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Burgess JK, Gosens R. Mechanotransduction and the extracellular matrix: Key drivers of lung pathologies and drug responsiveness. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 228:116255. [PMID: 38705536 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The lung is a biomechanically active organ, with multiscale mechanical forces impacting the organ, tissue and cellular responses within this microenvironment. In chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis and others, the structure of the lung is drastically altered impeding gas exchange. These changes are, in part, reflected in alterations in the composition, amount and organization of the extracellular matrix within the different lung compartments. The transmission of mechanical forces within lung tissue are broadcast by this complex mix of extracellular matrix components, in particular the collagens, elastin and proteoglycans and the crosslinking of these components. At both a macro and a micro level, the mechanical properties of the microenvironment have a key regulatory role in ascertaining cellular responses and the function of the lung. Cells adhere to, and receive signals from, the extracellular matrix through a number of different surface receptors and complexes which are important for mechanotransduction. This review summarizes the multiscale mechanics in the lung and how the mechanical environment changes in lung disease and aging. We then examine the role of mechanotransduction in driving cell signaling events in lung diseases and finish with a future perspective of the need to consider how such forces may impact pharmacological responsiveness in lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Wang J, Zhao F, Brouwer LA, Buist-Homan M, Wolters JC, Moshage H, Harmsen MC. Collagen-rich liver-derived extracellular matrix hydrogels augment survival and function of primary rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 278:134717. [PMID: 39142477 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are key targets for addressing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, isolating and culturing primary LSECs is challenging due to rapid dedifferentiation, resulting in loss of function. The extracellular matrix (ECM) likely plays a crucial role in maintaining the fate and function of LSECs. In this study, we explored the influence of liver-ECM (L-ECM) on liver cells and developed culture conditions that maintain the differentiated function of liver cells in vitro for prolonged periods. Porcine liver-derived L-ECM, containing 34.9 % protein, 0.045 % glycosaminoglycans, and negligible residual DNA (41.2 ng/mg), was utilized to culture primary rat liver cells in generated hydrogels. Proteomic analyses and molecular weight distribution of proteins of solubilized L-ECM revealed the typical diverse ECM core matrisome, with abundant collagens. L-ECM hydrogels showed suitable stiffness and stress relaxation properties. Furthermore, we demonstrated that collagen-rich L-ECM hydrogels enhanced LSECs' and hepatocytes' viability, and reduced the dedifferentiation rate of LSECs. In addition, hepatocyte function was maintained longer by culture on L-ECM hydrogels compared to traditional culturing. These beneficial effects are likely attributed to the bioactive macromolecules including collagens, and mechanical and microarchitectural properties of the L-ECM hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Wang
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Fenghua Zhao
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Linda A Brouwer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Manon Buist-Homan
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Justina C Wolters
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pediatrics, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Interfaculty Mass Spectrometry Center, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Han Moshage
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Martin C Harmsen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands.
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3
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Joglekar MM, Bekker NJ, Koloko Ngassie ML, Vonk JM, Borghuis T, Reinders-Luinge M, Bakker J, Woldhuis RR, Pouwels SD, Melgert BN, Timens W, Brandsma CA, Burgess JK. The lung extracellular matrix protein landscape in severe early-onset and moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2024; 327:L304-L318. [PMID: 38915286 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00332.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling has been implicated in the irreversible obstruction of airways and destruction of alveolar tissue in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies investigating differences in the lung ECM in COPD have mainly focused on some collagens and elastin, leaving an array of ECM components unexplored. We investigated the differences in the ECM landscape comparing severe-early onset (SEO)-COPD and moderate COPD to control lung tissue for collagen type I α chain 1 (COL1A1), collagen type VI α chain 1 (COL6A1); collagen type VI α chain 2 (COL6A2), collagen type XIV α chain 1 (COL14A1), fibulin 2 and 5 (FBLN2 and FBLN5), latent transforming growth factor β binding protein 4 (LTBP4), lumican (LUM), versican (VCAN), decorin (DCN), and elastin (ELN) using image analysis and statistical modeling. Percentage area and/or mean intensity of expression of LUM in the parenchyma, and COL1A1, FBLN2, LTBP4, DCN, and VCAN in the airway walls, was proportionally lower in COPD compared to controls. Lowered levels of most ECM proteins were associated with decreasing forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) measurements, indicating a relationship with disease severity. Furthermore, we identified six unique ECM signatures where LUM and COL6A1 in parenchyma and COL1A1, FBLN5, DCN, and VCAN in airway walls appear essential in reflecting the presence and severity of COPD. These signatures emphasize the need to examine groups of proteins to represent an overall difference in the ECM landscape in COPD that are more likely to be related to functional effects than individual proteins. Our study revealed differences in the lung ECM landscape between control and COPD and between SEO and moderate COPD signifying distinct pathological processes in the different subgroups.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study identified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-associated differences in the lung extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. We highlight the compartmental differences in the ECM landscape in different subtypes of COPD. The most prominent differences were observed for severe-early onset COPD. Moreover, we identified unique ECM signatures that describe airway walls and parenchyma providing insight into the intertwined nature and complexity of ECM changes in COPD that together drive ECM remodeling and may contribute to disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mugdha M Joglekar
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas J Bekker
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maunick Lefin Koloko Ngassie
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Judith M Vonk
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Epidemiology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Theo Borghuis
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marjan Reinders-Luinge
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janna Bakker
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roy R Woldhuis
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon D Pouwels
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbro N Melgert
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Timens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Corry-Anke Brandsma
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, KOLFF Institute, Groningen, The Netherlands
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4
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Zhao F, Zhang M, Nizamoglu M, Kaper HJ, Brouwer LA, Borghuis T, Burgess JK, Harmsen MC, Sharma PK. Fibroblast alignment and matrix remodeling induced by a stiffness gradient in a skin-derived extracellular matrix hydrogel. Acta Biomater 2024; 182:67-80. [PMID: 38750915 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Large skin injuries heal as scars. Stiffness gradually increases from normal skin to scar tissue (20x higher), due to excessive deposition and crosslinking of extracellular matrix (ECM) mostly produced by (myo)fibroblasts. Using a custom mold, skin-derived ECM hydrogels (dECM) were UV crosslinked after diffusion of ruthenium (Ru) to produce a Ru-dECM gradient hydrogel. The Ru diffusion gradient equates to a stiffness gradient and models physiology of the scarred skin. Crosslinking in Ru-dECM hydrogels results in a 23-fold increase in stiffness from a stiffness similar to that of normal skin. Collagen fiber density increases in a stiffness-dependent fashion while stress relaxation also alters, with one additional Maxwell element necessary for characterizing Ru-dECM. Alignment of fibroblasts encapsulated in hydrogels suggests that the stiffness gradient directs fibroblasts to orientate at ∼45 ° in regions below 120 kPa. In areas above 120 kPa, fibroblasts decrease the stiffness prior to adjusting their orientation. Furthermore, fibroblasts remodel their surrounding ECM in a gradient-dependent fashion, with rearrangement of cell-surrounding ECM in high-stiffness areas, and formation of interlaced collagen bundles in low-stiffness areas. Overall, this study shows that fibroblasts remodel their local environment to generate an optimal ECM mechanical and topographical environment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study developed a versatile in vitro model with a gradient stiffness using skin-derived ECM hydrogel with unchanged biochemical environment. Using Ruthenium crosslinking, a 20-fold stiffness increase was achieved as observed in fibrotic skin. The interaction between fibroblasts and matrix depends on changes in the matrix stiffness. The stiffness gradient directed the alignment of fibroblasts with ∼45° in regions with≤ 120 kPa. The cells in regions with the higher stiffness decreased stiffness first and then oriented themselves. Furthermore, fibroblasts remodeled surrounding ECM and regulated its mechanics in a gradient-dependent fashion to reach an optimal condition. Our study highlights the dynamic interplay between cells and surrounding matrix, shedding light on potential mechanisms and strategies to target scar formation and remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Zhao
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology-FB40, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Meng Zhang
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans J Kaper
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology-FB40, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Linda A Brouwer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Theo Borghuis
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martin C Harmsen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Prashant K Sharma
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology-FB40, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Cheetham CJ, McKelvey MC, McAuley DF, Taggart CC. Neutrophil-Derived Proteases in Lung Inflammation: Old Players and New Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5492. [PMID: 38791530 PMCID: PMC11122108 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil-derived proteases are critical to the pathology of many inflammatory lung diseases, both chronic and acute. These abundant enzymes play roles in key neutrophil functions, such as neutrophil extracellular trap formation and reactive oxygen species release. They may also be released, inducing tissue damage and loss of tissue function. Historically, the neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) have been the main subject of neutrophil protease research. Despite highly promising cell-based and animal model work, clinical trials involving the inhibition of NSPs have shown mixed results in lung disease patients. As such, the cutting edge of neutrophil-derived protease research has shifted to proteases that have had little-to-no research in neutrophils to date. These include the cysteine and serine cathepsins, the metzincins and the calpains, among others. This review aims to outline the previous work carried out on NSPs, including the shortcomings of some of the inhibitor-orientated clinical trials. Our growing understanding of other proteases involved in neutrophil function and neutrophilic lung inflammation will then be discussed. Additionally, the potential of targeting these more obscure neutrophil proteases will be highlighted, as they may represent new targets for inhibitor-based treatments of neutrophil-mediated lung inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coby J. Cheetham
- Airway Innate Immunity Research (AiiR) Group, Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (C.J.C.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Michael C. McKelvey
- Airway Innate Immunity Research (AiiR) Group, Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (C.J.C.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Daniel F. McAuley
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK;
| | - Clifford C. Taggart
- Airway Innate Immunity Research (AiiR) Group, Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (C.J.C.); (M.C.M.)
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6
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Ulldemolins A, Narciso M, Sanz-Fraile H, Otero J, Farré R, Gavara N, Almendros I. Effects of aging on the biomechanical properties of the lung extracellular matrix: dependence on tissular stretch. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1381470. [PMID: 38645411 PMCID: PMC11026642 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1381470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Aging induces functional and structural changes in the lung, characterized by a decline in elasticity and diminished pulmonary remodeling and regenerative capacity. Emerging evidence suggests that most biomechanical alterations in the lung result from changes in the composition of the lung extracellular matrix (ECM), potentially modulating the behavior of pulmonary cells and increasing the susceptibility to chronic lung diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the mechanical properties of the aged lung. This study aims to assess the mechanical alterations in the lung ECM due to aging at both residual (RV) and functional (FV) lung volumes and to evaluate their effects on the survival and proliferation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Methods: The lungs from young (4-6-month-old) and aged (20-24-month-old) mice were inflated with optimal cutting temperature compound to reach FV or non-inflated (RV). ECM proteins laminin, collagen I and fibronectin were quantified by immunofluorescence and the mechanical properties of the decellularized lung sections were assessed using atomic force microscopy. To investigate whether changes in ECM composition by aging and/or mechanical properties at RV and FV volumes affects MSCs, their viability and proliferation were evaluated after 72 h. Results: Laminin presence was significantly reduced in aged mice compared to young mice, while fibronectin and collagen I were significantly increased in aged mice. In RV conditions, the acellular lungs from aged mice were significantly softer than from young mice. By contrast, in FV conditions, the aged lung ECM becomes stiffer than that of in young mice, revealing that strain hardening significantly depends on aging. Results after MSCs recellularization showed similar viability and proliferation rate in all conditions. Discussion: This data strongly suggests that biomechanical measurements, especially in aging models, should be carried out in physiomimetic conditions rather than following the conventional non-inflated lung (RV) approach. The use of decellularized lung scaffolds from aged and/or other lung disease murine/human models at physiomimetic conditions will help to better understand the potential role of mechanotransduction on the susceptibility and progression of chronic lung diseases, lung regeneration and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ulldemolins
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Narciso
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Héctor Sanz-Fraile
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Otero
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramon Farré
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Gavara
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isaac Almendros
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
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7
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Burgess JK, Weiss DJ, Westergren-Thorsson G, Wigen J, Dean CH, Mumby S, Bush A, Adcock IM. Extracellular Matrix as a Driver of Chronic Lung Diseases. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2024; 70:239-246. [PMID: 38190723 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2023-0176ps] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is not just a three-dimensional scaffold that provides stable support for all cells in the lungs, but also an important component of chronic fibrotic airway, vascular, and interstitial diseases. It is a bioactive entity that is dynamically modulated during tissue homeostasis and disease, that controls structural and immune cell functions and drug responses, and that can release fragments that have biological activity and that can be used to monitor disease activity. There is a growing recognition of the importance of considering ECM changes in chronic airway, vascular, and interstitial diseases, including 1) compositional changes, 2) structural and organizational changes, and 3) mechanical changes and how these affect disease pathogenesis. As altered ECM biology is an important component of many lung diseases, disease models must incorporate this factor to fully recapitulate disease-driver pathways and to study potential novel therapeutic interventions. Although novel models are evolving that capture some or all of the elements of the altered ECM microenvironment in lung diseases, opportunities exist to more fully understand cell-ECM interactions that will help devise future therapeutic targets to restore function in chronic lung diseases. In this perspective article, we review evolving knowledge about the ECM's role in homeostasis and disease in the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janette K Burgess
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, and
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel J Weiss
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | | | - Jenny Wigen
- Lung Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Charlotte H Dean
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Sharon Mumby
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Andrew Bush
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; and
- Centre for Pediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College and Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian M Adcock
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; and
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8
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Wijsman PC, Goorsenberg AWM, Keijzer N, d'Hooghe JNS, Ten Hacken NHT, Shah PL, Weersink EJM, de Brito JM, de Souza Xavier Costa N, Mauad T, Nawijn MC, Vonk JM, Annema JT, Burgess JK, Bonta PI. Airway wall extracellular matrix changes induced by bronchial thermoplasty in severe asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:435-446.e4. [PMID: 37805024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway remodeling is a prominent feature of asthma, which involves increased airway smooth muscle mass and altered extracellular matrix composition. Bronchial thermoplasty (BT), a bronchoscopic treatment for severe asthma, targets airway remodeling. OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate the effect of BT on extracellular matrix composition and its association with clinical outcomes. METHODS This is a substudy of the TASMA trial. Thirty patients with severe asthma were BT-treated, of whom 13 patients were treated for 6 months with standard therapy (control group) before BT. Demographic data, clinical data including pulmonary function, and bronchial biopsies were collected. Biopsies at BT-treated and nontreated locations were analyzed by histological and immunohistochemical staining. Associations between histology and clinical outcomes were explored. RESULTS Six months after treatment, it was found that the reticular basement membrane thickness was reduced from 7.28 μm to 5.74 μm (21% relative reduction) and the percentage area of tissue positive for collagen increased from 26.3% to 29.8% (13% relative increase). Collagen structure analysis revealed a reduction in the curvature frequency of fibers. The percentage area positive for fibulin-1 and fibronectin increased by 2.5% and 5.9%, respectively (relative increase of 124% and 15%). No changes were found for elastin. The changes in collagen and fibulin-1 negatively associated with changes in FEV1 reversibility. CONCLUSIONS Besides reduction of airway smooth muscle mass, BT has an impact on reticular basement membrane thickness and the extracellular matrix arrangement characterized by an increase in tissue area occupied by collagen with a less dense fiber organization. Both collagen and fibulin-1 are negatively associated with the change in FEV1 reversibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieta C Wijsman
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annika W M Goorsenberg
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Noa Keijzer
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Julia N S d'Hooghe
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nick H T Ten Hacken
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pallav L Shah
- Department of Pulmonology, Royal Brompton Hospital, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Pulmonology, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Els J M Weersink
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jôse Mara de Brito
- Departamento de Patologia, LIM-05 Laboratório de Patologia Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natalia de Souza Xavier Costa
- Departamento de Patologia, LIM-05 Laboratório de Patologia Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thais Mauad
- Departamento de Patologia, LIM-05 Laboratório de Patologia Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Martijn C Nawijn
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M Vonk
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jouke T Annema
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter I Bonta
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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9
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Phogat S, Thiam F, Al Yazeedi S, Abokor FA, Osei ET. 3D in vitro hydrogel models to study the human lung extracellular matrix and fibroblast function. Respir Res 2023; 24:242. [PMID: 37798767 PMCID: PMC10552248 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02548-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The pulmonary extracellular matrix (ECM) is a macromolecular structure that provides mechanical support, stability and elastic recoil for different pulmonary cells including the lung fibroblasts. The ECM plays an important role in lung development, remodeling, repair, and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Biomechanical and biochemical signals produced by the ECM regulate the phenotype and function of various cells including fibroblasts in the lungs. Fibroblasts are important lung structural cells responsible for the production and repair of different ECM proteins (e.g., collagen and fibronectin). During lung injury and in chronic lung diseases such as asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an abnormal feedback between fibroblasts and the altered ECM disrupts tissue homeostasis and leads to a vicious cycle of fibrotic changes resulting in tissue remodeling. In line with this, using 3D hydrogel culture models with embedded lung fibroblasts have enabled the assessment of the various mechanisms involved in driving defective (fibrotic) fibroblast function in the lung's 3D ECM environment. In this review, we provide a summary of various studies that used these 3D hydrogel models to assess the regulation of the ECM on lung fibroblast phenotype and function in altered lung ECM homeostasis in health and in chronic respiratory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Phogat
- Department of Biology, Okanagan Campus, University of British Columbia, 3187 University Way, ASC366, Kelowna, BC, V1V1V7, Canada
| | - Fama Thiam
- Department of Biology, Okanagan Campus, University of British Columbia, 3187 University Way, ASC366, Kelowna, BC, V1V1V7, Canada
| | - Safiya Al Yazeedi
- Department of Biology, Okanagan Campus, University of British Columbia, 3187 University Way, ASC366, Kelowna, BC, V1V1V7, Canada
| | - Filsan Ahmed Abokor
- Department of Biology, Okanagan Campus, University of British Columbia, 3187 University Way, ASC366, Kelowna, BC, V1V1V7, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Twumasi Osei
- Department of Biology, Okanagan Campus, University of British Columbia, 3187 University Way, ASC366, Kelowna, BC, V1V1V7, Canada.
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
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10
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Nizamoglu M, Joglekar MM, Almeida CR, Larsson Callerfelt AK, Dupin I, Guenat OT, Henrot P, van Os L, Otero J, Elowsson L, Farre R, Burgess JK. Innovative three-dimensional models for understanding mechanisms underlying lung diseases: powerful tools for translational research. Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:230042. [PMID: 37495250 PMCID: PMC10369168 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0042-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lung diseases result from alteration and/or destruction of lung tissue, inevitably causing decreased breathing capacity and quality of life for patients. While animal models have paved the way for our understanding of pathobiology and the development of therapeutic strategies for disease management, their translational capacity is limited. There is, therefore, a well-recognised need for innovative in vitro models to reflect chronic lung diseases, which will facilitate mechanism investigation and the advancement of new treatment strategies. In the last decades, lungs have been modelled in healthy and diseased conditions using precision-cut lung slices, organoids, extracellular matrix-derived hydrogels and lung-on-chip systems. These three-dimensional models together provide a wide spectrum of applicability and mimicry of the lung microenvironment. While each system has its own limitations, their advantages over traditional two-dimensional culture systems, or even over animal models, increases the value of in vitro models. Generating new and advanced models with increased translational capacity will not only benefit our understanding of the pathobiology of lung diseases but should also shorten the timelines required for discovery and generation of new therapeutics. This article summarises and provides an outline of the European Respiratory Society research seminar "Innovative 3D models for understanding mechanisms underlying lung diseases: powerful tools for translational research", held in Lisbon, Portugal, in April 2022. Current in vitro models developed for recapitulating healthy and diseased lungs are outlined and discussed with respect to the challenges associated with them, efforts to develop best practices for model generation, characterisation and utilisation of models and state-of-the-art translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Both authors contributed equally
| | - Mugdha M Joglekar
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Both authors contributed equally
| | - Catarina R Almeida
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Isabelle Dupin
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, Université de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Olivier T Guenat
- Organs-on-Chip Technologies, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Henrot
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, Université de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- Service d'exploration fonctionnelle respiratoire, CHU de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Lisette van Os
- Organs-on-Chip Technologies, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jorge Otero
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Linda Elowsson
- Lung Biology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ramon Farre
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
- Institut Investigacions Biomediques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, Groningen, The Netherlands
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11
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Song H, Jiang L, Yang W, Dai Y, Wang Y, Li Z, Liu P, Chen J. Cryptotanshinone alleviates lipopolysaccharide and cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in mice via the Keap1/Nrf2 axis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115105. [PMID: 37399718 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity worldwide. Cigarette smoking, which leads to abnormalities in the airways or alveoli and persistent obstruction of the airway's flow, is a significant risk factor of COPD. Cryptotanshinone (CTS) is the active ingredient in Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and has many pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant properties, but its impact on COPD is uncertain. In the present study, the potential effect of CTS on COPD was investigated in a modified COPD mice model induced with cigarette smoke (CS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. CTS significantly reversed the decline in lung function, emphysema, inflammatory cell infiltration, small airway remodeling, pulmonary pathological damage, and airway epithelial cell proliferation in CS- and LPS-exposed mice. Additionally, CTS decreased inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α), interleukins IL-6 and IL-1β, and keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and L-Glutathione (GSH), and repressed the expression of protein hydrolases matrix metalloprotein (MMP)- 9 and - 12 in pulmonary tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The protective effects of CTS were also observed in human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B simulated with cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) and LPS. Mechanistically, CTS can repress the protein level of Keap1, resulting to activation of erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), finally alleviating COPD. In summary, the present findings demonstrated that CTS dramatically ameliorates COPD induced by CS and LPS via activating Keap1/Nrf2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjia Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Lujing Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Wanchun Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuxing Dai
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuoming Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China; National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Peiqing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China; National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jianwen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China; National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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12
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Roman J. Fibroblasts-Warriors at the Intersection of Wound Healing and Disrepair. Biomolecules 2023; 13:945. [PMID: 37371525 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Wound healing is triggered by inflammation elicited after tissue injury. Mesenchymal cells, specifically fibroblasts, accumulate in the injured tissues, where they engage in tissue repair through the expression and assembly of extracellular matrices that provide a scaffold for cell adhesion, the re-epithelialization of tissues, the production of soluble bioactive mediators that promote cellular recruitment and differentiation, and the regulation of immune responses. If appropriately deployed, these processes promote adaptive repair, resulting in the preservation of the tissue structure and function. Conversely, the dysregulation of these processes leads to maladaptive repair or disrepair, which causes tissue destruction and a loss of organ function. Thus, fibroblasts not only serve as structural cells that maintain tissue integrity, but are key effector cells in the process of wound healing. The review will discuss the general concepts about the origins and heterogeneity of this cell population and highlight the specific fibroblast functions disrupted in human disease. Finally, the review will explore the role of fibroblasts in tissue disrepair, with special attention to the lung, the role of aging, and how alterations in the fibroblast phenotype underpin disorders characterized by pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Roman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care and The Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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13
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Rosmark O, Kadefors M, Dellgren G, Karlsson C, Ericsson A, Lindstedt S, Malmström J, Hallgren O, Larsson-Callerfelt AK, Westergren-Thorsson G. Alveolar epithelial cells are competent producers of interstitial extracellular matrix with disease relevant plasticity in a human in vitro 3D model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8801. [PMID: 37258541 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35011-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) have been implicated in pathological remodelling. We examined the capacity of AEC to produce extracellular matrix (ECM) and thereby directly contribute towards remodelling in chronic lung diseases. Cryopreserved type 2 AEC (AEC2) from healthy lungs and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) afflicted lungs were cultured in decellularized healthy human lung slices for 13 days. Healthy-derived AEC2 were treated with transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-β1) to evaluate the plasticity of their ECM production. Evaluation of phenotypic markers and expression of matrisome genes and proteins were evaluated by RNA-sequencing, mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry. The AEC2 displayed an AEC marker profile similar to freshly isolated AEC2 throughout the 13-day culture period. COPD-derived AECs proliferated as healthy AECs with few differences in gene and protein expression while retaining increased expression of disease marker HLA-A. The AEC2 expressed basement membrane components and a complex set of interstitial ECM proteins. TGF-β1 stimuli induced a significant change in interstitial ECM production from AEC2 without loss of specific AEC marker expression. This study reveals a previously unexplored potential of AEC to directly contribute to ECM turnover by producing interstitial ECM proteins, motivating a re-evaluation of the role of AEC2 in pathological lung remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Rosmark
- Lung Biology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC C12, 22184, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Måns Kadefors
- Lung Biology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC C12, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Göran Dellgren
- Transplant Institute and Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christofer Karlsson
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Johan Malmström
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Oskar Hallgren
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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14
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Nizamoglu M, Burgess JK. Current possibilities and future opportunities provided by three-dimensional lung ECM-derived hydrogels. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1154193. [PMID: 36969853 PMCID: PMC10034771 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1154193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the complex interplay between cells and extracellular matrix (ECM), the scaffold that provides support, biochemical and biomechanical cues, is emerging as a key element underlying lung diseases. We readily acknowledge that the lung is a flexible, relatively soft tissue that is three dimensional (3D) in structure, hence a need exists to develop in vitro model systems that reflect these properties. Lung ECM-derived hydrogels have recently emerged as a model system that mimics native lung physiology; they contain most of the plethora of biochemical components in native lung, as well as reflecting the biomechanics of native tissue. Research investigating the contribution of cell:matrix interactions to acute and chronic lung diseases has begun adopting these models but has yet to harness their full potential. This perspective article provides insight about the latest advances in the development, modification, characterization and utilization of lung ECM-derived hydrogels. We highlight some opportunities for expanding research incorporating lung ECM-derived hydrogels and potential improvements for the current approaches. Expanding the capabilities of investigations using lung ECM-derived hydrogels is positioned at a cross roads of disciplines, the path to new and innovative strategies for unravelling disease underlying mechanisms will benefit greatly from interdisciplinary approaches. While challenges need to be addressed before the maximum potential can be unlocked, with the rapid pace at which this field is evolving, we are close to a future where faster, more efficient and safer drug development targeting the disrupted 3D microenvironment is possible using lung ECM-derived hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Janette K. Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Janette K. Burgess,
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15
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Hahn K, Sundar IK. Current Perspective on the Role of the Circadian Clock and Extracellular Matrix in Chronic Lung Diseases. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2455. [PMID: 36767821 PMCID: PMC9915635 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The circadian clock is a biochemical oscillator that rhythmically regulates physiological and behavioral processes such as inflammation, immunity, and metabolism in mammals. Circadian clock disruption is a key driver for chronic inflammatory as well as fibrotic lung diseases. While the mechanism of circadian clock regulation in the lung has been minimally explored, some evidence suggests that the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway and subsequent extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in the lung may be controlled via a clock-dependent mechanism. Recent advancements in this area led us to believe that pharmacologically targeting the circadian clock molecules may be a novel therapeutic approach for treating chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Here, we update the current perspective on the circadian clock role in TGFβ1 signaling and extracellular matrix production during chronic lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kameron Hahn
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Isaac Kirubakaran Sundar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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16
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Pomerleau V, Nicolas VR, Jurkovic CM, Faucheux N, Lauzon MA, Boisvert FM, Perreault N. FOXL1+ Telocytes in mouse colon orchestrate extracellular matrix biodynamics and wound repair resolution. J Proteomics 2023; 271:104755. [PMID: 36272709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have identified FoxL1+-telocytes (TCFoxL1+) as key players in gut epithelial-mesenchymal interactions which can determine the colonic microenvironment. Bone morphogenetic protein signaling disruption in TCFoxL1+ alters the physical and cellular microenvironment and leads to colon pathophysiology. This suggests a role for TCFoxL1+ in stromagenesis, but it is hard to identify the specific contribution of TCFoxL1+ when analyzing whole tissue profiling studies. We performed ex vivo deconstruction of control and BmpR1a△FoxL1+ colon samples, isolated the mesenchyme-enriched fractions, and determined the protein composition of the in vivo extracellular matrix (ECM) to analyze microenvironment variation. Matrisomic analysis of mesenchyme fractions revealed modulations in ECM proteins with functions associated with innate immunity, epithelial wound healing, and the collagen network. These results show that TCFoxL1+ is critical in orchestrating the biodynamics of the colon ECM. TCFoxL1+ disfunction reprograms the gut's microenvironment and drives the intestinal epithelium toward colonic pathologies. SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, the method that was elected to isolate ECM proteins might not encompass the full extent of ECM proteins in a tissue, due to the protocol chosen, as this protocol by Naba et al., targets more the insoluble part of the matrisome and eliminates the more soluble components in the first steps. However, this ECM-enrichment strategy represents an improvement and interesting avenue to study ECM proteins in the colon compared to total tissue analysis with a background of abundant cellular protein. Thus, the matrisomic approach presented in this study, and its target validation delivered a broader evaluation of the matrix remodeling occurring in the colonic sub-epithelial mesenchyme of the BmpR1a△FoxL1+ mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Pomerleau
- Département d'Immunologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Vilcy Reyes Nicolas
- Département d'Immunologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Carla-Marie Jurkovic
- Département d'Immunologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Nathalie Faucheux
- Département de génie chimique et de génie biotechnologique, Faculté de Génie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Marc-Antoine Lauzon
- Département de génie chimique et de génie biotechnologique, Faculté de Génie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - François-Michel Boisvert
- Département d'Immunologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Nathalie Perreault
- Département d'Immunologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
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17
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Cell-Specific Response of NSIP- and IPF-Derived Fibroblasts to the Modification of the Elasticity, Biological Properties, and 3D Architecture of the Substrate. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314714. [PMID: 36499041 PMCID: PMC9738992 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The fibrotic fibroblasts derived from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) are surrounded by specific environments, characterized by increased stiffness, aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, and altered lung architecture. The presented research was aimed at investigating the effect of biological, physical, and topographical modification of the substrate on the properties of IPF- and NSIP-derived fibroblasts, and searching for the parameters enabling their identification. Soft and stiff polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was chosen for the basic substrates, the properties of which were subsequently tuned. To obtain the biological modification of the substrates, they were covered with ECM proteins, laminin, fibronectin, and collagen. The substrates that mimicked the 3D structure of the lungs were prepared using two approaches, resulting in porous structures that resemble natural lung architecture and honeycomb patterns, typical of IPF tissue. The growth of cells on soft and stiff PDMS covered with proteins, traced using fluorescence microscopy, confirmed an altered behavior of healthy and IPF- and NSIP-derived fibroblasts in response to the modified substrate properties, enabling their identification. In turn, differences in the mechanical properties of healthy and fibrotic fibroblasts, determined using atomic force microscopy working in force spectroscopy mode, as well as their growth on 3D-patterned substrates were not sufficient to discriminate between cell lines.
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Wang Q, Chi L. The Alterations and Roles of Glycosaminoglycans in Human Diseases. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14225014. [PMID: 36433141 PMCID: PMC9694910 DOI: 10.3390/polym14225014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a heterogeneous family of linear polysaccharides which are composed of a repeating disaccharide unit. They are also linked to core proteins to form proteoglycans (PGs). GAGs/PGs are major components of the cell surface and the extracellular matrix (ECM), and they display critical roles in development, normal function, and damage response in the body. Some properties (such as expression quantity, molecular weight, and sulfation pattern) of GAGs may be altered under pathological conditions. Due to the close connection between these properties and the function of GAGs/PGs, the alterations are often associated with enormous changes in the physiological/pathological status of cells and organs. Therefore, these GAGs/PGs may serve as marker molecules of disease. This review aimed to investigate the structural alterations and roles of GAGs/PGs in a range of diseases, such as atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, and virus infection. It is hoped to provide a reference for disease diagnosis, monitoring, prognosis, and drug development.
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Joglekar MM, Nizamoglu M, Fan Y, Nemani SSP, Weckmann M, Pouwels SD, Heijink IH, Melgert BN, Pillay J, Burgess JK. Highway to heal: Influence of altered extracellular matrix on infiltrating immune cells during acute and chronic lung diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:995051. [PMID: 36408219 PMCID: PMC9669433 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.995051] [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] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental insults including respiratory infections, in combination with genetic predisposition, may lead to lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung fibrosis, asthma, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Common characteristics of these diseases are infiltration and activation of inflammatory cells and abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, leading to tissue damage and impairments in lung function. The ECM provides three-dimensional (3D) architectural support to the lung and crucial biochemical and biophysical cues to the cells, directing cellular processes. As immune cells travel to reach any site of injury, they encounter the composition and various mechanical features of the ECM. Emerging evidence demonstrates the crucial role played by the local environment in recruiting immune cells and their function in lung diseases. Moreover, recent developments in the field have elucidated considerable differences in responses of immune cells in two-dimensional versus 3D modeling systems. Examining the effect of individual parameters of the ECM to study their effect independently and collectively in a 3D microenvironment will help in better understanding disease pathobiology. In this article, we discuss the importance of investigating cellular migration and recent advances in this field. Moreover, we summarize changes in the ECM in lung diseases and the potential impacts on infiltrating immune cell migration in these diseases. There has been compelling progress in this field that encourages further developments, such as advanced in vitro 3D modeling using native ECM-based models, patient-derived materials, and bioprinting. We conclude with an overview of these state-of-the-art methodologies, followed by a discussion on developing novel and innovative models and the practical challenges envisaged in implementing and utilizing these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mugdha M. Joglekar
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
| | - YiWen Fan
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Sai Sneha Priya Nemani
- Department of Paediatric Pneumology &Allergology, University Children’s Hospital, Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany
- Epigenetics of Chronic Lung Disease, Priority Research Area Chronic Lung Diseases; Leibniz Lung Research Center Borstel; Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - Markus Weckmann
- Department of Paediatric Pneumology &Allergology, University Children’s Hospital, Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany
- Epigenetics of Chronic Lung Disease, Priority Research Area Chronic Lung Diseases; Leibniz Lung Research Center Borstel; Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - Simon D. Pouwels
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonology, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Irene H. Heijink
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonology, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Barbro N. Melgert
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Janesh Pillay
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Critical Care, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Janette K. Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, Groningen, Netherlands
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Lakhdar R, Mumby S, Abubakar-Waziri H, Porter A, Adcock IM, Chung KF. Lung toxicity of particulates and gaseous pollutants using ex-vivo airway epithelial cell culture systems. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 305:119323. [PMID: 35447256 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution consists of a multi-faceted mix of gases and ambient particulate matter (PM) with diverse organic and non-organic chemical components that contribute to increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide. In particular, epidemiological and clinical studies indicate that respiratory health is adversely affected by exposure to air pollution by both causing and worsening (exacerbating) diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. The molecular mechanisms of air pollution-induced pulmonary toxicity have been evaluated with regards to different types of PM of various sizes and concentrations with single and multiple exposures over different time periods. These data provide a plausible interrelationship between cellular toxicity and the activation of multiple biological processes including proinflammatory responses, oxidative stress, mitochondrial oxidative damage, autophagy, apoptosis, cell genotoxicity, cellular senescence and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. However, these molecular changes have been studied predominantly in cell lines rather than in primary bronchial or nasal cells from healthy subjects or those isolated from patients with airways disease. In addition, they have been conducted under different cell culture conditions and generally in submerged culture rather than the more relevant air-liquid interface culture and with a variety of air pollutant exposure protocols. Cell types may respond differentially to pollution delivered as an aerosol rather than being bathed in media containing agglomerations of particles. As a result, the actual pathophysiological pathways activated by different PMs in primary cells from the airways of healthy and asthmatic subjects remains unclear. This review summarises the literature on the different methodologies utilised in studying the impact of submicron-sized pollutants on cells derived from the respiratory tract with an emphasis on data obtained from primary human cell. We highlight the critical underlying molecular mechanisms that may be important in driving disease processes in response to air pollution in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Lakhdar
- National Heart and Lung Institute and *Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, SW3 6LY, United Kingdom.
| | - Sharon Mumby
- National Heart and Lung Institute and *Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, SW3 6LY, United Kingdom.
| | - Hisham Abubakar-Waziri
- National Heart and Lung Institute and *Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, SW3 6LY, United Kingdom.
| | - Alexandra Porter
- National Heart and Lung Institute and *Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, SW3 6LY, United Kingdom.
| | - Ian M Adcock
- National Heart and Lung Institute and *Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, SW3 6LY, United Kingdom.
| | - Kian Fan Chung
- National Heart and Lung Institute and *Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, SW3 6LY, United Kingdom.
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Nizamoglu M, de Hilster RHJ, Zhao F, Sharma PK, Borghuis T, Harmsen MC, Burgess JK. An in vitro model of fibrosis using crosslinked native extracellular matrix-derived hydrogels to modulate biomechanics without changing composition. Acta Biomater 2022; 147:50-62. [PMID: 35605955 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic network of proteins, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, providing structure to the tissue and biochemical and biomechanical instructions to the resident cells. In fibrosis, the composition and the organization of the ECM are altered, and these changes influence cellular behaviour. Biochemical (i. e. protein composition) and biomechanical changes in ECM take place simultaneously in vivo. Investigating these changes individually in vitro to examine their (patho)physiological effects has been difficult. In this study, we generated an in vitro model to reflect the altered mechanics of a fibrotic microenvironment through applying fibre crosslinking via ruthenium/sodium persulfate crosslinking on native lung ECM-derived hydrogels. Crosslinking of the hydrogels without changing the biochemical composition of the ECM resulted in increased stiffness and decreased viscoelastic stress relaxation. The altered stress relaxation behaviour was explained using a generalized Maxwell model. Fibre analysis of the hydrogels showed that crosslinked hydrogels had a higher percentage of matrix with a high density and a shorter average fibre length. Fibroblasts seeded on ruthenium-crosslinked lung ECM-derived hydrogels showed myofibroblastic differentiation with a loss of spindle-like morphology together with greater α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, increased nuclear area and circularity without any decrease in the viability, compared with the fibroblasts seeded on the native lung-derived ECM hydrogels. In summary, ruthenium crosslinking of native ECM-derived hydrogels provides an exciting opportunity to alter the biomechanical properties of the ECM-derived hydrogels while maintaining the protein composition of the ECM to study the influence of mechanics during fibrotic lung diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Fibrotic lung disease is characterized by changes in composition and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM fibre structure also changes due to crosslinking, which results in mechanical changes. Separating the changes in composition and mechanical properties has been difficult to date. In this study, we developed an in vitro model that allows alteration of the mechanical changes alone by applying fibre crosslinking in native lung ECM-derived hydrogels. Characterisations of the crosslinked hydrogels indicated the model mimicked mechanical properties of fibrotic lung tissue and reflected altered fibre organisation. This ECM-based fibrosis model provides a method to preserve the native protein composition while altering the mechanical properties providing an important tool, not only for lung but also other organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roderick H J de Hilster
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Fenghua Zhao
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Prashant K Sharma
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Theo Borghuis
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin C Harmsen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
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