1
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Mpekris F, Panagi M, Charalambous A, Voutouri C, Stylianopoulos T. Modulating cancer mechanopathology to restore vascular function and enhance immunotherapy. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101626. [PMID: 38944037 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Solid tumor pathology, characterized by abnormalities in the tumor microenvironment (TME), challenges therapeutic effectiveness. Mechanical factors, including increased tumor stiffness and accumulation of intratumoral forces, can determine the success of cancer treatments, defining the tumor's "mechanopathology" profile. These abnormalities cause extensive vascular compression, leading to hypoperfusion and hypoxia. Hypoperfusion hinders drug delivery, while hypoxia creates an unfavorable TME, promoting tumor progression through immunosuppression, heightened metastatic potential, drug resistance, and chaotic angiogenesis. Strategies targeting TME mechanopathology, such as vascular and stroma normalization, hold promise in enhancing cancer therapies with some already advancing to the clinic. Normalization can be achieved using anti-angiogenic agents, mechanotherapeutics, immune checkpoint inhibitors, engineered bacterial therapeutics, metronomic nanomedicine, and ultrasound sonopermeation. Here, we review the methods developed to rectify tumor mechanopathology, which have even led to cures in preclinical models, and discuss their bench-to-bedside translation, including the derivation of biomarkers from tumor mechanopathology for personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Mpekris
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Myrofora Panagi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Antonia Charalambous
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chrysovalantis Voutouri
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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2
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Kondapaneni RV, Gurung SK, Nakod PS, Goodarzi K, Yakati V, Lenart NA, Rao SS. Glioblastoma mechanobiology at multiple length scales. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 160:213860. [PMID: 38640876 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a primary brain cancer, is one of the most aggressive forms of human cancer, with a very low patient survival rate. A characteristic feature of GBM is the diffuse infiltration of tumor cells into the surrounding brain extracellular matrix (ECM) that provide biophysical, topographical, and biochemical cues. In particular, ECM stiffness and composition is known to play a key role in controlling various GBM cell behaviors including proliferation, migration, invasion, as well as the stem-like state and response to chemotherapies. In this review, we discuss the mechanical characteristics of the GBM microenvironment at multiple length scales, and how biomaterial scaffolds such as polymeric hydrogels, and fibers, as well as microfluidic chip-based platforms have been employed as tissue mimetic models to study GBM mechanobiology. We also highlight how such tissue mimetic models can impact the field of GBM mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu Vamsi Kondapaneni
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Sumiran Kumar Gurung
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Pinaki S Nakod
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Kasra Goodarzi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Venu Yakati
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Nicholas A Lenart
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Shreyas S Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
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3
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Kumar V, Naqvi SM, Verbruggen A, McEvoy E, McNamara LM. A mechanobiological model of bone metastasis reveals that mechanical stimulation inhibits the pro-osteolytic effects of breast cancer cells. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114043. [PMID: 38642336 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114043] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone is highly susceptible to cancer metastasis, and both tumor and bone cells enable tumor invasion through a "vicious cycle" of biochemical signaling. Tumor metastasis into bone also alters biophysical cues to both tumor and bone cells, which are highly sensitive to their mechanical environment. However, the mechanobiological feedback between these cells that perpetuate this cycle has not been studied. Here, we develop highly advanced in vitro and computational models to provide an advanced understanding of how tumor growth is regulated by the synergistic influence of tumor-bone cell signaling and mechanobiological cues. In particular, we develop a multicellular healthy and metastatic bone model that can account for physiological mechanical signals within a custom bioreactor. These models successfully recapitulated mineralization, mechanobiological responses, osteolysis, and metastatic activity. Ultimately, we demonstrate that mechanical stimulus provided protective effects against tumor-induced osteolysis, confirming the importance of mechanobiological factors in bone metastasis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vatsal Kumar
- Mechanobiology and Medical Device Research Group (MMDRG), Biomedical Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, H91 HX31 Galway, Ireland
| | - Syeda M Naqvi
- Mechanobiology and Medical Device Research Group (MMDRG), Biomedical Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, H91 HX31 Galway, Ireland
| | - Anneke Verbruggen
- Mechanobiology and Medical Device Research Group (MMDRG), Biomedical Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, H91 HX31 Galway, Ireland
| | - Eoin McEvoy
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, H91 HX31 Galway, Ireland
| | - Laoise M McNamara
- Mechanobiology and Medical Device Research Group (MMDRG), Biomedical Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, H91 HX31 Galway, Ireland.
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4
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Skelton M, Gentry JL, Astrab LR, Goedert JA, Earl EB, Pham EL, Bhat T, Caliari SR. Modular Multiwell Viscoelastic Hydrogel Platform for Two- and Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Applications. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:3280-3292. [PMID: 38608136 PMCID: PMC11094681 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels have gained significant popularity as model platforms to study reciprocal interactions between cells and their microenvironment. While hydrogel tools to probe many characteristics of the extracellular space have been developed, fabrication approaches remain challenging and time-consuming, limiting multiplexing or widespread adoption. Thus, we have developed a modular fabrication approach to generate distinct hydrogel microenvironments within the same 96-well plate for increased throughput of fabrication as well as integration with existing high-throughput assay technologies. This approach enables in situ hydrogel mechanical characterization and is used to generate both elastic and viscoelastic hydrogels across a range of stiffnesses. Additionally, this fabrication method enabled a 3-fold reduction in polymer and up to an 8-fold reduction in fabrication time required per hydrogel replicate. The feasibility of this platform for two-dimensional (2D) cell culture applications was demonstrated by measuring both population-level and single-cell-level metrics via microplate reader and high-content imaging. Finally, a 96-well hydrogel array was utilized for three-dimensional (3D) cell culture, demonstrating the ability to support high cell viability. Together, this work demonstrates a versatile and easily adaptable fabrication approach that can support the ever-expanding tool kit of hydrogel technologies for cell culture applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie
L. Skelton
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Psychology, Department of Chemical
Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - James L. Gentry
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Psychology, Department of Chemical
Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Leilani R. Astrab
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Psychology, Department of Chemical
Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Joshua A. Goedert
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Psychology, Department of Chemical
Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - E. Brynn Earl
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Psychology, Department of Chemical
Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Emily L. Pham
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Psychology, Department of Chemical
Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Tanvi Bhat
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Psychology, Department of Chemical
Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Steven R. Caliari
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Psychology, Department of Chemical
Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
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5
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Ilnitskaya AS, Litovka NI, Rubtsova SN, Zhitnyak IY, Gloushankova NA. Actin Cytoskeleton Remodeling Accompanied by Redistribution of Adhesion Proteins Drives Migration of Cells in Different EMT States. Cells 2024; 13:780. [PMID: 38727316 PMCID: PMC11083118 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process during which epithelial cells lose epithelial characteristics and gain mesenchymal features. Here, we used several cell models to study migratory activity and redistribution of cell-cell adhesion proteins in cells in different EMT states: EGF-induced EMT of epithelial IAR-20 cells; IAR-6-1 cells with a hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype; and their more mesenchymal derivatives, IAR-6-1-DNE cells lacking adherens junctions. In migrating cells, the cell-cell adhesion protein α-catenin accumulated at the leading edges along with ArpC2/p34 and α-actinin. Suppression of α-catenin shifted cell morphology from fibroblast-like to discoid and attenuated cell migration. Expression of exogenous α-catenin in MDA-MB-468 cells devoid of α-catenin drastically increased their migratory capabilities. The Y654 phosphorylated form of β-catenin was detected at integrin adhesion complexes (IACs). Co-immunoprecipitation studies indicated that α-catenin and pY654-β-catenin were associated with IAC proteins: vinculin, zyxin, and α-actinin. Taken together, these data suggest that in cells undergoing EMT, catenins not participating in assembly of adherens junctions may affect cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla S. Ilnitskaya
- Institute of Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoye Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.I.); (N.I.L.); (S.N.R.); (I.Y.Z.)
| | - Nikita I. Litovka
- Institute of Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoye Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.I.); (N.I.L.); (S.N.R.); (I.Y.Z.)
| | - Svetlana N. Rubtsova
- Institute of Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoye Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.I.); (N.I.L.); (S.N.R.); (I.Y.Z.)
| | - Irina Y. Zhitnyak
- Institute of Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoye Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.I.); (N.I.L.); (S.N.R.); (I.Y.Z.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 661 University Ave, MaRS West, Toronto, ON 5MG 1M1, Canada
| | - Natalya A. Gloushankova
- Institute of Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoye Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.I.); (N.I.L.); (S.N.R.); (I.Y.Z.)
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6
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Pillai EK, Franze K. Mechanics in the nervous system: From development to disease. Neuron 2024; 112:342-361. [PMID: 37967561 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Physical forces are ubiquitous in biological processes across scales and diverse contexts. This review highlights the significance of mechanical forces in nervous system development, homeostasis, and disease. We provide an overview of mechanical signals present in the nervous system and delve into mechanotransduction mechanisms translating these mechanical cues into biochemical signals. During development, mechanical cues regulate a plethora of processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, network formation, and cortex folding. Forces then continue exerting their influence on physiological processes, such as neuronal activity, glial cell function, and the interplay between these different cell types. Notably, changes in tissue mechanics manifest in neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors, potentially offering new diagnostic and therapeutic target opportunities. Understanding the role of cellular forces and tissue mechanics in nervous system physiology and pathology adds a new facet to neurobiology, shedding new light on many processes that remain incompletely understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva K Pillai
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Institute of Medical Physics and Microtissue Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestraße 91, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Kussmaulallee 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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7
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Jayaram MA, Phillips JJ. Role of the Microenvironment in Glioma Pathogenesis. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 19:181-201. [PMID: 37832944 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-051122-110348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Gliomas are a diverse group of primary central nervous system tumors that affect both children and adults. Recent studies have revealed a dynamic cross talk that occurs between glioma cells and components of their microenvironment, including neurons, astrocytes, immune cells, and the extracellular matrix. This cross talk regulates fundamental aspects of glioma development and growth. In this review, we discuss recent discoveries about the impact of these interactions on gliomas and highlight how tumor cells actively remodel their microenvironment to promote disease. These studies provide a better understanding of the interactions in the microenvironment that are important in gliomas, offer insight into the cross talk that occurs, and identify potential therapeutic vulnerabilities that can be utilized to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Anjali Jayaram
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain Tumor Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
| | - Joanna J Phillips
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain Tumor Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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8
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Crozet F, Levayer R. Emerging roles and mechanisms of ERK pathway mechanosensing. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:355. [PMID: 37947896 PMCID: PMC10638131 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05007-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The coupling between mechanical forces and modulation of cell signalling pathways is essential for tissue plasticity and their adaptation to changing environments. Whilst the number of physiological and pathological relevant roles of mechanotransduction has been rapidly expanding over the last decade, studies have been mostly focussing on a limited number of mechanosensitive pathways, which include for instance Hippo/YAP/TAZ pathway, Wnt/β-catenin or the stretch-activated channel Piezo. However, the recent development and spreading of new live sensors has provided new insights into the contribution of ERK pathway in mechanosensing in various systems, which emerges now as a fast and modular mechanosensitive pathway. In this review, we will document key in vivo and in vitro examples that have established a clear link between cell deformation, mechanical stress and modulation of ERK signalling, comparing the relevant timescale and mechanical stress. We will then discuss different molecular mechanisms that have been proposed so far, focussing on the epistatic link between mechanics and ERK and discussing the relevant cellular parameters affecting ERK signalling. We will finish by discussing the physiological and the pathological consequences of the link between ERK and mechanics, outlining how this interplay is instrumental for self-organisation and long-range cell-cell coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Crozet
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, 25 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Romain Levayer
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, 25 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015, Paris, France.
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9
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Tzeng YDT, Hsiao JH, Tseng LM, Hou MF, Li CJ. Breast cancer organoids derived from patients: A platform for tailored drug screening. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115803. [PMID: 37709150 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115803] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent and heterogeneous malignancy affecting women globally, posing a substantial health concern. Enhanced comprehension of tumor pathology and the development of novel therapeutics are pivotal for advancing breast cancer treatment. Contemporary breast cancer investigation heavily leans on in vivo models and conventional cell culture techniques. Nonetheless, these approaches often encounter high failure rates in clinical trials due to species disparities and tissue structure variations. To address this, three-dimensional cultivation of organoids, resembling organ-like structures, has emerged as a promising alternative. Organoids represent innovative in vitro models that mirror in vivo tissue microenvironments. They retain the original tumor's diversity and facilitate the expansion of tumor samples from diverse origins, facilitating the representation of varying tumor stages. Optimized breast cancer organoid models, under precise culture conditions, offer benefits including convenient sample acquisition, abbreviated cultivation durations, and genetic stability. These attributes ensure a faithful replication of in vivo traits of breast cancer cells. As intricate cellular entities boasting spatial arrangements, breast cancer organoid models harbor substantial potential in precision medicine, organ transplantation, modeling intricate diseases, gene therapy, and drug innovation. This review delivers an overview of organoid culture techniques and outlines future prospects for organoid modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Dun Tony Tzeng
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Hu Hsiao
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Municipal Minsheng Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Ming Tseng
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Feng Hou
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Jung Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan; Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan.
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10
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Sohrabi A, Lefebvre AEYT, Harrison MJ, Condro MC, Sanazzaro TM, Safarians G, Solomon I, Bastola S, Kordbacheh S, Toh N, Kornblum HI, Digman MA, Seidlits SK. Microenvironmental stiffness induces metabolic reprogramming in glioblastoma. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113175. [PMID: 37756163 PMCID: PMC10842372 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of solid tumors influence tumor cell phenotype and the ability to invade surrounding tissues. Using bioengineered scaffolds to provide a matrix microenvironment for patient-derived glioblastoma (GBM) spheroids, this study demonstrates that a soft, brain-like matrix induces GBM cells to shift to a glycolysis-weighted metabolic state, which supports invasive behavior. We first show that orthotopic murine GBM tumors are stiffer than peritumoral brain tissues, but tumor stiffness is heterogeneous where tumor edges are softer than the tumor core. We then developed 3D scaffolds with μ-compressive moduli resembling either stiffer tumor core or softer peritumoral brain tissue. We demonstrate that the softer matrix microenvironment induces a shift in GBM cell metabolism toward glycolysis, which manifests in lower proliferation rate and increased migration activities. Finally, we show that these mechanical cues are transduced from the matrix via CD44 and integrin receptors to induce metabolic and phenotypic changes in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Sohrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Austin E Y T Lefebvre
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Mollie J Harrison
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Michael C Condro
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Talia M Sanazzaro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Gevick Safarians
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Itay Solomon
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Soniya Bastola
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Shadi Kordbacheh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nadia Toh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Harley I Kornblum
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michelle A Digman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Stephanie K Seidlits
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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11
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Skelton ML, Gentry JL, Astrab LR, Goedert JA, Earl EB, Pham EL, Bhat T, Caliari SR. Modular multiwell viscoelastic hydrogel platform for two- and three-dimensional cell culture applications. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.09.561449. [PMID: 37873098 PMCID: PMC10592709 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.09.561449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels have gained significant popularity as model platforms to study the reciprocal interactions between cells and their microenvironment. While hydrogel tools to probe many characteristics of the extracellular space have been developed, fabrication approaches remain challenging and time-consuming, limiting multiplexing or widespread adoption. Thus, we have developed a modular fabrication approach to generate distinct hydrogel microenvironments within 96-well plates for increased throughput of fabrication as well as integration with existing high-throughput assay technologies. This approach enables in situ hydrogel mechanical characterization and was used to generate both elastic and viscoelastic hydrogels across a range of stiffnesses. Additionally, this fabrication method enabled a 3-fold reduction in polymer and up to an 8-fold reduction in fabrication time required per hydrogel replicate. The feasibility of this platform for cell culture applications was demonstrated by measuring both population-level and single cell-level metrics via microplate reader and high-content imaging. Finally, the 96-well hydrogel array was utilized for 3D cell culture, demonstrating the ability to support high cell viability. Together, this work demonstrates a versatile and easily adoptable fabrication approach that can support the ever-expanding tool kit of hydrogel technologies for cell culture applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie L. Skelton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
| | - James L. Gentry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
| | - Leilani R. Astrab
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
| | - Joshua A. Goedert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
| | - E. Brynn Earl
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
| | - Emily L. Pham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
| | - Tanvi Bhat
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
| | - Steven R. Caliari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
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12
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Ursini O, Grieco M, Sappino C, Capodilupo AL, Giannitelli SM, Mauri E, Bucciarelli A, Coricciati C, de Turris V, Gigli G, Moroni L, Cortese B. Modulation of Methacrylated Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels Enables Their Use as 3D Cultured Model. Gels 2023; 9:801. [PMID: 37888374 PMCID: PMC10606912 DOI: 10.3390/gels9100801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioengineered hydrogels represent physiologically relevant platforms for cell behaviour studies in the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine fields, as well as in in vitro disease models. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an ideal platform since it is a natural biocompatible polymer that is widely used to study cellular crosstalk, cell adhesion and cell proliferation, and is one of the major components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). We synthesised chemically modified HA with photo-crosslinkable methacrylated groups (HA-MA) in aqueous solutions and in strictly monitored pH and temperature conditions to obtain hydrogels with controlled bulk properties. The physical and chemical properties of the different HA-MA hydrogels were investigated via rheological studies, mechanical testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, which allowed us to determine the optimal biomechanical properties and develop a biocompatible scaffold. The morphological evolution processes and proliferation rates of glioblastoma cells (U251-MG) cultured on HA-MA surfaces were evaluated by comparing 2D structures with 3D structures, showing that the change in dimensionality impacted cell functions and interactions. The cell viability assays and evaluation of mitochondrial metabolism showed that the hydrogels did not interfere with cell survival. In addition, morphological studies provided evidence of cell-matrix interactions that promoted cell budding from the spheroids and the invasiveness in the surrounding environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Ursini
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Edificio Fermi, University Sapienza, Pz.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maddalena Grieco
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.G.); (A.L.C.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (G.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Carla Sappino
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University Rome, Pz.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Agostina Lina Capodilupo
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.G.); (A.L.C.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (G.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Sara Maria Giannitelli
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Mauri
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Bucciarelli
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.G.); (A.L.C.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (G.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Chiara Coricciati
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.G.); (A.L.C.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (G.G.); (L.M.)
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”, University of Salento, Via Arnesano, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Valeria de Turris
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro- Science Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.G.); (A.L.C.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (G.G.); (L.M.)
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”, University of Salento, Via Arnesano, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.G.); (A.L.C.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (G.G.); (L.M.)
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Cortese
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Edificio Fermi, University Sapienza, Pz.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Pardo-Pastor C, Rosenblatt J. Piezo1 activates noncanonical EGFR endocytosis and signaling. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi1328. [PMID: 37756411 PMCID: PMC10530101 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi1328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
EGFR-ERK signaling controls cell cycle progression during development, homeostasis, and disease. While EGF ligand and mechanical inputs can activate EGFR-ERK signaling, the molecules linking mechanical force to this axis have remained mysterious. We previously found that stretch promotes mitosis via the stretch-activated ion channel Piezo1 and ERK signaling. Here, we show that Piezo1 provides the missing link between mechanical signals and EGFR-ERK activation. While both EGF- and Piezo1-dependent activation trigger clathrin-mediated EGFR endocytosis and ERK activation, EGF relies on canonical tyrosine autophosphorylation, whereas Piezo1 involves Src-p38 kinase-dependent serine phosphorylation. In addition, unlike EGF, ex vivo lung slices treated with Piezo1 agonist promoted cell cycle re-entry via nuclear ERK, AP-1 (FOS and JUN), and YAP accumulation, typical of regenerative and malignant signaling. Our results suggest that mechanical activation via Piezo1, Src, and p38 may be more relevant to controlling repair, regeneration, and cancer growth than tyrosine kinase signaling via canonical EGF signaling, suggesting an alternative therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Pardo-Pastor
- Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt’s House, School of Basic & Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, SE1 1UL London, UK
| | - Jody Rosenblatt
- Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt’s House, School of Basic & Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, SE1 1UL London, UK
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, SE1 1UL London, UK
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14
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Wang H, Xia Y, Zhang Z, Xie Z. 3D gradient printing based on digital light processing. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:8883-8896. [PMID: 37694441 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00763d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
3D gradient printing is a type of fabrication technique that builds three-dimensional objects with gradually changing properties. Gradient digital light processing based 3D printing has garnered considerable attention in recent years. This function-oriented technology precisely manipulates the performance of different positions of materials and prints them as a monolithic structure to realize specific functions. This review presents a conceptual understanding of gradient properties, covering an overview of current techniques and materials that can produce gradient structures, as well as their limitations and challenges. The principle of digital light processing (DLP) technology and feasible strategies for 3D gradient printing to overcome any barriers are also presented. Additionally, this review discusses the promising future of 4D bioprinting systems based on DLP printing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Chien-Shiung Wu College, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211102, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Chien-Shiung Wu College, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211102, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zhuoying Xie
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
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15
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Han J, Bhatta R, Liu Y, Bo Y, Elosegui-Artola A, Wang H. Metabolic glycan labeling immobilizes dendritic cell membrane and enhances antitumor efficacy of dendritic cell vaccine. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5049. [PMID: 37598185 PMCID: PMC10439884 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40886-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) vaccine was among the first FDA-approved cancer immunotherapies, but has been limited by the modest cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response and therapeutic efficacy. Here we report a facile metabolic labeling approach that enables targeted modulation of adoptively transferred DCs for developing enhanced DC vaccines. We show that metabolic glycan labeling can reduce the membrane mobility of DCs, which activates DCs and improves the antigen presentation and subsequent T cell priming property of DCs. Metabolic glycan labeling itself can enhance the antitumor efficacy of DC vaccines. In addition, the cell-surface chemical tags (e.g., azido groups) introduced via metabolic glycan labeling also enable in vivo conjugation of cytokines onto adoptively transferred DCs, which further enhances CTL response and antitumor efficacy. Our DC labeling and targeting technology provides a strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of DC vaccines, with minimal interference upon the clinical manufacturing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonsu Han
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Rimsha Bhatta
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Yusheng Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Yang Bo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Alberto Elosegui-Artola
- Cell and Tissue Mechanobiology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Physics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL), Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Carle College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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16
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Moon SY, de Campos PS, Matte BF, Placone JK, Zanella VG, Martins MD, Lamers ML, Engler AJ. Cell contractility drives mechanical memory of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar89. [PMID: 37342880 PMCID: PMC10398896 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-07-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix stiffening is ubiquitous in solid tumors and can direct epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer cell migration. Stiffened niche can even cause poorly invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines to acquire a less adherent, more migratory phenotype, but mechanisms and durability of this acquired "mechanical memory" are unclear. Here, we observed that contractility and its downstream signals could underlie memory acquisition; invasive SSC25 cells overexpress myosin II (vs. noninvasive Cal27 cells) consistent with OSCC. However, prolonged exposure of Cal27 cells to a stiff niche or contractile agonists up-regulated myosin and EMT markers and enabled them to migrate as fast as SCC25 cells, which persisted even when the niche softened and indicated "memory" of their prior niche. Stiffness-mediated mesenchymal phenotype acquisition required AKT signaling and was also observed in patient samples, whereas phenotype recall on soft substrates required focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activity. Phenotype durability was further observed in transcriptomic differences between preconditioned Cal27 cells cultured without or with FAK or AKT antagonists, and such transcriptional differences corresponded to discrepant patient outcomes. These data suggest that mechanical memory, mediated by contractility via distinct kinase signaling, may be necessary for OSCC to disseminate.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Youn Moon
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | | | | | - Jesse K. Placone
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Department of Physics and Engineering, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA 19383
| | - Virgı´lio G. Zanella
- Department of Oral Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Santa Rita Hospital, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto, Alegre
| | | | - Marcelo Lazzaron Lamers
- Department of Oral Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
- Deparment of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035, Brazil
| | - Adam J. Engler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037
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17
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Liu F, Wu Q, Dong Z, Liu K. Integrins in cancer: Emerging mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Ther 2023:108458. [PMID: 37245545 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Integrins are vital surface adhesion receptors that mediate the interactions between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells and are essential for cell migration and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Aberrant integrin activation promotes initial tumor formation, growth, and metastasis. Recently, many lines of evidence have indicated that integrins are highly expressed in numerous cancer types and have documented many functions of integrins in tumorigenesis. Thus, integrins have emerged as attractive targets for the development of cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms by which integrins contribute to most of the hallmarks of cancer. We focus on recent progress on integrin regulators, binding proteins, and downstream effectors. We highlight the role of integrins in the regulation of tumor metastasis, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, and other hallmarks of cancer. In addition, integrin-targeted immunotherapy and other integrin inhibitors that have been used in preclinical and clinical studies are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Liu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China; Tianjian Advanced Biomedical Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China; Tianjian Advanced Biomedical Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.
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18
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Acharekar A, Bachal K, Shirke P, Thorat R, Banerjee A, Gardi N, Majumder A, Dutt S. Substrate stiffness regulates the recurrent glioblastoma cell morphology and aggressiveness. Matrix Biol 2023; 115:107-127. [PMID: 36563706 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.12.002] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent glioblastoma is highly aggressive with currently no specific treatment regime. Therefore, to identify novel therapeutic targets for recurrent GBM, we used a cellular model developed in our lab from commercially available cell line U87MG and patient-derived cultures that allows the comparison between radiation naïve (Parent) and recurrent GBM cells generated after parent cells are exposed to lethal dose of radiation. Total RNA-seq of parent and recurrent population revealed significant upregulation of cell-ECM interactions pathway in the recurrent population. These results led us to hypothesize that the physical microenvironment contributes to the aggressiveness of recurrent GBM. To verify this, we cultured parent and recurrent GBM cells on collagen-coated polyacrylamide gels mimicking the stiffness of normal brain (Young's modulus E = 0.5kPa) or tumorigenic brain (E = 10kPa) and tissue culture plastic dishes (E ∼ 1 GPa). We found that compared to parent cells, recurrent cells showed higher proliferation, invasion, migration, and resistance to EGFR inhibitor. Using orthotopic GBM mouse model and resection model, we demonstrate that recurrent cells cultured on 0.5kPa had higher in vivo tumorigenicity and recurrent disease progression than parent cells, whereas these differences were insignificant when parent and recurrent cells were cultured on plastic substrates. Furthermore, recurrent cells on 0.5kPa showed high expression of ECM proteins like Collagen, MMP2 and MMP9. These proteins were also significantly upregulated in recurrent patient biopsies. Additionally, the brain of mice injected with recurrent cells grown on 0.5kPa showed higher Young's moduli suggesting the ability of these cells to make the surrounding ECM stiffer. Total RNA-seq of parent and recurrent cells grown on plastic and 0.5kpa identified PLEKHA7 significantly upregulated specifically in recurrent cells grown on 0.5 kPa substrate. PLEKHA7 was also found to be high in recurrent GBM patient biopsies. Accordingly, PLEKHA7 knockdown reduced invasion and survival of recurrent GBM cells. Together, these data provide an in vitro model system that captures the observed in vivo and clinical behavior of recurrent GBM by mimicking mechanical microenvironment and identifies PLEKHA7 as a novel potential target for recurrent GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anagha Acharekar
- Shilpee Dutt laboratory, Tata Memorial Centre, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India.; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Ketaki Bachal
- M-Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Pallavi Shirke
- M-Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Rahul Thorat
- Laboratory Animal Facility, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Archisman Banerjee
- Shilpee Dutt laboratory, Tata Memorial Centre, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India.; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Nilesh Gardi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210, India.; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Abhijit Majumder
- M-Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Shilpee Dutt
- Shilpee Dutt laboratory, Tata Memorial Centre, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India.; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India..
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19
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Faisal SM, Comba A, Varela ML, Argento AE, Brumley E, Abel C, Castro MG, Lowenstein PR. The complex interactions between the cellular and non-cellular components of the brain tumor microenvironmental landscape and their therapeutic implications. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1005069. [PMID: 36276147 PMCID: PMC9583158 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1005069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive high-grade glial tumor, is resistant to therapy and has a poor prognosis due to its universal recurrence rate. GBM cells interact with the non-cellular components in the tumor microenvironment (TME), facilitating their rapid growth, evolution, and invasion into the normal brain. Herein we discuss the complexity of the interactions between the cellular and non-cellular components of the TME and advances in the field as a whole. While the stroma of non-central nervous system (CNS) tissues is abundant in fibrillary collagens, laminins, and fibronectin, the normal brain extracellular matrix (ECM) predominantly includes proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and glycosaminoglycans, with fibrillary components typically found only in association with the vasculature. However, recent studies have found that in GBMs, the microenvironment evolves into a more complex array of components, with upregulated collagen gene expression and aligned fibrillary ECM networks. The interactions of glioma cells with the ECM and the degradation of matrix barriers are crucial for both single-cell and collective invasion into neighboring brain tissue. ECM-regulated mechanisms also contribute to immune exclusion, resulting in a major challenge to immunotherapy delivery and efficacy. Glioma cells chemically and physically control the function of their environment, co-opting complex signaling networks for their own benefit, resulting in radio- and chemo-resistance, tumor recurrence, and cancer progression. Targeting these interactions is an attractive strategy for overcoming therapy resistance, and we will discuss recent advances in preclinical studies, current clinical trials, and potential future clinical applications. In this review, we also provide a comprehensive discussion of the complexities of the interconnected cellular and non-cellular components of the microenvironmental landscape of brain tumors to guide the development of safe and effective therapeutic strategies against brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed M. Faisal
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Andrea Comba
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Maria L. Varela
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Anna E. Argento
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Emily Brumley
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Clifford Abel
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Maria G. Castro
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Pedro R. Lowenstein
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Pedro R. Lowenstein,
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20
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Basilico B, Palamà IE, D’Amone S, Lauro C, Rosito M, Grieco M, Ratano P, Cordella F, Sanchini C, Di Angelantonio S, Ragozzino D, Cascione M, Gigli G, Cortese B. Substrate stiffness effect on molecular crosstalk of epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediators of human glioblastoma cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:983507. [PMID: 36091138 PMCID: PMC9454310 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.983507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the microenvironment effects on cell response, show accumulating evidence that glioblastoma (GBM) migration and invasiveness are influenced by the mechanical rigidity of their surroundings. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-recognized driving force of the invasive behavior of cancer. However, the primary mechanisms of EMT initiation and progression remain unclear. We have previously showed that certain substrate stiffness can selectively stimulate human GBM U251-MG and GL15 glioblastoma cell lines motility. The present study unifies several known EMT mediators to uncover the reason of the regulation and response to these stiffnesses. Our results revealed that changing the rigidity of the mechanical environment tuned the response of both cell lines through change in morphological features, epithelial-mesenchymal markers (E-, N-Cadherin), EGFR and ROS expressions in an interrelated manner. Specifically, a stiffer microenvironment induced a mesenchymal cell shape, a more fragmented morphology, higher intracellular cytosolic ROS expression and lower mitochondrial ROS. Finally, we observed that cells more motile showed a more depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential. Unravelling the process that regulates GBM cells’ infiltrative behavior could provide new opportunities for identification of new targets and less invasive approaches for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilaria Elena Palamà
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Lecce, Italy
| | - Stefania D’Amone
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Lecce, Italy
| | - Clotilde Lauro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Maddalena Grieco
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Lecce, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ratano
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Cordella
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Sanchini
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Ragozzino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi” University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Barbara Cortese
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Barbara Cortese,
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21
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Sahan AZ, Baday M, Patel CB. Biomimetic Hydrogels in the Study of Cancer Mechanobiology: Overview, Biomedical Applications, and Future Perspectives. Gels 2022; 8:gels8080496. [PMID: 36005097 PMCID: PMC9407355 DOI: 10.3390/gels8080496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels are biocompatible polymers that are tunable to the system under study, allowing them to be widely used in medicine, bioprinting, tissue engineering, and biomechanics. Hydrogels are used to mimic the three-dimensional microenvironment of tissues, which is essential to understanding cell–cell interactions and intracellular signaling pathways (e.g., proliferation, apoptosis, growth, and survival). Emerging evidence suggests that the malignant properties of cancer cells depend on mechanical cues that arise from changes in their microenvironment. These mechanobiological cues include stiffness, shear stress, and pressure, and have an impact on cancer proliferation and invasion. The hydrogels can be tuned to simulate these mechanobiological tissue properties. Although interest in and research on the biomedical applications of hydrogels has increased in the past 25 years, there is still much to learn about the development of biomimetic hydrogels and their potential applications in biomedical and clinical settings. This review highlights the application of hydrogels in developing pre-clinical cancer models and their potential for translation to human disease with a focus on reviewing the utility of such models in studying glioblastoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Z. Sahan
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Murat Baday
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Precision Health and Integrated Diagnostics Center, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (C.B.P.)
| | - Chirag B. Patel
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (C.B.P.)
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22
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Substrate viscosity impairs temozolomide-mediated inhibition of glioblastoma cells' growth. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166513. [PMID: 35932892 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166513] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanical state of the extracellular environment of the brain cells considerably affects their phenotype during the development of central nervous system (CNS) pathologies, and when the cells respond to drugs. The reports on the evaluation of the viscoelastic properties of different brain tumors have shown that both tissue stiffness and viscosity can be altered during cancer development. Although a compelling number of reports established the role of substrate stiffness on the proliferation, motility, and drug sensitivity of brain cancer cells, there is a lack of parallel data in terms of alterations in substrate viscosity. METHODS Based on viscoelasticity measurements of rat brain samples using strain rheometry, polyacrylamide (PAA) hydrogels mimicking elastic and viscous parameters of the tissues were prepared. Optical microscopy and flow cytometry were employed to assess the differences in glioblastoma cells morphology, proliferation, and cytotoxicity of anticancer drug temozolomide (TZM) due to increased substrate viscosity. RESULTS Our results indicate that changes in substrate viscosity affect the proliferation of untreated glioma cells to a lesser extent, but have a significant impact on the apoptosis-associated depolarization of mitochondria and level of DNA fragmentation. This suggests that viscosity sensing and stiffness sensing machinery can activate different signaling pathways in glioma cells. CONCLUSION Collected data indicate that viscosity should be considered an important parameter in in vitro polymer-based cell culture systems used for drug screening.
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Identification of Prognostic Genes in Gliomas Based on Increased Microenvironment Stiffness. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153659. [PMID: 35954323 PMCID: PMC9367320 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
With a median survival time of 15 months, glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most aggressive primary brain cancers. The crucial roles played by the extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness in glioma progression and treatment resistance have been reported in numerous studies. However, the association between ECM-stiffness-regulated genes and the prognosis of glioma patients remains to be explored. Thus, using bioinformatics analysis, we first identified 180 stiffness-dependent genes from an RNA-Seq dataset, and then evaluated their prognosis in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) glioma dataset. Our results showed that 11 stiffness-dependent genes common between low- and high-grade gliomas were prognostic. After validation using the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database, we further identified four stiffness-dependent prognostic genes: FN1, ITGA5, OSMR, and NGFR. In addition to high-grade glioma, overexpression of the four-gene signature also showed poor prognosis in low-grade glioma patients. Moreover, our analysis confirmed that the expression levels of stiffness-dependent prognostic genes in high-grade glioma were significantly higher than in low-grade glioma, suggesting that these genes were associated with glioma progression. Based on a pathophysiology-inspired approach, our findings illuminate the link between ECM stiffness and the prognosis of glioma patients and suggest a signature of four stiffness-dependent genes as potential therapeutic targets.
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24
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Mechanical Properties of the Extracellular Environment of Human Brain Cells Drive the Effectiveness of Drugs in Fighting Central Nervous System Cancers. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12070927. [PMID: 35884733 PMCID: PMC9313046 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of nanomechanical properties of tissues in health and disease is of increasing interest to scientists. It has been confirmed that these properties, determined in part by the composition of the extracellular matrix, significantly affect tissue physiology and the biological behavior of cells, mainly in terms of their adhesion, mobility, or ability to mutate. Importantly, pathophysiological changes that determine disease development within the tissue usually result in significant changes in tissue mechanics that might potentially affect the drug efficacy, which is important from the perspective of development of new therapeutics, since most of the currently used in vitro experimental models for drug testing do not account for these properties. Here, we provide a summary of the current understanding of how the mechanical properties of brain tissue change in pathological conditions, and how the activity of the therapeutic agents is linked to this mechanical state.
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25
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Akolawala Q, Rovituso M, Versteeg HH, Rondon AMR, Accardo A. Evaluation of Proton-Induced DNA Damage in 3D-Engineered Glioblastoma Microenvironments. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:20778-20789. [PMID: 35442634 PMCID: PMC9100514 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c03706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating cancer of the brain with an extremely poor prognosis. For this reason, besides clinical and preclinical studies, novel in vitro models for the assessment of cancer response to drugs and radiation are being developed. In such context, three-dimensional (3D)-engineered cellular microenvironments, compared to unrealistic two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell culture, provide a model closer to the in vivo configuration. Concerning cancer treatment, while X-ray radiotherapy and chemotherapy remain the current standard, proton beam therapy is an appealing alternative as protons can be efficiently targeted to destroy cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. However, despite the treatment's compelling biological and medical rationale, little is known about the effects of protons on GBM at the cellular level. In this work, we designed novel 3D-engineered scaffolds inspired by the geometry of brain blood vessels, which cover a vital role in the colonization mechanisms of GBM cells. The architectures were fabricated by two-photon polymerization (2PP), cultured with U-251 GBM cells and integrated for the first time in the context of proton radiation experiments to assess their response to treatment. We employed Gamma H2A.X as a fluorescent biomarker to identify the DNA damage induced in the cells by proton beams. The results show a higher DNA double-strand breakage in 2D cell monolayers as compared to cells cultured in 3D. The discrepancy in terms of proton radiation response could indicate a difference in the radioresistance of the GBM cells or in the rate of repair kinetics between 2D cell monolayers and 3D cell networks. Thus, these biomimetic-engineered 3D scaffolds pave the way for the realization of a benchmark tool that can be used to routinely assess the effects of proton therapy on 3D GBM cell networks and other types of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qais Akolawala
- Department
of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628
CD Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Rovituso
- Holland
Proton Therapy Center (HollandPTC), Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Henri H. Versteeg
- Einthoven
Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Thrombosis
and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Araci M. R. Rondon
- Einthoven
Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Thrombosis
and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Angelo Accardo
- Department
of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628
CD Delft, The Netherlands
- . Tel: +31 (0)15 27 81610
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26
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Khoonkari M, Liang D, Kamperman M, Kruyt FAE, van Rijn P. Physics of Brain Cancer: Multiscale Alterations of Glioblastoma Cells under Extracellular Matrix Stiffening. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14051031. [PMID: 35631616 PMCID: PMC9145282 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14051031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The biology and physics underlying glioblastoma is not yet completely understood, resulting in the limited efficacy of current clinical therapy. Recent studies have indicated the importance of mechanical stress on the development and malignancy of cancer. Various types of mechanical stress activate adaptive tumor cell responses that include alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM) which have an impact on tumor malignancy. In this review, we describe and discuss the current knowledge of the effects of ECM alterations and mechanical stress on GBM aggressiveness. Gradual changes in the brain ECM have been connected to the biological and physical alterations of GBM cells. For example, increased expression of several ECM components such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), hyaluronic acid (HA), proteoglycans and fibrous proteins result in stiffening of the brain ECM, which alters inter- and intracellular signaling activity. Several mechanosensing signaling pathways have been identified that orchestrate adaptive responses, such as Hippo/YAP, CD44, and actin skeleton signaling, which remodel the cytoskeleton and affect cellular properties such as cell–cell/ECM interactions, growth, and migration/invasion of GBM cells. In vitro, hydrogels are used as a model to mimic the stiffening of the brain ECM and reconstruct its mechanics, which we also discuss. Overall, we provide an overview of the tumor microenvironmental landscape of GBM with a focus on ECM stiffening and its associated adaptive cellular signaling pathways and their possible therapeutic exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Khoonkari
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (M.K.); (D.L.)
- Polymer Science, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Dong Liang
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (M.K.); (D.L.)
| | - Marleen Kamperman
- Polymer Science, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Frank A. E. Kruyt
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (M.K.); (D.L.)
- Correspondence: (F.A.E.K.); (P.v.R.)
| | - Patrick van Rijn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (F.A.E.K.); (P.v.R.)
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Bhargav AG, Domino JS, Chamoun R, Thomas SM. Mechanical Properties in the Glioma Microenvironment: Emerging Insights and Theranostic Opportunities. Front Oncol 2022; 11:805628. [PMID: 35127517 PMCID: PMC8813748 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.805628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas represent the most common malignant primary brain tumors, and a high-grade subset of these tumors including glioblastoma are particularly refractory to current standard-of-care therapies including maximal surgical resection and chemoradiation. The prognosis of patients with these tumors continues to be poor with existing treatments and understanding treatment failure is required. The dynamic interplay between the tumor and its microenvironment has been increasingly recognized as a key mechanism by which cellular adaptation, tumor heterogeneity, and treatment resistance develops. Beyond ongoing lines of investigation into the peritumoral cellular milieu and microenvironmental architecture, recent studies have identified the growing role of mechanical properties of the microenvironment. Elucidating the impact of these biophysical factors on disease heterogeneity is crucial for designing durable therapies and may offer novel approaches for intervention and disease monitoring. Specifically, pharmacologic targeting of mechanical signal transduction substrates such as specific ion channels that have been implicated in glioma progression or the development of agents that alter the mechanical properties of the microenvironment to halt disease progression have the potential to be promising treatment strategies based on early studies. Similarly, the development of technology to measure mechanical properties of the microenvironment in vitro and in vivo and simulate these properties in bioengineered models may facilitate the use of mechanical properties as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers that can guide treatment. Here, we review current perspectives on the influence of mechanical properties in glioma with a focus on biophysical features of tumor-adjacent tissue, the role of fluid mechanics, and mechanisms of mechanical signal transduction. We highlight the implications of recent discoveries for novel diagnostics, therapeutic targets, and accurate preclinical modeling of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adip G. Bhargav
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Joseph S. Domino
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Roukoz Chamoun
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Sufi M. Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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28
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Substrate stiffening promotes VEGF-A functions via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 586:27-33. [PMID: 34823219 PMCID: PMC8785232 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
While it is now well-established that substrate stiffness regulates vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) mediated signaling and functions, causal mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we report an underlying role for the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This pathway is activated on stiffer substrates, is amplified by VEGF-A stimulation, and correlates with enhanced endothelial cell (EC) proliferation, contraction, pro-angiogenic secretion, and capillary-like tube formation. In the settings of advanced age-related macular degeneration, characterized by EC and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)-mediated angiogenesis, these data implicate substrate stiffness as a novel causative mechanism and Akt/mTOR inhibition as a novel therapeutic pathway.
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29
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Substratum stiffness regulates Erk signaling dynamics through receptor-level control. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110181. [PMID: 34965432 PMCID: PMC8756379 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The EGFR/Erk pathway is triggered by extracellular ligand stimulation, leading to stimulus-dependent dynamics of pathway activity. Although mechanical properties of the microenvironment also affect Erk activity, their effects on Erk signaling dynamics are poorly understood. Here, we characterize how the stiffness of the underlying substratum affects Erk signaling dynamics in mammary epithelial cells. We find that soft microenvironments attenuate Erk signaling, both at steady state and in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation. Optogenetic manipulation at multiple signaling nodes reveals that intracellular signal transmission is largely unaffected by substratum stiffness. Instead, we find that soft microenvironments decrease EGF receptor (EGFR) expression and alter the amount and spatial distribution of EGF binding at cell membranes. Our data demonstrate that the mechanical microenvironment tunes Erk signaling dynamics via receptor-ligand interactions, underscoring how multiple microenvironmental signals are jointly processed through a highly conserved pathway that regulates tissue development, homeostasis, and disease progression.
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30
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Oh E, Meckes B, Chang J, Shin D, Mirkin CA. Controlled Glioma Cell Migration and Confinement Using Biomimetic‐Patterned Hydrogels. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- EunBi Oh
- Department of Chemistry Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Rd. Evanston IL 60208 USA
- International Institute for Nanotechnology Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Rd. Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Brian Meckes
- Department of Chemistry Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Rd. Evanston IL 60208 USA
- International Institute for Nanotechnology Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Rd. Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Jinyoung Chang
- International Institute for Nanotechnology Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Rd. Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Donghoon Shin
- International Institute for Nanotechnology Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Rd. Evanston IL 60208 USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering Northwestern University 2220 Campus Drive Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Chad A. Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Rd. Evanston IL 60208 USA
- International Institute for Nanotechnology Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Rd. Evanston IL 60208 USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering Northwestern University 2220 Campus Drive Evanston IL 60208 USA
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31
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Dabiri SMH, Samiei E, Shojaei S, Karperien L, Khun Jush B, Walsh T, Jahanshahi M, Hassanpour S, Hamdi D, Seyfoori A, Ahadian S, Khademhosseini A, Akbari M. Multifunctional Thermoresponsive Microcarriers for High-Throughput Cell Culture and Enzyme-Free Cell Harvesting. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2103192. [PMID: 34558181 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202103192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
An effective treatment of human diseases using regenerative medicine and cell therapy approaches requires a large number of cells. Cultivation of cells on microcarriers is a promising approach due to the high surface-to-volume ratios that these microcarriers offer. Here, multifunctional temperature-responsive microcarriers (cytoGel) made of an interpenetrating hydrogel network composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) are developed. A flow-focusing microfluidic chip is used to produce microcarriers with diameters in the range of 100-300 μm and uniform size distribution (polydispersity index of ≈0.08). The mechanical properties and cells adhesion properties of cytoGel are adjusted by changing the composition hydrogel composition. Notably, GelMA regulates the temperature response and enhances microcarrier stiffness. Human-derived glioma cells (U87) are grown on cytoGel in static and dynamic culture conditions with cell viabilities greater than 90%. Enzyme-free cell detachment is achieved at room temperature with up to 70% detachment efficiency. Controlled release of bioactive molecules from cytoGel is accomplished for over a week to showcase the potential use of microcarriers for localized delivery of growth factors to cell surfaces. These microcarriers hold great promise for the efficient expansion of cells for the industrial-scale culture of therapeutic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Hossein Dabiri
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Ehsan Samiei
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Shahla Shojaei
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Lucas Karperien
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Bardia Khun Jush
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Tavia Walsh
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Maryam Jahanshahi
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Sadegh Hassanpour
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - David Hamdi
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Amir Seyfoori
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Samad Ahadian
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Mohsen Akbari
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Biotechnology Center, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2A, Gliwice, 44-100, Poland
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32
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Huang WY, Suye SI, Fujita S. Cell Trapping via Migratory Inhibition within Density-Tuned Electrospun Nanofibers. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:7456-7466. [PMID: 35006712 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cell migration is an essential bioprocess that occurs during wound healing and tissue regeneration. Abnormal cell migration is observed in various pathologies, including cancer metastasis. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive and highly infiltrative brain tumor. The white matter tracts are considered the preferred routes for GBM invasion and the subsequent spread throughout the brain tissue. In the present study, a platform based on electrospun nanofibers with a consistent alignment and controlled density was designed to inhibit cell migration. The observation of the cells cultured on the nanofibers with different fiber densities revealed an inverse correlation between the cell migration velocity and nanofiber density. This was attributed to the formation of focal adhesions (FAs). The FAs in the sparse fiber matrix were small, whereas those in the dense fiber matrix were large, aligned with the nanofibers, and distributed throughout the cells. A nanofiber-based platform with stepwise different fiber densities was designed based on the aforementioned observation. A time-lapse observation of the GBM cells cultured on the platform revealed a directional one-way migration that induced the entrapment of cells in the dense-fiber zone. The designed platform mimicked the structure of the white matter tracts and enabled the entrapment of migrating cells. The demonstrated approach is suitable for inhibiting metastasis and understanding the biology of invasion, thereby functioning as a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ying Huang
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Suye
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan.,Department of Frontier Fiber Technology and Science, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan.,Organization for Life Science Advancement Programs, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fujita
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan.,Department of Frontier Fiber Technology and Science, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan.,Organization for Life Science Advancement Programs, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
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33
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Rey JA, Ewing JR, Sarntinoranont M. A computational model of glioma reveals opposing, stiffness-sensitive effects of leaky vasculature and tumor growth on tissue mechanical stress and porosity. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2021; 20:1981-2000. [PMID: 34363553 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-021-01488-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A biphasic computational model of a growing, vascularized glioma within brain tissue was developed to account for unique features of gliomas, including soft surrounding brain tissue, their low stiffness relative to brain tissue, and a lack of draining lymphatics. This model is the first to couple nonlinear tissue deformation with porosity and tissue hydraulic conductivity to study the mechanical interaction of leaky vasculature and solid growth in an embedded glioma. The present model showed that leaky vasculature and elevated interstitial fluid pressure produce tensile stress within the tumor in opposition to the compressive stress produced by tumor growth. This tensile effect was more pronounced in softer tissue and resulted in a compressive stress concentration at the tumor rim that increased when tumor was softer than host. Aside from generating solid stress, fluid pressure-driven tissue deformation decreased the effective stiffness of the tumor while growth increased it, potentially leading to elevated stiffness in the tumor rim. A novel prediction of reduced porosity at the tumor rim was corroborated by direct comparison with estimates from our in vivo imaging studies. Antiangiogenic and radiation therapy were simulated by varying vascular leakiness and tissue hydraulic conductivity. These led to greater solid compression and interstitial pressure in the tumor, respectively, the former of which may promote tumor infiltration of the host. Our findings suggest that vascular leakiness has an important influence on in vivo solid stress, stiffness, and porosity fields in gliomas given their unique mechanical microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian A Rey
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, PO BOX 116250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - James R Ewing
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Malisa Sarntinoranont
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, PO BOX 116250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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34
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Holt SE, Arroyo J, Poux E, Fricks A, Agurcia I, Heintschel M, Rakoski A, Alge DL. Supramolecular Click Product Interactions Induce Dynamic Stiffening of Extracellular Matrix-Mimetic Hydrogels. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:3040-3048. [PMID: 34129338 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Progressive stiffening of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is observed in tissue development as well as in pathologies such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and fibrotic disease. However, methods to recapitulate this phenomenon in vitro face critical limitations. Here, we present a poly(ethylene glycol)-based peptide-functionalized ECM-mimetic hydrogel platform capable of facile, user-controlled dynamic stiffening. This platform leverages supramolecular interactions between inverse-electron demand Diels-Alder tetrazine-norbornene click products (TNCP) to create pendant moieties that undergo non-covalent crosslinking, stiffening a pre-existing network formed via thiol-ene click chemistry over the course of 6 h. Pendant TNCP moieties have a concentration-dependent effect on gel stiffness while still being cytocompatible and permissive of cell-mediated gel degradation. The robustness of this approach as well as its simplicity and ease of translation give it broad potential utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E Holt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3120, United States
| | - Julio Arroyo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3120, United States
| | - Emily Poux
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3122, United States
| | - Austen Fricks
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3120, United States
| | - Isabelle Agurcia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3120, United States
| | - Marissa Heintschel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3120, United States
| | - Amanda Rakoski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3120, United States
| | - Daniel L Alge
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3120, United States.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas77843-3003, United States
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35
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Zhu D, Trinh P, Li J, Grant GA, Yang F. Gradient hydrogels for screening stiffness effects on patient-derived glioblastoma xenograft cellfates in 3D. J Biomed Mater Res A 2021; 109:1027-1035. [PMID: 32862485 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain cancer is a devastating disease given its extreme invasiveness and intricate location. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common forms of brain cancer, and cancer progression is often correlated with significantly altered tissue stiffness. To elucidate the effect of matrix stiffness on GBM cell fates, previous research is largely limited to 2D studies using immortalized cell lines, which has limited physiological relevance. The objective of the study is to develop gradient hydrogels with brain-mimicking stiffness range as a 3Din vitro GBM model for screening of the effects of matrix stiffness on GBM. To increase the physiological relevance, patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) GBM cells were used. Our gradient platform allows formation of cell-containing hydrogels with stiffness ranging from 40 Pa to 1,300 Pa within a few minutes. By focusing on a brain-mimicking stiffness range, this gradient hydrogel platform is designed for investigating brain cancer. Increasing stiffness led to decreased GBM proliferation and less spreading, which is accompanied by downregulation of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs). Using temozolomide (TMZ) as a model drug, we demonstrate that increasing stiffness led to higher drug resistance by PDTX GBM cells in 3D, suggesting matrix stiffness can directly modulate how GBM cells respond to drug treatment. While the current study focuses on stiffness gradient, the setup may also be adapted for screening other cancer niche cues such as how biochemical ligand gradient modulates brain cancer progression and drug responses using reduced materials and time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danqing Zhu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Pavin Trinh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jianfeng Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gerry A Grant
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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36
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Momin A, Bahrampour S, Min HK, Chen X, Wang X, Sun Y, Huang X. Channeling Force in the Brain: Mechanosensitive Ion Channels Choreograph Mechanics and Malignancies. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:367-384. [PMID: 33752907 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Force is everywhere. Through cell-intrinsic activities and interactions with the microenvironment, cells generate, transmit, and sense mechanical forces, such as compression, tension, and shear stress. These forces shape the mechanical properties of cells and tissues. Akin to how balanced biochemical signaling safeguards physiological processes, a mechanical optimum is required for homeostasis. The brain constructs a mechanical optimum from its cellular and extracellular constituents. However, in brain cancer, the mechanical properties are disrupted: tumor and nontumoral cells experience dysregulated solid and fluid stress, while tumor tissue develops altered stiffness. Mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels perceive mechanical cues to govern ion flux and cellular signaling. In this review, we describe the mechanical properties of the brain in healthy and cancer states and illustrate MS ion channels as sensors of mechanical cues to regulate malignant growth. Targeting MS ion channels offers disease insights at the interface of cancer, neuroscience, and mechanobiology to reveal therapeutic opportunities in brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Momin
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONT, M5S 3E1, Canada.
| | - Shahrzad Bahrampour
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Hyun-Kee Min
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONT, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Xin Chen
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Xian Wang
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONT, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Xi Huang
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ONT, M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONT, M5S 3E1, Canada.
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37
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Baruffaldi D, Palmara G, Pirri C, Frascella F. 3D Cell Culture: Recent Development in Materials with Tunable Stiffness. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:2233-2250. [PMID: 35014348 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c01472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that three-dimensional cell culture systems simulate physiological conditions better than traditional 2D systems. Although extracellular matrix components strongly modulate cell behavior, several studies underlined the importance of mechanosensing in the control of different cell functions such as growth, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Human tissues are characterized by different degrees of stiffness, and various pathologies (e.g., tumor or fibrosis) cause changes in the mechanical properties through the alteration of the extracellular matrix structure. Additionally, these modifications have an impact on disease progression and on therapy response. Hence, the development of platforms whose stiffness could be modulated may improve our knowledge of cell behavior under different mechanical stress stimuli. In this review, we have analyzed the mechanical diversity of healthy and diseased tissues, and we have summarized recently developed materials with a wide range of stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désirée Baruffaldi
- Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Turin 10129, Italy.,PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Turin 10129, Italy
| | - Gianluca Palmara
- Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Turin 10129, Italy.,PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Turin 10129, Italy
| | - Candido Pirri
- Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Turin 10129, Italy.,PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Turin 10129, Italy.,Center for Sustainable Futures@Polito, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Livorno 60, Turin 10144, Italy
| | - Francesca Frascella
- Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Turin 10129, Italy.,PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Turin 10129, Italy
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38
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Chen W, Park S, Patel C, Bai Y, Henary K, Raha A, Mohammadi S, You L, Geng F. The migration of metastatic breast cancer cells is regulated by matrix stiffness via YAP signalling. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06252. [PMID: 33659755 PMCID: PMC7895759 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix stiffness is a driver of breast cancer progression and mechanosensitive transcriptional activator YAP plays an important role in this process. However, the interplay between breast cancer and matrix stiffness, and the significance of this interplay remained largely unknown. Here, we showed an increase in YAP nuclear localization and a higher proliferation rate in both highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells and the non-metastatic counterpart MCF-7 cells when they were exposed to the stiff matrix. However, in response to the stiff matrix highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells instead of MCF-7 cells exhibited upregulated mobility, which was shown to be YAP-dependent. Consistently, MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited different focal adhesion dynamics from MCF-7 cells in response to matrix stiffness. These results suggested a YAP-dependent mechanism through which matrix stiffness regulates the migratory potential of metastatic breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 0A3, Canada
| | - Shihyun Park
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Chrishma Patel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Yuxin Bai
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Karim Henary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 0A3, Canada
| | - Arjun Raha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 0A3, Canada
| | - Saeed Mohammadi
- W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 0A3, Canada
| | - Lidan You
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Fei Geng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 0A3, Canada
- W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 0A3, Canada
- Corresponding author.
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39
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Wang C, Sinha S, Jiang X, Murphy L, Fitch S, Wilson C, Grant G, Yang F. Matrix Stiffness Modulates Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Cell Fates in Three-Dimensional Hydrogels. Tissue Eng Part A 2021; 27:390-401. [PMID: 32731804 PMCID: PMC7984937 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2020.0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression is known to be accompanied by changes in tissue stiffness. Previous studies have primarily employed immortalized cell lines and 2D hydrogel substrates, which do not recapitulate the 3D tumor niche. How matrix stiffness affects patient-derived cancer cell fate in 3D remains unclear. In this study, we report a matrix metalloproteinase-degradable poly(ethylene-glycol)-based hydrogel platform with brain-mimicking biochemical cues and tunable stiffness (40-26,600 Pa) for 3D culture of patient-derived glioblastoma xenograft (PDTX GBM) cells. Our results demonstrate that decreasing hydrogel stiffness enhanced PDTX GBM cell proliferation, and hydrogels with stiffness 240 Pa and below supported robust PDTX GBM cell spreading in 3D. PDTX GBM cells encapsulated in hydrogels demonstrated higher drug resistance than 2D control, and increasing hydrogel stiffness further enhanced drug resistance. Such 3D hydrogel platforms may provide a valuable tool for mechanistic studies of the role of niche cues in modulating cancer progression for different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Engineering and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sauradeep Sinha
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Engineering and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Luke Murphy
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Engineering and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sergio Fitch
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Christy Wilson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gerald Grant
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Engineering and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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40
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Sarker FA, Prior VG, Bax S, O'Neill GM. Forcing a growth factor response - tissue-stiffness modulation of integrin signaling and crosstalk with growth factor receptors. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/23/jcs242461. [PMID: 33310867 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.242461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Research throughout the 90s established that integrin crosstalk with growth factor receptors stimulates robust growth factor signaling. These insights were derived chiefly from comparing adherent versus suspension cell cultures. Considering the new understanding that mechanosensory inputs tune adhesion signaling, it is now timely to revisit this crosstalk in different mechanical environments. Here, we present a brief historical perspective on integrin signaling against the backdrop of the mechanically diverse extracellular microenvironment, then review the evidence supporting the mechanical regulation of integrin crosstalk with growth factor signaling. We discuss early studies revealing distinct signaling consequences for integrin occupancy (binding to matrix) and aggregation (binding to immobile ligand). We consider how the mechanical environments encountered in vivo intersect with this diverse signaling, focusing on receptor endocytosis. We discuss the implications of mechanically tuned integrin signaling for growth factor signaling, using the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as an illustrative example. We discuss how the use of rigid tissue culture plastic for cancer drug screening may select agents that lack efficacy in the soft in vivo tissue environment. Tuning of integrin signaling via external mechanical forces in vivo and subsequent effects on growth factor signaling thus has implications for normal cellular physiology and anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana A Sarker
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead NSW, Westmead 2145, Australia.,Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Victoria G Prior
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead NSW, Westmead 2145, Australia.,Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Samuel Bax
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead NSW, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Geraldine M O'Neill
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead NSW, Westmead 2145, Australia .,Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia.,School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
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41
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Curtis KJ, Schiavi J, Mc Garrigle MJ, Kumar V, McNamara LM, Niebur GL. Mechanical stimuli and matrix properties modulate cancer spheroid growth in three-dimensional gelatin culture. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20200568. [PMID: 33323051 PMCID: PMC7811591 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Most patients who succumb to cancer have metastases to bone that contribute to their death. Cancer cells that metastasize to bone are regularly subjected to mechanical stimuli that may affect their proliferation, growth and protein expression. Understanding why some cancer cells thrive in this environment could provide insight into new approaches to prevent or treat metastasis to bone. We used 4T1 cells as a model of breast cancer cells, and implanted them in gelatin hydrogels with moduli of 1 or 2.7 kPa to mimic the properties of bone marrow. The constructs were subjected to either perfusion of media through the hydrogel or combined perfusion and cyclic mechanical compression for 1 h d-1 for 4 d. Controls were cultured in free-swelling conditions. The cells formed spheroids during the 4 d of culture, with larger spheroids in the statically cultured constructs than in perfusion or compressed constructs. In stiffer gelatin, smaller spheroids formed in compressed constructs than perfusion alone, while compression had no effect compared to perfusion in the softer gelatin. Immunostaining indicated that the spheroids expressed osteopontin, parathyroid hormone-related protein and fibronectin, which are all hallmarks of bone metastasis. The proliferative marker Ki67 was present in all spheroids on day 4. In the 1 kPa gelatin, Ki67 staining intensity was greater in the statically cultured, free-swelling constructs than in bioreactor culture, regardless of dynamic compression. By contrast, proliferation was higher in the compressed gelatins compared to perfusion alone in the 2.7 kPa constructs, although the spheroids were smaller, on average. This suggests the stiffer gelatin may restrict spheroid growth at the same time that it enhances mechanobiological signalling during compression. Taken together, 4T1 breast cancer cells are mechanically sensitive, and mechanical stimuli can alter their proliferation and protein expression within soft materials with mechanical properties similar to bone marrow. As such, both in vivo and in vitro models of cancer metastasis should consider the role of the mechanical environment in the bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J. Curtis
- Tissue Mechanics Laboratory, Bioengineering Graduate Program, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Jessica Schiavi
- Mechanobiology and Medical Devices Research Group, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Myles J. Mc Garrigle
- Mechanobiology and Medical Devices Research Group, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Vatsal Kumar
- Mechanobiology and Medical Devices Research Group, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Laoise M. McNamara
- Mechanobiology and Medical Devices Research Group, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Glen L. Niebur
- Tissue Mechanics Laboratory, Bioengineering Graduate Program, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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42
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Micek HM, Visetsouk MR, Masters KS, Kreeger PK. Engineering the Extracellular Matrix to Model the Evolving Tumor Microenvironment. iScience 2020; 23:101742. [PMID: 33225247 PMCID: PMC7666341 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence supports a role for the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cancer risk and prognosis across multiple tumor types, and numerous studies have demonstrated that individual ECM components impact key hallmarks of tumor progression (e.g., proliferation, migration, angiogenesis). However, the ECM is a complex network of fibrillar proteins, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans that undergoes dramatic changes in composition and organization during tumor development. In this review, we will highlight how engineering approaches can be used to examine the impact of changes in tissue architecture, ECM composition (i.e., identity and levels of individual ECM components), and cellular- and tissue-level mechanics on tumor progression. In addition, we will discuss recently developed methods to model the ECM that have not yet been applied to the study of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Micek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mike R. Visetsouk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Kristyn S. Masters
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Pamela K. Kreeger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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43
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Identification of PIEZO1 as a potential prognostic marker in gliomas. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16121. [PMID: 32999349 PMCID: PMC7528027 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72886-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In multiple solid tumours, including gliomas, the mechanical properties change as the disease progresses. If and how mechanical cues regulate tumour cell proliferation is currently not fully studied. PIEZO1 has recently been identified as a crucial mechanosensitive cation channel in multiple solid tumours. However, we didn't find any clinical data describing the association between PIEZO1 expression and glioma. To investigate the role of PIEZO1 in gliomas, we analysed PIEZO1 gene expression at the transcriptome level, genomic profiles and the association of PIEZO1 with clinical practice. In total, 1633 glioma samples with transcriptome data, including data from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas RNAseq, the Cancer Genome Atlas RNAseq and GSE16011 databases, were included in this study. Clinical information and genomic profiles including somatic mutations were also obtained. We found that PIEZO1 expression was highly correlated with malignant clinical and molecular subtypes of glioma. Gene ontology analysis showed that expression of PIEZO1 was correlated with tumour microenvironment-related genes that encode proteins involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, angiogenesis and cell migration. Additionally, PIEZO1 was shown to be involved in tumour progression by serving as the central checkpoint of multiple ECM remodelling-related signalling pathways to modulate tumour cell proliferation and the tumour microenvironment in turn. Finally, high PIEZO1 expression was correlated with reduced survival time and acted as a robust biomarker for poor prognosis in gliomas. Taken together, the results indicated that high PIEZO1 expression is closely associated with highly malignant gliomas. Importantly, PIEZO1 serves as a key factor involved in sensing mechanical properties in the tumour and can regulate both tumour cells and their microenvironment to promote glioma progression, and it is also a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of gliomas.
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44
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Mierke CT. Mechanical Cues Affect Migration and Invasion of Cells From Three Different Directions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:583226. [PMID: 33043017 PMCID: PMC7527720 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.583226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell migration and invasion is a key driving factor for providing essential cellular functions under physiological conditions or the malignant progression of tumors following downward the metastatic cascade. Although there has been plentiful of molecules identified to support the migration and invasion of cells, the mechanical aspects have not yet been explored in a combined and systematic manner. In addition, the cellular environment has been classically and frequently assumed to be homogeneous for reasons of simplicity. However, motility assays have led to various models for migration covering only some aspects and supporting factors that in some cases also include mechanical factors. Instead of specific models, in this review, a more or less holistic model for cell motility in 3D is envisioned covering all these different aspects with a special emphasis on the mechanical cues from a biophysical perspective. After introducing the mechanical aspects of cell migration and invasion and presenting the heterogeneity of extracellular matrices, the three distinct directions of cell motility focusing on the mechanical aspects are presented. These three different directions are as follows: firstly, the commonly used invasion tests using structural and structure-based mechanical environmental signals; secondly, the mechano-invasion assay, in which cells are studied by mechanical forces to migrate and invade; and thirdly, cell mechanics, including cytoskeletal and nuclear mechanics, to influence cell migration and invasion. Since the interaction between the cell and the microenvironment is bi-directional in these assays, these should be accounted in migration and invasion approaches focusing on the mechanical aspects. Beyond this, there is also the interaction between the cytoskeleton of the cell and its other compartments, such as the cell nucleus. In specific, a three-element approach is presented for addressing the effect of mechanics on cell migration and invasion by including the effect of the mechano-phenotype of the cytoskeleton, nucleus and the cell's microenvironment into the analysis. In precise terms, the combination of these three research approaches including experimental techniques seems to be promising for revealing bi-directional impacts of mechanical alterations of the cellular microenvironment on cells and internal mechanical fluctuations or changes of cells on the surroundings. Finally, different approaches are discussed and thereby a model for the broad impact of mechanics on cell migration and invasion is evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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45
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Chin L, Theise ND, Loneker AE, Janmey PA, Wells RG. Lipid droplets disrupt mechanosensing in human hepatocytes. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2020; 319:G11-G22. [PMID: 32463334 PMCID: PMC7468756 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00098.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the world. Although most cases occur in stiff, cirrhotic livers, and stiffness is a significant risk factor, HCC can also arise in noncirrhotic livers in the setting of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We hypothesized that lipid droplets in NAFLD might apply mechanical forces to the nucleus, functioning as mechanical stressors akin to stiffness. We investigated the effect of lipid droplets on cellular mechanosensing and found that primary human hepatocytes loaded with the fatty acids oleate and linoleate exhibited decreased stiffness-induced cell spreading and disrupted focal adhesions and stress fibers. The presence of large lipid droplets in hepatocytes resulted in increased nuclear localization of the mechano-sensor Yes-associated protein (YAP). In cirrhotic livers from patients with NAFLD, hepatocytes filled with large lipid droplets showed significantly higher nuclear localization of YAP as compared with cells with small lipid droplets. This work suggests that lipid droplets induce a mechanical signal that disrupts the ability of the hepatocyte to sense its underlying matrix stiffness and that the presence of lipid droplets can induce intracellular mechanical stresses.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work examines the impact of lipid loading on mechanosensing by human hepatocytes. In cirrhotic livers, the presence of large (although not small) lipid droplets increased nuclear localization of the mechanotransducer YAP. In primary hepatocytes in culture, lipid droplets led to decreased stiffness-induced cell spreading and disrupted focal adhesions and stress fibers; the presence of large lipid droplets resulted in increased YAP nuclear localization. Collectively, the data suggest that lipid droplets induce intracellular mechanical stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiKang Chin
- 1Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,2Physical Sciences in Oncology Center at Penn, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Neil D. Theise
- 3Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Abigail E. Loneker
- 4Bioengineering Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Paul A. Janmey
- 2Physical Sciences in Oncology Center at Penn, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,5Institute for Medicine and Engineering and Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rebecca G. Wells
- 1Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,2Physical Sciences in Oncology Center at Penn, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Abstract
Brain tumors' severity ranges from benign to highly aggressive and invasive. Bioengineering tools can assist in understanding the pathophysiology of these tumors from outside the body and facilitate development of suitable antitumoral treatments. Here, we first describe the physiology and cellular composition of brain tumors. Then, we discuss the development of three-dimensional tissue models utilizing brain tumor cells. In particular, we highlight the role of hydrogels in providing a biomimetic support for the cells to grow into defined structures. Microscale technologies, such as electrospinning and bioprinting, and advanced cellular models aim to mimic the extracellular matrix and natural cellular localization in engineered tumor tissues. Lastly, we review current applications and prospects of hydrogels for therapeutic purposes, such as drug delivery and co-administration with other therapies. Through further development, hydrogels can serve as a reliable option for in vitro modeling and treatment of brain tumors for translational medicine.
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Degradable porous drug-loaded polymer scaffolds for localized cancer drug delivery and breast cell/tissue growth. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 112:110794. [PMID: 32409024 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.110794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a combined experimental and analytical study of blended FDA-approved polymers [polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polycaprolactone (PCL)] with the potential for sustained localized cancer drug release. Porous drug-loaded 3D degradable PLGA-PEG and PLGA-PCL scaffolds were fabricated using a multistage process that involved solvent casting and particulate leaching with lyophilization. The physicochemical properties including the mechanical, thermal and biostructural properties of the drug-loaded microporous scaffolds were characterized. The release of the encapsulated prodigiosin (PG) or paclitaxel (PTX) drug (from the drug-loaded polymer scaffolds) was also studied experimentally at human body temperature (37 °C) and hyperthermic temperatures (41 and 44 °C). These characteristic controlled and localized in vitro drug release from the properties of the microporous scaffold were analyzed using kinetics and thermodynamic models. Subsequently, normal breast cells (MCF-10A) were cultured for a 28-day period on the resulting 3D porous scaffolds in an effort to study the possible regrowth of normal breast tissue, following drug release. The effects of localized cancer drug release on breast cancer cells and normal breast cell proliferation are demonstrated for scenarios that are relevant to palliative breast tumor surgery for 16 weeks under in vivo conditions. Results from the in vitro drug release show a sustained anomalous (non-Fickian) drug release that best fits the Korsmeyer-Peppas (KP) kinetic model with a non-spontaneous thermodynamic process that leads to a massive decrease in breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231) viability. Our findings from the animal suggest that localized drug release from drug-based 3D resorbable porous scaffolds can be used to eliminate/treat local recurred triple negative breast tumors and promote normal breast tissue regeneration after surgical resection.
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Dou J, Mao S, Li H, Lin JM. Combination Stiffness Gradient with Chemical Stimulation Directs Glioma Cell Migration on a Microfluidic Chip. Anal Chem 2019; 92:892-898. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b03681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Dou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Sifeng Mao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Haifang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jin-Ming Lin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Wolf KJ, Chen J, Coombes J, Aghi MK, Kumar S. Dissecting and rebuilding the glioblastoma microenvironment with engineered materials. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2019; 4:651-668. [PMID: 32647587 PMCID: PMC7347297 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-019-0135-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and common form of primary brain cancer. Several decades of research have provided great insight into GBM progression; however, the prognosis remains poor with a median patient survival time of ~ 15 months. The tumour microenvironment (TME) of GBM plays a crucial role in mediating tumour progression and thus is being explored as a therapeutic target. Progress in the development of treatments targeting the TME is currently limited by a lack of model systems that can accurately recreate the distinct extracellular matrix composition and anatomic features of the brain, such as the blood-brain barrier and axonal tracts. Biomaterials can be applied to develop synthetic models of the GBM TME to mimic physiological and pathophysiological features of the brain, including cellular and ECM composition, mechanical properties, and topography. In this Review, we summarize key features of the GBM microenvironment and discuss different strategies for the engineering of GBM TME models, including 2D and 3D models featuring chemical and mechanical gradients, interfaces and fluid flow. Finally, we highlight the potential of engineered TME models as platforms for mechanistic discovery and drug screening as well as preclinical testing and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J. Wolf
- University of California, Berkeley – University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Joseph Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Jason Coombes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
- Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manish K. Aghi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, 94158
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- University of California, Berkeley – University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
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Closer to Nature Through Dynamic Culture Systems. Cells 2019; 8:cells8090942. [PMID: 31438519 PMCID: PMC6769584 DOI: 10.3390/cells8090942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanics in the human body are required for normal cell function at a molecular level. It is now clear that mechanical stimulations play significant roles in cell growth, differentiation, and migration in normal and diseased cells. Recent studies have led to the discovery that normal and cancer cells have different mechanosensing properties. Here, we discuss the application and the physiological and pathological meaning of mechanical stimulations. To reveal the optimal conditions for mimicking an in vivo microenvironment, we must, therefore, discern the mechanotransduction occurring in cells.
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