1
|
Wang XH, Wang M, Pan JB, Zhu JM, Cheng H, Dong HZ, Bi WJ, Yang SW, Chen YY, Xu F, Duan XJ. Fluorescent probe for imaging intercellular tension: molecular force approach. RSC Adv 2024; 14:22877-22881. [PMID: 39035717 PMCID: PMC11258865 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02647k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular mechanical force plays a crucial role in numerous biological processes, including wound healing, cell development, and metastasis. To enable imaging of intercellular tension, molecular tension probes were designed, which offer a simple and efficient method for preparing Au-DNA intercellular tension probes with universal applicability. The proposed approach utilizes gold nanoparticles linked to DNA hairpins, enabling sensitive visualization of cellular force in vitro. Specifically, the designed Au-DNA intercellular tension probe includes a molecular spring flanked by a fluorophore-quencher pair, which is anchored between cells. As intercellular forces open the hairpin, the fluorophore is de-quenched, allowing for visualization of cellular force. The effectiveness of this approach was demonstrated by imaging the cellular force in living cells using the designed Au-DNA intercellular tension probe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hong Wang
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Ming Wang
- School of Energy Materials and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University Hefei 230601 China
| | - Jian-Bin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University 210023 China
| | - Jin-Miao Zhu
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Hu Cheng
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Hua-Ze Dong
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Wen-Jie Bi
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Shi-Wei Yang
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Chen
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Fan Xu
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Xiao-Jing Duan
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cohen DJ. Building Biomaterials to Mimic 3D Cell-Cell Junctions. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2805:101-112. [PMID: 39008176 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3854-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Cell-cell interactions typically occur in a 3D context that is distinct from conventional 2D cell-substrate interactions in a Petri dish. Here, we describe a benchtop method to combine a 2D extracellular matrix surface with a 3D, vertical boundary functionalized with the extracellular domain of E-cadherin. The methodology is suitable for any biology laboratory without requiring advanced microfabrication equipment or training. Overall, this cell-mimetic interface uniquely recapitulates key aspects of cell-cell adhesion and can serve as a versatile, reductionist technique to study general cell-cell interactions in a 3D context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Cohen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
- Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang XC, Tang YL, Liang XH. Tumour follower cells: A novel driver of leader cells in collective invasion (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 63:115. [PMID: 37615176 PMCID: PMC10552739 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5563] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Collective cellular invasion in malignant tumours is typically characterized by the cooperative migration of multiple cells in close proximity to each other. Follower cells are led away from the tumour by specialized leader cells, and both cell populations play a crucial role in collective invasion. Follower cells form the main body of the migration system and depend on intercellular contact for migration, whereas leader cells indicate the direction for the entire cell population. Although collective invasion can occur in epithelial and non‑epithelial malignant neoplasms, such as medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, the present review mainly provided an extensive analysis of epithelial tumours. In the present review, the cooperative mechanisms of contact inhibition locomotion between follower and leader cells, where follower cells coordinate and direct collective movement through physical (mechanical) and chemical (signalling) interactions, is summarised. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of follower cell invasion and metastasis during remodelling and degradation of the extracellular matrix and how chemotaxis and lateral inhibition mediate follower cell behaviour were analysed. It was also demonstrated that follower cells exhibit genetic and metabolic heterogeneity during invasion, unlike leader cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Wang
- Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Ya-Ling Tang
- Departments of Oral Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Hua Liang
- Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stoneman MR, Raicu V. Fluorescence-Based Detection of Proteins and Their Interactions in Live Cells. J Phys Chem B 2023. [PMID: 37205844 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c01419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in fluorescence-based microscopy techniques, such as single molecule fluorescence, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), fluorescence intensity fluctuations analysis, and super-resolution microscopy have expanded our ability to study proteins in greater detail within their native cellular environment and to investigate the roles that protein interactions play in biological functions, such as inter- and intracellular signaling and cargo transport. In this Perspective, we provide an up-to-date overview of the current state of the art in fluorescence-based detection of proteins and their interactions in living cells with an emphasis on recent developments that have facilitated the characterization of the spatial and temporal organization of proteins into oligomeric complexes in the presence and absence of natural and artificial ligands. Further advancements in this field will only deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of biological processes and help develop new therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Stoneman
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Valerică Raicu
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hohmann T, Hohmann U, Dehghani F. MACC1-induced migration in tumors: Current state and perspective. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1165676. [PMID: 37051546 PMCID: PMC10084939 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1165676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors are still a global, heavy health burden. Many tumor types cannot be treated curatively, underlining the need for new treatment targets. In recent years, metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) was identified as a promising biomarker and drug target, as it is promoting tumor migration, initiation, proliferation, and others in a multitude of solid cancers. Here, we will summarize the current knowledge about MACC1-induced tumor cell migration with a special focus on the cytoskeletal and adhesive systems. In addition, a brief overview of several in vitro models used for the analysis of cell migration is given. In this context, we will point to issues with the currently most prevalent models used to study MACC1-dependent migration. Lastly, open questions about MACC1-dependent effects on tumor cell migration will be addressed.
Collapse
|
6
|
Kong X, Kapustka A, Sullivan B, Schwarz GJ, Leckband DE. Extracellular matrix regulates force transduction at VE-cadherin junctions. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar95. [PMID: 35653290 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-03-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased tension on VE-cadherin (VE-cad) complexes activates adaptive cell stiffening and local cytoskeletal reinforcement--two key signatures of intercellular mechanotransduction. Here we demonstrate that tugging on VE-cad receptors initiates a cascade that results in downstream integrin activation. The formation of new integrin adhesions potentiates vinculin and actin recruitment to mechanically reinforce stressed cadherin adhesions. This cascade differs from documented antagonistic effects of integrins on intercellular junctions. We identify focal adhesion kinase, Abl kinase, and RhoA GTPase as key components of the positive feedback loop. Results further show that a consequence of integrin involvement is the sensitization of intercellular force transduction to the extracellular matrix (ECM) not by regulating junctional tension but by altering signal cascades that reinforce cell-cell adhesions. On type 1 collagen or fibronectin substrates, integrin subtypes α2β1 and α5β1, respectively, differentially control actin remodeling at VE-cad adhesions. Specifically, ECM-dependent differences in VE-cad force transduction mirror differences in the rigidity sensing mechanisms of α2β1 and α5β1 integrins. The findings verify the role of integrins in VE-cad force transduction and uncover a previously unappreciated mechanism by which the ECM impacts the mechanical reinforcement of interendothelial junctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Kong
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Adrian Kapustka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Brendan Sullivan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Gregory J Schwarz
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Deborah E Leckband
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801.,Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801.,Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Eftekharjoo M, Mezher M, Chatterji S, Maruthamuthu V. Epithelial Cell-Like Elasticity Modulates Actin-Dependent E-Cadherin Adhesion Organization. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:2455-2462. [PMID: 35549026 PMCID: PMC9199519 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
E-cadherin adhesions are essential for cell-to-cell cohesion and mechanical coupling between epithelial cells and reside in a microenvironment that comprises the adjoining epithelial cells. While E-cadherin has been shown to be a mechanosensor, it is unknown if E-cadherin adhesions can differentially sense stiffness within the range of that of epithelial cells. A survey of literature shows that epithelial cells' Young's moduli of elasticity lie predominantly in the sub-kPa to few-kPa range, with cancer cells often being softer than noncancerous ones. Here, we devised oriented E-cadherin-coated soft silicone substrates with sub-kPa or few-kPa elasticity but with similar viscous moduli and found that E-cadherin adhesions differentially organize depending on the magnitude of epithelial cell-like elasticity. Our results show that the actin cytoskeleton organizes E-cadherin adhesions in two ways─by supporting irregularly shaped adhesions at localized regions of high actin density and linear shaped adhesions at the end of linear actin bundles. Linearly shaped E-cadherin adhesions associated with radially oriented actin─but not irregularly shaped E-cadherin adhesions associated with circumferential actin foci─were much more numerous on 2.4 kPa E-cadherin substrates compared to 0.3 kPa E-cadherin substrates. However, the total amount of E-cadherin in both types of adhesions taken together was similar on the 0.3 and 2.4 kPa E-cadherin substrates across many cells. Our results show how the distribution of E-cadherin adhesions, supported by actin density and architecture, is modulated by epithelial cell-like elasticity and have significant implications for disease states like carcinomas characterized by altered epithelial cell elasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Eftekharjoo
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia 23529, United States
| | - Mazen Mezher
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia 23529, United States
| | - Siddharth Chatterji
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia 23529, United States
| | - Venkat Maruthamuthu
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia 23529, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Green KJ, Niessen CM, Rübsam M, Perez White BE, Broussard JA. The Desmosome-Keratin Scaffold Integrates ErbB Family and Mechanical Signaling to Polarize Epidermal Structure and Function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:903696. [PMID: 35686051 PMCID: PMC9171019 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.903696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
While classic cadherin-actin connections in adherens junctions (AJs) have ancient origins, intermediate filament (IF) linkages with desmosomal cadherins arose in vertebrate organisms. In this mini-review, we discuss how overlaying the IF-desmosome network onto the existing cadherin-actin network provided new opportunities to coordinate tissue mechanics with the positioning and function of chemical signaling mediators in the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases. We focus in particular on the complex multi-layered outer covering of the skin, the epidermis, which serves essential barrier and stress sensing/responding functions in terrestrial vertebrates. We will review emerging data showing that desmosome-IF connections, AJ-actin interactions, ErbB family members, and membrane tension are all polarized across the multiple layers of the regenerating epidermis. Importantly, their integration generates differentiation-specific roles in each layer of the epidermis that dictate the form and function of the tissue. In the basal layer, the onset of the differentiation-specific desmosomal cadherin desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) dials down EGFR signaling while working with classic cadherins to remodel cortical actin cytoskeleton and decrease membrane tension to promote cell delamination. In the upper layers, Dsg1 and E-cadherin cooperate to maintain high tension and tune EGFR and ErbB2 activity to create the essential tight junction barrier. Our final outlook discusses the emerging appreciation that the desmosome-IF scaffold not only creates the architecture required for skin's physical barrier but also creates an immune barrier that keeps inflammation in check.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen J. Green
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Carien M. Niessen
- Department Cell Biology of the Skin, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD), University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Rübsam
- Department Cell Biology of the Skin, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD), University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bethany E. Perez White
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Joshua A. Broussard
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Keen AN, Payne LA, Mehta V, Rice A, Simpson LJ, Pang KL, del Rio Hernandez A, Reader JS, Tzima E. Eukaryotic initiation factor 6 regulates mechanical responses in endothelial cells. J Cell Biol 2022; 221:e202005213. [PMID: 35024764 PMCID: PMC8763864 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202005213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The repertoire of extratranslational functions of components of the protein synthesis apparatus is expanding to include control of key cell signaling networks. However, very little is known about noncanonical functions of members of the protein synthesis machinery in regulating cellular mechanics. We demonstrate that the eukaryotic initiation factor 6 (eIF6) modulates cellular mechanobiology. eIF6-depleted endothelial cells, under basal conditions, exhibit unchanged nascent protein synthesis, polysome profiles, and cytoskeleton protein expression, with minimal effects on ribosomal biogenesis. In contrast, using traction force and atomic force microscopy, we show that loss of eIF6 leads to reduced stiffness and force generation accompanied by cytoskeletal and focal adhesion defects. Mechanistically, we show that eIF6 is required for the correct spatial mechanoactivation of ERK1/2 via stabilization of an eIF6-RACK1-ERK1/2-FAK mechanocomplex, which is necessary for force-induced remodeling. These results reveal an extratranslational function for eIF6 and a novel paradigm for how mechanotransduction, the cellular cytoskeleton, and protein translation constituents are linked.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam N. Keen
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Luke A. Payne
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vedanta Mehta
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alistair Rice
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa J. Simpson
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kar Lai Pang
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Armando del Rio Hernandez
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - John S. Reader
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ellie Tzima
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fu C, Arora A, Engl W, Sheetz M, Viasnoff V. Cooperative regulation of adherens junction expansion through Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) activation. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:274477. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms controlling the dynamics of expansion of adherens junctions are significantly less understood than those controlling their static properties. Here, we report that for suspended cell aggregates, the time to form a new junction between two cells speeds up with the number of junctions that the cells are already engaged in. Upon junction formation, the activation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) distally affects the actin turnover dynamics of the cell-free cortex. The “primed” actin cortex results in a faster expansion of the subsequent new junctions. In such aggregates, we show that this mechanism results in a cooperative acceleration of the junction expansion dynamics (kinetype) but leaves the cell contractility, and hence the final junction size (phenotype), unaltered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyu Fu
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Aditya Arora
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wilfried Engl
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael Sheetz
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Virgile Viasnoff
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- CNRS Biomechanics of Cell Contacts, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Miller B, Sewell-Loftin MK. Mechanoregulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 in Angiogenesis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:804934. [PMID: 35087885 PMCID: PMC8787114 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.804934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelial cells that compose the vascular system in the body display a wide range of mechanotransductive behaviors and responses to biomechanical stimuli, which act in concert to control overall blood vessel structure and function. Such mechanosensitive activities allow blood vessels to constrict, dilate, grow, or remodel as needed during development as well as normal physiological functions, and the same processes can be dysregulated in various disease states. Mechanotransduction represents cellular responses to mechanical forces, translating such factors into chemical or electrical signals which alter the activation of various cell signaling pathways. Understanding how biomechanical forces drive vascular growth in healthy and diseased tissues could create new therapeutic strategies that would either enhance or halt these processes to assist with treatments of different diseases. In the cardiovascular system, new blood vessel formation from preexisting vasculature, in a process known as angiogenesis, is driven by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) binding to VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) which promotes blood vessel development. However, physical forces such as shear stress, matrix stiffness, and interstitial flow are also major drivers and effectors of angiogenesis, and new research suggests that mechanical forces may regulate VEGFR-2 phosphorylation. In fact, VEGFR-2 activation has been linked to known mechanobiological agents including ERK/MAPK, c-Src, Rho/ROCK, and YAP/TAZ. In vascular disease states, endothelial cells can be subjected to altered mechanical stimuli which affect the pathways that control angiogenesis. Both normalizing and arresting angiogenesis associated with tumor growth have been strategies for anti-cancer treatments. In the field of regenerative medicine, harnessing biomechanical regulation of angiogenesis could enhance vascularization strategies for treating a variety of cardiovascular diseases, including ischemia or permit development of novel tissue engineering scaffolds. This review will focus on the impact of VEGFR-2 mechanosignaling in endothelial cells (ECs) and its interaction with other mechanotransductive pathways, as well as presenting a discussion on the relationship between VEGFR-2 activation and biomechanical forces in the extracellular matrix (ECM) that can help treat diseases with dysfunctional vascular growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bronte Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Mary Kathryn Sewell-Loftin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sullivan B, Light T, Vu V, Kapustka A, Hristova K, Leckband D. Mechanical disruption of E-cadherin complexes with epidermal growth factor receptor actuates growth factor-dependent signaling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2100679119. [PMID: 35074920 PMCID: PMC8794882 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2100679119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased intercellular tension is associated with enhanced cell proliferation and tissue growth. Here, we present evidence for a force-transduction mechanism that links mechanical perturbations of epithelial (E)-cadherin (CDH1) receptors to the force-dependent activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, ERBB1)-a key regulator of cell proliferation. Here, coimmunoprecipitation studies first show that E-cadherin and EGFR form complexes at the plasma membrane that are disrupted by either epidermal growth factor (EGF) or increased tension on homophilic E-cadherin bonds. Although force on E-cadherin bonds disrupts the complex in the absence of EGF, soluble EGF is required to mechanically activate EGFR at cadherin adhesions. Fully quantified spectral imaging fluorescence resonance energy transfer further revealed that E-cadherin and EGFR directly associate to form a heterotrimeric complex of two cadherins and one EGFR protein. Together, these results support a model in which the tugging forces on homophilic E-cadherin bonds trigger force-activated signaling by releasing EGFR monomers to dimerize, bind EGF ligand, and signal. These findings reveal the initial steps in E-cadherin-mediated force transduction that directly link intercellular force fluctuations to the activation of growth regulatory signaling cascades.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Sullivan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Taylor Light
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Vinh Vu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Adrian Kapustka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218;
| | - Deborah Leckband
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Spiri S, Berger S, Mereu L, DeMello A, Hajnal A. Reciprocal EGFR signaling in the anchor cell ensures precise inter-organ connection during Caenorhabditis elegans vulval morphogenesis. Development 2022; 149:dev199900. [PMID: 34982813 PMCID: PMC8783044 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
During Caenorhabditis elegans vulval development, the uterine anchor cell (AC) first secretes an epidermal growth factor (EGF) to specify the vulval cell fates and then invades the underlying vulval epithelium. By doing so, the AC establishes direct contact with the invaginating primary vulF cells and attaches the developing uterus to the vulva. The signals involved and the exact sequence of events joining these two organs are not fully understood. Using a conditional let-23 EGF receptor (EGFR) allele along with novel microfluidic short- and long-term imaging methods, we discovered a specific function of the EGFR in the AC during vulval lumen morphogenesis. Tissue-specific inactivation of let-23 in the AC resulted in imprecise alignment of the AC with the primary vulval cells, delayed AC invasion and disorganized adherens junctions at the contact site forming between the AC and the dorsal vulF toroid. We propose that EGFR signaling, activated by a reciprocal EGF cue from the primary vulval cells, positions the AC at the vulval midline, guides it during invasion and assembles a cytoskeletal scaffold organizing the adherens junctions that connect the developing uterus to the dorsal vulF toroid. Thus, EGFR signaling in the AC ensures the precise alignment of the two developing organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvan Spiri
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
- Molecular Life Science PhD Program, University and ETH Zürich, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Simon Berger
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute for Chemical- and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Louisa Mereu
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
- Molecular Life Science PhD Program, University and ETH Zürich, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andrew DeMello
- Institute for Chemical- and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alex Hajnal
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kim J. A possible molecular mechanism for mechanotransduction at cellular focal adhesion complexes. BIOPHYSICAL REPORTS 2021; 1:100006. [PMID: 36425310 PMCID: PMC9680735 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpr.2021.100006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction at focal adhesion complexes is key for various cellular events. Theoretical analyses were performed to predict a potential role of lipid membranes in modulating mechanotransduction at focal adhesions. Calculations suggested that the size of nanostructural constraints and mechanical pulling applied on lipid membranes affect the generation of cellular traction forces and signaling transduction at focal adhesions. This work provides predictions on how lipid membranes contribute to mechanotransduction at cellular focal adhesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jichul Kim
- Independent Researcher, Changwon, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dieterle MP, Husari A, Steinberg T, Wang X, Ramminger I, Tomakidi P. From the Matrix to the Nucleus and Back: Mechanobiology in the Light of Health, Pathologies, and Regeneration of Oral Periodontal Tissues. Biomolecules 2021; 11:824. [PMID: 34073044 PMCID: PMC8228498 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Among oral tissues, the periodontium is permanently subjected to mechanical forces resulting from chewing, mastication, or orthodontic appliances. Molecularly, these movements induce a series of subsequent signaling processes, which are embedded in the biological concept of cellular mechanotransduction (MT). Cell and tissue structures, ranging from the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the plasma membrane, the cytosol and the nucleus, are involved in MT. Dysregulation of the diverse, fine-tuned interaction of molecular players responsible for transmitting biophysical environmental information into the cell's inner milieu can lead to and promote serious diseases, such as periodontitis or oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Therefore, periodontal integrity and regeneration is highly dependent on the proper integration and regulation of mechanobiological signals in the context of cell behavior. Recent experimental findings have increased the understanding of classical cellular mechanosensing mechanisms by both integrating exogenic factors such as bacterial gingipain proteases and newly discovered cell-inherent functions of mechanoresponsive co-transcriptional regulators such as the Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) or the nuclear cytoskeleton. Regarding periodontal MT research, this review offers insights into the current trends and open aspects. Concerning oral regenerative medicine or weakening of periodontal tissue diseases, perspectives on future applications of mechanobiological principles are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Philipp Dieterle
- Center for Dental Medicine, Division of Oral Biotechnology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (M.P.D.); (X.W.); (I.R.); (P.T.)
| | - Ayman Husari
- Center for Dental Medicine, Department of Orthodontics, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany;
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 101, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Steinberg
- Center for Dental Medicine, Division of Oral Biotechnology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (M.P.D.); (X.W.); (I.R.); (P.T.)
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Center for Dental Medicine, Division of Oral Biotechnology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (M.P.D.); (X.W.); (I.R.); (P.T.)
| | - Imke Ramminger
- Center for Dental Medicine, Division of Oral Biotechnology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (M.P.D.); (X.W.); (I.R.); (P.T.)
| | - Pascal Tomakidi
- Center for Dental Medicine, Division of Oral Biotechnology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (M.P.D.); (X.W.); (I.R.); (P.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dieterle MP, Husari A, Steinberg T, Wang X, Ramminger I, Tomakidi P. Role of Mechanotransduction in Periodontal Homeostasis and Disease. J Dent Res 2021; 100:1210-1219. [PMID: 33870741 DOI: 10.1177/00220345211007855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel findings broaden the concept of mechanotransduction (MT) in biophysically stimulated tissues such as the periodontium by considering nuclear MT, convergence of intracellular MT pathways, and mechanoresponsive cotranscription factors such as Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1). Regarding periodontal disease, recent studies have elucidated the role of bacterial gingipain proteases in disturbing the barrier function of cadherins, thereby promoting periodontal inflammation. This leads to dysregulation of extracellular matrix homeostasis via proteases and changes the cell's biophysical environment, which leads to alterations in MT-induced cell behavior and loss of periodontal integrity. Newest experimental evidence from periodontal ligament cells suggests that the Hippo signaling protein YAP1, in addition to integrin-FAK (focal adhesion kinase) mechanosignaling, also regulates cell stemness. By addressing mechanosignaling-dependent transcription factors, YAP1 is involved in osteogenic and myofibroblast differentiation and influences core steps of autophagy. Recent in vivo evidence elucidates the decisive role of YAP1 in epithelial homeostasis and underlines its impact on oral pathologies, such as periodontitis-linked oral squamous cell carcinogenesis. Here, new insights reveal that YAP1 contributes to carcinogenesis via overexpression rather than mutation; promotes processes such as apoptosis resistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, or metastasis; and correlates with poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, YAP1 has been shown to contribute to periodontitis-induced bone loss. Mechanistically, molecules identified to regulate YAP1-related periodontal homeostasis and disease include cellular key players such as MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), Rho (Ras homologue) and ROCK (Rho kinase), Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2), AP-1 (activator protein 1), and c-myc (cellular myelocytomatosis). These findings qualify YAP1 as a master regulator of mechanobiology and cell behavior in human periodontal tissues. This review summarizes the most recent developments in MT-related periodontal research, thereby offering insights into outstanding research questions and potential applications of molecular or biophysical strategies aiming at periodontal disease mitigation or prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M P Dieterle
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - A Husari
- Department of Orthodontics, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - T Steinberg
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - X Wang
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - I Ramminger
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - P Tomakidi
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li F, Park TH, Sankin G, Gilchrist C, Liao D, Chan CU, Mao Z, Hoffman BD, Zhong P. Mechanically induced integrin ligation mediates intracellular calcium signaling with single pulsating cavitation bubbles. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:6090-6104. [PMID: 33897901 PMCID: PMC8058710 DOI: 10.7150/thno.56813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic ultrasound or shockwave has shown its great potential to stimulate neural and muscle tissue, where cavitation microbubble induced Ca2+ signaling is believed to play an important role. However, the pertinent mechanisms are unknown, especially at the single-cell level. Particularly, it is still a major challenge to get a comprehensive understanding of the effect of potential mechanosensitive molecular players on the cellular responses, including mechanosensitive ion channels, purinergic signaling and integrin ligation by extracellular matrix. Methods: Here, laser-induced cavitation microbubble was used to stimulate individual HEK293T cells either genetically knocked out or expressing Piezo1 ion channels with different normalized bubble-cell distance. Ca2+ signaling and potential membrane poration were evaluated with a real-time fluorescence imaging system. Integrin-binding microbeads were attached to the apical surface of the cells at mild cavitation conditions, where the effect of Piezo1, P2X receptors and integrin ligation on single cell intracellular Ca2+ signaling was assessed. Results: Ca2+ responses were rare at normalized cell-bubble distances that avoided membrane poration, even with overexpression of Piezo1, but could be increased in frequency to 42% of cells by attaching integrin-binding beads. We identified key molecular players in the bead-enhanced Ca2+ response: increased integrin ligation by substrate ECM triggered ATP release and activation of P2X-but not Piezo1-ion channels. The resultant Ca2+ influx caused dynamic changes in cell spread area. Conclusion: This approach to safely eliciting a Ca2+ response with cavitation microbubbles and the uncovered mechanism by which increased integrin-ligation mediates ATP release and Ca2+ signaling will inform new strategies to stimulate tissues with ultrasound and shockwaves.
Collapse
|
18
|
Paul MD, Rainwater R, Zuo Y, Gu L, Hristova K. Probing Membrane Protein Association Using Concentration‐Dependent Number and Brightness. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Paul
- Program in Molecular Biophysics Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD 21218 USA
| | - Randall Rainwater
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD 21218 USA
| | - Yi Zuo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD 21218 USA
| | - Luo Gu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD 21218 USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD 21218 USA
- Program in Molecular Biophysics Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD 21218 USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Barcelona‐Estaje E, Dalby MJ, Cantini M, Salmeron‐Sanchez M. You Talking to Me? Cadherin and Integrin Crosstalk in Biomaterial Design. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2002048. [PMID: 33586353 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202002048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
While much work has been done in the design of biomaterials to control integrin-mediated adhesion, less emphasis has been put on functionalization of materials with cadherin ligands. Yet, cell-cell contacts in combination with cell-matrix interactions are key in driving embryonic development, collective cell migration, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and cancer metastatic processes, among others. This review focuses on the incorporation of both cadherin and integrin ligands in biomaterial design, to promote what is called the "adhesive crosstalk." First, the structure and function of cadherins and their role in eliciting mechanotransductive processes, by themselves or in combination with integrin mechanosensing, are introduced. Then, biomaterials that mimic cell-cell interactions, and recent applications to get insights in fundamental biology and tissue engineering, are critically discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Barcelona‐Estaje
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Matthew J. Dalby
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Marco Cantini
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yang J, Zhang Y, Qin M, Cheng W, Wang W, Cao Y. Understanding and Regulating Cell-Matrix Interactions Using Hydrogels of Designable Mechanical Properties. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:149-168. [PMID: 33785089 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Similar to natural tissues, hydrogels contain abundant water, so they are considered as promising biomaterials for studying the influence of the mechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECM) on various cell functions. In recent years, the growing research on cellular mechanical response has revealed that many cell functions, including cell spreading, migration, tumorigenesis and differentiation, are related to the mechanical properties of ECM. Therefore, how cells sense and respond to the extracellular mechanical environment has gained considerable attention. In these studies, hydrogels are widely used as the in vitro model system. Hydrogels of tunable stiffness, viscoelasticity, degradability, plasticity, and dynamical properties have been engineered to reveal how cells respond to specific mechanical features. In this review, we summarize recent process in this research direction and specifically focus on the influence of the mechanical properties of the ECM on cell functions, how cells sense and respond to the extracellular mechanical environment, and approaches to adjusting the stiffness of hydrogels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiapeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Meng Qin
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Oral Implantology Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Paul MD, Rainwater R, Zuo Y, Gu L, Hristova K. Probing Membrane Protein Association Using Concentration-Dependent Number and Brightness. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:6503-6508. [PMID: 33351993 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We introduce concentration-dependent number and brightness (cdN&B), a fluorescence fluctuation technique that can be implemented on a standard confocal microscope and can report on the thermodynamics of membrane protein association in the native plasma membrane. It uses transient transfection to enable measurements of oligomer size as a function of receptor concentration over a broad range, yielding the association constant. We discuss artifacts in cdN&B that are concentration-dependent and can distort the oligomerization curves, and we outline procedures that can correct for them. Using cdN&B, we characterize the association of neuropilin 1 (NRP1), a protein that plays a critical role in the development of the embryonic cardiovascular and nervous systems. We show that NRP1 associates into a tetramer in a concentration-dependent manner, and we quantify the strength of the association. This work demonstrates the utility of cdN&B as a powerful tool in biophysical chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Paul
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Randall Rainwater
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Yi Zuo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Luo Gu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA.,Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Liu L, He F, Yu Y, Wang Y. Application of FRET Biosensors in Mechanobiology and Mechanopharmacological Screening. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:595497. [PMID: 33240867 PMCID: PMC7680962 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.595497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive studies have shown that cells can sense and modulate the biomechanical properties of the ECM within their resident microenvironment. Thus, targeting the mechanotransduction signaling pathways provides a promising way for disease intervention. However, how cells perceive these mechanical cues of the microenvironment and transduce them into biochemical signals remains to be answered. Förster or fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based biosensors are a powerful tool that can be used in live-cell mechanotransduction imaging and mechanopharmacological drug screening. In this review, we will first introduce FRET principle and FRET biosensors, and then, recent advances on the integration of FRET biosensors and mechanobiology in normal and pathophysiological conditions will be discussed. Furthermore, we will summarize the current applications and limitations of FRET biosensors in high-throughput drug screening and the future improvement of FRET biosensors. In summary, FRET biosensors have provided a powerful tool for mechanobiology studies to advance our understanding of how cells and matrices interact, and the mechanopharmacological screening for disease intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yingxiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
VanderBurgh JA, Potharazu AV, Schwager SC, Reinhart-King CA. A discrete interface in matrix stiffness creates an oscillatory pattern of endothelial monolayer disruption. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs244533. [PMID: 32878941 PMCID: PMC7520461 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.244533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intimal stiffening upregulates endothelial cell contractility, disrupting barrier integrity; however, intimal stiffening is non-uniform. The impact of local changes in intimal stiffness on proximal and distal cell-cell interactions is unknown. To investigate the range at which matrix stiffness heterogeneities impact neighboring endothelial cells within a monolayer, we built a micropillar system with adjacent regions of stiff and compliant matrix. The stiffness interface results in an oscillatory pattern of neutrophil transendothelial migration, symmetrical about the interface and well-fit by a sinusoid function. 'Peaks' of the sinusoid were found to have increased cellular contractility and decreased barrier function relative to 'troughs' of the sinusoid. Pharmacological modulation of contractility was observed to break symmetry, altering the amplitude and wavelength of the sinusoid, indicating that contractility may regulate this effect. This work illuminates a novel biophysical phenomenon of the role of stiffness-mediated cell-matrix interactions on cell-cell interactions at a distance. Additionally, it provides insight into the range at which intimal matrix stiffness heterogeneities will impact endothelial barrier function and potentially contribute to atherogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A VanderBurgh
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Archit V Potharazu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Samantha C Schwager
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Cynthia A Reinhart-King
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Stamenović D, Smith ML. Tensional homeostasis at different length scales. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:6946-6963. [PMID: 32696799 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00763c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tensional homeostasis is a phenomenon of fundamental importance in mechanobiology. It refers to the ability of organs, tissues, and cells to respond to external disturbances by maintaining a homeostatic (set point) level of mechanical stress (tension). It is well documented that breakdown in tensional homeostasis is the hallmark of progression of diseases, including cancer and atherosclerosis. In this review, we surveyed quantitative studies of tensional homeostasis with the goal of providing characterization of this phenomenon across a broad range of length scales, from the organ level to the subcellular level. We considered both static and dynamics approaches that have been used in studies of this phenomenon. Results that we found in the literature and that we obtained from our own investigations suggest that tensional homeostasis is an emergent phenomenon driven by collective rheostatic mechanisms associated with focal adhesions, and by a collective action of cells in multicellular forms, whose impact on tensional homeostasis is cell type-dependent and cell microenvironment-dependent. Additionally, the finding that cadherins, adhesion molecules that are important for formation of cell-cell junctions, promote tensional homeostasis even in single cells, demonstrates their relevance as a signaling moiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrije Stamenović
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhao B, Li N, Xie T, Bagheri Y, Liang C, Keshri P, Sun Y, You M. Quantifying tensile forces at cell-cell junctions with a DNA-based fluorescent probe. Chem Sci 2020; 11:8558-8566. [PMID: 34123115 PMCID: PMC8163409 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc01455a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells are physically contacting with each other. Direct and precise quantification of forces at cell–cell junctions is still challenging. Herein, we have developed a DNA-based ratiometric fluorescent probe, termed DNAMeter, to quantify intercellular tensile forces. These lipid-modified DNAMeters can spontaneously anchor onto live cell membranes. The DNAMeter consists of two self-assembled DNA hairpins of different force tolerance. Once the intercellular tension exceeds the force tolerance to unfold a DNA hairpin, a specific fluorescence signal will be activated, which enables the real-time imaging and quantification of tensile forces. Using E-cadherin-modified DNAMeter as an example, we have demonstrated an approach to quantify, at the molecular level, the magnitude and distribution of E-cadherin tension among epithelial cells. Compatible with readily accessible fluorescence microscopes, these easy-to-use DNA tension probes can be broadly used to quantify mechanotransduction in collective cell behaviors. A DNA-based fluorescent probe to quantify the magnitude and distribution of tensile forces at cell–cell junctions.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst Massachusetts 01003 USA
| | - Ningwei Li
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst Massachusetts 01003 USA
| | - Tianfa Xie
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst Massachusetts 01003 USA
| | - Yousef Bagheri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst Massachusetts 01003 USA
| | - Chungwen Liang
- Computational and Modeling Core, Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), University of Massachusetts Amherst Massachusetts 01003 USA
| | - Puspam Keshri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst Massachusetts 01003 USA
| | - Yubing Sun
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst Massachusetts 01003 USA
| | - Mingxu You
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst Massachusetts 01003 USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chronopoulos A, Thorpe SD, Cortes E, Lachowski D, Rice AJ, Mykuliak VV, Róg T, Lee DA, Hytönen VP, Del Río Hernández AE. Syndecan-4 tunes cell mechanics by activating the kindlin-integrin-RhoA pathway. NATURE MATERIALS 2020; 19:669-678. [PMID: 31907416 PMCID: PMC7260055 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-019-0567-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Extensive research over the past decades has identified integrins to be the primary transmembrane receptors that enable cells to respond to external mechanical cues. We reveal here a mechanism whereby syndecan-4 tunes cell mechanics in response to localized tension via a coordinated mechanochemical signalling response that involves activation of two other receptors: epidermal growth factor receptor and β1 integrin. Tension on syndecan-4 induces cell-wide activation of the kindlin-2/β1 integrin/RhoA axis in a PI3K-dependent manner. Furthermore, syndecan-4-mediated tension at the cell-extracellular matrix interface is required for yes-associated protein activation. Extracellular tension on syndecan-4 triggers a conformational change in the cytoplasmic domain, the variable region of which is indispensable for the mechanical adaptation to force, facilitating the assembly of a syndecan-4/α-actinin/F-actin molecular scaffold at the bead adhesion. This mechanotransduction pathway for syndecan-4 should have immediate implications for the broader field of mechanobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Chronopoulos
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen D Thorpe
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Ernesto Cortes
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Dariusz Lachowski
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alistair J Rice
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Vasyl V Mykuliak
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology and BioMediTech, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tomasz Róg
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David A Lee
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Vesa P Hytönen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology and BioMediTech, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
- Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Armando E Del Río Hernández
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bordeleau F, Wang W, Simmons A, Antonyak MA, Cerione RA, Reinhart-King CA. Tissue transglutaminase 2 regulates tumor cell tensional homeostasis by increasing contractility. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs.231134. [PMID: 31822629 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.231134] [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: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal tensional cellular homeostasis is now considered a hallmark of cancer. Despite this, the origin of this abnormality remains unclear. In this work, we investigated the role of tissue transglutaminase 2 (TG2, also known as TGM2), a protein associated with poor prognosis and increased metastatic potential, and its relationship to the EGF receptor in the regulation of the mechanical state of tumor cells. Remarkably, we observed a TG2-mediated modulation of focal adhesion composition as well as stiffness-induced FAK activation, which was linked with a distinctive increase in cell contractility, in experiments using both pharmacological and shRNA-based approaches. Additionally, the increased contractility could be reproduced in non-malignant cells upon TG2 expression. Moreover, the increased cell contractility mediated by TG2 was largely due to the loss of EGFR-mediated inhibition of cell contractility. These findings establish intracellular TG2 as a regulator of cellular tensional homeostasis and suggest the existence of signaling switches that control the contribution of growth factor receptors in determining the mechanical state of a cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francois Bordeleau
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology division), Université Laval Cancer Research Center and Faculty of Medecine, Université Laval, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Alysha Simmons
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Marc A Antonyak
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Biswas KH. Molecular Mobility-Mediated Regulation of E-Cadherin Adhesion. Trends Biochem Sci 2019; 45:163-173. [PMID: 31810601 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2019.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cells in epithelial tissues utilize homotypic E-cadherin interaction-mediated adhesions to both physically adhere to each other and sense the physical properties of their microenvironment, such as the presence of other cells in close vicinity or an alteration in the mechanical tension of the tissue. These position E-cadherin centrally in organogenesis and other processes, and its function is therefore tightly regulated through a variety of means including endocytosis and gene expression. How does membrane molecular mobility of E-cadherin, and thus membrane physical properties and associated actin cytoskeleton, impinges on the assembly of adhesive clusters and signaling is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kabir H Biswas
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Mechanical forces drive the remodeling of tissues during morphogenesis. This relies on the transmission of forces between cells by cadherin-based adherens junctions, which couple the force-generating actomyosin cytoskeletons of neighboring cells. Moreover, components of cadherin adhesions adopt force-dependent conformations that induce changes in the composition of adherens junctions, enabling transduction of mechanical forces into an intracellular response. Cadherin mechanotransduction can mediate reinforcement of cell–cell adhesions to withstand forces but also induce biochemical signaling to regulate cell behavior or direct remodeling of cell–cell adhesions to enable cell rearrangements. By transmission and transduction of mechanical forces, cadherin adhesions coordinate cellular behaviors underlying morphogenetic processes of collective cell migration, cell division, and cell intercalation. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of this central role of cadherin adhesions in force-dependent regulation of morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willem-Jan Pannekoek
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johan de Rooij
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Gloerich
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Muhamed I, Sproul EP, Ligler FS, Brown AC. Fibrin Nanoparticles Coupled with Keratinocyte Growth Factor Enhance the Dermal Wound-Healing Rate. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:3771-3780. [PMID: 30604611 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b21056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Expediting the wound-healing process is critical for patients chronically ill from nonhealing wounds and diseases such as hemophilia or diabetes or who have suffered trauma including easily infected open wounds. FDA-approved external tissue sealants include the topical application of fibrin gels, which can be 500 times denser than natural fibrin clots. With lower clot porosity and higher polymerization rates than physiologically formed fibrin clots, the commercial gels quickly stop blood loss but impede the later clot degradation kinetics and thus retard tissue-healing rates. The fibrin nanoparticles (FBNs) described here are constructed from physiologically relevant fibrin concentrations that support new tissue and dermal wound scaffold formation when coupled with growth factors. The FBNs, synthesized in a microfluidic droplet generator, support cell adhesion and traction generation, and when coupled to keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), support cell migration and in vivo wound healing. The FBN-KGF particles enhance cell migration in vitro greater than FBN alone or free KGF and also improve healing outcomes in a murine full thickness injury model compared to saline, bulk fibrin sealant, free KGF, or bulk fibrin mixed with KGF treatments. Furthermore, FBN can be potentially administered with other tissue-healing factors and inflammatory mediators to improve wound-healing outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ismaeel Muhamed
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering , North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Raleigh 27695 , North Carolina , United States
- Comparative Medicine Institute , North Carolina State University , Raleigh 27695 , North Carolina , United States
| | - Erin P Sproul
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering , North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Raleigh 27695 , North Carolina , United States
- Comparative Medicine Institute , North Carolina State University , Raleigh 27695 , North Carolina , United States
| | - Frances S Ligler
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering , North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Raleigh 27695 , North Carolina , United States
- Comparative Medicine Institute , North Carolina State University , Raleigh 27695 , North Carolina , United States
| | - Ashley C Brown
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering , North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Raleigh 27695 , North Carolina , United States
- Comparative Medicine Institute , North Carolina State University , Raleigh 27695 , North Carolina , United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Khalil AA, de Rooij J. Cadherin mechanotransduction in leader-follower cell specification during collective migration. Exp Cell Res 2019; 376:86-91. [PMID: 30633881 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Collective invasion drives the spread of multicellular cancer groups, into the normal tissue surrounding several epithelial tumors. Collective invasion recapitulates various aspects of the multicellular organization and collective migration that take place during normal development and repair. Collective migration starts with the specification of leader cells in which a polarized, migratory phenotype is established. Leader cells initiate and organize the migration of follower cells, to allow the group of cells to move as a cohesive and polarized unit. Leader-follower specification is essential for coordinated and directional collective movement. Forces exerted by cohesive cells represent key signals that dictate multicellular coordination and directionality. Physical forces originate from the contraction of the actomyosin cytoskeleton, which is linked between cells via cadherin-based cell-cell junctions. The cadherin complex senses and transduces fluctuations in forces into biochemical signals that regulate processes like cell proliferation, motility and polarity. With cadherin junctions being maintained in most collective movements the cadherin complex is ideally positioned to integrate mechanical information into the organization of collective cell migration. Here we discuss the potential roles of cadherin mechanotransduction in the diverse aspects of leader versus follower cell specification during collective migration and neoplastic invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine A Khalil
- Dept. Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Stratenum 3.231, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johan de Rooij
- Dept. Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Stratenum 3.231, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pérez-González C, Alert R, Blanch-Mercader C, Gómez-González M, Kolodziej T, Bazellieres E, Casademunt J, Trepat X. Active wetting of epithelial tissues. NATURE PHYSICS 2019; 15:79-88. [PMID: 31537984 PMCID: PMC6753015 DOI: 10.1038/s41567-018-0279-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Development, regeneration and cancer involve drastic transitions in tissue morphology. In analogy with the behavior of inert fluids, some of these transitions have been interpreted as wetting transitions. The validity and scope of this analogy are unclear, however, because the active cellular forces that drive tissue wetting have been neither measured nor theoretically accounted for. Here we show that the transition between two-dimensional epithelial monolayers and three-dimensional spheroidal aggregates can be understood as an active wetting transition whose physics differs fundamentally from that of passive wetting phenomena. By combining an active polar fluid model with measurements of physical forces as a function of tissue size, contractility, cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion, and substrate stiffness, we show that the wetting transition results from the competition between traction forces and contractile intercellular stresses. This competition defines a new intrinsic lengthscale that gives rise to a critical size for the wetting transition in tissues, a striking feature that has no counterpart in classical wetting. Finally, we show that active shape fluctuations are dynamically amplified during tissue dewetting. Overall, we conclude that tissue spreading constitutes a prominent example of active wetting - a novel physical scenario that may explain morphological transitions during tissue morphogenesis and tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Pérez-González
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, The Barcelona Institute
for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Facultat de Medicina, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona,
Spain
| | - Ricard Alert
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada,
Facultat de Física, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), 08028
Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Blanch-Mercader
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research
University - Sorbonne Universités, UPMC CNRS, UMR 168, 26 rue d’Ulm,
F-75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
- Department of Biochemistry and NCCR Chemical Biology, Sciences II,
University of Geneva, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30, Geneva, CH-1211, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Gómez-González
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, The Barcelona Institute
for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Tomasz Kolodziej
- Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science,
Jagiellonian University in Kraków, 30-348 Kraków, Poland
| | - Elsa Bazellieres
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, The Barcelona Institute
for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Jaume Casademunt
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada,
Facultat de Física, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), 08028
Barcelona, Spain
- Corresponding authors: Jaume Casademunt, PhD, Professor of
Physics, Depertment of Condensed Matter Physics (University of Barcelona -
UBICS), Martí i Franquès, 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain, (+34) 934
021 188, ; Xavier Trepat, PhD, ICREA
Research Professor, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Ed. Hèlix,
Baldiri i Reixac, 15-21, 08028, Barcelona, Spain, (+34) 934 020 265,
| | - Xavier Trepat
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, The Barcelona Institute
for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Facultat de Medicina, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona,
Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats
(ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en
Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, 08028, Spain
- Corresponding authors: Jaume Casademunt, PhD, Professor of
Physics, Depertment of Condensed Matter Physics (University of Barcelona -
UBICS), Martí i Franquès, 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain, (+34) 934
021 188, ; Xavier Trepat, PhD, ICREA
Research Professor, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Ed. Hèlix,
Baldiri i Reixac, 15-21, 08028, Barcelona, Spain, (+34) 934 020 265,
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
In various physiological processes, the cell collective is organized in a monolayer, such as seen in a simple epithelium. The advances in the understanding of mechanical behavior of the monolayer and its underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms will help to elucidate the properties of cell collectives. In this Review, we discuss recent in vitro studies on monolayer mechanics and their implications on collective dynamics, regulation of monolayer mechanics by physical confinement and geometrical cues and the effect of tissue mechanics on biological processes, such as cell division and extrusion. In particular, we focus on the active nematic property of cell monolayers and the emerging approach to view biological systems in the light of liquid crystal theory. We also highlight the mechanosensing and mechanotransduction mechanisms at the sub-cellular and molecular level that are mediated by the contractile actomyosin cytoskeleton and cell-cell adhesion proteins, such as E-cadherin and α-catenin. To conclude, we argue that, in order to have a holistic understanding of the cellular response to biophysical environments, interdisciplinary approaches and multiple techniques - from large-scale traction force measurements to molecular force protein sensors - must be employed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianchi Chen
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
| | - Thuan Beng Saw
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411.,National University of Singapore, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Engineering Block 4, #04-08, Singapore 117583
| | - René-Marc Mège
- Institut Jacques Monod (IJM), CNRS UMR 7592 & Université Paris Diderot, 75205 Paris CEDEX 13, France
| | - Benoit Ladoux
- Institut Jacques Monod (IJM), CNRS UMR 7592 & Université Paris Diderot, 75205 Paris CEDEX 13, France
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chester D, Kathard R, Nortey J, Nellenbach K, Brown AC. Viscoelastic properties of microgel thin films control fibroblast modes of migration and pro-fibrotic responses. Biomaterials 2018; 185:371-382. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
35
|
Luo Q, Cai Z, Tu J, Ling Y, Wang D, Cai Y. Total flavonoids from Smilax glabra Roxb blocks epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inhibits renal interstitial fibrosis by targeting miR-21/PTEN signaling. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:3861-3873. [PMID: 30304552 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smilax glabra Roxb, a traditional Chinese herb, has been widely used in folk medicine. The current study was performed to investigate the protective effect of S. glabra Roxb extract, pure total flavonoids from Smilax glabra Roxb (PTFS), on renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) and its underlying mechanism. METHODS First, a surgical model of unilateral ureteral obstruction was established in rats to induce RIF. Then, rats were grouped and treated with PTFS at different concentration. Second, HK-2 cells underwent an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by the addition of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Additionally, HK-2 cells after inducing for EMT were transfected with microRNA-21 (miR-21) mimic or inhibitor. These HK-2 cells were grouped and treated with PTFS at different concentration. Finally, real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the expression of possible signaling factor involved in RIF in renal tissues or HK-2 cells after PTFS treatment. RESULTS In vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that PTFS treatment could decrease the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA; mesenchymal marker) and increase the expression of E-cadherin (epithelial marker) in both messenger RNA and protein level. Moreover, PTFS also attenuated the expression of TGF-β1/Smad signaling in both renal tissues and HK-2 cells that underwent EMT. Overexpression or inhibition of miR-21 in HK-2 cells activated or blocked the PI3K/Akt signaling via targeting phosphatase and tension homolog (PTEN), and then promoted or suppressed the progress of TGF-β1-induced EMT by regulating the expression of α-SMA and E-cadherin. Furthermore, PTFS treatment inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT progress by blocking miR-21/PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling. CONCLUSION PTFS has strong anti-EMT and antifibrosis effects both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism underlying these effects may be related to inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad, and their downstream miR-21/PTEN signaling, leading to blocks of EMT process during RIF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qihan Luo
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.,College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zhaowei Cai
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jue Tu
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yun Ling
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Dejun Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yueqin Cai
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mohan A, Schlue KT, Kniffin AF, Mayer CR, Duke AA, Narayanan V, Arsenovic PT, Bathula K, Danielsson BE, Dumbali SP, Maruthamuthu V, Conway DE. Spatial Proliferation of Epithelial Cells Is Regulated by E-Cadherin Force. Biophys J 2018; 115:853-864. [PMID: 30131170 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell proliferation and contact inhibition play a major role in maintaining epithelial cell homeostasis. Prior experiments have shown that externally applied forces, such as stretch, result in increased proliferation in an E-cadherin force-dependent manner. In this study, the spatial regulation of cell proliferation in large epithelial colonies was examined. Surprisingly, cells at the center of the colony still had increased proliferation as compared to cells in confluent monolayers. E-cadherin forces were found to be elevated for both cells at the edge and center of these larger colonies when compared to confluent monolayers. To determine if high levels of E-cadherin force were necessary to induce proliferation at the center of the colony, a lower-force mutant of E-cadherin was developed. Cells with lower E-cadherin force had significantly reduced proliferation for cells at the center of the colony but minimal differences for cells at the edges of the colony. Similarly, increasing substrate stiffness was found to increase E-cadherin force and increase the proliferation rate across the colony. Taken together, these results show that forces through cell-cell junctions regulate proliferation across large groups of epithelial cells. In addition, an important finding of this study is that junction forces are dynamic and modulate cellular function even in the absence of externally applied loads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Mohan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Kyle T Schlue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Alex F Kniffin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Carl R Mayer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Ashley A Duke
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Vani Narayanan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Paul T Arsenovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Kranthidhar Bathula
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Brooke E Danielsson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Sandeep P Dumbali
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Venkat Maruthamuthu
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Daniel E Conway
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Yap AS, Duszyc K, Viasnoff V. Mechanosensing and Mechanotransduction at Cell-Cell Junctions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:cshperspect.a028761. [PMID: 28778874 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a028761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cell adhesion systems are defined by their ability to resist detachment force. Our understanding of the biology of cell-cell adhesions has recently been transformed by the realization that many of the forces that act on those adhesions are generated by the cells that they couple together; and that force at adhesive junctions can be sensed to regulate cell behavior. Here, we consider the mechanisms responsible for applying force to cell-cell junctions and the mechanosensory pathways that detect those forces. We focus on cadherins, as these are the best-studied examples to date, but it is likely that similar principles will apply to other molecular systems that can engage with force-generators within cells and physically couple those cells together.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alpha S Yap
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Division of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Kinga Duszyc
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Division of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Virgile Viasnoff
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411.,CNRS, Singapore 117411
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Gao X, Acharya BR, Engl WCO, De Mets R, Thiery JP, Yap AS, Viasnoff V. Probing compression versus stretch activated recruitment of cortical actin and apical junction proteins using mechanical stimulations of suspended doublets. APL Bioeng 2018; 2:026111. [PMID: 31069308 PMCID: PMC6481720 DOI: 10.1063/1.5025216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We report an experimental approach to study the mechanosensitivity of cell-cell contact upon mechanical stimulation in suspended cell-doublets. The doublet is placed astride an hourglass aperture, and a hydrodynamic force is selectively exerted on only one of the cells. The geometry of the device concentrates the mechanical shear over the junction area. Together with mechanical shear, the system also allows confocal quantitative live imaging of the recruitment of junction proteins (e.g., E-cadherin, ZO-1, occludin, and actin). We observed the time sequence over which proteins were recruited to the stretched region of the contact. The compressed side of the contact showed no response. We demonstrated how this mechanism polarizes the stress-induced recruitment of junctional components within one single junction. Finally, we demonstrated that stabilizing the actin cortex dynamics abolishes the mechanosensitive response of the junction. Our experimental design provides an original approach to study the role of mechanical force at a cell-cell contact with unprecedented control over stress application and quantitative optical analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xumei Gao
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, Level 5, T-Lab Building, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411
| | - Bipul R Acharya
- Division of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Wilfried Claude Otto Engl
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, Level 5, T-Lab Building, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411
| | - Richard De Mets
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, Level 5, T-Lab Building, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411
| | - Jean Paul Thiery
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos building, Singapore 138673
| | - Alpha S Yap
- Division of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zollinger AJ, Xu H, Figueiredo J, Paredes J, Seruca R, Stamenović D, Smith ML. Dependence of Tensional Homeostasis on Cell Type and on Cell-Cell Interactions. Cell Mol Bioeng 2018; 11:175-184. [PMID: 31719884 PMCID: PMC6816663 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-018-0527-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The ability to maintain a homeostatic level of cell tension is essential for many physiological processes. Our group has recently reported that multicellularity is required for tensional homeostasis in endothelial cells. However, other studies have shown that isolated fibroblasts also maintain constant tension over short time scales without the need of cell-cell contacts. Therefore, in this study, our aim was to determine how different cell types regulate tension as isolated cells or in small clustered groupings and to investigate the role of cell-cell adhesion molecules, such as E-cadherin, in this system. METHODS Micropattern traction force microscopy was used to determine how bovine aortic endothelial cells, bovine vascular smooth muscle cells, mouse embryonic fibroblasts, and human gastric adenocarcinoma cells, with or without cell-cell interactions due to E-cadherin, maintain tensional homeostasis over time. Tension temporal fluctuations in single cells and cell clusters were evaluated. RESULTS We found that only endothelial cells require clustering for tensional homeostasis. The same was not verified in fibroblasts or vascular smooth muscle cells. Of relevance, in adenocarcinoma cells, we verified that tensional homeostasis was dependent on the competence of the adhesion molecule E-cadherin at both the single cells and multicellular levels. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that cell-cell contacts may be critical for tensional homeostasis and, potentially, for barrier function of the endothelium. Furthermore, the cell-cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin is an important regulator of tensional homeostasis, even in the absence of cadherin engagement with neighboring cells, which demonstrates its relevance not only as a structural molecule but also as a signaling moiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia J. Zollinger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Han Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Joana Figueiredo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Porto, Portugal
- The Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Paredes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Porto, Portugal
- The Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Medical Faculty of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Seruca
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Porto, Portugal
- The Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Medical Faculty of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Dimitrije Stamenović
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215 USA
- Division of Material Science and Engineering, Boston University, Brookline, MA 02446 USA
| | - Michael L. Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Chiasson-MacKenzie C, McClatchey AI. Cell-Cell Contact and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:cshperspect.a029215. [PMID: 28716887 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a029215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The behavior of cells within tissues is governed by the activities of adhesion receptors that provide spatial cues and transmit forces through intercellular junctions, and by growth-factor receptors, particularly receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), that respond to biochemical signals from the environment. Coordination of these two activities is essential for the patterning and polarized migration of cells during morphogenesis and for homeostasis in mature tissues; loss of this coordination is a hallmark of developing cancer and driver of metastatic progression. Although much is known about the individual functions of adhesion and growth factor receptors, we have a surprisingly superficial understanding of the mechanisms by which their activities are coordinated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Chiasson-MacKenzie
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Departments of Pathology, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
| | - Andrea I McClatchey
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Departments of Pathology, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Yang R, Broussard JA, Green KJ, Espinosa HD. Techniques to stimulate and interrogate cell-cell adhesion mechanics. EXTREME MECHANICS LETTERS 2018; 20:125-139. [PMID: 30320194 PMCID: PMC6181239 DOI: 10.1016/j.eml.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Cell-cell adhesions maintain the mechanical integrity of multicellular tissues and have recently been found to act as mechanotransducers, translating mechanical cues into biochemical signals. Mechanotransduction studies have primarily focused on focal adhesions, sites of cell-substrate attachment. These studies leverage technical advances in devices and systems interfacing with living cells through cell-extracellular matrix adhesions. As reports of aberrant signal transduction originating from mutations in cell-cell adhesion molecules are being increasingly associated with disease states, growing attention is being paid to this intercellular signaling hub. Along with this renewed focus, new requirements arise for the interrogation and stimulation of cell-cell adhesive junctions. This review covers established experimental techniques for stimulation and interrogation of cell-cell adhesion from cell pairs to monolayers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruiguo Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States
- Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States
| | - Joshua A. Broussard
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Kathleen J. Green
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Horacio D. Espinosa
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
- Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
- Institute for Cellular Engineering Technologies, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Sehgal P, Kong X, Wu J, Sunyer R, Trepat X, Leckband D. Epidermal growth factor receptor and integrins control force-dependent vinculin recruitment to E-cadherin junctions. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:jcs206656. [PMID: 29487179 PMCID: PMC5897709 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.206656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reports novel findings that link E-cadherin (also known as CDH1)-mediated force-transduction signaling to vinculin targeting to intercellular junctions via epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and integrins. These results build on previous findings that demonstrated that mechanically perturbed E-cadherin receptors activate phosphoinositide 3-kinase and downstream integrins in an EGFR-dependent manner. Results of this study show that this EGFR-mediated kinase cascade controls the force-dependent recruitment of vinculin to stressed E-cadherin complexes - a key early signature of cadherin-based mechanotransduction. Vinculin targeting requires its phosphorylation at tyrosine 822 by Abl family kinases (hereafter Abl), but the origin of force-dependent Abl activation had not been identified. We now present evidence that integrin activation, which is downstream of EGFR signaling, controls Abl activation, thus linking E-cadherin to Abl through a mechanosensitive signaling network. These findings place EGFR and integrins at the center of a positive-feedback loop, through which force-activated E-cadherin signals regulate vinculin recruitment to cadherin complexes in response to increased intercellular tension.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Sehgal
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Xinyu Kong
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Raimon Sunyer
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain 08028
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Barcelona, Spain 08028
| | - Xavier Trepat
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain 08028
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Barcelona, Spain 08028
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain 08028
| | - Deborah Leckband
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Elosegui-Artola A, Trepat X, Roca-Cusachs P. Control of Mechanotransduction by Molecular Clutch Dynamics. Trends Cell Biol 2018; 28:356-367. [PMID: 29496292 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The linkage of cells to their microenvironment is mediated by a series of bonds that dynamically engage and disengage, in what has been conceptualized as the molecular clutch model. Whereas this model has long been employed to describe actin cytoskeleton and cell migration dynamics, it has recently been proposed to also explain mechanotransduction (i.e., the process by which cells convert mechanical signals from their environment into biochemical signals). Here we review the current understanding on how cell dynamics and mechanotransduction are driven by molecular clutch dynamics and its master regulator, the force loading rate. Throughout this Review, we place a specific emphasis on the quantitative prediction of cell response enabled by combined experimental and theoretical approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Elosegui-Artola
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Xavier Trepat
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pere Roca-Cusachs
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Suffoletto K, Jetta D, Hua SZ. E-cadherin mediated lateral interactions between neighbor cells necessary for collective migration. J Biomech 2018; 71:159-166. [PMID: 29486895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Collective cell movement is critical in pathological processes such as wound healing and cancer invasion. It entails complex interactions between adjacent cells and between cells-extracellular matrices. Most studies measure the migration patterns and force propagation by placing cells on flat, patterned substrates. The cooperative behavior resulting from cell-cell interactions is not well understood. We have developed a multi-channel microfluidic device that has junctional protein E-cadherin coated onto the sidewalls of the channels that enables the cells' lateral interactions with their neighbors to be studied. Our study reveals that epithelial cells rely on lateral E-cadherin-based adhesions to maintain the cohesion of the group. Cells move faster in narrower channels, but the average velocity along the channels is reduced in E-cadherin coated channels versus non-adhesive channels. We have directly measured the forces in the cross-linking protein, alpha-actinin, using FRET sensors during cell migration, and found that higher tension exists at the cell edges adjacent to the walls coated with E-cadherin, the implication being E-cadherin transmits the shear forces but does not provide a driving force for this migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Suffoletto
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, SUNY-Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Deekshitha Jetta
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, SUNY-Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Susan Z Hua
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, SUNY-Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, SUNY-Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Mulligan JA, Bordeleau F, Reinhart-King CA, Adie SG. Traction Force Microscopy for Noninvasive Imaging of Cell Forces. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1092:319-349. [PMID: 30368759 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-95294-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The forces exerted by cells on their surroundings play an integral role in both physiological processes and disease progression. Traction force microscopy is a noninvasive technique that enables the in vitro imaging and quantification of cell forces. Utilizing expertise from a variety of disciplines, recent developments in traction force microscopy are enhancing the study of cell forces in physiologically relevant model systems, and hold promise for further advancing knowledge in mechanobiology. In this chapter, we discuss the methods, capabilities, and limitations of modern approaches for traction force microscopy, and highlight ongoing efforts and challenges underlying future innovations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Mulligan
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - François Bordeleau
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
- Départment of Biologie Moléculaire, Biochimie Médicale et Pathologie, Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Cynthia A Reinhart-King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Steven G Adie
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Rübsam M, Mertz AF, Kubo A, Marg S, Jüngst C, Goranci-Buzhala G, Schauss AC, Horsley V, Dufresne ER, Moser M, Ziegler W, Amagai M, Wickström SA, Niessen CM. E-cadherin integrates mechanotransduction and EGFR signaling to control junctional tissue polarization and tight junction positioning. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1250. [PMID: 29093447 PMCID: PMC5665913 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01170-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Generation of a barrier in multi-layered epithelia like the epidermis requires restricted positioning of functional tight junctions (TJ) to the most suprabasal viable layer. This positioning necessitates tissue-level polarization of junctions and the cytoskeleton through unknown mechanisms. Using quantitative whole-mount imaging, genetic ablation, and traction force microscopy and atomic force microscopy, we find that ubiquitously localized E-cadherin coordinates tissue polarization of tension-bearing adherens junction (AJ) and F-actin organization to allow formation of an apical TJ network only in the uppermost viable layer. Molecularly, E-cadherin localizes and tunes EGFR activity and junctional tension to inhibit premature TJ complex formation in lower layers while promoting increased tension and TJ stability in the granular layer 2. In conclusion, our data identify an E-cadherin-dependent mechanical circuit that integrates adhesion, contractile forces and biochemical signaling to drive the polarized organization of junctional tension necessary to build an in vivo epithelial barrier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Rübsam
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Cologne, 50931, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Stress Responses in Ageing-associated diseases (CECAD), Cologne, 50931, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) University of Cologne, Cologne, 50931, Germany
| | - Aaron F Mertz
- Department of Physics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Laboratory of Mammalian Cell Biology and Development, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Akiharu Kubo
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Susanna Marg
- Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Jüngst
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Stress Responses in Ageing-associated diseases (CECAD), Cologne, 50931, Germany
| | - Gladiola Goranci-Buzhala
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Cologne, 50931, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Stress Responses in Ageing-associated diseases (CECAD), Cologne, 50931, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) University of Cologne, Cologne, 50931, Germany
| | - Astrid C Schauss
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Stress Responses in Ageing-associated diseases (CECAD), Cologne, 50931, Germany
| | - Valerie Horsley
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Eric R Dufresne
- Department of Physics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, and Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Markus Moser
- Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, Martinsried, 82152, Germany
| | | | - Masayuki Amagai
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Sara A Wickström
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Stress Responses in Ageing-associated diseases (CECAD), Cologne, 50931, Germany
- Paul Gerson Unna Group 'Skin Homeostasis and Ageing', Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, 50931, Germany
| | - Carien M Niessen
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Cologne, 50931, Germany.
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Stress Responses in Ageing-associated diseases (CECAD), Cologne, 50931, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) University of Cologne, Cologne, 50931, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Chen Y, Ju L, Rushdi M, Ge C, Zhu C. Receptor-mediated cell mechanosensing. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:3134-3155. [PMID: 28954860 PMCID: PMC5687017 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e17-04-0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensing depicts the ability of a cell to sense mechanical cues, which under some circumstances is mediated by the surface receptors. In this review, a four-step model is described for receptor-mediated mechanosensing. Platelet GPIb, T-cell receptor, and integrins are used as examples to illustrate the key concepts and players in this process. Mechanosensing describes the ability of a cell to sense mechanical cues of its microenvironment, including not only all components of force, stress, and strain but also substrate rigidity, topology, and adhesiveness. This ability is crucial for the cell to respond to the surrounding mechanical cues and adapt to the changing environment. Examples of responses and adaptation include (de)activation, proliferation/apoptosis, and (de)differentiation. Receptor-mediated cell mechanosensing is a multistep process that is initiated by binding of cell surface receptors to their ligands on the extracellular matrix or the surface of adjacent cells. Mechanical cues are presented by the ligand and received by the receptor at the binding interface; but their transmission over space and time and their conversion into biochemical signals may involve other domains and additional molecules. In this review, a four-step model is described for the receptor-mediated cell mechanosensing process. Platelet glycoprotein Ib, T-cell receptor, and integrins are used as examples to illustrate the key concepts and players in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Chen
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332.,Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Lining Ju
- Charles Perkins Centre and Heart Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Muaz Rushdi
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332.,Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Chenghao Ge
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332.,Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332 .,Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332.,Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
De Pascalis C, Etienne-Manneville S. Single and collective cell migration: the mechanics of adhesions. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:1833-1846. [PMID: 28684609 PMCID: PMC5541834 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e17-03-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical and physical properties of the environment control cell proliferation, differentiation, or apoptosis in the long term. However, to be able to move and migrate through a complex three-dimensional environment, cells must quickly adapt in the short term to the physical properties of their surroundings. Interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) occur through focal adhesions or hemidesmosomes via the engagement of integrins with fibrillar ECM proteins. Cells also interact with their neighbors, and this involves various types of intercellular adhesive structures such as tight junctions, cadherin-based adherens junctions, and desmosomes. Mechanobiology studies have shown that cell-ECM and cell-cell adhesions participate in mechanosensing to transduce mechanical cues into biochemical signals and conversely are responsible for the transmission of intracellular forces to the extracellular environment. As they migrate, cells use these adhesive structures to probe their surroundings, adapt their mechanical properties, and exert the appropriate forces required for their movements. The focus of this review is to give an overview of recent developments showing the bidirectional relationship between the physical properties of the environment and the cell mechanical responses during single and collective cell migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara De Pascalis
- Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, Institut Pasteur Paris, CNRS UMR3691, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
- UPMC Université Paris 06, IFD, Sorbonne Universités, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Sandrine Etienne-Manneville
- Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, Institut Pasteur Paris, CNRS UMR3691, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Andresen Eguiluz RC, Kaylan KB, Underhill GH, Leckband DE. Substrate stiffness and VE-cadherin mechano-transduction coordinate to regulate endothelial monolayer integrity. Biomaterials 2017. [PMID: 28624707 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The vascular endothelium is subject to diverse mechanical cues that regulate vascular endothelial barrier function. In addition to rigidity sensing through integrin adhesions, mechanical perturbations such as changes in fluid shear stress can also activate force transduction signals at intercellular junctions. This study investigated how extracellular matrix rigidity and intercellular force transduction, activated by vascular endothelial cadherin, coordinate to regulate the integrity of endothelial monolayers. Studies used complementary mechanical measurements of endothelial monolayers grown on patterned substrates of variable stiffness. Specifically perturbing VE-cadherin receptors activated intercellular force transduction signals that increased integrin-dependent cell contractility and disrupted cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesions. Further investigations of the impact of substrate rigidity on force transduction signaling demonstrated how cells integrate extracellular mechanics cues and intercellular force transduction signals, to regulate endothelial integrity and global tissue mechanics. VE-cadherin specific signaling increased focal adhesion remodeling and cell contractility, while sustaining the overall mechanical equilibrium at the mesoscale. Conversely, increased substrate rigidity exacerbates the disruptive effects of intercellular force transduction signals, by increasing heterogeneity in monolayer stress distributions. The results provide new insights into how substrate stiffness and intercellular force transduction coordinate to regulate endothelial monolayer integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto C Andresen Eguiluz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Kerim B Kaylan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Gregory H Underhill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Deborah E Leckband
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hatzfeld M, Keil R, Magin TM. Desmosomes and Intermediate Filaments: Their Consequences for Tissue Mechanics. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2017; 9:a029157. [PMID: 28096266 PMCID: PMC5453391 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a029157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Adherens junctions (AJs) and desmosomes connect the actin and keratin filament networks of adjacent cells into a mechanical unit. Whereas AJs function in mechanosensing and in transducing mechanical forces between the plasma membrane and the actomyosin cytoskeleton, desmosomes and intermediate filaments (IFs) provide mechanical stability required to maintain tissue architecture and integrity when the tissues are exposed to mechanical stress. Desmosomes are essential for stable intercellular cohesion, whereas keratins determine cell mechanics but are not involved in generating tension. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the role of IFs and desmosomes in tissue mechanics and discuss whether the desmosome-keratin scaffold might be actively involved in mechanosensing and in the conversion of chemical signals into mechanical strength.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mechthild Hatzfeld
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Division of Pathobiochemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114 Halle, Germany
| | - René Keil
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Division of Pathobiochemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114 Halle, Germany
| | - Thomas M Magin
- Institute of Biology, Division of Cell and Developmental Biology and Saxonian Incubator for Clinical Translation (SIKT), University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|