CNT-induced upregulation of electrical and mechanical junction proteins. Notably, CNTs remarkably accelerated gap junction formation via activation of the β1-integrin-mediated FAK/ERK/GATA4 pathway. These findings provide valuable insight into the mechanistic effects that CNTs have on neonatal cardiomyocyte performance and will have a significant impact on the future of nanomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Sun
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Rd, Beijing 100850, PR China; Chengdu Military General Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610083, PR China
| | - Shuanghong Lü
- Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiao-Xia Jiang
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Rd, Beijing 100850, PR China
| | - Xia Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Rd, Beijing 100850, PR China
| | - Qiuxia Lin
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Rd, Beijing 100850, PR China
| | - Yongchao Mou
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Rd, Beijing 100850, PR China
| | - Yuwei Zhao
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Rd, Beijing 100850, PR China
| | - Yao Han
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Rd, Beijing 100850, PR China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Rd, Beijing 100850, PR China.
| | - Changyong Wang
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Rd, Beijing 100850, PR China.
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27
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Exercise Triggers ARVC Phenotype in Mice Expressing a Disease-Causing Mutated Version of Human Plakophilin-2. J Am Coll Cardiol 2015; 65:1438-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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28
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Asimaki A, Kapoor S, Plovie E, Karin Arndt A, Adams E, Liu Z, James CA, Judge DP, Calkins H, Churko J, Wu JC, MacRae CA, Kléber AG, Saffitz JE. Identification of a new modulator of the intercalated disc in a zebrafish model of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Sci Transl Med 2015; 6:240ra74. [PMID: 24920660 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3008008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is characterized by frequent cardiac arrhythmias. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms and discover potential chemical modifiers, we created a zebrafish model of ACM with cardiac myocyte-specific expression of the human 2057del2 mutation in the gene encoding plakoglobin. A high-throughput screen identified SB216763 as a suppressor of the disease phenotype. Early SB216763 therapy prevented heart failure and reduced mortality in the fish model. Zebrafish ventricular myocytes that expressed 2057del2 plakoglobin exhibited 70 to 80% reductions in I(Na) and I(K1) current densities, which were normalized by SB216763. Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes that expressed 2057del2 plakoglobin recapitulated pathobiological features seen in patients with ACM, all of which were reversed or prevented by SB216763. The reverse remodeling observed with SB216763 involved marked subcellular redistribution of plakoglobin, connexin 43, and Nav1.5, but without changes in their total cellular content, implicating a defect in protein trafficking to intercalated discs. In further support of this mechanism, we observed SB216763-reversible, abnormal subcellular distribution of SAP97 (a protein known to mediate forward trafficking of Nav1.5 and Kir2.1) in rat cardiac myocytes expressing 2057del2 plakoglobin and in cardiac myocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells from two ACM probands with plakophilin-2 mutations. These observations pinpoint aberrant trafficking of intercalated disc proteins as a central mechanism in ACM myocyte injury and electrical abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Asimaki
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sudhir Kapoor
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Eva Plovie
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anne Karin Arndt
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Edward Adams
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - ZhenZhen Liu
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Cynthia A James
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Daniel P Judge
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Hugh Calkins
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jared Churko
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Departments of Medicine and Radiology, Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Departments of Medicine and Radiology, Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Calum A MacRae
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - André G Kléber
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Saffitz
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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29
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Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a primary myocardial disorder characterized by the early appearance of ventricular arrhythmias often out of proportion to the degree of ventricular remodeling and dysfunction. ACM typically presents in adolescence or early adulthood. It accounts for 10% of sudden cardiac deaths in individuals under the age of 18 years. Although there has been significant progress in recognizing the genetic determinants of ACM, how specific gene mutations cause the disease remains poorly understood. Here, we review insights gained from studying the human disease as well as in vivo and in vitro experimental models. These observations have advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ACM and may lead to development of new mechanism-based therapies.
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30
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Morgan KY, Black LD. Mimicking isovolumic contraction with combined electromechanical stimulation improves the development of engineered cardiac constructs. Tissue Eng Part A 2014; 20:1654-67. [PMID: 24410342 PMCID: PMC4029049 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2013.0355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical and mechanical stimulation have both been used extensively to improve the function of cardiac engineered tissue as each of these stimuli is present in the physical environment during normal development in vivo. However, to date, there has been no direct comparison between electrical and mechanical stimulation and current published data are difficult to compare due to the different systems used to create the engineered cardiac tissue and the different measures of functionality studied as outcomes. The goals of this study were twofold. First, we sought to directly compare the effects of mechanical and electrical stimulation on engineered cardiac tissue. Second, we aimed to determine the importance of the timing of the two stimuli in relation to each other in combined electromechanical stimulation. We hypothesized that delaying electrical stimulation after the beginning of mechanical stimulation to mimic the biophysical environment present during isovolumic contraction would improve construct function by improving proteins responsible for cell-cell communication and contractility. To test this hypothesis, we created a bioreactor system that would allow us to electromechanically stimulate engineered tissue created from neonatal rat cardiac cells entrapped in fibrin gel during 2 weeks in culture. Contraction force was higher for all stimulation groups as compared with the static controls, with the delayed combined stimulation constructs having the highest forces. Mechanical stimulation alone displayed increased final cell numbers but there were no other differences between electrical and mechanical stimulation alone. Delayed combined stimulation resulted in an increase in SERCA2a and troponin T expression levels, which did not happen with synchronous combined stimulation, indicating that the timing of combined stimulation is important to maximize the beneficial effect. Increases in Akt protein expression levels suggest that the improvements are at least in part induced by hypertrophic growth. In summary, combined electromechanical stimulation can create engineered cardiac tissue with improved functional properties over electrical or mechanical stimulation alone, and the timing of the combined stimulation greatly influences its effects on engineered cardiac tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Ye Morgan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren Deems Black
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
- Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Biology Program, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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31
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McCain ML, Desplantez T, Kléber AG. Engineering Cardiac Cell JunctionsIn Vitroto Study the Intercalated Disc. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:181-91. [DOI: 10.3109/15419061.2014.905931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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32
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Abstract
There is a need to characterize biomechanical cell-cell interactions, but due to a lack of suitable experimental methods, relevant in vitro experimental data are often masked by cell-substrate interactions. This study describes a novel method to generate partially lifted substrate-free cell sheets that engage primarily in cell-cell interactions, yet are amenable to biological and chemical perturbations and, importantly, mechanical conditioning and characterization. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold is used to isolate a patch of cells, and the patch is then enzymatically lifted. The cells outside the mold remain attached, creating a partially lifted cell sheet. This simple yet powerful tool enables the simultaneous examination of lifted and adherent cells. This tool was then deployed to test the hypothesis that the lifted cells would exhibit substantial reinforcement of key cytoskeletal and junctional components at cell-cell contacts, and that such reinforcement would be enhanced by mechanical conditioning. Results demonstrate that the mechanical strength and cohesion of the substrate-free cell sheets strongly depend on the integrity of the actomyosin cytoskeleton and the cell-cell junctional protein plakoglobin. Both actin and plakoglobin are significantly reinforced at junctions with mechanical conditioning. However, total cellular actin is significantly diminished on dissociation from a substrate and does not recover with mechanical conditioning. These results represent a first systematic examination of mechanical conditioning on cells with primarily intercellular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University , New York, New York
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33
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Expression and localization of TRPC proteins in rat ventricular myocytes at various developmental stages. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 355:201-12. [PMID: 24146259 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1733-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels play important roles in various Ca(2+)-mediated physiological and pathophysiological processes, including development. Many types of TRPC proteins are expressed in the heart. However, limited data are available comparing the expression and localization among TRPC proteins in the ventricular myocyte at various developmental stages. Our purpose is to investigate the expression and localization profile of TRPC proteins in ventricular myocytes of fetal (18.5 days), neonatal (< 24 h after birth) and adult (8 week old) rats. Western blotting, immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy were employed. TRPC1/3-6 proteins were expressed in the rat ventricle throughout the three developmental stages. The expression profile of TRPC1/3/4 in the ventricle followed an upward trend from the fetus to the adult. By contrast, TRPC6 in the ventricle was expressed at the highest level in the fetal group and was sharply down-regulated immediately after birth. TRPC5 expression in the ventricle did not change significantly during the three stages. TRPC1/3/5/6 proteins were localized to the T-tubule and TRPC1/3/4/6 to intercalated disks in adult myocytes. The wide spatiotemporal overlap and dynamic regulation of TRPC expression in ventricular myocytes indicates potential complex combinations and redundancy of native TRPC proteins in the heart and gives important clues for further investigations into the exact subunit compositions and functional properties of native TRPC channels in the heart.
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34
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Liu SJ. Characterization of functional capacity of adult ventricular myocytes in long-term culture. Int J Cardiol 2013; 168:1923-36. [PMID: 23375882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.12.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Revised: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional properties of freshly isolated adult ventricular myocytes (AVMs) or those of AVMs during first few weeks in culture were well described. However, the functional capacity of these AVMs such as regenerative potential remains unknown, in part, due to the short lifespan of AVMs in culture. This study modified culture conditions that extended the lifespan of AVMs, isolated from adult rat hearts, longer than 6 months. METHODS Temporal changes in the morphology of individual AVMs, cell-cell interaction, formation of myofibers, self-repair capacity after injury, expression of senescence biomarkers, and contractile function of AVMs over 5 weeks (defined as long-term culture) were chronologically characterized and quantified with live-cell video and fluorescence microscopy, and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS Cell growth in size reached a plateau after 4 weeks in culture concomitantly with continuous increase in structural remodeling in long-term culture. Dynamic remodeling of AVMs promoted self-contact of filopodia and cell-cell contact where these contained abundant myofilaments, connexin 43 proteins, and high density and high integrity of mitochondria. Such high capacity also enabled self-repair of AVMs after injury, cytokinesis, and formation of myofibers. AVMs in long-term culture displayed spontaneous contraction and importantly were responsive to electrical stimulation. Moreover, AVMs expressed senescence-associated β-galactosidase, p16, and stress-associated atrial natriuretic peptides that resulted likely from cellular modeling. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged longevity of AVMs in culture with characteristics of high functional capacity of organelle regeneration and contraction makes them invaluable for further longitudinal mechanistic studies in cardiac (patho)physiology (e.g., hypertrophy and aging), single-cell analysis (e.g., function of hetero-phenotypes) and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi J Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
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35
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Wang B, Wang G, To F, Butler JR, Claude A, McLaughlin RM, Williams LN, de Jongh Curry AL, Liao J. Myocardial scaffold-based cardiac tissue engineering: application of coordinated mechanical and electrical stimulations. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2013; 29:11109-11117. [PMID: 23923967 PMCID: PMC3838927 DOI: 10.1021/la401702w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we developed an optimal decellularization protocol to generate 3D porcine myocardial scaffolds, which preserve the natural extracellular matrix structure, mechanical anisotropy, and vasculature templates and also show good cell recellularization and differentiation potential. In this study, a multistimulation bioreactor was built to provide coordinated mechanical and electrical stimulation for facilitating stem cell differentiation and cardiac construct development. The acellular myocardial scaffolds were seeded with mesenchymal stem cells (10(6) cells/mL) by needle injection and subjected to 5-azacytidine treatment (3 μmol/L, 24 h) and various bioreactor conditioning protocols. We found that after 2 days of culturing with mechanical (20% strain) and electrical stimulation (5 V, 1 Hz), high cell density and good cell viability were observed in the reseeded scaffold. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the differentiated cells showed a cardiomyocyte-like phenotype by expressing sarcomeric α-actinin, myosin heavy chain, cardiac troponin T, connexin-43, and N-cadherin. Biaxial mechanical testing demonstrated that positive tissue remodeling took place after 2 days of bioreactor conditioning (20% strain + 5 V, 1 Hz); passive mechanical properties of the 2 day and 4 day tissue constructs were comparable to those of the tissue constructs produced by stirring reseeding followed by 2 weeks of static culturing, implying the effectiveness and efficiency of the coordinated simulations in promoting tissue remodeling. In short, the synergistic stimulations might be beneficial not only for the quality of cardiac construct development but also for patients by reducing the waiting time in future clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Tissue Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biological Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762
| | - Guangjun Wang
- Tissue Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biological Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762
| | - Filip To
- Tissue Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biological Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762
| | - J. Ryan Butler
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762
| | - Andrew Claude
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762
| | - Ronald M. McLaughlin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762
| | - Lakiesha N. Williams
- Tissue Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biological Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762
| | - Amy L. de Jongh Curry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, 38152
| | - Jun Liao
- Tissue Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biological Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762
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36
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Recapitulating maladaptive, multiscale remodeling of failing myocardium on a chip. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:9770-5. [PMID: 23716679 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1304913110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of a robust pipeline of medical therapeutic agents for the treatment of heart disease may be partially attributed to the lack of in vitro models that recapitulate the essential structure-function relationships of healthy and diseased myocardium. We designed and built a system to mimic mechanical overload in vitro by applying cyclic stretch to engineered laminar ventricular tissue on a stretchable chip. To test our model, we quantified changes in gene expression, myocyte architecture, calcium handling, and contractile function and compared our results vs. several decades of animal studies and clinical observations. Cyclic stretch activated gene expression profiles characteristic of pathological remodeling, including decreased α- to β-myosin heavy chain ratios, and induced maladaptive changes to myocyte shape and sarcomere alignment. In stretched tissues, calcium transients resembled those reported in failing myocytes and peak systolic stress was significantly reduced. Our results suggest that failing myocardium, as defined genetically, structurally, and functionally, can be replicated in an in vitro microsystem by faithfully recapitulating the structural and mechanical microenvironment of the diseased heart.
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37
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Insights into the role of cell-cell junctions in physiology and disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 306:187-221. [PMID: 24016526 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407694-5.00005-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Contacting cells establish different classes of intricate structures at the cell-cell junctions. These structures are of increasing research interest as they regulate a broad variety of processes in development and disease. Further, in vitro studies are revealing that various cell-cell interaction proteins are involved not only in cell-cell processes but also in many additional aspects of physiology, such as migration and apoptosis. This chapter reviews the basic classification of cell-cell junctional structures and some of their representative proteins. Their roles in development and disease are briefly outlined, followed by a section on contemporary methods for probing cell-cell interactions and some recent developments. This chapter concludes with a few suggestions for potential research directions to further develop this promising area of study.
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38
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Shachar M, Benishti N, Cohen S. Effects of mechanical stimulation induced by compression and medium perfusion on cardiac tissue engineering. Biotechnol Prog 2012; 28:1551-9. [PMID: 22961835 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.1633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Revised: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac tissue engineering presents a challenge due to the complexity of the muscle tissue and the need for multiple signals to induce tissue regeneration in vitro. We investigated the effects of compression (1 Hz, 15% strain) combined with fluid shear stress (10(-2) -10(-1) dynes/cm(2) ) provided by medium perfusion on the outcome of cardiac tissue engineering. Neonatal rat cardiac cells were seeded in Arginine-Glycine-Aspartate (RGD)-attached alginate scaffolds, and the constructs were cultivated in a compression bioreactor. A daily, short-term (30 min) compression (i.e., "intermittent compression") for 4 days induced the formation of cardiac tissue with typical striation, while in the continuously compressed constructs (i.e., "continuous compression"), the cells remained spherical. By Western blot, on day 4 the expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43 was significantly greater in the "intermittent compression" constructs and the cardiomyocyte markers (α-actinin and N-cadherin) showed a trend of better preservation compared to the noncompressed constructs. This regime of compression had no effect on the proliferation of nonmyocyte cells, which maintained low expression level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Elevated secretion levels of basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-β in the daily, intermittently compressed constructs likely attributed to tissue formation. Our study thus establishes the formation of an improved cardiac tissue in vitro, when induced by combined mechanical signals of compression and fluid shear stress provided by perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Shachar
- The Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Dept. of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
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On the different roles of AT1 and AT2 receptors in stretch-induced changes of connexin43 expression and localisation. Pflugers Arch 2012; 464:535-47. [PMID: 23007463 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-012-1161-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Revised: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic mechanical stretch (CMS) and angiotensin II (ATII) play an important role in cardiac remodelling. Thus, we aimed to examine how ATII affects CMS-induced changes in localisation and expression of the gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43). Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes cultured on gelatin-coated Flexcell cell culture plates were kept static or were exposed to CMS (110 % of resting length, 1 Hz) for 24 h with or without additional ATII (0.1 μmol/L). Moreover, inhibitors of ATII receptors (AT-R) were used (for AT(1)-R: losartan 0.1 μmol/L, for AT(2)-R: PD123177 0.1 μmol/L). Thereafter, the cardiomyocytes were investigated by immunohistology, PCR and Western blot. After 24 h of CMS, cardiomyocytes were significantly elongated and orientated 75 ± 1.6° nearly perpendicular to the stretch axis. Furthermore, CMS significantly accentuated Cx43 at the cell poles (ratio Cx43 polar/lateral static: 2.32 ± 0.17; CMS: 10.08 ± 3.2). Additional ATII application significantly reduced Cx43 polarisation (ratio Cx43 polar/lateral ATII: 4.61 ± 0.42). The combined administration of ATII and losartan to CMS further reduced Cx43 polarisation to control levels, whilst the AT(2)-R blocker PD123177 restored polarisation. Moreover, CMS and ATII application resulted in a significant Cx43 protein and Cx43 mRNA up-regulation which could be blocked by losartan but not by PD123177. Thus, CMS results in a self-organisation of the cardiomyocytes leading to elongated cells orientated transversely towards the stretch axis with enhanced Cx43 expression and Cx43 accentuation at the cell poles. ATII enhances total Cx43 mRNA and protein expression probably via AT(1)-R (=inhibitory effect of losartan) and reduces Cx43 polarisation presumably via AT(2)-R, since PD123177 (but not losartan) inhibited the negative effects of ATII on polarisation.
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40
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Xu C, Fan Z, Shan W, Hao Y, Ma J, Huang Q, Zhang F. Cyclic stretch influenced expression of membrane connexin 43 in human periodontal ligament cell. Arch Oral Biol 2012; 57:1602-8. [PMID: 22871357 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2011] [Revised: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells play an important role in preserving periodontal homeostasis and periodontal remodelling in response to mechanical stimulations. Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is essential for homeostasis and many other biological processes of multicellular organisms. While the role of GJIC in mechanotransduction of PDL cells remains largely unknown. In the present study, we examined the influence of cyclic stretch on the expression of membrane gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) in cultured human PDL cells. DESIGN Cultured human PDL cells were exposed to 1%, 10% and 20% stretch strains for 0.5 h, 1 h and 24 h. Then the membrane Cx43 protein expression was measured by flow cytometry and the Cx43 mRNA level was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Half hour and 1 h cyclic stretches with strains up to 20% did not change the expression of membrane Cx43 protein, while 24 h cyclic stretches with 10% and 20% strains down-regulated the expression of membrane Cx43 protein in a strain magnitude-dependent manner. Furthermore, cyclic stretch also changed the Cx43 mRNA level and induced realignment in cells. CONCLUSION The present research provide the first evidence that cyclic stretch influenced the membrane Cx43 protein expression in cultured human PDL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Xu
- Department of Prosthodontics, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China.
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41
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Sheehy SP, Grosberg A, Parker KK. The contribution of cellular mechanotransduction to cardiomyocyte form and function. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2012; 11:1227-39. [PMID: 22772714 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-012-0419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial development is regulated by an elegantly choreographed ensemble of signaling events mediated by a multitude of intermediates that take a variety of forms. Cellular differentiation and maturation are a subset of vertically integrated processes that extend over several spatial and temporal scales to create a well-defined collective of cells that are able to function cooperatively and reliably at the organ level. Early efforts to understand the molecular mechanisms of cardiomyocyte fate determination focused primarily on genetic and chemical mediators of this process. However, increasing evidence suggests that mechanical interactions between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell surface receptors as well as physical interactions between neighboring cells play important roles in regulating the signaling pathways controlling the developmental processes of the heart. Interdisciplinary efforts have made it apparent that the influence of the ECM on cellular behavior occurs through a multitude of physical mechanisms, such as ECM boundary conditions, elasticity, and the propagation of mechanical signals to intracellular compartments, such as the nucleus. In addition to experimental studies, a number of mathematical models have been developed that attempt to capture the interplay between cells and their local microenvironment and the influence these interactions have on cellular self-assembly and functional behavior. Nevertheless, many questions remain unanswered concerning the mechanism through which physical interactions between cardiomyocytes and their environment are translated into biochemical cellular responses and how these signaling modalities can be utilized in vitro to fabricate myocardial tissue constructs from stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes that more faithfully represent their in vivo counterpart. These studies represent a broad effort to characterize biological form as a conduit for information transfer that spans the nanometer length scale of proteins to the meter length scale of the patient and may yield new insights into the contribution of mechanotransduction into heart development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Sheehy
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Pierce Hall Rm. 321, 29 Oxford St., Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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O'Neill TJ, Mack CP, Taylor JM. Germline deletion of FAK-related non-kinase delays post-natal cardiomyocyte mitotic arrest. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2012; 53:156-64. [PMID: 22555221 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2012.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Revised: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cardiomyocyte phenotypic switch from a proliferative to terminally differentiated state impacts normal heart development and pathologic myocardial remodeling, yet the signaling mechanisms that regulate this vital process are incompletely understood. Studies from our lab and others indicate that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a critical regulator of cardiac growth and remodeling and we found that expression of the endogenous FAK inhibitor, FAK-related non kinase (FRNK) coincided with postnatal cardiomyocyte arrest. Mis-expression of FRNK in the embryonic heart led to pre-term lethality associated with reduced cardiomyocyte proliferation and led us to speculate that the postnatal FRNK surge might be required to promote quiescence in this growth promoting environment. Herein, we provide strong evidence that endogenous FRNK contributes to post-mitotic arrest. Depletion of FRNK promoted DNA synthesis in post-natal day (P) 10 hearts accompanied by a transient increase in DNA content and multi-nucleation by P14, indicative of DNA replication without cell division. Interestingly, a reduction in tri- and tetra-nucleated cardiomyocytes, concomitant with an increase in bi-nucleated cells by P21, indicated the possibility that FRNK-depleted cardiomyocytes underwent eventual cytokinesis. In support of this conclusion, Aurora B-labeled central spindles (a hallmark of cytokinesis) were observed in tetra-nucleated P20 FRNK(-/-) but not wt cardiomyocytes, while no evidence of apoptosis was observed. Moreover, hearts from FRNK null mice developed ventricular enlargement that persisted until young adulthood which resulted from myocyte expansion rather than myocyte hypertrophy or interstitial growth. These data indicate that endogenous FRNK serves an important role in limiting DNA synthesis and regulating the un-coupling between DNA synthesis and cytokinesis in the post-natal myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J O'Neill
- Department of Pathology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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43
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Beauchamp P, Desplantez T, McCain ML, Li W, Asimaki A, Rigoli G, Parker KK, Saffitz JE, Kleber AG. Electrical coupling and propagation in engineered ventricular myocardium with heterogeneous expression of connexin43. Circ Res 2012; 110:1445-53. [PMID: 22518032 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.111.259705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Spatial heterogeneity in connexin (Cx) expression has been implicated in arrhythmogenesis. OBJECTIVE This study was performed to quantify the relation between the degree of heterogeneity in Cx43 expression and disturbances in electric propagation. METHODS AND RESULTS Cell pairs and strands composed of mixtures of Cx43(-/-) (Cx43KO) or GFP-expressing Cx43(+/+) (WT(GFP)) murine ventricular myocytes were patterned using microlithographic techniques. At the interface between pairs of WT(GFP) and Cx43KO cells, dual-voltage clamp showed a marked decrease in electric coupling (approximately 5% of WT) and voltage gating suggested the presence of mixed Cx43/Cx45 channels. Cx43 and Cx45 immunofluorescence signals were not detectable at this interface, probably because of markedly reduced gap junction size. Macroscopic propagation velocity, measured by multisite high-resolution optical mapping of transmembrane potential in strands of cells of mixed Cx43 genotype, decreased with an increasing proportion of Cx43KO cells in the strand. A marked decrease in conduction velocity was observed in strands composed of <50% WT cells. Propagation at the microscopic scale showed a high degree of dissociation between WT(GFP) and Cx43KO cells, but consistent excitation without development of propagation block. CONCLUSIONS Heterogeneous ablation of Cx43 leads to a marked decrease in propagation velocity in tissue strands composed of <50% cells with WT Cx43 expression and marked dissociation of excitation at the cellular level. However, the small residual electric conductance between Cx43 and WT(GFP) myocytes assures excitation of Cx43(-/-) cells. This explains the previously reported undisturbed contractility in tissues with spatially heterogeneous downregulation of Cx43 expression.
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Huang Y, Zheng L, Gong X, Jia X, Song W, Liu M, Fan Y. Effect of cyclic strain on cardiomyogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34960. [PMID: 22496879 PMCID: PMC3319595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a potential source of material for the generation of tissue-engineered cardiac grafts because of their ability to transdifferentiate into cardiomyocytes after chemical treatments or co-culture with cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocytes in the body are subjected to cyclic strain induced by the rhythmic heart beating. Whether cyclic strain could regulate rat bone marrow derived MSC (rBMSC) differentiation into cardiomyocyte-like lineage was investigated in this study. A stretching device was used to generate the cyclic strain for rBMSCs. Cardiomyogenic differentiation was evaluated using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunocytochemistry and western-blotting. The results demonstrated that appropriate cyclic strain treatment alone could induce cardiomyogenic differentiation of rBMSCs, as confirmed by the expression of cardiomyocyte-related markers at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, rBMSCs exposed to the strain stimulation expressed cardiomyocyte-related markers at a higher level than the shear stimulation. In addition, when rBMSCs were exposed to both strain and 5-azacytidine (5-aza), expression levels of cardiomyocyte-related markers significantly increased to a degree suggestive of a synergistic interaction. These results suggest that cyclic strain is an important mechanical stimulus affecting the cardiomyogenic differentiation of rBMSCs. This provides a new avenue for mechanistic studies of stem cell differentiation and a new approach to obtain more committed differentiated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Huang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Lisha Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Xianghui Gong
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoling Jia
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Song
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Meili Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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45
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Salameh A, Dhein S. Effects of mechanical forces and stretch on intercellular gap junction coupling. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1828:147-56. [PMID: 22245380 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Revised: 12/17/2011] [Accepted: 12/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces provide fundamental physiological stimulus in living organisms. Recent investigations demonstrated how various types of mechanical load, like strain, pressure, shear stress, or cyclic stretch can affect cell biology and gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC). Depending on the cell type, the type of mechanical load and on strength and duration of application, these forces can induce hypertrophic processes and modulate the expression and function of certain connexins such as Cx43, while others such as Cx37 or Cx40 are reported to be less mechanosensitive. In particular, not only expression but also subcellular localization of Cx43 is altered in cardiomyocytes submitted to cyclic mechanical stretch resulting in the typical elongated cell shape with an accentuation of Cx43 at the cell poles. In the heart both cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts can alter their GJIC in response to mechanical load. In the vasculature both endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells are subject to strain and cyclic stretch resulting from the pulsatile flow. In addition, vascular endothelial cells are mainly affected by shear stress resulting from the blood flow parallel to their surface. These mechanical forces lead to a regulation of GJIC in vascular tissue. In bones, osteocytes and osteoblasts are coupled via gap junctions, which also react to mechanical forces. Since gap junctions are involved in regulation of cell growth and differentiation, the mechanosensitivity of the regulation of these channels might open new perspectives to explain how cells can respond to mechanical load, and how stretch induces self-organization of a cell layer which might have implications for embryology and the development of organs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, roles and dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Salameh
- Clinic for Pediatric Cardiology, University of Leipzig, Heart Centre, Germany
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46
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Leychenko A, Konorev E, Jijiwa M, Matter ML. Stretch-induced hypertrophy activates NFkB-mediated VEGF secretion in adult cardiomyocytes. PLoS One 2011; 6:e29055. [PMID: 22174951 PMCID: PMC3236775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension and myocardial infarction are associated with the onset of hypertrophy. Hypertrophy is a compensatory response mechanism to increases in mechanical load due to pressure or volume overload. It is characterized by extracellular matrix remodeling and hypertrophic growth of adult cardiomyocytes. Production of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), which acts as an angiogenic factor and a modulator of cardiomyocyte function, is regulated by mechanical stretch. Mechanical stretch promotes VEGF secretion in neonatal cardiomyocytes. Whether this effect is retained in adult cells and the molecular mechanism mediating stretch-induced VEGF secretion has not been elucidated. Our objective was to investigate whether cyclic mechanical stretch induces VEGF secretion in adult cardiomyocytes and to identify the molecular mechanism mediating VEGF secretion in these cells. Isolated primary adult rat cardiomyocytes (ARCMs) were subjected to cyclic mechanical stretch at an extension level of 10% at 30 cycles/min that induces hypertrophic responses. Cyclic mechanical stretch induced a 3-fold increase in VEGF secretion in ARCMs compared to non-stretch controls. This increase in stretch-induced VEGF secretion correlated with NFkB activation. Cyclic mechanical stretch-mediated VEGF secretion was blocked by an NFkB peptide inhibitor and expression of a dominant negative mutant IkBα, but not by inhibitors of the MAPK/ERK1/2 or PI3K pathways. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated an interaction of NFkB with the VEGF promoter in stretched primary cardiomyocytes. Moreover, VEGF secretion is increased in the stretched myocardium during pressure overload-induced hypertrophy. These findings are the first to demonstrate that NFkB activation plays a role in mediating VEGF secretion upon cyclic mechanical stretch in adult cardiomyocytes. Signaling by NFkB initiated in response to cyclic mechanical stretch may therefore coordinate the hypertrophic response in adult cardiomyocytes. Elucidation of this novel mechanism may provide a target for developing future pharmacotherapy to treat hypertension and heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Leychenko
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Center for Cardiovascular Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Bioscience and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Eugene Konorev
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Hawaii-Hilo College of Pharmacy, Hilo, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Mayumi Jijiwa
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Center for Cardiovascular Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Michelle L. Matter
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Center for Cardiovascular Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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47
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Michaelson JE, Huang H. Cell-cell junctional proteins in cardiovascular mechanotransduction. Ann Biomed Eng 2011; 40:568-77. [PMID: 22016325 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-011-0439-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cell-cell junctional proteins play important structural and functional roles in several physiological systems. Recent studies have illuminated key aspects in the relationship of junctional proteins with normal cell and tissue function as well as various pathologies. In this review article, the roles of cell-cell junctional proteins will be presented in four classes: adherens junctions, desmosomes, gap junctions, and tight junctions, and discussed primarily in the context of cardiovascular cell and tissue physiology and pathophysiology. The functions of the proteins are described from the perspective of mechanotransductive regulation of physiological and disease processes, with focus being laid on more biomechanical aspects, such as cell adhesion, migration, and mechanosignaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarett E Michaelson
- Biomedical Engineering Departmental Office, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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48
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Heo JS, Lee JC. β-Catenin mediates cyclic strain-stimulated cardiomyogenesis in mouse embryonic stem cells through ROS-dependent and integrin-mediated PI3K/Akt pathways. J Cell Biochem 2011; 112:1880-9. [PMID: 21433060 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.23108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates various cellular events involved in the proliferation and differentiation and these events are affected sensitively by applying to mechanical stimuli. However, the mechanisms by which mechanical force stimulates cardiomyogenesis are not extensively explored. In this study we investigated the cellular mechanisms by which β-catenin signaling regulates cardiac differentiation of strain-subjected embryonic stem (ES) cells. The application of cells to cyclic strain increased beating cardiomyocyte foci with the attendant increases of Cx 43 and Nkx 2.5 proteins. Anti-oxidants such as vitamin C or N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) blocked the strain-mediated increases of Cx 43, Nkx 2.5, and α5/β1 integrins. These anti-oxidants also suppressed the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt in cyclic strain-subjected cells. Western blot analysis revealed that PI3K is a critical downstream effector of β1 integrin signaling and mediates Cx 43 and Nkx 2.5 expression in cyclic strain-applied ES cells. Cyclic strain increased the expression of β-catenin and stimulated its nuclear translocation from the cytosol, which was prevented by anti-oxidant treatment. In addition, the application to cyclic strain increased mRNA expression of β-catenin target genes, Axin2 and c-myc, as well as the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β. Furthermore, the blockage of β-catenin by its specific siRNA transfection diminished the cellular levels of Cx 43 and Nkx 2.5 proteins and the number of beating cardiomyocyte foci. Collectively, these results suggest that β-catenin-mediated signaling is required for cyclic strain-stimulated cardiomyogenesis through ROS-dependent and integrin-mediated PI3K-Akt signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Sun Heo
- Department of Maxillofacial Biomedical Engineering and Institute of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, South Korea
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49
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Asimaki A, Tandri H, Duffy ER, Winterfield JR, Mackey-Bojack S, Picken MM, Cooper LT, Wilber DJ, Marcus FI, Basso C, Thiene G, Tsatsopoulou A, Protonotarios N, Stevenson WG, McKenna WJ, Gautam S, Remick DG, Calkins H, Saffitz JE. Altered desmosomal proteins in granulomatous myocarditis and potential pathogenic links to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2011; 4:743-52. [PMID: 21859801 DOI: 10.1161/circep.111.964890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunoreactive signal for the desmosomal protein plakoglobin (γ-catenin) is reduced at cardiac intercalated disks in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a highly arrhythmogenic condition caused by mutations in genes encoding desmosomal proteins. Previously, we observed a false-positive case in which plakoglobin signal was reduced in a patient initially believed to have ARVC but who actually had cardiac sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis can masquerade clinically as ARVC but has not been previously associated with altered desmosomal proteins. METHODS AND RESULTS We observed marked reduction in immunoreactive signal for plakoglobin at cardiac myocyte junctions in patients with sarcoidosis and giant cell myocarditis, both highly arrhythmogenic forms of myocarditis associated with granulomatous inflammation. In contrast, plakoglobin signal was not depressed in lymphocytic (nongranulomatous) myocarditis. To determine whether cytokines might promote dislocation of plakoglobin from desmosomes, we incubated cultures of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes with selected inflammatory mediators. Brief exposure to low concentrations of interleukin (IL)-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-6 (cytokines implicated in granulomatous myocarditis) caused translocation of plakoglobin from cell-cell junctions to intracellular sites, whereas other potent cytokines implicated in nongranulomatous myocarditis had no effect, even at much higher concentrations. We also observed myocardial expression of IL-17 and TNF-α and elevated levels of serum inflammatory mediators, including IL-6R, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1β, in patients with ARVC (all P<0.0001 compared with controls). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest novel disease mechanisms involving desmosomal proteins in granulomatous myocarditis and implicate cytokines, perhaps derived in part from the myocardium, in disruption of desmosomal proteins and arrhythmogenesis in ARVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Asimaki
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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50
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Palatinus JA, Rhett JM, Gourdie RG. The connexin43 carboxyl terminus and cardiac gap junction organization. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2011; 1818:1831-43. [PMID: 21856279 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2011] [Revised: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The precise spatial order of gap junctions at intercalated disks in adult ventricular myocardium is thought vital for maintaining cardiac synchrony. Breakdown or remodeling of this order is a hallmark of arrhythmic disease of the heart. The principal component of gap junction channels between ventricular cardiomyocytes is connexin43 (Cx43). Protein-protein interactions and modifications of the carboxyl-terminus of Cx43 are key determinants of gap junction function, size, distribution and organization during normal development and in disease processes. Here, we review data on the role of proteins interacting with the Cx43 carboxyl-terminus in the regulation of cardiac gap junction organization, with particular emphasis on Zonula Occludens-1. The rapid progress in this area suggests that in coming years we are likely to develop a fuller understanding of the molecular mechanisms causing pathologic remodeling of gap junctions. With these advances come the promise of novel approach to the treatment of arrhythmia and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Palatinus
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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