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Radman BA, Alhameed AMM, Shu G, Yin G, Wang M. Cellular elasticity in cancer: a review of altered biomechanical features. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:5299-5324. [PMID: 38742281 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00328d] [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: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
A large number of studies have shown that changes in biomechanical characteristics are an important indicator of tumor transformation in normal cells. Elastic deformation is one of the more studied biomechanical features of tumor cells, which plays an important role in tumourigenesis and development. Altered cell elasticity often brings many indications. This manuscript reviews the effects of altered cellular elasticity on cell characteristics, including adhesion viscosity, migration, proliferation, and differentiation elasticity and stiffness. Also, the physical factors that may affect cell elasticity, such as temperature, cell height, cell-viscosity, and aging, are summarized. Then, the effects of cell-matrix, cytoskeleton, in vitro culture medium, and cell-substrate with different three-dimensional structures on cell elasticity during cell tumorigenesis are outlined. Importantly, we summarize the current signaling pathways that may affect cellular elasticity, as well as tests for cellular elastic deformation. Finally, we summarize current hybrid materials: polymer-polymer, protein-protein, and protein-polymer hybrids, also, nano-delivery strategies that target cellular resilience and cases that are at least in clinical phase 1 trials. Overall, the behavior of cancer cell elasticity is modulated by biological, chemical, and physical changes, which in turn have the potential to alter cellular elasticity, and this may be an encouraging prediction for the future discovery of cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bakeel A Radman
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Education, Albaydha University, Yemen
| | | | - Guang Shu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Gang Yin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Maonan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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2
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Liu S, Han Y, Kong L, Wang G, Ye Z. Atomic force microscopy in disease-related studies: Exploring tissue and cell mechanics. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:660-684. [PMID: 38063315 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24471] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in human medicine, certain diseases remain challenging to promptly diagnose and treat. Hence, the imperative lies in the development of more exhaustive criteria and tools. Tissue and cellular mechanics exhibit distinctive traits in both normal and pathological states, suggesting that "force" represents a promising and distinctive target for disease diagnosis and treatment. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) holds great promise as a prospective clinical medical device due to its capability to concurrently assess surface morphology and mechanical characteristics of biological specimens within a physiological setting. This review presents a comprehensive examination of the operational principles of AFM and diverse mechanical models, focusing on its applications in investigating tissue and cellular mechanics associated with prevalent diseases. The findings from these studies lay a solid groundwork for potential clinical implementations of AFM. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: By examining the surface morphology and assessing tissue and cellular mechanics of biological specimens in a physiological setting, AFM shows promise as a clinical device to diagnose and treat challenging diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yibo Han
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingwen Kong
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Central Hospital of Chongqing University, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Guixue Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- JinFeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiyi Ye
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- JinFeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China
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3
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Feng J, Sun Q, Chen P, Ren K, Zhang Y, Shi Y, Gao S, Song Z, Wang J, Liao F, Han D. Characterization of Cancer Cell Mechanics by Measuring Active Deformation Behavior. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2300520. [PMID: 37775303 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Active deformation behavior reflects cell structural dynamics adapting to varying environmental constraints during malignancy progression. In most cases, cell mechanics is characterized by modeling using static equilibrium systems, which fails to comprehend cell deformation behavior leading to inaccuracies in distinguishing cancer cells from normal cells. Here, a method is introduced to measure the active deformation behavior of cancer cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the newly developed deformation behavior cytometry (DBC). During the measurement, cells are deformed and allows a long timescale relaxation (≈5 s). Two parameters are derived to represent deformation behavior: apparent Poisson's ratio for adherent cells, which is measured with AFM and refers to the ratio of the lateral strain to the longitudinal strain of the cell, and shape recovery for suspended cells, which is measured with DBC. Active deformation behavior defines cancer cell mechanics better than traditional mechanical parameters (e.g., stiffness, diffusion, and viscosity). Additionally, aquaporins are essential for promoting the deformation behavior, while the actin cytoskeleton acts as a downstream effector. Therefore, the potential application of the cancer cell active deformation behavior as a biomechanical marker or therapeutic target in cancer treatment should be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Feng
- Artemisinin Research Center and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Quanmei Sun
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Peipei Chen
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Keli Ren
- The Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yahong Shi
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Songkun Gao
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Zhiwei Song
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Fulong Liao
- Artemisinin Research Center and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Dong Han
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
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Giolando P, Kakaletsis S, Zhang X, Weickenmeier J, Castillo E, Dortdivanlioglu B, Rausch MK. AI-dente: an open machine learning based tool to interpret nano-indentation data of soft tissues and materials. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:6710-6720. [PMID: 37622379 PMCID: PMC10499084 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00402c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Nano-indentation is a promising method to identify the constitutive parameters of soft materials, including soft tissues. Especially when materials are very small and heterogeneous, nano-indentation allows mechanical interrogation where traditional methods may fail. However, because nano-indentation does not yield a homogeneous deformation field, interpreting the resulting load-displacement curves is non-trivial and most investigators resort to simplified approaches based on the Hertzian solution. Unfortunately, for small samples and large indentation depths, these solutions are inaccurate. We set out to use machine learning to provide an alternative strategy. We first used the finite element method to create a large synthetic data set. We then used these data to train neural networks to inversely identify material parameters from load-displacement curves. To this end, we took two different approaches. First, we learned the indentation forward problem, which we then applied within an iterative framework to identify material parameters. Second, we learned the inverse problem of directly identifying material parameters. We show that both approaches are effective at identifying the parameters of the neo-Hookean and Gent models. Specifically, when applied to synthetic data, our approaches are accurate even for small sample sizes and at deep indentation. Additionally, our approaches are fast, especially compared to the inverse finite element approach. Finally, our approaches worked on unseen experimental data from thin mouse brain samples. Here, our approaches proved robust to experimental noise across over 1000 samples. By providing open access to our data and code, we hope to support others that conduct nano-indentation on soft materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Giolando
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USA
| | - Sotirios Kakaletsis
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Aerospace Engineering & Engineering Mechanics, USA
| | - Xuesong Zhang
- Stevens Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, USA
| | | | - Edward Castillo
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USA
| | - Berkin Dortdivanlioglu
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, USA.
- The University of Texas at Austin, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, USA
| | - Manuel K Rausch
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USA
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Aerospace Engineering & Engineering Mechanics, USA
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Mechanical Engineering, USA
- The University of Texas at Austin, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, USA
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5
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Daniel C, Traub F, Sachsenmaier S, Riester R, Mederake M, Konrads C, Danalache M. An exploratory study of cell stiffness as a mechanical label-free biomarker across multiple musculoskeletal sarcoma cells. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:862. [PMID: 37700272 PMCID: PMC10498616 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11375-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer cells are characterized by changes in cell cytoskeletal architecture and stiffness. Despite advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of musculoskeletal cancers, the corresponding cellular mechanical properties remain largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in cellular stiffness and the associated cytoskeleton configuration alterations in various musculoskeletal cancer cells. METHODS Cell lines from five main sarcoma types of the musculoskeletal system (chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, fibrosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma) as well as their healthy cell counterparts (chondrocytes, osteoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, skeletal muscle cells) were subjected to cell stiffness measurements via atomic force microscopy (AFM). Biochemical and structural changes of the cytoskeleton (F-actin, β-tubulin and actin-related protein 2/3) were assessed by means of fluorescence labelling, ELISA and qPCR. RESULTS While AFM stiffness measurements showed that the majority of cancer cells (osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, fibrosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma) were significantly less stiff than their corresponding non-malignant counterparts (p < 0.001), the chondrosarcoma cells were significant stiffer than the chondrocytes (p < 0.001). Microscopically, the distribution of F-actin differed between malignant entities and healthy counterparts: the organisation in well aligned stress fibers was disrupted in cancer cell lines and the proteins was mainly concentrated at the periphery of the cell, whereas β-tubulin had a predominantly perinuclear localization. While the F-actin content was lower in cancer cells, particularly Ewing sarcoma (p = 0.018) and Fibrosarcoma (p = 0.023), this effect was even more pronounced in the case of β-tubulin for all cancer-healthy cell duos. Interestingly, chondrosarcoma cells were characterized by a significant upregulation of β-tubulin gene expression (p = 0.005) and protein amount (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION Modifications in cellular stiffness, along with structural and compositional cytoskeleton rearrangement, constitute typical features of sarcomas cells, when compared to their healthy counterpart. Notably, whereas a decrease in stiffness is typically a feature of malignant entities, chondrosarcoma cells were stiffer than chondrocytes, with chondrosarcoma cells exhibiting a significantly upregulated β-tubulin expression. Each Sarcoma entity may have his own cellular-stiffness and cytoskeleton organisation/composition fingerprint, which in turn may be exploited for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Daniel
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Frank Traub
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55122, Mainz, Germany
| | - Saskia Sachsenmaier
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rosa Riester
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Moritz Mederake
- Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Clinic, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Konrads
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hanseatic Hospital Stralsund, 18437, Stralsund, Germany
| | - Marina Danalache
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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Zhang Y, Wang Z, Sun Q, Li Q, Li S, Li X. Dynamic Hydrogels with Viscoelasticity and Tunable Stiffness for the Regulation of Cell Behavior and Fate. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:5161. [PMID: 37512435 PMCID: PMC10386333 DOI: 10.3390/ma16145161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) of natural cells typically exhibits dynamic mechanical properties (viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness). The viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness of the ECM play a crucial role in biological processes, such as tissue growth, development, physiology, and disease. Hydrogels with viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness have recently been used to investigate the regulation of cell behavior and fate. This article first emphasizes the importance of tissue viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness and provides an overview of characterization techniques at both macro- and microscale. Then, the viscoelastic hydrogels (crosslinked via ion bonding, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and supramolecular interactions) and dynamic stiffness hydrogels (softening, stiffening, and reversible stiffness) with different crosslinking strategies are summarized, along with the significant impact of viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness on cell spreading, proliferation, migration, and differentiation in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures. Finally, the emerging trends in the development of dynamic mechanical hydrogels are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Zhang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China (Q.L.)
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-Nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhuofan Wang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China (Q.L.)
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-Nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingqing Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China (Q.L.)
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-Nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shaohui Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China (Q.L.)
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-Nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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7
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Pettenuzzo S, Arduino A, Belluzzi E, Pozzuoli A, Fontanella CG, Ruggieri P, Salomoni V, Majorana C, Berardo A. Biomechanics of Chondrocytes and Chondrons in Healthy Conditions and Osteoarthritis: A Review of the Mechanical Characterisations at the Microscale. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1942. [PMID: 37509581 PMCID: PMC10377681 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical studies are expanding across a variety of fields, from biomedicine to biomedical engineering. From the molecular to the system level, mechanical stimuli are crucial regulators of the development of organs and tissues, their growth and related processes such as remodelling, regeneration or disease. When dealing with cell mechanics, various experimental techniques have been developed to analyse the passive response of cells; however, cell variability and the extraction process, complex experimental procedures and different models and assumptions may affect the resulting mechanical properties. For these purposes, this review was aimed at collecting the available literature focused on experimental chondrocyte and chondron biomechanics with direct connection to their biochemical functions and activities, in order to point out important information regarding the planning of an experimental test or a comparison with the available results. In particular, this review highlighted (i) the most common experimental techniques used, (ii) the results and models adopted by different authors, (iii) a critical perspective on features that could affect the results and finally (iv) the quantification of structural and mechanical changes due to a degenerative pathology such as osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Pettenuzzo
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arduino
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Elisa Belluzzi
- Musculoskeletal Pathology and Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova (DiSCOG), Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova (DiSCOG), 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Assunta Pozzuoli
- Musculoskeletal Pathology and Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova (DiSCOG), Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova (DiSCOG), 35128 Padova, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Ruggieri
- Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova (DiSCOG), 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Salomoni
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Department of Management and Engineering (DTG), Stradella S. Nicola 3, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Carmelo Majorana
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alice Berardo
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Pancreatic Cancer Presents Distinct Nanomechanical Properties During Progression. Ann Biomed Eng 2023:10.1007/s10439-023-03168-3. [PMID: 36813931 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03168-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Cancer progression is closely related to changes in the structure and mechanical properties of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In many solid tumors, including pancreatic cancer, the interplay among the different components of the TME leads to a desmoplastic reaction mainly due to collagen overproduction. Desmoplasia is responsible for the stiffening of the tumor, poses a major barrier to effective drug delivery and has been associated with poor prognosis. The understanding of the involved mechanisms in desmoplasia and the identification of nanomechanical and collagen-based properties that characterize the state of a particular tumor can lead to the development of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In this study, in vitro experiments were conducted using two human pancreatic cell lines. Morphological and cytoskeleton characteristics, cells' stiffness and invasive properties were assessed using optical and atomic force microscopy techniques and cell spheroid invasion assay. Subsequently, the two cell lines were used to develop orthotopic pancreatic tumor models. Tissue biopsies were collected at different times of tumor growth for the study of the nanomechanical and collagen-based optical properties of the tissue using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and picrosirius red polarization microscopy, respectively. The results from the in vitro experiments demonstrated that the more invasive cells are softer and present a more elongated shape with more oriented F-actin stress fibers. Furthermore, ex vivo studies of orthotopic tumor biopsies on MIAPaCa-2 and BxPC-3 murine tumor models highlighted that pancreatic cancer presents distinct nanomechanical and collagen-based optical properties relevant to cancer progression. The stiffness spectrums (in terms of Young's modulus values) showed that the higher elasticity distributions were increasing during cancer progression mainly due desmoplasia (collagen overproduction), while a lower elasticity peak was evident - due to cancer cells softening - on both tumor models. Optical microscopy studies highlighted that collagen content increases while collagen fibers tend to form align patterns. Consequently, during cancer progression nanomechanical and collagen-based optical properties alter in relation to changes in collagen content. Therefore, they have the potential to be used as novel biomarkers for assessing and monitoring tumor progression and treatment outcomes.
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Kontomaris SV, Stylianou A, Chliveros G, Malamou A. Determining Spatial Variability of Elastic Properties for Biological Samples Using AFM. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:mi14010182. [PMID: 36677243 PMCID: PMC9862197 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Measuring the mechanical properties (i.e., elasticity in terms of Young's modulus) of biological samples using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) indentation at the nanoscale has opened new horizons in studying and detecting various pathological conditions at early stages, including cancer and osteoarthritis. It is expected that AFM techniques will play a key role in the future in disease diagnosis and modeling using rigorous mathematical criteria (i.e., automated user-independent diagnosis). In this review, AFM techniques and mathematical models for determining the spatial variability of elastic properties of biological materials at the nanoscale are presented and discussed. Significant issues concerning the rationality of the elastic half-space assumption, the possibility of monitoring the depth-dependent mechanical properties, and the construction of 3D Young's modulus maps are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Vasileios Kontomaris
- BioNanoTec Ltd., Nicosia 2043, Cyprus
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Metropolitan College, 15125 Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Stylianou
- School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Georgios Chliveros
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Metropolitan College, 15125 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Malamou
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece
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10
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Weber A, Benitez R, Toca‐Herrera JL. Measuring biological materials mechanics with atomic force microscopy - Determination of viscoelastic cell properties from stress relaxation experiments. Microsc Res Tech 2022; 85:3284-3295. [PMID: 35736395 PMCID: PMC9796732 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells are complex, viscoelastic bodies. Their mechanical properties are defined by the arrangement of semiflexible cytoskeletal fibers, their crosslinking, and the active remodeling of the cytoskeletal network. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an often-used technique for the study of cell mechanics, enabling time- and frequency-dependent measurements with nanometer resolution. Cells exhibit time-dependent deformation when stress is applied. In this work, we have investigated the stress relaxation of HeLa cells when subjected to a constant strain. We have varied the applied force (1, 2, 4, and 8 nN) and pause time (1, 10, and 60 s) to check for common assumptions for the use of models of linear viscoelasticity. Then, we have applied three models (standard linear solid, five element Maxwell, power law rheology) to study their suitability to fit the datasets. We show that the five element Maxwell model captures the stress relaxation response the best while still retaining a low number of free variables. This work serves as an introduction and guide when performing stress relaxation experiments on soft matter using AFM. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Cells exhibit linear viscoelastic properties when subjected to stress relaxation measurements at the studied different forces and times. The stress relaxation is best described by a five element Maxwell model. All three used models capture a softening and fluidization of cells when disrupting actin filaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Weber
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of NanobiotechnologyUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU)ViennaAustria
| | - Rafael Benitez
- Departamento de Matemáticas para la Economía y la EmpresaFacultad de Economía, Universidad de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - José L. Toca‐Herrera
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of NanobiotechnologyUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU)ViennaAustria
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11
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Abuhattum S, Kuan HS, Müller P, Guck J, Zaburdaev V. Unbiased retrieval of frequency-dependent mechanical properties from noisy time-dependent signals. BIOPHYSICAL REPORTS 2022; 2:100054. [PMID: 36425327 PMCID: PMC9680806 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpr.2022.100054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical response of materials to dynamic loading is often quantified by the frequency-dependent complex modulus. Probing materials directly in the frequency domain faces technical challenges such as a limited range of frequencies, long measurement times, or small sample sizes. Furthermore, many biological samples, such as cells or tissues, can change their properties upon repetitive probing at different frequencies. Therefore, it is common practice to extract the material properties by fitting predefined mechanical models to measurements performed in the time domain. This practice, however, precludes the probing of unique and yet unexplored material properties. In this report, we demonstrate that the frequency-dependent complex modulus can be robustly retrieved in a model-independent manner directly from time-dependent stress-strain measurements. While applying a rolling average eliminates random noise and leads to a reliable complex modulus in the lower frequency range, a Fourier transform with a complex frequency helps to recover the material properties at high frequencies. Finally, by properly designing the probing procedure, the recovery of reliable mechanical properties can be extended to an even wider frequency range. Our approach can be used with many state-of-the-art experimental methods to interrogate the mechanical properties of biological and other complex materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shada Abuhattum
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen, Germany
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hui-Shun Kuan
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany
| | - Paul Müller
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen, Germany
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen, Germany
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vasily Zaburdaev
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany
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12
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Interactions between infernan and calcium: From the molecular level to the mechanical properties of microgels. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 292:119629. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Discovery of surface biomarkers for cell mechanophenotype via an intracellular protein-based enrichment strategy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:320. [PMID: 35622146 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04351-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cellular mechanophenotype is often a defining characteristic of conditions like cancer malignancy/metastasis, cardiovascular disease, lung and liver fibrosis, and stem cell differentiation. However, acquiring living cells based on mechanophenotype is challenging for conventional cell sorters due to a lack of biomarkers. In this study, we demonstrate a workflow for surface protein discovery associated with cellular mechanophenotype. We sorted heterogeneous adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) into groups with low vs. high lamin A/C, an intracellular protein linked to whole-cell mechanophenotype. Proteomic data of enriched groups identified surface protein candidates as potential biochemical proxies for ASC mechanophenotype. Select surface biomarkers were used for live-cell enrichment, with subsequent single-cell mechanical testing and lineage-specific differentiation. Ultimately, we identified CD44 to have a strong inverse correlation with whole-cell elastic modulus, with CD44lo cells exhibiting moduli three times greater than that of CD44hi cells. Functionally, these stiff and soft ASCs showed enhanced osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential, respectively. The described workflow can be replicated for any phenotype with a known correlated intracellular protein, allowing for the acquisition of live cells for further characterization, diagnostics, or therapeutics.
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14
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Green BJ, Marazzini M, Hershey B, Fardin A, Li Q, Wang Z, Giangreco G, Pisati F, Marchesi S, Disanza A, Frittoli E, Martini E, Magni S, Beznoussenko GV, Vernieri C, Lobefaro R, Parazzoli D, Maiuri P, Havas K, Labib M, Sigismund S, Fiore PPD, Gunby RH, Kelley SO, Scita G. PillarX: A Microfluidic Device to Profile Circulating Tumor Cell Clusters Based on Geometry, Deformability, and Epithelial State. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2106097. [PMID: 35344274 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202106097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters are associated with increased metastatic potential and worse patient prognosis, but are rare, difficult to count, and poorly characterized biophysically. The PillarX device described here is a bimodular microfluidic device (Pillar-device and an X-magnetic device) to profile single CTCs and clusters from whole blood based on their size, deformability, and epithelial marker expression. Larger, less deformable clusters and large single cells are captured in the Pillar-device and sorted according to pillar gap sizes. Smaller, deformable clusters and single cells are subsequently captured in the X-device and separated based on epithelial marker expression using functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. Clusters of established and primary breast cancer cells with variable degrees of cohesion driven by different cell-cell adhesion protein expression are profiled in the device. Cohesive clusters exhibit a lower deformability as they travel through the pillar array, relative to less cohesive clusters, and have greater collective invasive behavior. The ability of the PillarX device to capture clusters is validated in mouse models and patients of metastatic breast cancer. Thus, this device effectively enumerates and profiles CTC clusters based on their unique geometrical, physical, and biochemical properties, and could form the basis of a novel prognostic clinical tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda J Green
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | - Margherita Marazzini
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | - Ben Hershey
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | - Amir Fardin
- IEO, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, Milan, 20141, Italy
| | - Qingsen Li
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | - Zongjie Wang
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 144 College St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Giovanni Giangreco
- IEO, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, Milan, 20141, Italy
- Tumour Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Federica Pisati
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | - Stefano Marchesi
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | - Andrea Disanza
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | - Emanuela Frittoli
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | - Emanuele Martini
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | - Serena Magni
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Vernieri
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via G. Venezian 1, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Riccardo Lobefaro
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via G. Venezian 1, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Dario Parazzoli
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | - Paolo Maiuri
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | - Kristina Havas
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | - Mahmoud Labib
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Sara Sigismund
- IEO, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, Milan, 20141, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono, 7, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Di Fiore
- IEO, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, Milan, 20141, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono, 7, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Rosalind H Gunby
- IEO, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, Milan, 20141, Italy
| | - Shana O Kelley
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 144 College St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3M2, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Giorgio Scita
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, Milan, 20139, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono, 7, Milan, 20122, Italy
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15
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Abuhattum S, Mokbel D, Müller P, Soteriou D, Guck J, Aland S. An explicit model to extract viscoelastic properties of cells from AFM force-indentation curves. iScience 2022; 25:104016. [PMID: 35310950 PMCID: PMC8931349 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104016] [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: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is widely used for quantifying the mechanical properties of soft materials such as cells. AFM force-indentation curves are conventionally fitted with a Hertzian model to extract elastic properties. These properties solely are, however, insufficient to describe the mechanical properties of cells. Here, we expand the analysis capabilities to describe the viscoelastic behavior while using the same force-indentation curves. Our model gives an explicit relation of force and indentation and extracts physically meaningful mechanical parameters. We first validated the model on simulated force-indentation curves. Then, we applied the fitting model to the force-indentation curves of two hydrogels with different crosslinking mechanisms. Finally, we characterized HeLa cells in two cell cycle phases, interphase and mitosis, and showed that mitotic cells have a higher apparent elasticity and a lower apparent viscosity. Our study provides a simple method, which can be directly integrated into the standard AFM framework for extracting the viscoelastic properties of materials. Simple mechanical model to describe viscoelastic properties of soft matter A model fitted directly to force-indentation curves Capturing the distinct nature of hydrogels crosslinked in different mechanisms Comparing viscoelastic properties of cells in interphase and mitotic states
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Affiliation(s)
- Shada Abuhattum
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Technische Universität Dresden, Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Corresponding author
| | - Dominic Mokbel
- Fakultät Mathematik und Informatik, Technische Universität Freiberg, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
| | - Paul Müller
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Technische Universität Dresden, Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Despina Soteriou
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Technische Universität Dresden, Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sebastian Aland
- Fakultät Mathematik und Informatik, Technische Universität Freiberg, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
- Fakultät Informatik/Mathematik, Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Corresponding author
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16
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Abstract
The present work deals with the development of a Love-wave biosensor for the diagnosis of the modification of cell viscosity. The relevant device performance such as insertion loss, attenuation, phase velocity, and sensitivity needs to be analysed as a function of the device structure and also regarding the effect of the liquid loading. In this study, we used an analytical model based on the equation of motions for a Love wave propagating in a three-layer structure. We show that the effect of the viscous coupling leads to insertion losses and a phase shift that impact the acoustic ratio. A comparison between experimental and theoretical results showed a good agreement between the behaviours as it was observed for the phase shift vs. the insertion loss with a limited difference in values (3.11/3.09—experimental/simulation for the sensitivity to the viscosity for different insertion losses) due to the assumptions made on the model used.
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17
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Chatterjee A, Kondaiah P, Gundiah N. Stress fiber growth and remodeling determines cellular morphomechanics under uniaxial cyclic stretch. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2022; 21:553-567. [DOI: 10.1007/s10237-021-01548-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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18
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Moghimi N, Peng K, Voloshin A. Biomechanical characterization and modeling of human mesenchymal stem cells under compression. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2022; 25:1608-1617. [PMID: 35062850 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2022.2028777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The application of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) in biomedical devices has expanded vastly over the last few decades, with MEMS devices being developed to measure different characteristics of cells. The study of cell mechanics offers valuable understanding of cell viability and functionality. Cell biomechanics approaches also facilitate the characterization of important cell and tissue behaviors. In particular, understanding of the biological response of cells to their biomechanical environment would enhance the knowledge of how cellular responses correlate to tissue level characteristics and how some diseases, such as cancer, grow in the body. This study focuses on viscoelastic modeling of the behavior of a single suspended human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC). Mechanical properties of hMSC cells are particularly important in tissue engineering and research for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. We evaluated the elastic and viscoelastic properties of hMSC cells using a miniaturized custom-made BioMEMS device. Our results were compared to the elastic and viscoelastic properties measured by other methods such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and micropipette aspiration. Different approaches were applied to model the experimentally obtained force data, including elastic and Standard Linear Solid (SLS) constitutive models, and the corresponding constants were derived. These values were compared to the ones in literature that were based on micropipette aspiration and AFM methods. We then utilized a tensegrity approach to model major parts of the internal structure of the cell and treat the cell as a network of viscoelastic microtubules and microfilaments, as opposed to a simple spherical blob. The results predicted from the tensegrity model were similar to the recorded experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Moghimi
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Kaiyuan Peng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Arkady Voloshin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
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19
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Luo M, Yang W, Cartwright TN, Higgins JMG, Chen J. Simultaneous Measurement of Single-Cell Mechanics and Cell-to-Materials Adhesion Using Fluidic Force Microscopy. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:620-628. [PMID: 34981921 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c01973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The connection between cells and their substrate is essential for biological processes such as cell migration. Atomic force microscopy nanoindentation has often been adopted to measure single-cell mechanics. Very recently, fluidic force microscopy has been developed to enable rapid measurements of cell adhesion. However, simultaneous characterization of the cell-to-material adhesion and viscoelastic properties of the same cell is challenging. In this study, we present a new approach to simultaneously determine these properties for single cells, using fluidic force microscopy. For MCF-7 cells grown on tissue-culture-treated polystyrene surfaces, we found that the adhesive force and adhesion energy were correlated for each cell. Well-spread cells tended to have stronger adhesion, which may be due to the greater area of the contact between cellular adhesion receptors and the surface. By contrast, the viscoelastic properties of MCF-7 cells cultured on the same surface appeared to have little dependence on cell shape. This methodology provides an integrated approach to better understand the biophysics of multiple cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ma Luo
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Wenjian Yang
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhijiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Tyrell N Cartwright
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Jonathan M G Higgins
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Jinju Chen
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
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20
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Mukherjee A, Zhang H, Ladner K, Brown M, Urbanski J, Grieco JP, Kapania RK, Lou E, Behkam B, Schmelz EM, Nain AS. Quantitative Biophysical Metrics for Rapid Evaluation of Ovarian Cancer Metastatic Potential. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar55. [PMID: 34985924 PMCID: PMC9265161 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-08-0419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is routinely diagnosed long after the disease has metastasized through the fibrous sub-mesothelium. Despite extensive research in the field linking ovarian cancer progression to increasingly poor prognosis, there are currently no validated cellular markers or hallmarks of ovarian cancer that can predict metastatic potential. To discern disease progression across a syngeneic mouse ovarian cancer progression model, here, we fabricated extracellular-matrix mimicking suspended fiber networks: crosshatches of mismatch diameters for studying protrusion dynamics, aligned same diameter networks of varying inter-fiber spacing for studying migration, and aligned nanonets for measuring cell forces. We found that migration correlated with disease, while force-disease biphasic relationship exhibited f-actin stress-fiber network dependence. However, unique to suspended fibers, coiling occurring at tips of protrusions and not the length or breadth of protrusions displayed strongest correlation with metastatic potential. To confirm that our findings were more broadly applicable beyond the mouse model, we repeated our studies in human ovarian cancer cell lines and found that the biophysical trends were consistent with our mouse model results. Altogether, we report complementary high throughput and high content biophysical metrics capable of identifying ovarian cancer metastatic potential on time scale of hours. [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text] [Media: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haonan Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Katherine Ladner
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Megan Brown
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jacob Urbanski
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Joseph P Grieco
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Rakesh K Kapania
- Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Emil Lou
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Bahareh Behkam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Eva M Schmelz
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Amrinder S Nain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
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21
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Arduino A, Pettenuzzo S, Berardo A, Salomoni VA, Majorana C, Carniel EL. A Continuum-Tensegrity Computational Model for Chondrocyte Biomechanics in AFM Indentation and Micropipette Aspiration. Ann Biomed Eng 2022; 50:1911-1922. [PMID: 35879583 PMCID: PMC9794536 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-022-03011-1] [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: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical stimuli are fundamental in the development of organs and tissues, their growth, regeneration or disease. They influence the biochemical signals produced by the cells, and, consequently, the development and spreading of a disease. Moreover, tumour cells are usually characterized by a decrease in the cell mechanical properties that may be directly linked to their metastatic potential. Thus, recently, the experimental and computational study of cell biomechanics is facing a growing interest. Various experimental approaches have been implemented to describe the passive response of cells; however, cell variability and complex experimental procedures may affect the obtained mechanical properties. For this reason, in-silico computational models have been developed through the years, to overcome such limitations, while proposing valuable tools to understand cell mechanical behaviour. This being the case, we propose a combined continuous-tensegrity finite element (FE) model to analyse the mechanical response of a cell and its subcomponents, observing how every part contributes to the overall mechanical behaviour. We modelled both Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) indentation and micropipette aspiration techniques, as common mechanical tests for cells and elucidated also the role of cell cytoplasm and cytoskeleton in the global cell mechanical response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Arduino
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Sofia Pettenuzzo
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Alice Berardo
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | | | - Carmelo Majorana
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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22
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The Hertzian theory in AFM nanoindentation experiments regarding biological samples: Overcoming limitations in data processing. Micron 2022; 155:103228. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2022.103228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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23
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Zhang M, Wu X, Du G, Chen W, Zhang Q. Substrate stiffness-dependent regulatory volume decrease and calcium signaling in chondrocytes. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2021; 54:113-125. [PMID: 35130619 PMCID: PMC9909316 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2021008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The pericellular matrix stiffness is strongly associated with its biochemical and structural changes during the aging and osteoarthritis progress of articular cartilage. However, how substrate stiffness modulates the chondrocyte regulatory volume decrease (RVD) and calcium signaling in chondrocytes remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects of substrate stiffness on the chondrocyte RVD and calcium signaling by recapitulating the physiologically relevant substrate stiffness. Our results showed that substrate stiffness induces completely different dynamical deformations between the cell swelling and recovering progresses. Chondrocytes swell faster on the soft substrate but recovers slower than the stiff substrate during the RVD response induced by the hypo-osmotic challenge. We found that stiff substrate enhances the cytosolic Ca oscillation of chondrocytes in the iso-osmotic medium. Furthermore, chondrocytes exhibit a distinctive cytosolic Ca oscillation during the RVD response. Soft substrate significantly improves the Ca oscillation in the cell swelling process whereas stiff substrate enhances the cytosolic Ca oscillation in the cell recovering process. Our work also suggests that the TRPV4 channel is involved in the chondrocyte sensing substrate stiffness by mediating Ca signaling in a stiffness-dependent manner. This helps to understand a previously unidentified relationship between substrate stiffness and RVD response under the hypo-osmotic challenge. A better understanding of substrate stiffness regulating chondrocyte volume and calcium signaling will aid the development of novel cell-instructive biomaterial to restore cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- 1.College of Biomedical EngineeringTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024China
| | - Xiaoan Wu
- 2.Department of Physiology and BiophysicsMiller School of MedicineUniversity of MiamiMiamiFL33136USA
| | - Genlai Du
- 3.Department of Cell Biology and Medical GeneticsSchool of Basic Medical ScienceShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuan030001China
| | - Weiyi Chen
- 1.College of Biomedical EngineeringTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024China,Correspondence address: +86-13700500252; E-mail: (Q.Z.) / Tel: +86-13015477101; E-mail: (W.C.)@tyut.edu.cn
| | - Quanyou Zhang
- 1.College of Biomedical EngineeringTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024China,4.Department of Orthopaedicsthe Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityShanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury RepairShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuan030001China,Correspondence address: +86-13700500252; E-mail: (Q.Z.) / Tel: +86-13015477101; E-mail: (W.C.)@tyut.edu.cn
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24
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Mierke CT. Viscoelasticity Acts as a Marker for Tumor Extracellular Matrix Characteristics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:785138. [PMID: 34950661 PMCID: PMC8691700 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.785138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological materials such as extracellular matrix scaffolds, cancer cells, and tissues are often assumed to respond elastically for simplicity; the viscoelastic response is quite commonly ignored. Extracellular matrix mechanics including the viscoelasticity has turned out to be a key feature of cellular behavior and the entire shape and function of healthy and diseased tissues, such as cancer. The interference of cells with their local microenvironment and the interaction among different cell types relies both on the mechanical phenotype of each involved element. However, there is still not yet clearly understood how viscoelasticity alters the functional phenotype of the tumor extracellular matrix environment. Especially the biophysical technologies are still under ongoing improvement and further development. In addition, the effect of matrix mechanics in the progression of cancer is the subject of discussion. Hence, the topic of this review is especially attractive to collect the existing endeavors to characterize the viscoelastic features of tumor extracellular matrices and to briefly highlight the present frontiers in cancer progression and escape of cancers from therapy. Finally, this review article illustrates the importance of the tumor extracellular matrix mechano-phenotype, including the phenomenon viscoelasticity in identifying, characterizing, and treating specific cancer types.
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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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25
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Jamal A, Bernardini A, Dini D. Microscale characterisation of the time-dependent mechanical behaviour of brain white matter. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2021; 125:104917. [PMID: 34710852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Brain mechanics is a topic of deep interest because of the significant role of mechanical cues in both brain function and form. Specifically, capturing the heterogeneous and anisotropic behaviour of cerebral white matter (WM) is extremely challenging and yet the data on WM at a spatial resolution relevant to tissue components are sparse. To investigate the time-dependent mechanical behaviour of WM, and its dependence on local microstructural features when subjected to small deformations, we conducted atomic force microscopy (AFM) stress relaxation experiments on corpus callosum (CC), corona radiata (CR) and fornix (FO) of fresh ovine brain. Our experimental results show a dependency of the tissue mechanical response on axons orientation, with e.g. the stiffness of perpendicular and parallel samples is different in all three regions of WM whereas the relaxation behaviour is different for the CC and FO regions. An inverse modelling approach was adopted to extract Prony series parameters of the tissue components, i.e. axons and extra cellular matrix with its accessory cells, from experimental data. Using a bottom-up approach, we developed analytical and FEA estimates that are in good agreement with our experimental results. Our systematic characterisation of sheep brain WM using a combination of AFM experiments and micromechanical models provide a significant contribution for predicting localised time-dependent mechanics of brain tissue. This information can lead to more accurate computational simulations, therefore aiding the development of surgical robotic solutions for drug delivery and accurate tissue mimics, as well as the determination of criteria for tissue injury and predict brain development and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Jamal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Andrea Bernardini
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Daniele Dini
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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Liu Y, Zhang Y, Cui M, Zhao X, Sun M, Zhao X. A Cell's Viscoelasticity Measurement Method Based on the Spheroidization Process of Non-Spherical Shaped Cell. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:5561. [PMID: 34451003 PMCID: PMC8401595 DOI: 10.3390/s21165561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of biological cells, especially the elastic modulus and viscosity of cells, have been identified to reflect cell viability and cell states. The existing measuring techniques need additional equipment or operation condition. This paper presents a cell's viscoelasticity measurement method based on the spheroidization process of non-spherical shaped cell. The viscoelasticity of porcine fetal fibroblast was measured. Firstly, we introduced the process of recording the spheroidization process of porcine fetal fibroblast. Secondly, we built the viscoelastic model for simulating a cell's spheroidization process. Then, we simulated the spheroidization process of porcine fetal fibroblast and got the simulated spheroidization process. By identifying the parameters in the viscoelastic model, we got the elasticity (500 Pa) and viscosity (10 Pa·s) of porcine fetal fibroblast. The results showed that the magnitude of the elasticity and viscosity were in agreement with those measured by traditional method. To verify the accuracy of the proposed method, we imitated the spheroidization process with silicone oil, a kind of viscous and uniform liquid with determined viscosity. We did the silicone oil's spheroidization experiment and simulated this process. The simulation results also fitted the experimental results well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaowei Liu
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Maosheng Cui
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin 300112, China;
| | - Xiangfei Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Mingzhu Sun
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Xin Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (M.S.)
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Nagayama K, Nishimiya K. Moderate substrate stiffness induces vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation through cellular morphological and tensional changes. Biomed Mater Eng 2021; 31:157-167. [PMID: 32568168 DOI: 10.3233/bme-201087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are one of the main components of arterial walls and actively remodel the arterial walls in which they reside through biomechanical signals applied to themselves. Contractile or differentiated VSMCs have been observed in normal blood vessels. In pathological vascular conditions, they become dedifferentiated from contractile to non-contractile or synthetic cells, and a similar change is observed when VSMCs are placed in culture conditions. The mechanisms regulating VSMC differentiation remain unclear at this stage. OBJECTIVE In this paper we investigated the effects of substrate stiffness on the morphology, intercellular tension, and differentiation of VSMCs. METHODS Rat VSMCs were cultured on polyacrylamide (PA) gels, with elastic moduli of 15 kPa, 40 kPa, and 85 kPa, and PDMS substrate with elastic modulus of 1 MPa, and their morphology, intercellular tension, and contractile differentiation were assessed. RESULTS Using fluorescence microscope image-based analysis and nano-indentation imaging with atomic force microscopy, we found that cell spreading and stiffening were induced by substrate stiffening in VSMCs. Interestingly, VSMCs on PA gel substrates with medium stiffness (40 kPa) showed significant elongation and shape polarization, and their 𝛼-SMA with F-actin cytoskeleton expression ratio was significantly higher than those of cells on other substrates. CONCLUSION The results indicate an existing optimal substrate stiffness for promoting VSMC differentiation, and also indicate that cell shape polarization might be a key factor for VSMC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Nagayama
- Micro-Nano Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Ibaraki University, Nakanarusawa-cho, Hitachi, Japan
| | - Kouhei Nishimiya
- Micro-Nano Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Ibaraki University, Nakanarusawa-cho, Hitachi, Japan
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Runel G, Lopez-Ramirez N, Chlasta J, Masse I. Biomechanical Properties of Cancer Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040887. [PMID: 33924659 PMCID: PMC8069788 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the crucial role of the microenvironment has been highlighted, many studies have been focused on the role of biomechanics in cancer cell growth and the invasion of the surrounding environment. Despite the search in recent years for molecular biomarkers to try to classify and stratify cancers, much effort needs to be made to take account of morphological and nanomechanical parameters that could provide supplementary information concerning tissue complexity adaptation during cancer development. The biomechanical properties of cancer cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix have actually been proposed as promising biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The present review first describes the main methods used to study the mechanical properties of cancer cells. Then, we address the nanomechanical description of cultured cancer cells and the crucial role of the cytoskeleton for biomechanics linked with cell morphology. Finally, we depict how studying interaction of tumor cells with their surrounding microenvironment is crucial to integrating biomechanical properties in our understanding of tumor growth and local invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaël Runel
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, CNRS-UMR5286, INSREM U1052, Université de Lyon, F-69008 Lyon, France; (G.R.); (N.L.-R.)
- BioMeca, F-69008 Lyon, France;
| | - Noémie Lopez-Ramirez
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, CNRS-UMR5286, INSREM U1052, Université de Lyon, F-69008 Lyon, France; (G.R.); (N.L.-R.)
| | | | - Ingrid Masse
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, CNRS-UMR5286, INSREM U1052, Université de Lyon, F-69008 Lyon, France; (G.R.); (N.L.-R.)
- Correspondence:
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Graybill PM, Bollineni RK, Sheng Z, Davalos RV, Mirzaeifar R. A constriction channel analysis of astrocytoma stiffness and disease progression. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2021; 15:024103. [PMID: 33763160 PMCID: PMC7968935 DOI: 10.1063/5.0040283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated that cancer cells tend to have reduced stiffness (Young's modulus) compared to their healthy counterparts. The mechanical properties of primary brain cancer cells, however, have remained largely unstudied. To investigate whether the stiffness of primary brain cancer cells decreases as malignancy increases, we used a microfluidic constriction channel device to deform healthy astrocytes and astrocytoma cells of grade II, III, and IV and measured the entry time, transit time, and elongation. Calculating cell stiffness directly from the experimental measurements is not possible. To overcome this challenge, finite element simulations of the cell entry into the constriction channel were used to train a neural network to calculate the stiffness of the analyzed cells based on their experimentally measured diameter, entry time, and elongation in the channel. Our study provides the first calculation of stiffness for grades II and III astrocytoma and is the first to apply a neural network analysis to determine cell mechanical properties from a constriction channel device. Our results suggest that the stiffness of astrocytoma cells is not well-correlated with the cell grade. Furthermore, while other non-central-nervous-system cell types typically show reduced stiffness of malignant cells, we found that most astrocytoma cell lines had increased stiffness compared to healthy astrocytes, with lower-grade astrocytoma having higher stiffness values than grade IV glioblastoma. Differences in nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio only partly explain differences in stiffness values. Although our study does have limitations, our results do not show a strong correlation of stiffness with cell grade, suggesting that other factors may play important roles in determining the invasive capability of astrocytoma. Future studies are warranted to further elucidate the mechanical properties of astrocytoma across various pathological grades.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R. K. Bollineni
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
| | - Z. Sheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Virginia Tech Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia 24016, USA
| | - R. V. Davalos
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
| | - R. Mirzaeifar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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Gensbittel V, Kräter M, Harlepp S, Busnelli I, Guck J, Goetz JG. Mechanical Adaptability of Tumor Cells in Metastasis. Dev Cell 2020; 56:164-179. [PMID: 33238151 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The most dangerous aspect of cancer lies in metastatic progression. Tumor cells will successfully form life-threatening metastases when they undergo sequential steps along a journey from the primary tumor to distant organs. From a biomechanics standpoint, growth, invasion, intravasation, circulation, arrest/adhesion, and extravasation of tumor cells demand particular cell-mechanical properties in order to survive and complete the metastatic cascade. With metastatic cells usually being softer than their non-malignant counterparts, high deformability for both the cell and its nucleus is thought to offer a significant advantage for metastatic potential. However, it is still unclear whether there is a finely tuned but fixed mechanical state that accommodates all mechanical features required for survival throughout the cascade or whether tumor cells need to dynamically refine their properties and intracellular components at each new step encountered. Here, we review the various mechanical requirements successful cancer cells might need to fulfill along their journey and speculate on the possibility that they dynamically adapt their properties accordingly. The mechanical signature of a successful cancer cell might actually be its ability to adapt to the successive microenvironmental constraints along the different steps of the journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Gensbittel
- INSERM UMR_S1109, Tumor Biomechanics, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Martin Kräter
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sébastien Harlepp
- INSERM UMR_S1109, Tumor Biomechanics, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Ignacio Busnelli
- INSERM UMR_S1109, Tumor Biomechanics, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Jacky G Goetz
- INSERM UMR_S1109, Tumor Biomechanics, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France.
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LncRNA LINC00472 regulates cell stiffness and inhibits the migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma by binding to YBX1. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:945. [PMID: 33144579 PMCID: PMC7609609 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03147-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in human tumorigenesis. By using publicly available expression profiling data from lung adenocarcinoma and integrating bioinformatics analysis, we screened a lncRNA, LINC00472. LINC00472 expression in lung adenocarcinoma tissues was significantly lower and tightly associated with patient prognosis and TNM clinical stages in lung adenocarcinoma. LINC00472 also inhibited lung adenocarcinoma cell migration and invasion and increased cell stiffness and adhesion. RNA pull down and RIP assays identified that LINC00472 interacted with the transcription factor Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1), which partially reversed the inhibition of cell migration and invasion and increased LINC00472-induced cell stiffness and adhesion. LINC00472 also regulated the density and integrity of F-actin in A549 and PC-9 cells possibly via YBX1. LINC00472 inhibited the cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes via the modulation of YBX1. These results indicated that LINC00472 inhibited the cell EMT process by binding to YBX1, and affected the mechanical properties of the cell, ultimately inhibited its ability to invade and metastasize. Collectively, the present study provides the first evidence that LINC00472 changes the mechanical properties and inhibits the invasion and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma cells.
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Mirzaaghaian A, Ramiar A, Ranjbar AA, Warkiani ME. Application of level-set method in simulation of normal and cancer cells deformability within a microfluidic device. J Biomech 2020; 112:110066. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.110066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Liebman C, McColloch A, Rabiei M, Bowling A, Cho M. Mechanics of the cell: Interaction mechanisms and mechanobiological models. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2020; 86:143-184. [PMID: 33837692 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The importance of cell mechanics has long been recognized for the cell development and function. Biomechanics plays an important role in cell metabolism, regulation of mechanotransduction pathways and also modulation of nuclear response. The mechanical properties of the cell are likely determined by, among many others, the cytoskeleton elasticity, membrane tension and cell-substrate adhesion. This coordinated but complex mechanical interplay is required however, for the cell to respond to and influence in a reciprocal manner the chemical and mechanical signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM). In an effort to better and more fully understand the cell mechanics, the role of nuclear mechanics has emerged as an important contributor to the overall cellular mechanics. It is not too difficult to appreciate the physical connection between the nucleus and the cytoskeleton network that may be connected to the ECM through the cell membrane. Transmission of forces from ECM through this connection is essential for a wide range of cellular behaviors and functions such as cytoskeletal reorganization, nuclear movement, cell migration and differentiation. Unlike the cellular mechanics that can be measured using a number of biophysical techniques that were developed in the past few decades, it still remains a daunting challenge to probe the nuclear mechanics directly. In this paper, we therefore aim to provide informative description of the cell membrane and cytoskeleton mechanics, followed by unique computational modeling efforts to elucidate the nucleus-cytoskeleton coupling. Advances in our knowledge of complete cellular biomechanics and mechanotransduction may lead to clinical relevance and applications in mechano-diseases such as atherosclerosis, stem cell-based therapies, and the development of tissue engineered products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb Liebman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Andrew McColloch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Manoochehr Rabiei
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Alan Bowling
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States.
| | - Michael Cho
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States.
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34
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Jung W, Li J, Chaudhuri O, Kim T. Nonlinear Elastic and Inelastic Properties of Cells. J Biomech Eng 2020; 142:100806. [PMID: 32253428 PMCID: PMC7477719 DOI: 10.1115/1.4046863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical forces play an important role in various physiological processes, such as morphogenesis, cytokinesis, and migration. Thus, in order to illuminate mechanisms underlying these physiological processes, it is crucial to understand how cells deform and respond to external mechanical stimuli. During recent decades, the mechanical properties of cells have been studied extensively using diverse measurement techniques. A number of experimental studies have shown that cells are far from linear elastic materials. Cells exhibit a wide variety of nonlinear elastic and inelastic properties. Such complicated properties of cells are known to emerge from unique mechanical characteristics of cellular components. In this review, we introduce major cellular components that largely govern cell mechanical properties and provide brief explanations of several experimental techniques used for rheological measurements of cell mechanics. Then, we discuss the representative nonlinear elastic and inelastic properties of cells. Finally, continuum and discrete computational models of cell mechanics, which model both nonlinear elastic and inelastic properties of cells, will be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonyeong Jung
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 S. Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Jing Li
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 S. Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 440 Escondido Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Taeyoon Kim
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 S. Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907
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35
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Lu Z, Wang Z, Li D. Application of atomic force microscope in diagnosis of single cancer cells. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:051501. [PMID: 32922587 PMCID: PMC7474552 DOI: 10.1063/5.0021592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Changes in mechanical properties of cells are closely related to a variety of diseases. As an advanced technology on the micro/nano scale, atomic force microscopy is the most suitable tool for information acquisition of living cells in human body fluids. AFMs are able to measure and characterize the mechanical properties of cells which can be used as effective markers to distinguish between different cell types and cells in different states (benign or cancerous). Therefore, they can be employed to obtain additional information to that obtained via the traditional biochemistry methods for better identifying and diagnosing cancer cells for humans, proposing better treatment methods and prognosis, and unravelling the pathogenesis of the disease. In this report, we review the use of AFMs in cancerous tissues, organs, and cancer cells cultured in vitro to obtain cellular mechanical properties, demonstrate and summarize the results of AFMs in cancer biology, and look forward to possible future applications and the direction of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengcheng Lu
- JR3CN and IRAC, University of Bedfordshire, Luton LU1 3JU, United Kingdom
| | - Zuobin Wang
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
| | - Dayou Li
- JR3CN and IRAC, University of Bedfordshire, Luton LU1 3JU, United Kingdom
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36
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Heuer RA, Nella KT, Chang HT, Coots KS, Oleksijew AM, Roque CB, Silva LHA, McGuire TL, Homma K, Matsuoka AJ. Three-Dimensional Otic Neuronal Progenitor Spheroids Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Tissue Eng Part A 2020; 27:256-269. [PMID: 32580647 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2020.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-replacement therapies have been proposed as a potential tool to treat sensorineural hearing loss by aiding the regeneration of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the inner ear. However, transplantation procedures have yet to be explored thoroughly to ensure proper cell differentiation and optimal transplant procedures. We hypothesized that the aggregation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived otic neuronal progenitor (ONP) cells into a multicellular form would improve their function and their survival in vivo post-transplantation. We generated hESC-derived ONP spheroids-an aggregate form conducive to differentiation, transplantation, and prolonged cell survival-to optimize conditions for their transplantation. Our findings indicate that these cell spheroids maintain the molecular and functional characteristics similar to those of ONP cells, which are upstream in the SGN lineage. Moreover, our phenotypical, electrophysiological, and mechanical data suggest an optimal spheroid transplantation point after 7 days of in vitro three-dimensional (3D) culture. We have also developed a feasible transplantation protocol for these spheroids using a micropipette aided by a digital microinjection system. In summary, the present work demonstrates that the transplantation of ONP cells in spheroid form into the inner ear through micropipette 7 days after seeding for 3D spheroid culture is an expedient and viable method for stem cell replacement therapies in the inner ear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Heuer
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kevin T Nella
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hsiang-Tsun Chang
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kyle S Coots
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Andrew M Oleksijew
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christian B Roque
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Luisa H A Silva
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tammy L McGuire
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kazuaki Homma
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Hugh Knowles Center for Hearing Research and Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Akihiro J Matsuoka
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Hugh Knowles Center for Hearing Research and Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.,Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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37
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Nguyen TL, Polanco ER, Patananan AN, Zangle TA, Teitell MA. Cell viscoelasticity is linked to fluctuations in cell biomass distributions. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7403. [PMID: 32366921 PMCID: PMC7198624 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64259-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The viscoelastic properties of mammalian cells can vary with biological state, such as during the epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) transition in cancer, and therefore may serve as a useful physical biomarker. To characterize stiffness, conventional techniques use cell contact or invasive probes and as a result are low throughput, labor intensive, and limited by probe placement. Here, we show that measurements of biomass fluctuations in cells using quantitative phase imaging (QPI) provides a probe-free, contact-free method for quantifying changes in cell viscoelasticity. In particular, QPI measurements reveal a characteristic underdamped response of changes in cell biomass distributions versus time. The effective stiffness and viscosity values extracted from these oscillations in cell biomass distributions correlate with effective cell stiffness and viscosity measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). This result is consistent for multiple cell lines with varying degrees of cytoskeleton disruption and during the EMT. Overall, our study demonstrates that QPI can reproducibly quantify cell viscoelasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thang L Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Edward R Polanco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Alexander N Patananan
- Deparment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Thomas A Zangle
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Michael A Teitell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Deparment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Garcia PD, Guerrero CR, Garcia R. Nanorheology of living cells measured by AFM-based force-distance curves. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:9133-9143. [PMID: 32293616 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr10316c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Mechanobiology aims to establish functional relationships between the mechanical state of a living a cell and its physiology. The acquisition of force-distance curves with an AFM is by far the dominant method to characterize the nanomechanical properties of living cells. However, theoretical simulations have shown that the contact mechanics models used to determine the Young's modulus from a force-distance curve could be off by a factor 5 from its expected value. The semi-quantitative character arises from the lack of a theory that integrates the AFM data, a realistic viscoelastic model of a cell and its finite-thickness. Here, we develop a method to determine the mechanical response of a cell from a force-distance curve. The method incorporates bottom-effect corrections, a power-law rheology model and the deformation history of the cell. It transforms the experimental data into viscoelastic parameters of the cell as a function of the indentation frequency. The quantitative agreement obtained between the experiments performed on living fibroblast cells and the analytical theory supports the use of force-distance curves to measure the nanorheological properties of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo D Garcia
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/ Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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39
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Braz JKFS, Martins GM, Morales N, Naulin P, Fuentes C, Barrera NP, O Vitoriano J, Rocha HAO, Oliveira MF, Alves C, Moura CEB. Live endothelial cells on plasma-nitrided and oxidized titanium: An approach for evaluating biocompatibility. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 113:111014. [PMID: 32487415 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the effects of titanium plasma nitriding and oxidation on live endothelial cell viscoelasticity. For this, mechanically polished titanium surfaces and two surfaces treated by planar cathode discharge in nitriding (36N2 and 24H2) and oxidant (36O2 and 24H2). Surfaces were characterized regarding wettability, roughness and chemical composition. Rabbit aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) were cultured on the titanium surfaces. Cell morphology, viability and viscoelasticity were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction confirmed the presence of TiN0,26 on the surface (grazing angle theta 1°) of the nitrided samples, decreasing with depth. On the oxidized surface had the formation of TiO3 on the material surface (Theta 1°) and in the deeper layers was noted, with a marked presence of Ti (Theta 3°). Both plasma treatments increased surface roughness and they are hydrophilic (angle <90°). However, oxidation led to a more hydrophilic titanium surface (66.59° ± 3.65 vs. 76.88° ± 2.68; p = 0.001) due to titanium oxide films in their stoichiometric varieties (Ti3O, TiO2, Ti6O), especially Ti3O. Despite focal adhesion on the surfaces, viability was different after 24 h, as cell viability on the oxidized surface was higher than on the nitrided surface (9.1 × 103 vs. 4.5 × 103cells; p < 0.05). This can be explained by analyzing the viscoelastic property of the cellular cytoskeleton (nuclear and peripheral) by AFM. Surface oxidation significantly increased RAECs viscoelasticity at cell periphery, in comparison to the nucleus (2.36 ± 0.3 vs. 1.5 ± 0.4; p < 0.05), and to the RAECs periphery in contact with nitrided surfaces (1.36 ± 0.7; p < 0.05) and polished surfaces (1.55 ± 0.6; p < 0.05). Taken together, our results have shown that titanium plasma treatment directly increased cell viscoelasticity via surface oxidation, and this mechanobiological property subsequently increased biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Karla F S Braz
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, Brazil; Escola Multicampi de Ciências Médicas do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
| | - Gabriel Moura Martins
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, Brazil
| | - Nicole Morales
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pamela Naulin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Fuentes
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nelson P Barrera
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Jussier O Vitoriano
- Laboratório de Plasma Aplicado a Agricultura, Saúde e Meio Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Hugo A O Rocha
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Moacir F Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, Brazil.
| | - Clodomiro Alves
- Laboratório de Plasma Aplicado a Agricultura, Saúde e Meio Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Eduardo B Moura
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, Brazil.
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40
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Zhang QY, Bai JD, Wu XA, Liu XN, Zhang M, Chen WY. Microniche geometry modulates the mechanical properties and calcium signaling of chondrocytes. J Biomech 2020; 104:109729. [PMID: 32147239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In articular cartilage, the function of chondrocytes is strongly related to their zone-specific microniche geometry defined by pericellular matrix. Microniche geometry is critical for regulating the phenotype and function of the chondrocyte in native cartilage and tissue engineering constructs. However the role of microniche geometry in the mechanical properties and calcium signaling of chondrocytes remains unknown. To recapitulate microniche geometry at single-cell level, we engineered three basic physiological-related polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microniches geometries fabricated using soft lithography. We cultured chondrocytes in these microniche geometries and quantified cell mechanical properties using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Fluorescent calcium indicator was used to record and quantify cytosolic Ca2+ oscillation of chondrocytes in different geometries. Our work showed that microniche geometry modulated the mechanical behavior and calcium signaling of chondrocytes. The ellipsoidal microniches significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of chondrocytes compared to spheroidal microniche. Additionally, ellipsoidal microniches can markedly improved the amplitude but weakened the frequency of cytosolic Ca2+ oscillation in chondrocytes than spheroidal microniche. Our work might reveal a novel understanding of chondrocyte mechanotransduction and therefore be useful for designing cell-instructive scaffolds for functional cartilage tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-You Zhang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China; Department of Orthopaedics, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| | - Jia-Dong Bai
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Xiao-An Wu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Xiao-Na Liu
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Wei-Yi Chen
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China.
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41
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On-chip simultaneous rotation of large-scale cells by acoustically oscillating bubble array. Biomed Microdevices 2020; 22:13. [DOI: 10.1007/s10544-020-0470-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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42
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Song J, Meng X, Zhang H, Zhao K, Hu Y, Xie H. Probing Multidimensional Mechanical Phenotyping of Intracellular Structures by Viscoelastic Spectroscopy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:1913-1923. [PMID: 31802656 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b19597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical phenotyping of complex cellular structures gives insight into the process and function of mechanotransduction in biological systems. Several methods have been developed to characterize intracellular elastic moduli, while direct viscoelastic characterization of intracellular structures is still challenging. Here, we develop a needle tip viscoelastic spectroscopy method to probe multidimensional mechanical phenotyping of intracellular structures during a mini-invasive penetrating process. Viscoelastic spectroscopy is determined by magnetically driven resonant vibration (about 15 kHz) with a tiny amplitude. It not only detects the unique dynamic stiffness, damping, and loss tangent of the cell membrane-cytoskeleton and nucleus-nuclear lamina but also bridges viscoelastic parameters between the mitotic phase and interphase. Self-defined dynamic mechanical ratios of these two phases can identify two malignant cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa-HPV18+, SiHa-HPV16+) whose membrane or nucleus elastic moduli are indistinguishable. This technique provides a quantitative method for studying mechanosensation, mechanotransduction, and mechanoresponse of intracellular structures from a dynamic mechanical perspective. This technique has the potential to become a reliable quantitative measurement method for dynamic mechanical studies of intracellular structures.
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43
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Efremov YM, Okajima T, Raman A. Measuring viscoelasticity of soft biological samples using atomic force microscopy. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:64-81. [PMID: 31720656 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01020c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical properties play important roles at different scales in biology. At the level of a single cell, the mechanical properties mediate mechanosensing and mechanotransduction, while at the tissue and organ levels, changes in mechanical properties are closely connected to disease and physiological processes. Over the past three decades, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has become one of the most widely used tools in the mechanical characterization of soft samples, ranging from molecules, cell organoids and cells to whole tissue. AFM methods can be used to quantify both elastic and viscoelastic properties, and significant recent developments in the latter have been enabled by the introduction of new techniques and models for data analysis. Here, we review AFM techniques developed in recent years for examining the viscoelastic properties of cells and soft gels, describe the main steps in typical data acquisition and analysis protocols, and discuss relevant viscoelastic models and how these have been used to characterize the specific features of cellular and other biological samples. We also discuss recent trends and potential directions for this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri M Efremov
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. and Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Takaharu Okajima
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Arvind Raman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. and Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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44
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Chen M, Zeng J, Ruan W, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Xie S, Wang Z, Yang H. Examination of the relationship between viscoelastic properties and the invasion of ovarian cancer cells by atomic force microscopy. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 11:568-582. [PMID: 32318318 PMCID: PMC7155897 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.11.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of cells could serve as an indicator for disease progression and early cancer diagnosis. This study utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure the viscoelastic properties of ovarian cancer cells and then examined the association with the invasion of ovarian cancer at the level of living single cells. Elasticity and viscosity of the ovarian cancer cells OVCAR-3 and HO-8910 are significantly lower than those of the human ovarian surface epithelial cell (HOSEpiC) control. Further examination found a dramatic increase of migration/invasion and an obvious decease of microfilament density in OVCAR-3 and HO-8910 cells. Also, there was a significant relationship between viscoelastic and biological properties among these cells. In addition, the elasticity was significantly increased in OVCAR-3 and HO-8910 cells after the treatment with the anticancer compound echinomycin (Ech), while no obvious change was found in HOSEpiC cells after Ech treatment. Interestingly, Ech seemed to have no effect on the viscosity of the cells. Ech significantly inhibited the migration/invasion and significantly increased the microfilament density in OVCAR-3 and HO-8910 cells, which was significantly related with the elasticity of the cells. An increase of elasticity and a decrease of invasion were found in OVCAR-3 and HO-8910 cells after Ech treatment. Together, this study clearly demonstrated the association of viscoelastic properties with the invasion of ovarian cancer cells and shed a light on the biomechanical changes for early diagnosis of tumor transformation and progression at single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Jinshu Zeng
- Department of Ultrasound Medical, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Weiwei Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Zhenghong Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Yuhua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Shusen Xie
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Zhengchao Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Hongqin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
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45
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Yang L, Gao Q, Ge L, Zhou Q, Warszawik EM, Bron R, Lai KWC, van Rijn P. Topography induced stiffness alteration of stem cells influences osteogenic differentiation. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:2638-2652. [DOI: 10.1039/d0bm00264j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Topography-driven alterations to single cell stiffness rather than alterations in cell morphology, is the underlying driver for influencing cell biological processes, particularly stem cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40
- University of Groningen
- University Medical Center Groningen
- 9713 AV Groningen
- The Netherlands
| | - Qi Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- City University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong
| | - Lu Ge
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40
- University of Groningen
- University Medical Center Groningen
- 9713 AV Groningen
- The Netherlands
| | - Qihui Zhou
- Institute for Translational Medicine
- Department of Stomatology
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University
- Qingdao University
- Qingdao 266003
| | - Eliza M. Warszawik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40
- University of Groningen
- University Medical Center Groningen
- 9713 AV Groningen
- The Netherlands
| | - Reinier Bron
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40
- University of Groningen
- University Medical Center Groningen
- 9713 AV Groningen
- The Netherlands
| | - King Wai Chiu Lai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- City University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong
| | - Patrick van Rijn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40
- University of Groningen
- University Medical Center Groningen
- 9713 AV Groningen
- The Netherlands
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46
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Weber A, Iturri J, Benitez R, Zemljic-Jokhadar S, Toca-Herrera JL. Microtubule disruption changes endothelial cell mechanics and adhesion. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14903. [PMID: 31624281 PMCID: PMC6797797 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51024-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest in studying the mechanical and adhesive properties of cells has increased in recent years. The cytoskeleton is known to play a key role in cell mechanics. However, the role of the microtubules in shaping cell mechanics is not yet well understood. We have employed Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) together with confocal fluorescence microscopy to determine the role of microtubules in cytomechanics of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). Additionally, the time variation of the adhesion between tip and cell surface was studied. The disruption of microtubules by exposing the cells to two colchicine concentrations was monitored as a function of time. Already, after 30 min of incubation the cells stiffened, their relaxation times increased (lower fluidity) and the adhesion between tip and cell decreased. This was accompanied by cytoskeletal rearrangements, a reduction in cell area and changes in cell shape. Over the whole experimental time, different behavior for the two used concentrations was found while for the control the values remained stable. This study underlines the role of microtubules in shaping endothelial cell mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Weber
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Muthgasse 11, A-1190, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Jagoba Iturri
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Muthgasse 11, A-1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rafael Benitez
- Dpto. Matemáticas para la Economía y la Empresa, Facultad de Economía, Universidad de Valencia, Avda. Tarongers s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Spela Zemljic-Jokhadar
- Department of Biophysics, Medicine Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - José L Toca-Herrera
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Muthgasse 11, A-1190, Vienna, Austria.
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47
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Moreno-Guerra JA, Romero-Sánchez IC, Martinez-Borquez A, Tassieri M, Stiakakis E, Laurati M. Model-Free Rheo-AFM Probes the Viscoelasticity of Tunable DNA Soft Colloids. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1904136. [PMID: 31460707 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201904136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy rheological measurements (Rheo-AFM) of the linear viscoelastic properties of single, charged colloids having a star-like architecture with a hard core and an extended, deformable double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) corona dispersed in aqueous saline solutions are reported. This is achieved by analyzing indentation and relaxation experiments performed on individual colloidal particles by means of a novel model-free Fourier transform method that allows a direct evaluation of the frequency-dependent linear viscoelastic moduli of the system under investigation. The method provides results that are consistent with those obtained via a conventional fitting procedure of the force-relaxation curves based on a modified Maxwell model. The outcomes show a pronounced softening of the dsDNA colloids, which is described by an exponential decay of both the Young's and the storage modulus as a function of the salt concentration within the dispersing medium. The strong softening is related to a critical reduction of the size of the dsDNA corona, down to ≈70% of its size in a salt-free solution. This can be correlated to significant topological changes of the dense star-like polyelectrolyte forming the corona, which are induced by variations in the density profile of the counterions. Similarly, a significant reduction of the stiffness is obtained by increasing the length of the dsDNA chains, which we attribute to a reduction of the DNA density in the outer region of the corona.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Moreno-Guerra
- División de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad de Guanajuato, Lomas del Bosque 103, 37150, León, Mexico
| | - Ivany C Romero-Sánchez
- División de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad de Guanajuato, Lomas del Bosque 103, 37150, León, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Martinez-Borquez
- División de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad de Guanajuato, Lomas del Bosque 103, 37150, León, Mexico
| | - Manlio Tassieri
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
| | - Emmanuel Stiakakis
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Complex Systems 3, Leo-Brandt-Strasse, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Marco Laurati
- División de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad de Guanajuato, Lomas del Bosque 103, 37150, León, Mexico
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48
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Iturri J, Weber A, Moreno-Cencerrado A, Vivanco MDM, Benítez R, Leporatti S, Toca-Herrera JL. Resveratrol-Induced Temporal Variation in the Mechanical Properties of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells Investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3275. [PMID: 31277289 PMCID: PMC6651212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) combined with fluorescence microscopy has been used to quantify cytomechanical modifications induced by resveratrol (at a fixed concentration of 50 µM) in a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) upon temporal variation. Cell indentation methodology has been utilized to determine simultaneous variations of Young's modulus, the maximum adhesion force, and tether formation, thereby determining cell motility and adhesiveness. Effects of treatment were measured at several time-points (0-6 h, 24 h, and 48 h); longer exposures resulted in cell death. Our results demonstrated that AFM can be efficiently used as a diagnostic tool to monitor irreversible morpho/nano-mechanical changes in cancer cells during the early steps of drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagoba Iturri
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology (DNBT), BOKU University for Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11 (Simon Zeisel Haus), A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Andreas Weber
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology (DNBT), BOKU University for Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11 (Simon Zeisel Haus), A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alberto Moreno-Cencerrado
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology (DNBT), BOKU University for Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11 (Simon Zeisel Haus), A-1190 Vienna, Austria
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP). Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria dM Vivanco
- Cancer Heterogeneity Lab, CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Rafael Benítez
- Department Matemáticas para la Economía y la Empresa, Facultad de Economía, Universidad de Valencia, Avda. Tarongers s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Stefano Leporatti
- CNR Nanotec-Istituto di Nanotecnologia, Polo di Nanotecnologia c/o Campus Ecoteckne, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - José Luis Toca-Herrera
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology (DNBT), BOKU University for Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11 (Simon Zeisel Haus), A-1190 Vienna, Austria
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49
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Weber A, Iturri J, Benitez R, Toca-Herrera JL. Measuring biomaterials mechanics with atomic force microscopy. 1. Influence of the loading rate and applied force (pyramidal tips). Microsc Res Tech 2019; 82:1392-1400. [PMID: 31106928 PMCID: PMC6767567 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is today an established tool in imaging and determination of mechanical properties of biomaterials. Due to their complex organization, those materials show intricate properties such as viscoelasticity. Therefore, one has to consider that the loading rate at which the sample is probed will lead to different mechanical response (properties). In this work, we studied the dependence of the mechanical properties of endothelial cells on the loading rate using AFM in force spectroscopy mode. We employed a sharp, four‐sided pyramidal indenter and loading rates ranging from 0.5 to 20 μm/s. In addition, by variation of the load (applied forces from 100 to 10,000 pN), the dependence of the cell properties on indentation depth could be determined. We then showed that the mechanical response of endothelial cells depends nonlinearly on the loading rate and follows a weak power‐law. In addition, regions of different viscous response at varying indentation depth could be determined. Based on the results we obtained, a general route map for AFM users for design of cell mechanics experiments was described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Weber
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute for Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, BOKU, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jagoba Iturri
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute for Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, BOKU, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rafael Benitez
- Department of Mathematics for Economics and Business, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José L Toca-Herrera
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute for Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, BOKU, Vienna, Austria
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50
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Sun S, Adyshev D, Dudek S, Paul A, McColloch A, Cho M. Cholesterol-dependent Modulation of Stem Cell Biomechanics: Application to Adipogenesis. J Biomech Eng 2019; 141:2729412. [PMID: 30901381 DOI: 10.1115/1.4043253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cell mechanics has been shown to regulate stem cell differentiation. We have previously reported that altered cell stiffness of mesenchymal stem cells can delay or facilitate biochemically directed differentiation. One of the factors that can affect the cell stiffness is cholesterol. However, the effect of cholesterol on differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) remains elusive. In this paper, we demonstrate that cholesterol is involved in the modulation of the cell stiffness and subsequent adipogenic differentiation. Rapid cytoskeletal actin reorganization was evident and correlated with the cell's Young's modulus measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM). In addition, the level of membrane-bound cholesterol was found to increase during adipogenic differentiation and inversely varied with the cell stiffness. Furthermore, cholesterol played a key role in the regulation of the cell morphology and biomechanics, suggesting its crucial involvement in mechanotransduction. To better understand the underlying mechanisms, we investigated the effect of cholesterol on the membrane-cytoskeleton linker proteins (ezrin and moesin). Cholesterol depletion was found to up-regulate the ezrin expression which promoted cell spreading, increased Young's modulus, and hindered adipogenesis. In contrast, cholesterol enrichment increased the moesin expression, decreased Young's modulus, and induced cell rounding and facilitated adipogenesis. Taken together, cholesterol appears to regulate the stem cell mechanics and adipogenesis through the membrane-associated linker proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Sun
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607
| | - Djanybek Adyshev
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607
| | - Steve Dudek
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607
| | - Amit Paul
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607
| | - Andrew McColloch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019
| | - Michael Cho
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019
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