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Nayak AK, Das SL, Misbah C. Endothelial calcium dynamics elicited by ATP release from red blood cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13550. [PMID: 38866785 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63306-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Red blood cells (RBCs) exhibit an interesting response to hydrodynamic flow, releasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Subsequently, these liberated ATP molecules initiate a crucial interaction with endothelial cells (ECs), thereby setting off a cascade involving the release of calcium ions (Ca2 + ). Ca2 + exerts control over a plethora of cellular functions, and acts as a mediator for dilation and contraction of blood vessel walls. This study focuses on the relationship between RBC dynamics and Ca2 + dynamics, based on numerical simulations under Poiseuille flow within a linear two-dimensional channel. It is found that the concentration of ATP depends upon a variety of factors, including RBC density, channel width, and the vigor of the flow. The results of our investigation reveals several features. Firstly, the peak amplitude of Ca2 + per EC escalates in direct proportion to the augmentation of RBC concentration. Secondly, increasing the flow strength induces a reduction in the time taken to reach the peak of Ca2 + concentration, under the condition of a constant channel width. Additionally, when flow strength remains constant, an increase in channel width corresponds to an elevation in calcium peak amplitude, coupled with a decrease in peak time. This implies that Ca2 + signals should transition from relatively unconstrained channels to more confined pathways within real vascular networks. This notion gains support from our examination of calcium propagation in a linear channel. In this scenario, the localized Ca2 + release initiates a propagating wave that gradually encompasses the entire channel. Notably, our computed propagation speed agrees with observations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sovan Lal Das
- Physical and Chemical Biology Laboratory, and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, Palakkad, 678623, India
| | - Chaouqi Misbah
- CNRS, LIPhy, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France.
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2
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Gou Z, Zhang H, Misbah C. Heterogeneous ATP patterns in microvascular networks. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20230186. [PMID: 37464803 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
ATP is not only an energy carrier but also serves as an important signalling molecule in many physiological processes. Abnormal ATP level in blood vessel is known to be related to several pathologies, such as inflammation, hypoxia and atherosclerosis. Using advanced numerical methods, we analysed ATP released by red blood cells (RBCs) and its degradation by endothelial cells (ECs) in a cat mesentery-inspired vascular network, accounting for RBC mutual interaction and interactions with vascular walls. Our analysis revealed a heterogeneous ATP distribution in the network, with higher concentrations in the cell-free layer, concentration peaks around bifurcations and heterogeneity among vessels of the same level. These patterns arise from the spatio-temporal organization of RBCs induced by the network geometry. It is further shown that an alteration of hematocrit and flow strength significantly affects ATP level as well as heterogeneity in the network. These findings constitute a first building block to elucidate the intricate nature of ATP patterns in vascular networks and the far reaching consequences for other biochemical signalling, such as calcium, by ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Gou
- CNRS, LIPhy, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Hengdi Zhang
- CNRS, LIPhy, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Shenzhen Sibionics Co. Ltd, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaouqi Misbah
- CNRS, LIPhy, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
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3
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Jeong S, Kang HW, Kim SH, Hong GS, Nam MH, Seong J, Yoon ES, Cho IJ, Chung S, Bang S, Kim HN, Choi N. Integration of reconfigurable microchannels into aligned three-dimensional neural networks for spatially controllable neuromodulation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf0925. [PMID: 36897938 PMCID: PMC10005277 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf0925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Anisotropically organized neural networks are indispensable routes for functional connectivity in the brain, which remains largely unknown. While prevailing animal models require additional preparation and stimulation-applying devices and have exhibited limited capabilities regarding localized stimulation, no in vitro platform exists that permits spatiotemporal control of chemo-stimulation in anisotropic three-dimensional (3D) neural networks. We present the integration of microchannels seamlessly into a fibril-aligned 3D scaffold by adapting a single fabrication principle. We investigated the underlying physics of elastic microchannels' ridges and interfacial sol-gel transition of collagen under compression to determine a critical window of geometry and strain. We demonstrated the spatiotemporally resolved neuromodulation in an aligned 3D neural network by local deliveries of KCl and Ca2+ signal inhibitors, such as tetrodotoxin, nifedipine, and mibefradil, and also visualized Ca2+ signal propagation with a speed of ~3.7 μm/s. We anticipate that our technology will pave the way to elucidate functional connectivity and neurological diseases associated with transsynaptic propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohyeon Jeong
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- MEPSGEN Co. Ltd., Seoul 05836, Korea
| | - Hyun Wook Kang
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - So Hyun Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- SK Biopharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Seongnam 13494, Korea
| | - Gyu-Sang Hong
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Min-Ho Nam
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Jihye Seong
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Korea
| | - Eui-Sung Yoon
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- Division of Nano and Information Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Il-Joo Cho
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Seok Chung
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Seokyoung Bang
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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4
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Yang Y, Jiang H. Intercellular water exchanges trigger soliton-like waves in multicellular systems. Biophys J 2022; 121:1610-1618. [PMID: 35395246 PMCID: PMC9117941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oscillations and waves are ubiquitous in living cellular systems. Generations of these spatio-temporal patterns are generally attributed to some mechanochemical feedbacks. Here, we treat cells as open systems, i.e., water and ions can pass through the cell membrane passively or actively, and reveal a new origin of wave generation. We show that osmotic shocks above a shock threshold will trigger self-sustained cell oscillations and result in long-range waves propagating without decrement, a phenomenon that is analogous to the excitable medium. The travelling wave propagates along intercellular osmotic pressure gradient and its wave speed scales with the magnitude of intercellular water flows. Furthermore, we also find that the travelling wave exhibits several hallmarks of solitary waves. Together, our findings predict a new mechanism of wave generation in living multicellular systems. The ubiquity of intercellular water exchanges implies that this mechanism may be relevant to a broad class of systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehua Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at the Microscale, CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Hongyuan Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at the Microscale, CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China.
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5
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Gosak M, Gojić D, Spasovska E, Hawlina M, Andjelic S. Cataract Progression Associated with Modifications in Calcium Signaling in Human Lens Epithelia as Studied by Mechanical Stimulation. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11050369. [PMID: 33919270 PMCID: PMC8143283 DOI: 10.3390/life11050369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ homeostasis and signaling disturbances are associated with lens pathophysiology and are involved in cataract formation. Here, we explored the spatiotemporal changes in Ca2+ signaling in lens epithelial cells (LECs) upon local mechanical stimulation, to better understand the LECs’ intercellular communication and its association with cataractogenesis. We were interested in if the progression of the cataract affects the Ca2+ signaling and if modifications of the Ca2+ homeostasis in LECs are associated with different cataract types. Experiments were done on the human postoperative anterior lens capsule (LC) preparations consisting of the monolayer of LECs on the basement membrane. Our findings revealed that the Ca2+ signal spreads radially from the stimulation point and that the amplitude of Ca2+ transients decreases with increasing distance. It is noteworthy that a comparison of signaling characteristics with respect to the degree of cataract progression revealed that, in LCs from more developed cataracts, the Ca2+ wave propagates faster and the amplitudes of Ca2+ signals are lower, while their durations are longer. No differences were identified when comparing LCs with regard to the cataract type. Moreover, experiments with Apyrase have revealed that the Ca2+ signals are not affected by ATP-dependent paracrine communication. Our results indicated that cataract progression is associated with modifications in Ca2+ signaling in LECs, suggesting the functional importance of altered Ca2+ signaling of LECs in cataractogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Gosak
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Dajana Gojić
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.G.); (E.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Elena Spasovska
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.G.); (E.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Marko Hawlina
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.G.); (E.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Sofija Andjelic
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.G.); (E.S.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence:
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6
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A metabolic reaction-diffusion model for PKCα translocation via PIP2 hydrolysis in an endothelial cell. Biochem J 2020; 477:4071-4084. [PMID: 33026061 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hydrolysis of the phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) at the cell membrane induces the release of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) into the cytoplasm and diffusion of diacylglycerol (DAG) through the membrane, respectively. Release of IP3 subsequently increases Ca2+ levels in the cytoplasm, which results in activation of protein kinase C α (PKCα) by Ca2+ and DAG, and finally the translocation of PKCα from the cytoplasm to the membrane. In this study, we developed a metabolic reaction-diffusion framework to simulate PKCα translocation via PIP2 hydrolysis in an endothelial cell. A three-dimensional cell model, divided into membrane and cytoplasm domains, was reconstructed from confocal microscopy images. The associated metabolic reactions were divided into their corresponding domain; PIP2 hydrolysis at the membrane domain resulted in DAG diffusion at the membrane domain and IP3 release into the cytoplasm domain. In the cytoplasm domain, Ca2+ was released from the endoplasmic reticulum, and IP3, Ca2+, and PKCα diffused through the cytoplasm. PKCα bound Ca2+ at, and diffused through, the cytoplasm, and was finally activated by binding with DAG at the membrane. Using our model, we analyzed IP3 and DAG dynamics, Ca2+ waves, and PKCα translocation in response to a microscopic stimulus. We found a qualitative agreement between our simulation results and our experimental results obtained by live-cell imaging. Interestingly, our results suggest that PKCα translocation is dominated by DAG dynamics. This three-dimensional reaction-diffusion mathematical framework could be used to investigate the link between PKCα activation in a cell and cell function.
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7
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Beekers I, Mastik F, Beurskens R, Tang PY, Vegter M, van der Steen AFW, de Jong N, Verweij MD, Kooiman K. High-Resolution Imaging of Intracellular Calcium Fluctuations Caused by Oscillating Microbubbles. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2020; 46:2017-2029. [PMID: 32402676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound insonification of microbubbles can locally enhance drug delivery, but the microbubble-cell interaction remains poorly understood. Because intracellular calcium (Cai2+) is a key cellular regulator, unraveling the Cai2+ fluctuations caused by an oscillating microbubble provides crucial insight into the underlying bio-effects. Therefore, we developed an optical imaging system at nanometer and nanosecond resolution that can resolve Cai2+ fluctuations and microbubble oscillations. Using this system, we clearly distinguished three Cai2+ uptake profiles upon sonoporation of endothelial cells, which strongly correlated with the microbubble oscillation amplitude, severity of sonoporation and opening of cell-cell contacts. We found a narrow operating range for viable drug delivery without lethal cell damage. Moreover, adjacent cells were affected by a calcium wave propagating at 15 μm/s. With the unique optical system, we unraveled the microbubble oscillation behavior required for drug delivery and Cai2+ fluctuations, providing new insight into the microbubble-cell interaction to aid clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Beekers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Frits Mastik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Beurskens
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Phoei Ying Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Merel Vegter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Antonius F W van der Steen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Acoustical Wavefield Imaging, Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Nico de Jong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Acoustical Wavefield Imaging, Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Martin D Verweij
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Acoustical Wavefield Imaging, Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Klazina Kooiman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Abstract
Of the 21 members of the connexin family, 4 (Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Cx45) are expressed in the endothelium and/or smooth muscle of intact blood vessels to a variable and dynamically regulated degree. Full-length connexins oligomerize and form channel structures connecting the cytosol of adjacent cells (gap junctions) or the cytosol with the extracellular space (hemichannels). The different connexins vary mainly with regard to length and sequence of their cytosolic COOH-terminal tails. These COOH-terminal parts, which in the case of Cx43 are also translated as independent short isoforms, are involved in various cellular signaling cascades and regulate cell functions. This review focuses on channel-dependent and -independent effects of connexins in vascular cells. Channels play an essential role in coordinating and synchronizing endothelial and smooth muscle activity and in their interplay, in the control of vasomotor actions of blood vessels including endothelial cell reactivity to agonist stimulation, nitric oxide-dependent dilation, and endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor-type responses. Further channel-dependent and -independent roles of connexins in blood vessel function range from basic processes of vascular remodeling and angiogenesis to vascular permeability and interactions with leukocytes with the vessel wall. Together, these connexin functions constitute an often underestimated basis for the enormous plasticity of vascular morphology and function enabling the required dynamic adaptation of the vascular system to varying tissue demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Pohl
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Biomedical Centre, Cardiovascular Physiology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany; and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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9
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Shimizu M, Minzan K, Kawashima H, Miyasaka K, Umedachi T, Ogura T, Nakai J, Ohkura M, Hosoda K. Self-organizing cell tactile perception which depends on mechanical stimulus history. Adv Robot 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/01691864.2019.1590232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Shimizu
- Department of Systems Innovation, Osaka University Graduate School of Engineering Science, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Kosuke Minzan
- Department of Multimedia Engineering, Osaka University Graduate School of Information Science Technology, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kawashima
- Department of Systems Innovation, Osaka University Graduate School of Engineering Science, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Kota Miyasaka
- Gene Expression Laboratory - Evans (GEL-E), Salk Institute for Biological studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Takuya Umedachi
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Ogura
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer and Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Junichi Nakai
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Brain and Body System Science Institute, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masamichi Ohkura
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Brain and Body System Science Institute, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Koh Hosoda
- Department of Systems Innovation, Osaka University Graduate School of Engineering Science, Toyonaka, Japan
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10
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Sera T, Komine S, Arai M, Sunaga Y, Yokota H, Kudo S. Three-dimensional model of intracellular and intercellular Ca 2+ waves propagation in endothelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 505:781-786. [PMID: 30293682 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular and intercellular Ca2+ waves play key roles in cellular functions, and focal stimulation triggers Ca2+ wave propagation from stimulation points to neighboring cells, involving localized metabolism reactions and specific diffusion processes. Among these, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) is produced at membranes and diffuses into the cytoplasm to release Ca2+ from endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this study, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) simulation model for intercellular and intracellular Ca2+ waves in endothelial cells (ECs). 3D model of 2 cells was reconstructed from confocal microscopic images and was connected via gap junctions. Cells have membrane and cytoplasm domains, and metabolic reactions were divided into each domain. Finally, the intracellular and intercellular Ca2+ wave propagations were induced using microscopic stimulation and were compared between numerical simulations and experiments. The experiments showed that initial sharp increases in intracellular Ca2+ occurred approximately 0.3 s after application of stimuli. In addition, Ca2+ wave speeds remained constant in cells, with intracellular and intercellular speeds of approximately 35 and 15 μm/s, respectively. Simulations indicated initial increases in Ca2+ concentrations at points of stimulation, and these were then propagated across stimulated and neighboring cells. In particular, initial rapid increases in intracellular Ca2+ were delayed and subsequent intracellular and intercellular Ca2+ wave speeds were approximately 25 and 12 μm/s, respectively. Simulation results were in agreement with those from cell culture experiments, indicating the utility of our 3D model for investigations of intracellular and intercellular messaging in ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Sera
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Japan. //
| | - Shingo Komine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, Japan
| | - Masataka Arai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Sunaga
- Advanced Center for Computing and Communication, RIKEN, Japan
| | - Hideo Yokota
- Image Processing Research Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, RIKEN, Japan
| | - Susumu Kudo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Japan
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Sun J, Hoying JB, Deymier PA, Zhang DD, Wong PK. Cellular Architecture Regulates Collective Calcium Signaling and Cell Contractility. PLoS Comput Biol 2016; 12:e1004955. [PMID: 27196735 PMCID: PMC4873241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A key feature of multicellular systems is the ability of cells to function collectively in response to external stimuli. However, the mechanisms of intercellular cell signaling and their functional implications in diverse vascular structures are poorly understood. Using a combination of computational modeling and plasma lithography micropatterning, we investigate the roles of structural arrangement of endothelial cells in collective calcium signaling and cell contractility. Under histamine stimulation, endothelial cells in self-assembled and microengineered networks, but not individual cells and monolayers, exhibit calcium oscillations. Micropatterning, pharmacological inhibition, and computational modeling reveal that the calcium oscillation depends on the number of neighboring cells coupled via gap junctional intercellular communication, providing a mechanistic basis of the architecture-dependent calcium signaling. Furthermore, the calcium oscillation attenuates the histamine-induced cytoskeletal reorganization and cell contraction, resulting in differential cell responses in an architecture-dependent manner. Taken together, our results suggest that endothelial cells can sense and respond to chemical stimuli according to the vascular architecture via collective calcium signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Sun
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - James B. Hoying
- Cardiovascular Innovation Institute, University of Louisville & Jewish Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Pierre A. Deymier
- Material Science and Engineering Department, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Donna D. Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Pak Kin Wong
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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12
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Probing Leader Cells in Endothelial Collective Migration by Plasma Lithography Geometric Confinement. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22707. [PMID: 26936382 PMCID: PMC4776176 DOI: 10.1038/srep22707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
When blood vessels are injured, leader cells emerge in the endothelium to heal the wound and restore the vasculature integrity. The characteristics of leader cells during endothelial collective migration under diverse physiological conditions, however, are poorly understood. Here we investigate the regulation and function of endothelial leader cells by plasma lithography geometric confinement generated. Endothelial leader cells display an aggressive phenotype, connect to follower cells via peripheral actin cables and discontinuous adherens junctions, and lead migrating clusters near the leading edge. Time-lapse microscopy, immunostaining, and particle image velocimetry reveal that the density of leader cells and the speed of migrating clusters are tightly regulated in a wide range of geometric patterns. By challenging the cells with converging, diverging and competing patterns, we show that the density of leader cells correlates with the size and coherence of the migrating clusters. Collectively, our data provide evidence that leader cells control endothelial collective migration by regualting the migrating clusters.
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13
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Radu BM, Radu M, Tognoli C, Benati D, Merigo F, Assfalg M, Solani E, Stranieri C, Ceccon A, Fratta Pasini AM, Cominacini L, Bramanti P, Osculati F, Bertini G, Fabene PF. Are they in or out? The elusive interaction between Qtracker®800 vascular labels and brain endothelial cells. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2015; 10:3329-42. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.15.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Qtracker®800 Vascular labels (Qtracker®800) are promising biomedical tools for high-resolution vasculature imaging; their effects on mouse and human endothelia, however, are still unknown. Materials & methods: Qtracker®800 were injected in Balb/c mice, and brain endothelium uptake was investigated by transmission electron microscopy 3-h post injection. We then investigated, in vitro, the effects of Qtracker®800 exposure on mouse and human endothelial cells by calcium imaging. Results: Transmission electron microscopy images showed nanoparticle accumulation in mouse brain endothelia. A subset of mouse and human endothelial cells generated intracellular calcium transients in response to Qtracker®800. Conclusion: Qtracker®800 nanoparticles elicit endothelial functional responses, which prompts biomedical safety evaluations and may bias the interpretation of experimental studies involving vascular imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Mihaela Radu
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology & Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest 050095, Romania
| | - Mihai Radu
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
- Department of Life & Environmental Physics, ‘Horia Hulubei’ National Institute for Physics & Nuclear Engineering, Magurele 077125, Romania
| | - Cristina Tognoli
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Donatella Benati
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Flavia Merigo
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Michael Assfalg
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Erika Solani
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Chiara Stranieri
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Alberto Ceccon
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | | | - Luciano Cominacini
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Osculati
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi ‘Bonino Pulejo’, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bertini
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Paolo Francesco Fabene
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
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14
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Narciso C, Wu Q, Brodskiy P, Garston G, Baker R, Fletcher A, Zartman J. Patterning of wound-induced intercellular Ca(2+) flashes in a developing epithelium. Phys Biol 2015; 12:056005. [PMID: 26331891 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/12/5/056005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Differential mechanical force distributions are increasingly recognized to provide important feedback into the control of an organ's final size and shape. As a second messenger that integrates and relays mechanical information to the cell, calcium ions (Ca(2+)) are a prime candidate for providing important information on both the overall mechanical state of the tissue and resulting behavior at the individual-cell level during development. Still, how the spatiotemporal properties of Ca(2+) transients reflect the underlying mechanical characteristics of tissues is still poorly understood. Here we use an established model system of an epithelial tissue, the Drosophila wing imaginal disc, to investigate how tissue properties impact the propagation of Ca(2+) transients induced by laser ablation. The resulting intercellular Ca(2+) flash is found to be mediated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and depends on gap junction communication. Further, we find that intercellular Ca(2+) transients show spatially non-uniform characteristics across the proximal-distal axis of the larval wing imaginal disc, which exhibit a gradient in cell size and anisotropy. A computational model of Ca(2+) transients is employed to identify the principle factors explaining the spatiotemporal patterning dynamics of intercellular Ca(2+) flashes. The relative Ca(2+) flash anisotropy is principally explained by local cell shape anisotropy. Further, Ca(2+) velocities are relatively uniform throughout the wing disc, irrespective of cell size or anisotropy. This can be explained by the opposing effects of cell diameter and cell elongation on intercellular Ca(2+) propagation. Thus, intercellular Ca(2+) transients follow lines of mechanical tension at velocities that are largely independent of tissue heterogeneity and reflect the mechanical state of the underlying tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Narciso
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 182 Fitzpatrick Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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15
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Sun J, Xiao Y, Wang S, Slepian MJ, Wong PK. Advances in Techniques for Probing Mechanoregulation of Tissue Morphogenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 20:127-37. [DOI: 10.1177/2211068214554802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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16
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Nam KH, Jamilpour N, Mfoumou E, Wang FY, Zhang DD, Wong PK. Probing mechanoregulation of neuronal differentiation by plasma lithography patterned elastomeric substrates. Sci Rep 2014; 4:6965. [PMID: 25376886 PMCID: PMC4223667 DOI: 10.1038/srep06965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells sense and interpret mechanical cues, including cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions, in the microenvironment to collectively regulate various physiological functions. Understanding the influences of these mechanical factors on cell behavior is critical for fundamental cell biology and for the development of novel strategies in regenerative medicine. Here, we demonstrate plasma lithography patterning on elastomeric substrates for elucidating the influences of mechanical cues on neuronal differentiation and neuritogenesis. The neuroblastoma cells form neuronal spheres on plasma-treated regions, which geometrically confine the cells over two weeks. The elastic modulus of the elastomer is controlled simultaneously by the crosslinker concentration. The cell-substrate mechanical interactions are also investigated by controlling the size of neuronal spheres with different cell seeding densities. These physical cues are shown to modulate with the formation of focal adhesions, neurite outgrowth, and the morphology of neuroblastoma. By systematic adjustment of these cues, along with computational biomechanical analysis, we demonstrate the interrelated mechanoregulatory effects of substrate elasticity and cell size. Taken together, our results reveal that the neuronal differentiation and neuritogenesis of neuroblastoma cells are collectively regulated via the cell-substrate mechanical interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Hwan Nam
- 1] Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA [2] Centre for Analytical Instrumentation Development, The Korea Basic Science Institute, Deajeon305-806, Korea
| | - Nima Jamilpour
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
| | - Etienne Mfoumou
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
| | - Fei-Yue Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Complex Systems and Intelligence Science, The Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Donna D Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona. 85721, USA
| | - Pak Kin Wong
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
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17
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Hraha TH, Westacott MJ, Pozzoli M, Notary AM, McClatchey PM, Benninger RKP. Phase transitions in the multi-cellular regulatory behavior of pancreatic islet excitability. PLoS Comput Biol 2014; 10:e1003819. [PMID: 25188228 PMCID: PMC4154652 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The pancreatic islets of Langerhans are multicellular micro-organs integral to maintaining glucose homeostasis through secretion of the hormone insulin. β-cells within the islet exist as a highly coupled electrical network which coordinates electrical activity and insulin release at high glucose, but leads to global suppression at basal glucose. Despite its importance, how network dynamics generate this emergent binary on/off behavior remains to be elucidated. Previous work has suggested that a small threshold of quiescent cells is able to suppress the entire network. By modeling the islet as a Boolean network, we predicted a phase-transition between globally active and inactive states would emerge near this threshold number of cells, indicative of critical behavior. This was tested using islets with an inducible-expression mutation which renders defined numbers of cells electrically inactive, together with pharmacological modulation of electrical activity. This was combined with real-time imaging of intracellular free-calcium activity [Ca2+]i and measurement of physiological parameters in mice. As the number of inexcitable cells was increased beyond ∼15%, a phase-transition in islet activity occurred, switching from globally active wild-type behavior to global quiescence. This phase-transition was also seen in insulin secretion and blood glucose, indicating physiological impact. This behavior was reproduced in a multicellular dynamical model suggesting critical behavior in the islet may obey general properties of coupled heterogeneous networks. This study represents the first detailed explanation for how the islet facilitates inhibitory activity in spite of a heterogeneous cell population, as well as the role this plays in diabetes and its reversal. We further explain how islets utilize this critical behavior to leverage cellular heterogeneity and coordinate a robust insulin response with high dynamic range. These findings also give new insight into emergent multicellular dynamics in general which are applicable to many coupled physiological systems, specifically where inhibitory dynamics result from coupled networks. As science has successfully broken down the elements of many biological systems, the network dynamics of large-scale cellular interactions has emerged as a new frontier. One way to understand how dynamical elements within large networks behave collectively is via mathematical modeling. Diabetes, which is of increasing international concern, is commonly caused by a deterioration of these complex dynamics in a highly coupled micro-organ called the islet of Langerhans. Therefore, if we are to understand diabetes and how to treat it, we must understand how coupling affects ensemble dynamics. While the role of network connectivity in islet excitation under stimulatory conditions has been well studied, how connectivity also suppresses activity under fasting conditions remains to be elucidated. Here we use two network models of islet connectivity to investigate this process. Using genetically altered islets and pharmacological treatments, we show how suppression of islet activity is solely dependent on a threshold number of inactive cells. We found that the islet exhibits critical behavior in the threshold region, rapidly transitioning from global activity to inactivity. We therefore propose how the islet and multicellular systems in general can generate a robust stimulated response from a heterogeneous cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H. Hraha
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Westacott
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Marina Pozzoli
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Aleena M. Notary
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - P. Mason McClatchey
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Richard K. P. Benninger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Hraha TH, Bernard AB, Nguyen LM, Anseth KS, Benninger RKP. Dimensionality and size scaling of coordinated Ca(2+) dynamics in MIN6 β-cell clusters. Biophys J 2014; 106:299-309. [PMID: 24411262 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2013.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic islets of Langerhans regulate blood glucose homeostasis by the secretion of the hormone insulin. Like many neuroendocrine cells, the coupling between insulin-secreting β-cells in the islet is critical for the dynamics of hormone secretion. We have examined how this coupling architecture regulates the electrical dynamics that underlie insulin secretion by utilizing a microwell-based aggregation method to generate clusters of a β-cell line with defined sizes and dimensions. We measured the dynamics of free-calcium activity ([Ca(2+)]i) and insulin secretion and compared these measurements with a percolating network model. We observed that the coupling dimension was critical for regulating [Ca(2+)]i dynamics and insulin secretion. Three-dimensional coupling led to size-invariant suppression of [Ca(2+)]i at low glucose and robust synchronized [Ca(2+)]i oscillations at elevated glucose, whereas two-dimensional coupling showed poor suppression and less robust synchronization, with significant size-dependence. The dimension- and size-scaling of [Ca(2+)]i at high and low glucose could be accurately described with the percolating network model, using similar network connectivity. As such this could explain the fundamentally different behavior and size-scaling observed under each coupling dimension. This study highlights the dependence of proper β-cell function on the coupling architecture that will be important for developing therapeutic treatments for diabetes such as islet transplantation techniques. Furthermore, this will be vital to gain a better understanding of the general features by which cellular interactions regulate coupled multicellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Hraha
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Abigail B Bernard
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
| | - Linda M Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
| | - Richard K P Benninger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical campus, Aurora, CO; Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO.
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Barros MT, Balasubramaniam S, Jennings B. Using information metrics and molecular communication to detect cellular tissue deformation. IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2014; 13:278-88. [PMID: 25167555 DOI: 10.1109/tnb.2014.2351451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Calcium-signaling-based molecular communication has been proposed as one form of communication for short range transmission between nanomachines. This form of communication is naturally found within cellular tissues, where Ca(2+) ions propagate and diffuse between cells. However, the naturally flexible structure of cells usually leads to the cells dynamically changing shape under strain. Since the interconnected cells form the tissue, a change in shape of one cell will change the shape of the neighboring cells and the tissue as a whole. This will in turn dramatically impair the communication channel between the nanomachines. We propose a process for nanomachines utilizing Ca(2+) based molecular communication to infer and detect the state of the tissue, which we term the Molecular Nanonetwork Inference Process. The process employs a threshold based classifier that identifies its threshold boundaries based on a training process. The inference/detection mechanism allows the destination nanomachine to determine: i) the type of tissue deformation; ii) the amount of tissue deformation; iii) the amount of Ca(2+) concentration emitted from the source nanomachine; and iv) its distance from the destination nanomachines. We evaluate the use of three information metrics: mutual information, mutual information with generalized entropy and information distance. Our analysis, which is conducted on two different topologies, finds that mutual information with generalized entropy provides the most accurate inferencing/detection process, enabling the classifier to obtain 80% of accuracy on average.
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20
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Gosak M, Guibert C, Billaud M, Roux E, Marhl M. The influence of gap junction network complexity on pulmonary artery smooth muscle reactivity in normoxic and chronically hypoxic conditions. Exp Physiol 2013; 99:272-85. [DOI: 10.1113/expphysiol.2013.074971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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