1
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Tseng YT, Tsai CC, Chen PC, Lin BY, Hsu SCN, Huang SP, Huang B. Mechanical shear flow regulates the malignancy of colorectal cancer cells. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2024; 40:650-659. [PMID: 38757734 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is notable for its high mortality and high metastatic characteristics. The shear force generated by bloodstream provides mechanical signals regulating multiple responses of cells, including metastatic cancer cells, dispersing in blood vessels. We, therefore, studied the effect of shear flow on circulating CRC cells in the present study. The CRC cell line SW620 was subjected to shear flow of 12.5 dynes/cm2 for 1 and 2 h separately. Resulting elevated caspase-9 and -3 indicated that shear flow initiated the apoptosis of SW620. Enlarged cell size associated with a higher level of cyclin D1 was coincident with the flow cytometric results indicating that the cell cycle was arrested at the G1 phase. An elevated phosphor-eNOSS1177 increased the production of nitric oxide and led to reactive oxygen species-mediated oxidative stress. Shear flow also regulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by increasing E-cadherin and ZO-1 while decreasing Snail and Twist1. The migration and invasion of sheared SW620 were also substantially decreased. Further investigations showed that mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly decreased, whereas mitochondrial mass and ATP production were not changed. In addition to the shear flow of 12.5 dynes/cm2, the expressions of EMT were compared at lower (6.25 dynes/cm2) and at higher (25 dynes/cm2) shear flow. The results showed that lower shear flow increased mesenchymal characteristics and higher shear flow increased epithelial characteristics. Shear flow reduces the malignancy of CRC in their metastatic dispersal that opens up new ways to improve cancer therapies by applying a mechanical shear flow device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Tseng
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chung Tsai
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Chen Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Yan Lin
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sodio C N Hsu
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ping Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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2
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Pajic-Lijakovic I, Eftimie R, Milivojevic M, Bordas SPA. Segregation of co-cultured multicellular systems: review and modeling consideration. Q Rev Biophys 2024; 57:e5. [PMID: 38351868 DOI: 10.1017/s0033583524000015] [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] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cell segregation caused by collective cell migration (CCM) is crucial for morphogenesis, functional development of tissue parts, and is an important aspect in other diseases such as cancer and its metastasis process. Efficiency of the cell segregation depends on the interplay between: (1) biochemical processes such as cell signaling and gene expression and (2) physical interactions between cells. Despite extensive research devoted to study the segregation of various co-cultured systems, we still do not understand the role of physical interactions in cell segregation. Cumulative effects of these physical interactions appear in the form of physical parameters such as: (1) tissue surface tension, (2) viscoelasticity caused by CCM, and (3) solid stress accumulated in multicellular systems. These parameters primarily depend on the interplay between the state of cell-cell adhesion contacts and cell contractility. The role of these physical parameters on the segregation efficiency is discussed on model systems such as co-cultured breast cell spheroids consisting of two subpopulations that are in contact. This review study aims to: (1) summarize biological aspects related to cell segregation, mechanical properties of cell collectives, effects along the biointerface between cell subpopulations and (2) describe from a biophysical/mathematical perspective the same biological aspects summarized before. So that overall it can illustrate the complexity of the biological systems that translate into very complex biophysical/mathematical equations. Moreover, by presenting in parallel these two seemingly different parts (biology vs. equations), this review aims to emphasize the need for experiments to estimate the variety of parameters entering the resulting complex biophysical/mathematical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Pajic-Lijakovic
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Beograd, Serbia
| | - Raluca Eftimie
- Laboratoire Mathematiques de Besançon, UMR-CNRS 6623, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comte, Besançon, France
| | - Milan Milivojevic
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Beograd, Serbia
| | - Stéphane P A Bordas
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Communication, University of Luxembourg, Institute for Computational Engineering, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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3
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Kolahi Azar H, Gharibshahian M, Rostami M, Mansouri V, Sabouri L, Beheshtizadeh N, Rezaei N. The progressive trend of modeling and drug screening systems of breast cancer bone metastasis. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:14. [PMID: 38317174 PMCID: PMC10845631 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00408-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone metastasis is considered as a considerable challenge for breast cancer patients. Various in vitro and in vivo models have been developed to examine this occurrence. In vitro models are employed to simulate the intricate tumor microenvironment, investigate the interplay between cells and their adjacent microenvironment, and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for tumors. The endeavor to replicate the latency period of bone metastasis in animal models has presented a challenge, primarily due to the necessity of primary tumor removal and the presence of multiple potential metastatic sites.The utilization of novel bone metastasis models, including three-dimensional (3D) models, has been proposed as a promising approach to overcome the constraints associated with conventional 2D and animal models. However, existing 3D models are limited by various factors, such as irregular cellular proliferation, autofluorescence, and changes in genetic and epigenetic expression. The imperative for the advancement of future applications of 3D models lies in their standardization and automation. The utilization of artificial intelligence exhibits the capability to predict cellular behavior through the examination of substrate materials' chemical composition, geometry, and mechanical performance. The implementation of these algorithms possesses the capability to predict the progression and proliferation of cancer. This paper reviewed the mechanisms of bone metastasis following primary breast cancer. Current models of breast cancer bone metastasis, along with their challenges, as well as the future perspectives of using these models for translational drug development, were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Kolahi Azar
- Department of Pathology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Gharibshahian
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Rostami
- Division of Food Safety and Hygiene, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Food Science and Nutrition Group (FSAN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Mansouri
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Sabouri
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Beheshtizadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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4
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Yeh M, Salazar-Cavazos E, Krishnan A, Altan-Bonnet G, DeVoe DL. Probing T-cell activation in nanoliter tumor co-cultures using membrane displacement trap arrays. Integr Biol (Camb) 2024; 16:zyae014. [PMID: 39074471 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyae014] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Immune responses against cancer are inherently stochastic, with small numbers of individual T cells within a larger ensemble of lymphocytes initiating the molecular cascades that lead to tumor cytotoxicity. A potential source of this intra-tumor variability is the differential ability of immune cells to respond to tumor cells. Classical microwell co-cultures of T cells and tumor cells are inadequate for reliably culturing and analyzing low cell numbers needed to probe this variability, and have failed in recapitulating the heterogeneous small domains observed in tumors. Here we leverage a membrane displacement trap array technology that overcomes limitations of conventional microwell plates for immunodynamic studies. The microfluidic platform supports on-demand formation of dense nanowell cultures under continuous perfusion reflecting the tumor microenvironment, with real-time monitoring of T cell proliferation and activation within each nanowell. The system enables selective ejection of cells for profiling by fluorescence activated cell sorting, allowing observed on-chip variability in immune response to be correlated with off-chip quantification of T cell activation. The technology offers new potential for probing the molecular origins of T cell heterogeneity and identifying specific cell phenotypes responsible for initiating and propagating immune cascades within tumors. Insight Box Variability in T cell activation plays a critical role in the immune response against cancer. New tools are needed to unravel the mechanisms that drive successful anti-tumor immune response, and to support the development of novel immunotherapies utilizing rare T cell phenotypes that promote effective immune surveillance. To this end, we present a microfluidic cell culture platform capable of probing differential T cell activation in an array of nanoliter-scale wells coupled with off-chip cell analysis, enabling a high resolution view of variable immune response within tumor / T cell co-cultures containing cell ensembles orders of magnitude smaller than conventional well plate studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Yeh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | | | - Anagha Krishnan
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Grégoire Altan-Bonnet
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Don L DeVoe
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
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5
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Liang P, Zhang J, Wu Y, Zheng S, Xu Z, Yang S, Wang J, Ma S, Xiao L, Hu T, Jiang W, Huang C, Xing Q, Kundu M, Wang B. An ULK1/2-PXN mechanotransduction pathway suppresses breast cancer cell migration. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e56850. [PMID: 37846507 PMCID: PMC10626438 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202356850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The remodeling and stiffening of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a well-recognized modulator of breast cancer progression. How changes in the mechanical properties of the ECM are converted into biochemical signals that direct tumor cell migration and metastasis remain poorly characterized. Here, we describe a new role for the autophagy-inducing serine/threonine kinases ULK1 and ULK2 in mechanotransduction. We show that ULK1/2 activity inhibits the assembly of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions (FAs) and as a consequence impedes cell contraction and migration, independent of its role in autophagy. Mechanistically, we identify PXN/paxillin, a key component of the mechanotransducing machinery, as a direct binding partner and substrate of ULK1/2. ULK-mediated phosphorylation of PXN at S32 and S119 weakens homotypic interactions and liquid-liquid phase separation of PXN, impairing FA assembly, which in turn alters the mechanical properties of breast cancer cells and their response to mechanical stimuli. ULK1/2 and the well-characterized PXN regulator, FAK/Src, have opposing functions on mechanotransduction and compete for phosphorylation of adjacent serine and tyrosine residues. Taken together, our study reveals ULK1/2 as important regulator of PXN-dependent mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Yuchen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Shanyuan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Zhaopeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Shuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Jinfang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Suibin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of OncologyZhongshan Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Tianhui Hu
- Cancer Research Center, School of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Wenxue Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio‐Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Chaoqun Huang
- Central LaboratoryThe Fifth Hospital of XiamenXiamenChina
| | - Qiong Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio‐Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Mondira Kundu
- Department of Cell and Molecular BiologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTNUSA
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen UniversityShenzhenChina
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6
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Kofler M, Kapus A. Nuclear Import and Export of YAP and TAZ. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4956. [PMID: 37894323 PMCID: PMC10605228 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated Protein (YAP) and its paralog Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-binding Motif (TAZ) are major regulators of gene transcription/expression, primarily controlled by the Hippo pathway and the cytoskeleton. Integrating an array of chemical and mechanical signals, they impact growth, differentiation, and regeneration. Accordingly, they also play key roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis formation. Their activity is primarily regulated by their localization, that is, Hippo pathway- and/or cytoskeleton-controlled cytosolic or nuclear sequestration. While many details of such prevailing retention models have been elucidated, much less is known about their actual nuclear traffic: import and export. Although their size is not far from the cutoff for passive diffusion through the nuclear pore complex (NPC), and they do not contain any classic nuclear localization (NLS) or nuclear export signal (NES), evidence has been accumulating that their shuttling involves mediated and thus regulatable/targetable processes. The aim of this review is to summarize emerging information/concepts about their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, encompassing the relevant structural requirements (NLS, NES), nuclear transport receptors (NTRs, karyophererins), and NPC components, along with the potential transport mechanisms and their regulation. While dissecting retention vs. transport is often challenging, the emerging picture suggests that YAP/TAZ shuttles across the NPC via multiple, non-exclusive, mediated mechanisms, constituting a novel and intriguing facet of YAP/TAZ biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kofler
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada;
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada;
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
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7
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Rashid SA, Dong Y, Ogasawara H, Vierengel M, Essien ME, Salaita K. All-Covalent Nuclease-Resistant and Hydrogel-Tethered DNA Hairpin Probes Map pN Cell Traction Forces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:33362-33372. [PMID: 37409737 PMCID: PMC10360067 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c04826] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells sense and respond to the physical properties of their environment through receptor-mediated signaling, a process known as mechanotransduction, which can modulate critical cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, and survival. At the molecular level, cell adhesion receptors, such as integrins, transmit piconewton (pN)-scale forces to the extracellular matrix, and the magnitude of the force plays a critical role in cell signaling. The most sensitive approach to measuring integrin forces involves DNA hairpin-based sensors, which are used to quantify and map forces in living cells. Despite the broad use of DNA hairpin sensors to study a variety of mechanotransduction processes, these sensors are typically anchored to rigid glass slides, which are orders of magnitude stiffer than the extracellular matrix and hence modulate native biological responses. Here, we have developed nuclease-resistant DNA hairpin probes that are all covalently tethered to PEG hydrogels to image cell traction forces on physiologically relevant substrate stiffness. Using HeLa cells as a model cell line, we show that the molecular forces transmitted by integrins are highly sensitive to the bulk modulus of the substrate, and cells cultured on the 6 and 13 kPa gels produced a greater number of hairpin unfolding events compared to the 2 kPa substrates. Tension signals are spatially colocalized with pY118-paxillin, confirming focal adhesion-mediated probe opening. Additionally, we found that integrin forces are greater than 5.8 pN but less than 19 pN on 13 kPa gels. This work provides a general strategy to integrate molecular tension probes into hydrogels, which can better mimic in vivo mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sk Aysha Rashid
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Yixiao Dong
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Hiroaki Ogasawara
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Maia Vierengel
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Mark Edoho Essien
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Wallace
H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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8
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Farahani MK, Gharibshahian M, Rezvani A, Vaez A. Breast cancer brain metastasis: from etiology to state-of-the-art modeling. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:41. [PMID: 37386445 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00352-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, breast carcinoma is the most common form of malignancy and the main cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. The metastasis of cancer cells from the primary tumor site to other organs in the body, notably the lungs, bones, brain, and liver, is what causes breast cancer to ultimately be fatal. Brain metastases occur in as many as 30% of patients with advanced breast cancer, and the 1-year survival rate of these patients is around 20%. Many researchers have focused on brain metastasis, but due to its complexities, many aspects of this process are still relatively unclear. To develop and test novel therapies for this fatal condition, pre-clinical models are required that can mimic the biological processes involved in breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM). The application of many breakthroughs in the area of tissue engineering has resulted in the development of scaffold or matrix-based culture methods that more accurately imitate the original extracellular matrix (ECM) of metastatic tumors. Furthermore, specific cell lines are now being used to create three-dimensional (3D) cultures that can be used to model metastasis. These 3D cultures satisfy the requirement for in vitro methodologies that allow for a more accurate investigation of the molecular pathways as well as a more in-depth examination of the effects of the medication being tested. In this review, we talk about the latest advances in modeling BCBM using cell lines, animals, and tissue engineering methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maliheh Gharibshahian
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Alireza Rezvani
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Vaez
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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9
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Lee W, Boghdady CM, Lelarge V, Leask RL, McCaffrey L, Moraes C. Ultrasoft edge-labelled hydrogel sensors reveal internal tissue stress patterns in invasive engineered tumors. Biomaterials 2023; 296:122073. [PMID: 36905756 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Measuring internal mechanical stresses within 3D tissues can provide important insights into drivers of morphogenesis and disease progression. Cell-sized hydrogel microspheres have recently emerged as a powerful technique to probe tissue mechanobiology, as they can be sufficiently soft as to deform within remodelling tissues, and optically imaged to measure internal stresses. However, measuring stresses at resolutions of ∼10 Pa requires ultrasoft, low-polymer content hydrogel formulations that are challenging to label with sufficiently fluorescent materials to support repeated measurements, particularly in optically dense tissues over 100 μm thick, as required in cancer tumor models. Here, we leverage thermodynamic partitioning of hydrogel components to create "edge-labelled" ultrasoft hydrogel microdroplets, in a single polymerization step. Bright and stable fluorescent nanoparticles preferentially polymerize at the hydrogel droplet interface, and can be used to repeatedly track sensor surfaces over long-term experiments, even when embedded deep in light-scattering tissues. We utilize these edge-labelled microspherical stress gauges (eMSGs) in inducible breast cancer tumor models of invasion, and demonstrate distinctive internal stress patterns that arise from cell-matrix interactions at different stages of breast cancer progression. Our studies demonstrate a long-term macroscale compaction of the tumor during matrix encapsulation, but only a short-term increase in local stress as non-invasive tumors rapidly make small internal reorganizations that reduce the mechanical stress to baseline levels. In contrast, once invasion programs are initiated, internal stress throughout the tumor is negligible. These findings suggest that internal tumor stresses may initially prime the cells to invade, but are lost once invasion occurs. Together, this work demonstrates that mapping internal mechanical stress in tumors may have utility in advancing cancer prognostic strategies, and that eMSGs can have broad utility in understanding dynamic mechanical processes of disease and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wontae Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal H3A 0C5 QC, Canada
| | | | - Virginie Lelarge
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal H3A 1A3 QC, Canada
| | - Richard L Leask
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal H3A 0C5 QC, Canada; McGill University Health Centre, Montréal H4A 3J1 QC, Canada
| | - Luke McCaffrey
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal H3A 1A3 QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal H4A 3J1 QC, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal H4A 3T2, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal H3A 0C5 QC, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal H3A 1A3 QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal H4A 3J1 QC, Canada; Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal H3A 2B4 QC, Canada.
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10
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Nevarez AJ, Hao N. Quantitative cell imaging approaches to metastatic state profiling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1048630. [PMID: 36393865 PMCID: PMC9640958 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1048630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic heterogeneity of metastatic dissemination has proven challenging to identify exploitable markers of metastasis; this bottom-up approach has caused a stalemate between advances in metastasis and the late stage of the disease. Advancements in quantitative cellular imaging have allowed the detection of morphological phenotype changes specific to metastasis, the morphological changes connected to the underlying complex signaling pathways, and a robust readout of metastatic cell state. This review focuses on the recent machine and deep learning developments to gain detailed information about the metastatic cell state using light microscopy. We describe the latest studies using quantitative cell imaging approaches to identify cell appearance-based metastatic patterns. We discuss how quantitative cancer biologists can use these frameworks to work backward toward exploitable hidden drivers in the metastatic cascade and pioneering new Frontier drug discoveries specific for metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nan Hao
- *Correspondence: Andres J. Nevarez, ; Nan Hao,
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11
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Tijore A, Yang B, Sheetz M. Cancer cells can be killed mechanically or with combinations of cytoskeletal inhibitors. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:955595. [PMID: 36299893 PMCID: PMC9589226 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.955595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For over two centuries, clinicians have hypothesized that cancer developed preferentially at the sites of repeated damage, indicating that cancer is basically “continued healing.” Tumor cells can develop over time into other more malignant types in different environments. Interestingly, indefinite growth correlates with the depletion of a modular, early rigidity sensor, whereas restoring these sensors in tumor cells blocks tumor growth on soft surfaces and metastases. Importantly, normal and tumor cells from many different tissues exhibit transformed growth without the early rigidity sensor. When sensors are restored in tumor cells by replenishing depleted mechanosensory proteins that are often cytoskeletal, cells revert to normal rigidity-dependent growth. Surprisingly, transformed growth cells are sensitive to mechanical stretching or ultrasound which will cause apoptosis of transformed growth cells (Mechanoptosis). Mechanoptosis is driven by calcium entry through mechanosensitive Piezo1 channels that activate a calcium-induced calpain response commonly found in tumor cells. Since tumor cells from many different tissues are in a transformed growth state that is, characterized by increased growth, an altered cytoskeleton and mechanoptosis, it is possible to inhibit growth of many different tumors by mechanical activity and potentially by cytoskeletal inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Tijore
- Centre for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- *Correspondence: Ajay Tijore, ; Michael Sheetz,
| | - Bo Yang
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael Sheetz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Ajay Tijore, ; Michael Sheetz,
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12
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Nguyen LTS, Jacob MAC, Parajón E, Robinson DN. Cancer as a biophysical disease: Targeting the mechanical-adaptability program. Biophys J 2022; 121:3573-3585. [PMID: 35505610 PMCID: PMC9617128 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
With the number of cancer cases projected to significantly increase over time, researchers are currently exploring "nontraditional" research fields in the pursuit of novel therapeutics. One emerging area that is steadily gathering interest revolves around cellular mechanical machinery. When looking broadly at the physical properties of cancer, it has been debated whether a cancer could be defined as either stiffer or softer across cancer types. With numerous articles supporting both sides, the evidence instead suggests that cancer is not particularly regimented. Instead, cancer is highly adaptable, allowing it to endure the constantly changing microenvironments cancer cells encounter, such as tumor compression and the shear forces in the vascular system and body. What allows cancer cells to achieve this adaptability are the particular proteins that make up the mechanical network, leading to a particular mechanical program of the cancer cell. Coincidentally, some of these proteins, such as myosin II, α-actinins, filamins, and actin, have either altered expression in cancer and/or some type of direct involvement in cancer progression. For this reason, targeting the mechanical system as a therapeutic strategy may lead to more efficacious treatments in the future. However, targeting the mechanical program is far from trivial. As involved as the mechanical program is in cancer development and metastasis, it also helps drive many other key cellular processes, such as cell division, cell adhesion, metabolism, and motility. Therefore, anti-cancer treatments targeting the mechanical program must take great care to avoid potential side effects. Here, we introduce the potential of targeting the mechanical program while also providing its challenges and shortcomings as a strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ly T S Nguyen
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mark Allan C Jacob
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eleana Parajón
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Douglas N Robinson
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
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13
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Park S, Ahn S, Kim JY, Kim J, Han HJ, Hwang D, Park J, Park HS, Park S, Kim GM, Sohn J, Jeong J, Song YU, Lee H, Kim SI. Blood Test for Breast Cancer Screening through the Detection of Tumor-Associated Circulating Transcripts. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169140. [PMID: 36012405 PMCID: PMC9409068 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy has been emerging for early screening and treatment monitoring at each cancer stage. However, the current blood-based diagnostic tools in breast cancer have not been sufficient to understand patient-derived molecular features of aggressive tumors individually. Herein, we aimed to develop a blood test for the early detection of breast cancer with cost-effective and high-throughput considerations in order to combat the challenges associated with precision oncology using mRNA-based tests. We prospectively evaluated 719 blood samples from 404 breast cancer patients and 315 healthy controls, and identified 10 mRNA transcripts whose expression is increased in the blood of breast cancer patients relative to healthy controls. Modeling of the tumor-associated circulating transcripts (TACTs) is performed by means of four different machine learning techniques (artificial neural network (ANN), decision tree (DT), logistic regression (LR), and support vector machine (SVM)). The ANN model had superior sensitivity (90.2%), specificity (80.0%), and accuracy (85.7%) compared with the other three models. Relative to the value of 90.2% achieved using the TACT assay on our test set, the sensitivity values of other conventional assays (mammogram, CEA, and CA 15-3) were comparable or much lower, at 89%, 7%, and 5%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of TACTs were appreciably consistent across the different breast cancer stages, suggesting the potential of the TACTs assay as an early diagnosis and prediction of poor outcomes. Our study potentially paves the way for a simple and accurate diagnostic and prognostic tool for liquid biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunyoung Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea
| | - Sungwoo Ahn
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea
| | - Jee Ye Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jungho Kim
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Pusan, Busan 46252, Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Han
- Avison Biomedical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Dasom Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea
| | - Jungmin Park
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Hyung Seok Park
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Seho Park
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Gun Min Kim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Joohyuk Sohn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Joon Jeong
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
| | - Yong Uk Song
- Division of Business Administration, College of Government and Business, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea
| | - Hyeyoung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (S.I.K.)
| | - Seung Il Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (S.I.K.)
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14
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Nanou A, Lorenzo-Moldero I, Gazouleas KD, Cortese B, Moroni L. 3D Culture Modeling of Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells in Additive Manufactured Scaffolds. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:28389-28402. [PMID: 35687666 PMCID: PMC9227707 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c07492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer biology research is increasingly moving toward innovative in vitro 3D culture models, as conventional and current 2D cell cultures fail to resemble in vivo cancer biology. In the current study, porous 3D scaffolds, designed with two different porosities along with 2D tissue culture polystyrene (TCP) plates were used with a model breast cancer human cell line. The 3D engineered system was evaluated for the optimal seeding method (dynamic versus static), adhesion, and proliferation rate of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The expression profiles of proliferation-, stemness-, and dormancy-associated cancer markers, namely, ki67, lamin A/C, SOX2, Oct3/4, stanniocalcin 1 (STC1), and stanniocalcin 2 (STC2), were evaluated in the 3D cultured cells and compared to the respective profiles of the cells cultured in the conventional 2D TCP. Our data suggested that static seeding was the optimal seeding method with porosity-dependent efficiency. Moreover, cells cultured in 3D scaffolds displayed a more dormant phenotype in comparison to 2D, which was manifested by the lower proliferation rate, reduced ki67 expression, increased lamin A/C expression, and overexpression of STCs. The possible relationship between the cell affinity to different extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and the RANK expression levels was also addressed after deriving collagen type I (COL-I) and fibronectin (FN) MDA-MB-231 filial cell lines with enhanced capacity to attach to the respective ECM proteins. The new derivatives exhibited a more mesenchymal like phenotype and higher RANK levels in relation to the parental cells, suggesting a relationship between ECM cell affinity and RANK expression. Therefore, the present 3D cell culture model shows that cancer cells on printed scaffolds can work as better representatives in cancer biology and drug screening related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afroditi Nanou
- Tissue
Regeneration Department, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 ND Enschede, The Netherlands
- Medical
Cell BioPhysics Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Dienstweg 1, 7522 ND Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ivan Lorenzo-Moldero
- Tissue
Regeneration Department, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 ND Enschede, The Netherlands
- Complex
Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired
Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kyriakos D. Gazouleas
- Tissue
Regeneration Department, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 ND Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Cortese
- National
Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), 00185 Rome, Italy
- Email for B.C.:
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Tissue
Regeneration Department, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 ND Enschede, The Netherlands
- Complex
Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired
Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- National
Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), 00185 Rome, Italy
- Email for L.M.:
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15
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Bouzid T, Esfahani AM, Safa BT, Kim E, Saraswathi V, Kim JK, Yang R, Lim JY. Rho/ROCK mechanosensor in adipocyte stiffness and traction force generation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 606:42-48. [PMID: 35339750 PMCID: PMC9035097 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.03.078] [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: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
It is increasingly recognized that interaction of adipose cells with extracellular mechanophysical milieus may play a role in regulating adipogenesis and differentiated adipocyte function and such interaction can be mediated by the mechanics of adipose cells. We measured the stiffness and traction force of adipose cells and examined the role of Rho/ROCK, the upstream effector of actin cytoskeletal contractility, in affecting these mechanical properties. Cellular Young's modulus obtained from atomic force microscopy (AFM) was significantly reduced by ROCK inhibitor (Y-27632) but elevated by Rho activator (CN01), for both preadipocytes and differentiated adipocytes. Immunofluorescent imaging suggested this could be attributed to the changes in Rho/ROCK-induced stressed actin filament formation. AFM also confirmed that differentiated adipocytes had higher stiffness than preadipocytes. On the other hand, traction force microscopy (TFM) revealed differentiated adipocytes exerted lower traction forces than preadipocytes. Traction forces of both preadipocytes and adipocytes were decreased by ROCK inhibition, but not significantly altered by Rho activation. Notably, an increasing trend of traction force with respect to cell spreading area was detected, and this trend was substantially amplified by Rho activation. Such traction force-cell area correlation was an order-of-magnitude smaller for differentiated adipocytes relative to preadipocytes, potentially due to disrupted force transmission through cytoskeleton-focal adhesion linkage by lipid droplets. Our work provides new data evidencing the Rho/ROCK control in adipose cell mechanics, laying the groundwork for adipocyte mechanotransduction studies on adipogenesis and adipose tissue remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasneem Bouzid
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Amir Monemian Esfahani
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Bahareh Tajvidi Safa
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Eunju Kim
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Viswanathan Saraswathi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center and VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA
| | - Jason K Kim
- Program in Molecular Medicine and Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Ruiguo Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA.
| | - Jung Yul Lim
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA.
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16
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Nasser M, Ghosh G. Engineering tumor constructs to study matrix-dependent angiogenic signaling of breast cancer cells. Biotechnol Prog 2022; 38:e3250. [PMID: 35312222 PMCID: PMC9233024 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among females globally. The crosstalk between tumor microenvironment and neoplastic cells is the key for promoting tumor growth, stimulating tumor angiogenesis, and metastasis to distant organs. Thus, it is highly important to investigate tumor cell-matrix interactions to facilitate screening of different anti-cancer agents, individually or in combination. We, herein report, the development of an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) breast cancer model to investigate the effect of stromal crosslinking and consequent, stiffening on the angiogenic activity of cancer cells. Crosslinking of collagen gels was altered via non-enzymatic glycation and highly aggressive breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231, were encapsulated in these gels. Cells encapsulated in glycated/stiffer matrices displayed an increased expression of pro-angiogenesis-related signals. Inhibition of mechanotransduction pathways on the angiogenic activity of aggressive tumor cells in stiff matrices was investigated using Y-27632, blebbistatin, and cytochalasin D. Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, Y-27632, diminished the pro-angiogenic signaling, thereby suggesting the potential dependence of breast cancer cells on the Rho/ROCK pathway in regulating tumor angiogenesis. Our findings highlight the potential of the developed model to be used as a tool to investigate matrix-associated tumor angiogenesis and screen different therapeutic agents towards inhibiting it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malak Nasser
- Bioengineering Program, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
| | - Gargi Ghosh
- Bioengineering Program, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
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17
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Regulating MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell adhesion on laser-patterned surfaces with micro- and nanotopography. Biointerphases 2022; 17:021002. [PMID: 35291767 DOI: 10.1116/6.0001564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer observed in women. Communication with the tumor microenvironment allows invading breast cancer cells, such as triple negative breast cancer cells, to adapt to specific substrates. The substrate topography modulates the cellular behavior among other factors. Several different materials and micro/nanofabrication techniques have been employed to develop substrates for cell culture. Silicon-based substrates present a lot of advantages as they are amenable to a wide range of processing techniques and they permit rigorous control over the surface structure. We investigate and compare the response of the triple negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) on laser-patterned silicon substrates with two different topographical scales, i.e., the micro- and the nanoscale, in the absence of any other biochemical modification. We develop silicon surfaces with distinct morphological characteristics by employing two laser systems with different pulse durations (nanosecond and femtosecond) and different processing environments (vacuum, SF6 gas, and water). Our findings demonstrate that surfaces with microtopography are repellent, while those with nanotopography are attractive for MDA-MB-231 cell adherence.
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18
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Mechanical Studies of the Third Dimension in Cancer: From 2D to 3D Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810098. [PMID: 34576261 PMCID: PMC8472581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
From the development of self-aggregating, scaffold-free multicellular spheroids to the inclusion of scaffold systems, 3D models have progressively increased in complexity to better mimic native tissues. The inclusion of a third dimension in cancer models allows researchers to zoom out from a significant but limited cancer cell research approach to a wider investigation of the tumor microenvironment. This model can include multiple cell types and many elements from the extracellular matrix (ECM), which provides mechanical support for the tissue, mediates cell-microenvironment interactions, and plays a key role in cancer cell invasion. Both biochemical and biophysical signals from the extracellular space strongly influence cell fate, the epigenetic landscape, and gene expression. Specifically, a detailed mechanistic understanding of tumor cell-ECM interactions, especially during cancer invasion, is lacking. In this review, we focus on the latest achievements in the study of ECM biomechanics and mechanosensing in cancer on 3D scaffold-based and scaffold-free models, focusing on each platform’s level of complexity, up-to-date mechanical tests performed, limitations, and potential for further improvements.
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19
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Slay EE, Meldrum FC, Pensabene V, Amer MH. Embracing Mechanobiology in Next Generation Organ-On-A-Chip Models of Bone Metastasis. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2021; 3:722501. [PMID: 35047952 PMCID: PMC8757701 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2021.722501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone metastasis in breast cancer is associated with high mortality. Biomechanical cues presented by the extracellular matrix play a vital role in driving cancer metastasis. The lack of in vitro models that recapitulate the mechanical aspects of the in vivo microenvironment hinders the development of novel targeted therapies. Organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) platforms have recently emerged as a new generation of in vitro models that can mimic cell-cell interactions, enable control over fluid flow and allow the introduction of mechanical cues. Biomaterials used within OOAC platforms can determine the physical microenvironment that cells reside in and affect their behavior, adhesion, and localization. Refining the design of OOAC platforms to recreate microenvironmental regulation of metastasis and probe cell-matrix interactions will advance our understanding of breast cancer metastasis and support the development of next-generation metastasis-on-a-chip platforms. In this mini-review, we discuss the role of mechanobiology on the behavior of breast cancer and bone-residing cells, summarize the current capabilities of OOAC platforms for modeling breast cancer metastasis to bone, and highlight design opportunities offered by the incorporation of mechanobiological cues in these platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen E. Slay
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | - Virginia Pensabene
- School of School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Mahetab H. Amer
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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