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Rolfe RA, Shea CA, Murphy P. Geometric analysis of chondrogenic self-organisation of embryonic limb bud cells in micromass culture. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 388:49-62. [PMID: 34988666 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03564-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Spatial and temporal control of chondrogenesis generates precise, species-specific patterns of skeletal structures in the developing vertebrate limb. The pattern-template is laid down when mesenchymal cells at the core of the early limb bud condense and undergo chondrogenic differentiation. Although the mechanisms involved in organising such complex patterns are not fully understood, the interplay between BMP and Wnt signalling pathways is fundamental. Primary embryonic limb bud cells grown under high-density micromass culture conditions spontaneously create a simple cartilage nodule pattern, presenting a model to investigate pattern generation. We describe a novel analytical approach to quantify geometric properties and spatial relationships between chondrogenic condensations, utilizing the micromass model. We follow the emergence of pattern in live cultures with nodules forming at regular distances, growing and changing shape over time. Gene expression profiling supports rapid chondrogenesis and transition to hypertrophy, mimicking the process of endochondral ossification within the limb bud. Manipulating the signalling environment through addition of BMP or Wnt ligands, as well as the BMP pathway antagonist Noggin, altered the differentiation profile and nodule pattern. BMP2 addition increased chondrogenesis while WNT3A or Noggin had the opposite effect, but with distinct pattern outcomes. Titrating these pro- and anti-chondrogenic factors and examining the resulting patterns support the hypothesis that regularly spaced cartilage nodules formed by primary limb bud cells in micromass culture are influenced by the balance of Wnt and BMP signalling under a Turing-like mechanism. This study demonstrates an approach for investigating the mechanisms governing chondrogenic spatial organization using simple micromass culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Rolfe
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Claire A Shea
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paula Murphy
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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Linde-Medina M, Smit TH. Molecular and Mechanical Cues for Somite Periodicity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:753446. [PMID: 34901002 PMCID: PMC8663771 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.753446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Somitogenesis refers to the segmentation of the paraxial mesoderm, a tissue located on the back of the embryo, into regularly spaced and sized pieces, i.e., the somites. This periodicity is important to assure, for example, the formation of a functional vertebral column. Prevailing models of somitogenesis are based on the existence of a gene regulatory network capable of generating a striped pattern of gene expression, which is subsequently translated into periodic tissue boundaries. An alternative view is that the pre-pattern that guides somitogenesis is not chemical, but of a mechanical origin. A striped pattern of mechanical strain can be formed in physically connected tissues expanding at different rates, as it occurs in the embryo. Here we argue that both molecular and mechanical cues could drive somite periodicity and suggest how they could be integrated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Theodoor H. Smit
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Rens EG, Merks RMH. Cell Contractility Facilitates Alignment of Cells and Tissues to Static Uniaxial Stretch. Biophys J 2017; 112:755-766. [PMID: 28256235 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
During animal development and homeostasis, the structure of tissues, including muscles, blood vessels, and connective tissues, adapts to mechanical strains in the extracellular matrix (ECM). These strains originate from the differential growth of tissues or forces due to muscle contraction or gravity. Here we show using a computational model that by amplifying local strain cues, active cell contractility can facilitate and accelerate the reorientation of single cells to static strains. At the collective cell level, the model simulations show that active cell contractility can facilitate the formation of strings along the orientation of stretch. The computational model is based on a hybrid cellular Potts and finite-element simulation framework describing a mechanical cell-substrate feedback, where: 1) cells apply forces on the ECM, such that 2) local strains are generated in the ECM and 3) cells preferentially extend protrusions along the strain orientation. In accordance with experimental observations, simulated cells align and form stringlike structures parallel to static uniaxial stretch. Our model simulations predict that the magnitude of the uniaxial stretch and the strength of the contractile forces regulate a gradual transition between stringlike patterns and vascular networklike patterns. Our simulations also suggest that at high population densities, less cell cohesion promotes string formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth G Rens
- Life Sciences, Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Mathematical Institute, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Roeland M H Merks
- Life Sciences, Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Mathematical Institute, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Infante A, Rubio-Azpeitia E, Sánchez P, Alberdi R, Rodriguez CI, Andia I. Platelet Rich Plasma and Culture Configuration Affect the Matrix Forming Phenotype of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 14:567-577. [PMID: 30603510 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-017-0062-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We aim to examine the influence of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and spatial cues in cartilage/bone matrix forming proteins, and to evaluate the mitotic and chemotactic potential of PRP on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Directed cell migration towards PRP gradients was assessed in chemotactic chambers, and recorded by time-lapse microscopy. hMSCs cultured in three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds were visualized by scanning electron microscopy; Hoechst dye was used to confirm cell confluence in 3D-constructs and monolayers before experimental treatment. MSCs were treated with 10% PRP lysate or 10% PRP lysate supplemented with TGF-β-based differentiation medium. The expression of cartilage (COL2A1, Sox9, ACAN, COMP), and bone (COL1A1, VEGF, COL10A1, Runx2) fundamental genes was assessed by real time PCR in monolayers and 3D-constructs. PRP had mitotic (p < 0.001), and chemotactic effect on hMSCs, Ralyleigh test p = 1.02E - 10. Two and three-week exposure of MSCs to PRP secretome in 3D-constructs or monolayers decreased Sox9 expression (p < 0.001 and p = 0.050) and COL2A1, (p = 0.011 and p = 0.019). MSCs in monolayers exposed to PRP showed increased ACAN (p = 0.050) and COMP (p < 0.001). Adding TGF-β-based differentiation medium to PRP increased COMP, and COL2A1 expression at gene and protein level, but merely in 3D-constructs, p < 0.001. TGF-β addition to monolayers reduced Sox9 (p < 0.001), aggrecan (p = 0.004), and VEGF (p = 0.004). Cells exposed to PRP showed no changes in hypertrophy associated genes in either monolayers or 3D-constructs. Our study suggests hMSCs have high-degree of plasticity having the potential to change their matrix-forming phenotype when exposed to PRP and according to spatial configuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arantza Infante
- 1Stem Cells and Cell Therapy Laboratory, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Eva Rubio-Azpeitia
- 2Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, Pza Cruces 12, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Patricia Sánchez
- 1Stem Cells and Cell Therapy Laboratory, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Raúl Alberdi
- Centro Tecnológico IK4-Ideko, 20870 Elgoibar, Spain
| | - Clara I Rodriguez
- 1Stem Cells and Cell Therapy Laboratory, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Isabel Andia
- 2Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, Pza Cruces 12, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
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Saha A, Rolfe R, Carroll S, Kelly DJ, Murphy P. Chondrogenesis of embryonic limb bud cells in micromass culture progresses rapidly to hypertrophy and is modulated by hydrostatic pressure. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 368:47-59. [PMID: 27770257 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2512-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chondrogenesis in vivo is precisely controlled in time and space. The entire limb skeleton forms from cells at the core of the early limb bud that condense and undergo chondrogenic differentiation. Whether they form stable cartilage at the articular surface of the joint or transient cartilage that progresses to hypertrophy as endochondral bone, replacing the cartilage template of the skeletal rudiment, is spatially controlled over several days in the embryo. Here, we follow the differentiation of cells taken from the early limb bud (embryonic day 11.5), grown in high-density micromass culture and show that a self-organising pattern of evenly spaced cartilage nodules occurs spontaneously in growth medium. Although chondrogenesis is enhanced by addition of BMP6 to the medium, the spatial pattern of nodule formation is disrupted. We show rapid progression of the entire nodule to hypertrophy in culture and therefore loss of the local signals required to direct formation of stable cartilage. Dynamic hydrostatic pressure, which we have previously predicted to be a feature of the forming embryonic joint region, had a stabilising effect on chondrogenesis, reducing expression of hypertrophic marker genes. This demonstrates the use of micromass culture as a relatively simple assay to compare the effect of both biophysical and molecular signals on spatial and temporal control of chondrogenesis that could be used to examine the response of different types of progenitor cell, both adult- and embryo-derived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurati Saha
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rebecca Rolfe
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simon Carroll
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniel J Kelly
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paula Murphy
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. .,Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
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Chandaria VV, McGinty J, Nowlan NC. Characterising the effects of in vitro mechanical stimulation on morphogenesis of developing limb explants. J Biomech 2016; 49:3635-3642. [PMID: 27743631 PMCID: PMC5765238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical forces due to fetal movements play an important role in joint shape morphogenesis, and abnormalities of the joints relating to abnormal fetal movements can have long-term health implications. While mechanical stimulation during development has been shown to be important for joint shape, the relationship between the quantity of mechanical stimulation and the growth and shape change of developing cartilage has not been quantified. In this study, we culture embryonic chick limb explants in vitro in order to reveal how the magnitude of applied movement affects key aspects of the developing joint shape. We hypothesise that joint shape is affected by movement magnitude in a dose-dependent manner, and that a movement regime most representative of physiological fetal movements will promote characteristics of normal shape development. Chick hindlimbs harvested at seven days of incubation were cultured for six days, under either static conditions or one of three different dynamic movement regimes, then assessed for joint shape, cell survival and proliferation. We demonstrate that a physiological magnitude of movement in vitro promotes the most normal progression of joint morphogenesis, and that either under-stimulation or over-stimulation has detrimental effects. Providing insight into the optimal level of mechanical stimulation for cartilage growth and morphogenesis is pertinent to gaining a greater understanding of the etiology of conditions such as developmental dysplasia of the hip, and is also valuable for cartilage tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikesh V Chandaria
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - James McGinty
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Niamh C Nowlan
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
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