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Sapudom J, Riedl P, Schricker M, Kroy K, Pompe T. Physical network regimes of 3D fibrillar collagen networks trigger invasive phenotypes of breast cancer cells. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 163:213961. [PMID: 39032434 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The mechanical characteristics of the extracellular environment are known to significantly influence cancer cell behavior in vivo and in vitro. The structural complexity and viscoelastic dynamics of the extracellular matrix (ECM) pose significant challenges in understanding its impact on cancer cells. Herein, we report distinct regulatory signatures in the invasion of different breast cancer cell lines into three-dimensional (3D) fibrillar collagen networks, caused by systematic modifications of the physical network properties. By reconstituting collagen networks of thin fibrils, we demonstrate that such networks can display network strand flexibility akin to that of synthetic polymer networks, known to exhibit entropic rubber elasticity. This finding contrasts with the predominant description of the mechanics of fibrillar collagen networks by an enthalpic bending elasticity of rod-like fibrils. Mean-squared displacement analysis of free-standing fibrils confirmed a flexible fiber regime in networks of thin fibrils. Furthermore, collagen fibrils in both networks were softened by the adsorption of highly negatively charged sulfonated polymers and colloidal probe force measurements of network elastic modulus again proofed the occurrence of the two different physical network regimes. Our cell assays revealed that the cellular behavior (morphology, clustering, invasiveness, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity) of the 'weakly invasive' MCF-7 and 'highly invasive' MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines is distinctively affected by the physical (enthalpic/entropic) network regime, and cannot be explained by changes of the network elastic modulus, alone. These results highlight an essential pathway, albeit frequently overlooked, how the physical characteristics of fibrillar ECMs affect cellular behavior. Considering the coexistence of diverse physical network regimes of the ECM in vivo, our findings underscore their critical role of ECM's physical network regimes in tumor progression and other cell functions, and moreover emphasize the significance of 3D in vitro collagen network models for quantifying cell responses in both healthy and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiranuwat Sapudom
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Philipp Riedl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria Schricker
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Kroy
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04009, Germany
| | - Tilo Pompe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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Blázquez-Carmona P, Ruiz-Mateos R, Barrasa-Fano J, Shapeti A, Martín-Alfonso JE, Domínguez J, Van Oosterwyck H, Reina-Romo E, Sanz-Herrera JA. Quantitative atlas of collagen hydrogels reveals mesenchymal cancer cell traction adaptation to the matrix nanoarchitecture. Acta Biomater 2024; 185:281-295. [PMID: 38992411 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Collagen-based hydrogels are commonly used in mechanobiology to mimic the extracellular matrix. A quantitative analysis of the influence of collagen concentration and properties on the structure and mechanics of the hydrogels is essential for tailored design adjustments for specific in vitro conditions. We combined focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy and rheology to provide a detailed quantitative atlas of the mechanical and nanoscale three-dimensional structural alterations that occur when manipulating different hydrogel's physicochemistry. Moreover, we study the effects of such alterations on the phenotype of breast cancer cells and their mechanical interactions with the extracellular matrix. Regardless of the microenvironment's pore size, porosity or mechanical properties, cancer cells are able to reach a stable mesenchymal-like morphology. Additionally, employing 3D traction force microscopy, a positive correlation between cellular tractions and ECM mechanics is observed up to a critical threshold, beyond which tractions plateau. This suggests that cancer cells in a stable mesenchymal state calibrate their mechanical interactions with the ECM to keep their migration and invasiveness capacities unaltered. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The paper presents a thorough study on the mechanical microenvironment in breast cancer cells during their interaction with collagen based hydrogels of different compositions. The hydrogels' microstructure were obtained using state-of-the-art 3D microscopy, namely focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM). FIB-SEM was originally applied in this work to reconstruct complex fibered collagen microstructures within the nanometer range, to obtain key microarchitectural parameters. The mechanical microenvironment of cells was recovered using Traction Force Microscopy (TFM). The obtained results suggest that cells calibrate tractions such that they depend on mechanical, microstructural and physicochemical characteristics of the hydrogels, hence revealing a steric hindrance. We hypothesize that cancer cells studied in this paper tune their mechanical state to keep their migration and invasiveness capacities unaltered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Blázquez-Carmona
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla. Avenida Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS). C. Antonio Maura Montaner, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Raquel Ruiz-Mateos
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla. Avenida Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS). C. Antonio Maura Montaner, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jorge Barrasa-Fano
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics Section, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300. B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Apeksha Shapeti
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics Section, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300. B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - José Enrique Martín-Alfonso
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Huelva. Avda. de las Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain
| | - Jaime Domínguez
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla. Avenida Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS). C. Antonio Maura Montaner, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Hans Van Oosterwyck
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics Section, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300. B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Esther Reina-Romo
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla. Avenida Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS). C. Antonio Maura Montaner, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - José Antonio Sanz-Herrera
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla. Avenida Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS). C. Antonio Maura Montaner, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
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3
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Rodríguez-Cruz D, Boquet-Pujadas A, López-Muñoz E, Rincón-Heredia R, Paredes-Díaz R, Flores-Fortis M, Olivo-Marin JC, Guillén N, Aguilar-Rojas A. Three-dimensional cell culture conditions promoted the Mesenchymal-Amoeboid Transition in the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1435708. [PMID: 39156975 PMCID: PMC11327030 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1435708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death among women, primarily due to its potential for metastasis. As BC progresses, the extracellular matrix (ECM) produces more type-I collagen, resulting in increased stiffness. This alteration influences cellular behaviors such as migration, invasion, and metastasis. Specifically, cancer cells undergo changes in gene expression that initially promote an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and subsequently, a transition from a mesenchymal to an amoeboid (MAT) migration mode. In this way, cancer cells can migrate more easily through the stiffer microenvironment. Despite their importance, understanding MATs remains challenging due to the difficulty of replicating in vitro the conditions for cell migration that are observed in vivo. Methods To address this challenge, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) growth system that replicates the different matrix properties observed during the progression of a breast tumor. We used this model to study the migration and invasion of the Triple-Negative BC (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231, which is particularly subject to metastasis. Results Our results indicate that denser collagen matrices present a reduction in porosity, collagen fiber size, and collagen fiber orientation, which are associated with the transition of cells to a rounder morphology with bleb-like protrusions. We quantified how this transition is associated with a more persistent migration, an enhanced invasion capacity, and a reduced secretion of matrix metalloproteinases. Discussion Our findings suggest that the proposed 3D growth conditions (especially those with high collagen concentrations) mimic key features of MATs, providing a new platform to study the physiology of migratory transitions and their role in BC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rodríguez-Cruz
- Medical Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, High Specialty Medical Unit in Gynecology and Obstetrics No. 4 “Luis Castelazo Ayala”, Mexican Social Security Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Aleix Boquet-Pujadas
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Biomedical Imaging Group, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bioimage Analysis Unit, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
- National Center for Scientific Research, CNRS UMR3691, Paris, France
| | - Eunice López-Muñoz
- Medical Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, High Specialty Medical Unit in Gynecology and Obstetrics No. 4 “Luis Castelazo Ayala”, Mexican Social Security Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ruth Rincón-Heredia
- Microscopy Core Unit, Institute of Cellular Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo Paredes-Díaz
- Microscopy Core Unit, Institute of Cellular Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mauricio Flores-Fortis
- Cuajimalpa Unit, Engineering and Natural Science Doctoral Program, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico
- Cuajimalpa Unit, Department of Natural Science, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jean-Christophe Olivo-Marin
- Bioimage Analysis Unit, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
- National Center for Scientific Research, CNRS UMR3691, Paris, France
| | - Nancy Guillén
- Bioimage Analysis Unit, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
- National Center for Scientific Research, CNRS ERL9195, Paris, France
| | - Arturo Aguilar-Rojas
- Medical Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, High Specialty Medical Unit in Gynecology and Obstetrics No. 4 “Luis Castelazo Ayala”, Mexican Social Security Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
- Bioimage Analysis Unit, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
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Qiu Y, Gao T, Smith BR. Mechanical deformation and death of circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10198-3. [PMID: 38980581 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10198-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The circulation of tumor cells through the bloodstream is a significant step in tumor metastasis. To better understand the metastatic process, circulating tumor cell (CTC) survival in the circulation must be explored. While immune interactions with CTCs in recent decades have been examined, research has yet to sufficiently explain some CTC behaviors in blood flow. Studies related to CTC mechanical responses in the bloodstream have recently been conducted to further study conditions under which CTCs might die. While experimental methods can assess the mechanical properties and death of CTCs, increasingly sophisticated computational models are being built to simulate the blood flow and CTC mechanical deformation under fluid shear stresses (FSS) in the bloodstream.Several factors contribute to the mechanical deformation and death of CTCs as they circulate. While FSS can damage CTC structure, diverse interactions between CTCs and blood components may either promote or hinder the next metastatic step-extravasation at a remote site. Overall understanding of how these factors influence the deformation and death of CTCs could serve as a basis for future experiments and simulations, enabling researchers to predict CTC death more accurately. Ultimately, these efforts can lead to improved metastasis-specific therapeutics and diagnostics specific in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiu Qiu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- The Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Tong Gao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Bryan Ronain Smith
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
- The Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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5
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Seifi Z, Khazaei M, Cheraghali D, Rezakhani L. Decellularized tissues as platforms for digestive system cancer models. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31589. [PMID: 38845895 PMCID: PMC11153114 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a multifunctional network of macromolecules that regulate various cellular functions and physically support the tissues. Besides physiological conditions, the ECM also changes during pathological conditions such as cancer. As tumor cells proliferate, notable changes occur in the quantity and makeup of the surrounding ECM. Therefore, the role of this noncellular component of tissues in studies of tumor microenvironments should be considered. So far, many attempts have been made to create 2-dimensional (2D) or 3-dimensional (3D) models that can replicate the intricate connections within the tumor microenvironment. Decellularized tissues are proper scaffolds that imitate the complex nature of native ECM. This review aims to summarize 3D models of digestive system cancers based on decellularized ECMs. These ECM-based scaffolds will enable us to study the interactive communication between cells and their surrounding environment which brings new potential for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Seifi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mozafar Khazaei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Danial Cheraghali
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJ, USA
| | - Leila Rezakhani
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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6
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Beaumont RE, Smith EJ, Zhou L, Marr N, Thorpe CT, Guest DJ. Exogenous interleukin-1 beta stimulation regulates equine tenocyte function and gene expression in three-dimensional culture which can be rescued by pharmacological inhibition of interleukin 1 receptor, but not nuclear factor kappa B, signaling. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1059-1078. [PMID: 37314623 PMCID: PMC11116237 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04779-z] [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: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We investigated how Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) impacts equine tenocyte function and global gene expression in vitro and determined if these effects could be rescued by pharmacologically inhibiting nuclear factor-κB (NF-KB) or interleukin 1 signalling. Equine superficial digital flexor tenocytes were cultured in three-dimensional (3D) collagen gels and stimulated with IL-1β for two-weeks, with gel contraction and interleukin 6 (IL6) measured throughout and transcriptomic analysis performed at day 14. The impact of three NF-KB inhibitors on gel contraction and IL6 secretion were measured in 3D culture, with NF-KB-P65 nuclear translocation by immunofluorescence and gene expression by qPCR measured in two-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture. In addition, daily 3D gel contraction and transcriptomic analysis was performed on interleukin 1 receptor antagonist-treated 3D gels at day 14. IL-1β increased NF-KB-P65 nuclear translocation in 2D culture and IL6 secretion in 3D culture, but reduced daily tenocyte 3D gel contraction and impacted > 2500 genes at day 14, with enrichment for NF-KB signaling. Administering direct pharmacological inhibitors of NF-KB did reduce NF-KB-P65 nuclear translocation, but had no effect on 3D gel contraction or IL6 secretion in the presence of IL-1β. However, IL1Ra restored 3D gel contraction and partially rescued global gene expression. Tenocyte 3D gel contraction and gene expression is adversely impacted by IL-1β which can only be rescued by blockade of interleukin 1 receptor, but not NF-KB, signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Eric Beaumont
- Clinical Sciences and Service, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK.
| | - Emily Josephine Smith
- Clinical Sciences and Service, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
| | - Lexin Zhou
- Clinical Sciences and Service, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
| | - Neil Marr
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Chavaunne T Thorpe
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Deborah Jane Guest
- Clinical Sciences and Service, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
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Chen X, Fazel Anvari-Yazdi A, Duan X, Zimmerling A, Gharraei R, Sharma N, Sweilem S, Ning L. Biomaterials / bioinks and extrusion bioprinting. Bioact Mater 2023; 28:511-536. [PMID: 37435177 PMCID: PMC10331419 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioinks are formulations of biomaterials and living cells, sometimes with growth factors or other biomolecules, while extrusion bioprinting is an emerging technique to apply or deposit these bioinks or biomaterial solutions to create three-dimensional (3D) constructs with architectures and mechanical/biological properties that mimic those of native human tissue or organs. Printed constructs have found wide applications in tissue engineering for repairing or treating tissue/organ injuries, as well as in vitro tissue modelling for testing or validating newly developed therapeutics and vaccines prior to their use in humans. Successful printing of constructs and their subsequent applications rely on the properties of the formulated bioinks, including the rheological, mechanical, and biological properties, as well as the printing process. This article critically reviews the latest developments in bioinks and biomaterial solutions for extrusion bioprinting, focusing on bioink synthesis and characterization, as well as the influence of bioink properties on the printing process. Key issues and challenges are also discussed along with recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- X.B. Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Dr, S7K 5A9, Saskatoon, Canada
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, S7K 5A9, Canada
| | - A. Fazel Anvari-Yazdi
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, S7K 5A9, Canada
| | - X. Duan
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, S7K 5A9, Canada
| | - A. Zimmerling
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, S7K 5A9, Canada
| | - R. Gharraei
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, S7K 5A9, Canada
| | - N.K. Sharma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Dr, S7K 5A9, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - S. Sweilem
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, 44115, USA
| | - L. Ning
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, 44115, USA
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8
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Sauer F, Grosser S, Shahryari M, Hayn A, Guo J, Braun J, Briest S, Wolf B, Aktas B, Horn L, Sack I, Käs JA. Changes in Tissue Fluidity Predict Tumor Aggressiveness In Vivo. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303523. [PMID: 37553780 PMCID: PMC10502644 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer progression is caused by genetic changes and associated with various alterations in cell properties, which also affect a tumor's mechanical state. While an increased stiffness has been well known for long for solid tumors, it has limited prognostic power. It is hypothesized that cancer progression is accompanied by tissue fluidization, where portions of the tissue can change position across different length scales. Supported by tabletop magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) on stroma mimicking collagen gels and microscopic analysis of live cells inside patient derived tumor explants, an overview is provided of how cancer associated mechanisms, including cellular unjamming, proliferation, microenvironment composition, and remodeling can alter a tissue's fluidity and stiffness. In vivo, state-of-the-art multifrequency MRE can distinguish tumors from their surrounding host tissue by their rheological fingerprints. Most importantly, a meta-analysis on the currently available clinical studies is conducted and universal trends are identified. The results and conclusions are condensed into a gedankenexperiment about how a tumor can grow and eventually metastasize into its environment from a physics perspective to deduce corresponding mechanical properties. Based on stiffness, fluidity, spatial heterogeneity, and texture of the tumor front a roadmap for a prognosis of a tumor's aggressiveness and metastatic potential is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Sauer
- Soft Matter Physics DivisionPeter‐Debye‐Institute for Soft Matter Physics04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Steffen Grosser
- Soft Matter Physics DivisionPeter‐Debye‐Institute for Soft Matter Physics04103LeipzigGermany
- Institute for Bioengineering of CataloniaThe Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST)Barcelona08028Spain
| | - Mehrgan Shahryari
- Department of RadiologyCharité‐Universitätsmedizin10117BerlinGermany
| | - Alexander Hayn
- Department of HepatologyLeipzig University Hospital04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of RadiologyCharité‐Universitätsmedizin10117BerlinGermany
| | - Jürgen Braun
- Institute of Medical InformaticsCharité‐Universitätsmedizin10117BerlinGermany
| | - Susanne Briest
- Department of GynecologyLeipzig University Hospital04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Benjamin Wolf
- Department of GynecologyLeipzig University Hospital04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Bahriye Aktas
- Department of GynecologyLeipzig University Hospital04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Lars‐Christian Horn
- Division of Breast, Urogenital and Perinatal PathologyLeipzig University Hospital04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Ingolf Sack
- Department of RadiologyCharité‐Universitätsmedizin10117BerlinGermany
| | - Josef A. Käs
- Soft Matter Physics DivisionPeter‐Debye‐Institute for Soft Matter Physics04103LeipzigGermany
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9
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Li C, Holman JB, Shi Z, Qiu B, Ding W. On-chip modeling of tumor evolution: Advances, challenges and opportunities. Mater Today Bio 2023; 21:100724. [PMID: 37483380 PMCID: PMC10359640 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor evolution is the accumulation of various tumor cell behaviors from tumorigenesis to tumor metastasis and is regulated by the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the mechanism of solid tumor progression has not been completely elucidated, and thus, the development of tumor therapy is still limited. Recently, Tumor chips constructed by culturing tumor cells and stromal cells on microfluidic chips have demonstrated great potential in modeling solid tumors and visualizing tumor cell behaviors to exploit tumor progression. Herein, we review the methods of developing engineered solid tumors on microfluidic chips in terms of tumor types, cell resources and patterns, the extracellular matrix and the components of the TME, and summarize the recent advances of microfluidic chips in demonstrating tumor cell behaviors, including proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, migration, intravasation, extravasation and immune escape of tumor cells. We also outline the combination of tumor organoids and microfluidic chips to elaborate tumor organoid-on-a-chip platforms, as well as the practical limitations that must be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengpan Li
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Joseph Benjamin Holman
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Zhengdi Shi
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Bensheng Qiu
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Weiping Ding
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
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10
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Avard RC, Broad ML, Zandkarimi F, Devanny AJ, Hammer JL, Yu K, Guzman A, Kaufman LJ. DISC-3D: dual-hydrogel system enhances optical imaging and enables correlative mass spectrometry imaging of invading multicellular tumor spheroids. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12383. [PMID: 37524722 PMCID: PMC10390472 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38699-1] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Multicellular tumor spheroids embedded in collagen I matrices are common in vitro systems for the study of solid tumors that reflect the physiological environment and complexities of the in vivo environment. While collagen I environments are physiologically relevant and permissive of cell invasion, studying spheroids in such hydrogels presents challenges to key analytical assays and to a wide array of imaging modalities. While this is largely due to the thickness of the 3D hydrogels that in other samples can typically be overcome by sectioning, because of their highly porous nature, collagen I hydrogels are very challenging to section, especially in a manner that preserves the hydrogel network including cell invasion patterns. Here, we describe a novel method for preparing and cryosectioning invasive spheroids in a two-component (collagen I and gelatin) matrix, a technique we term dual-hydrogel in vitro spheroid cryosectioning of three-dimensional samples (DISC-3D). DISC-3D does not require cell fixation, preserves the architecture of invasive spheroids and their surroundings, eliminates imaging challenges, and allows for use of techniques that have infrequently been applied in three-dimensional spheroid analysis, including super-resolution microscopy and mass spectrometry imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Avard
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Megan L Broad
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, Wales, UK
| | | | | | - Joseph L Hammer
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Karen Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
- Department of Physics, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Asja Guzman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Laura J Kaufman
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
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11
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Hayn A, Fischer T, Mierke CT. The role of ADAM8 in the mechanophenotype of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in 3D extracellular matrices. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1148162. [PMID: 37287457 PMCID: PMC10242107 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1148162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of investigations of cancer cells have been performed in an oversimplified 2D in vitro environment. In the last decade there is a trend toward more sophisticated 3D in vitro cell culture model systems that can bridge the existing gap between 2D in vitro and in vivo experiments in the field of biophysical and cell biological cancer cell research. Here, we hypothesize that the bidirectional interplay between breast cancer cells and their tumor microenvironment is critical for the outcome of the disease. Thereby, the tissue remodeling processes evoked by cancer cells are important for cancer cell-driven mechanical probing of their matrix environment and on cancer cell adhesion and motility. When remodeling processes have been explored, the emphasis was placed on matrix metalloproteinases and rather not on a disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs). However, the role of ADAM8 in cell mechanics regulating cellular motility in 3D collagen matrices is still unclear. Thus, in this study, we focus on the function of ADAM8 in matrix remodeling and migration of 3D extracellular matrix scaffolds. Therefore, human MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells with ADAM8 knocked down, referred to as ADAM8-KD cells, as well as MDA-MB-231 scrambled control cells, referred to as ADAM8-Ctrl cells, have been used to examine their ability to interact with and migrate in dense extracellular 3D matrices. The fiber displacements, as the capacity of cells to deform the environmental 3D matrix scaffold, has been observed. ADAM8-KD cells displace collagen fibers more strongly than ADAM8-Ctrl cells. Moreover, ADAM8-KD cells migrated more numerous in 3D collagen matrices compared to ADAM8-Ctrl cells. The impairment of ADAM8 using the ADAM8 inhibitor BK-1361 led to significantly increased fiber displacements of ADAM8-Ctrl cells to the levels of ADAM8-KD cells. In contrast, the inhibitor had no effect on ADAM8-KD cells in terms of fiber displacements as well as on the quantitative characteristics of cell invasion of ADAM8-Ctrl cells, albeit the cells that were found in the matrix invaded considerably deeper. When matrix remodeling by cells is impaired through GM6001, a broad-band metalloproteinase inhibitor, the fiber displacements of both cell types increased. In fact, ADAM8 is known to degrade fibronectin in a direct and/or indirect manner. The supplementation of fibronectin before polymerization of the 3D collagen matrices caused an enhancement in fiber displacements as well as in cell invasion into fibronectin-collagen matrices of ADAM8-Ctrl cells, whereas the fiber displacements of ADAM8-KD cells did not change. However, fibrinogen and laminin supplementation induced an increase in fiber displacements of both cell types. Thus, the impact of fibronectin on selective increase in fiber displacement of ADAM8-Ctrl cells appears to be ADAM8-dependent. As a consequence, the presence of ADAM8 may provide an explanation for the longstanding controversial results of fibronectin enrichment on malignant progression of cancers such as breast cancer. Finally, ADAM8 is apparently essential for providing cell-driven fiber displacements of the extracellular matrix microenvironment, which fosters 3D motility in a fibronectin-rich environment. Contribution to the field. Currently, the role of ADAM8 has been explored in 2D or at maximum 2.5D in vitro cell culture motility assays. However, the mechanical characteristics of these two cell types have not been examined. In this study, the function of ADAM8 in breast cancer is refined by providing in vitro cell investigations in 3D collagen fiber matrices of various conditions. ADAM8 has been shown to be involved in the reduced generation of fiber displacements and in influencing breast cancer cell migration. However, especially in the presence of fibronectin in 3Dcollagen fiber matrices, the fiber displacements of ADAM8-Ctrl cells are increased.
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12
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Mukherjee A, Ron JE, Hu HT, Nishimura T, Hanawa‐Suetsugu K, Behkam B, Mimori‐Kiyosue Y, Gov NS, Suetsugu S, Nain AS. Actin Filaments Couple the Protrusive Tips to the Nucleus through the I-BAR Domain Protein IRSp53 during the Migration of Cells on 1D Fibers. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207368. [PMID: 36698307 PMCID: PMC9982589 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The cell migration cycle, well-established in 2D, proceeds with forming new protrusive structures at the cell membrane and subsequent redistribution of contractile machinery. Three-dimensional (3D) environments are complex and composed of 1D fibers, and 1D fibers are shown to recapitulate essential features of 3D migration. However, the establishment of protrusive activity at the cell membrane and contractility in 1D fibrous environments remains partially understood. Here the role of membrane curvature regulator IRSp53 is examined as a coupler between actin filaments and plasma membrane during cell migration on single, suspended 1D fibers. IRSp53 depletion reduced cell-length spanning actin stress fibers that originate from the cell periphery, protrusive activity, and contractility, leading to uncoupling of the nucleus from cellular movements. A theoretical model capable of predicting the observed transition of IRSp53-depleted cells from rapid stick-slip migration to smooth and slower migration due to reduced actin polymerization at the cell edges is developed, which is verified by direct measurements of retrograde actin flow using speckle microscopy. Overall, it is found that IRSp53 mediates actin recruitment at the cellular tips leading to the establishment of cell-length spanning fibers, thus demonstrating a unique role of IRSp53 in controlling cell migration in 3D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apratim Mukherjee
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringVirginia TechBlacksburgVA24061USA
| | - Jonathan Emanuel Ron
- Department of Chemical and Biological PhysicsWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovot7610001Israel
| | - Hooi Ting Hu
- Division of Biological ScienceGraduate School of Science and TechnologyNara Institute of Science and TechnologyIkoma630‐0192Japan
| | - Tamako Nishimura
- Division of Biological ScienceGraduate School of Science and TechnologyNara Institute of Science and TechnologyIkoma630‐0192Japan
| | | | - Bahareh Behkam
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringVirginia TechBlacksburgVA24061USA
| | - Yuko Mimori‐Kiyosue
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular DynamicsRIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchMinatojima‐minaminachiChuo‐kuKobeHyogo650‐0047Japan
| | - Nir Shachna Gov
- Department of Chemical and Biological PhysicsWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovot7610001Israel
| | - Shiro Suetsugu
- Division of Biological ScienceGraduate School of Science and TechnologyNara Institute of Science and TechnologyIkoma630‐0192Japan
- Data Science CenterNara Institute of Science and TechnologyIkoma630‐0192Japan
- Center for Digital Green‐innovationNara Institute of Science and TechnologyIkoma630‐0192Japan
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13
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Reflections on the Biology of Cell Culture Models: Living on the Edge of Oxidative Metabolism in Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032717. [PMID: 36769044 PMCID: PMC9916950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the study of cell metabolism is a hot topic in cancer research. Many studies have used 2D conventional cell cultures for their simplicity and the facility to infer mechanisms. However, the limitations of bidimensional cell cultures to recreate architecture, mechanics, and cell communication between tumor cells and their environment, have forced the development of other more realistic in vitro methodologies. Therefore, the explosion of 3D culture techniques and the necessity to reduce animal experimentation to a minimum has attracted the attention of researchers in the field of cancer metabolism. Here, we revise the limitations of actual culture models and discuss the utility of several 3D culture techniques to resolve those limitations.
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Teplický T, Gregorová M, Kalafutová A, Hanzel O, Mateašík A, Filová B, Čunderlíková B. Characterisation of collagen type I matrices for pathophysiologically relevant spatial cancer cell cultures. Biophys Chem 2023; 293:106944. [PMID: 36527999 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Specific cues provided to cells by the extracellular matrix (ECM) are determined by its composition. Except of collagens other naturally occurring ECM components should be considered in designing 3D models of diseases. We used spectrophotometric and rheological measurements and confocal imaging to characterise collagen matrices of human origin that can be modified by clinically relevant ECM components. pH of the neutralising solution, but not incubation of solidified collagen matrices in serum-free culture medium with pH 5.0-9.0 affected distribution of collagen fibres. Admixture of fibronectin or tenascin-C influenced assembly kinetics and resulted in slight increase in the Young's moduli of the matrices, indicating their incorporation into the collagen matrices. Co-localization of fibronectin with collagen fibres was confirmed by fluorescence imaging. Various cell types relevant for tumour tissue were able to proliferate within the matrices suggesting that they can be used to study role of ECM components in cancer in spatial models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Teplický
- Institute of Medical Physics, Biophysics, Informatics and Telemedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martina Gregorová
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of SS. Cyril and Methodius, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Adriana Kalafutová
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of SS. Cyril and Methodius, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Ondrej Hanzel
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Anton Mateašík
- International Laser Centre, Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Barbora Filová
- Institute of Medical Physics, Biophysics, Informatics and Telemedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Beata Čunderlíková
- Institute of Medical Physics, Biophysics, Informatics and Telemedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia; International Laser Centre, Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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15
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Merino-Casallo F, Gomez-Benito MJ, Hervas-Raluy S, Garcia-Aznar JM. Unravelling cell migration: defining movement from the cell surface. Cell Adh Migr 2022; 16:25-64. [PMID: 35499121 PMCID: PMC9067518 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2022.2055520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell motility is essential for life and development. Unfortunately, cell migration is also linked to several pathological processes, such as cancer metastasis. Cells' ability to migrate relies on many actors. Cells change their migratory strategy based on their phenotype and the properties of the surrounding microenvironment. Cell migration is, therefore, an extremely complex phenomenon. Researchers have investigated cell motility for more than a century. Recent discoveries have uncovered some of the mysteries associated with the mechanisms involved in cell migration, such as intracellular signaling and cell mechanics. These findings involve different players, including transmembrane receptors, adhesive complexes, cytoskeletal components , the nucleus, and the extracellular matrix. This review aims to give a global overview of our current understanding of cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Merino-Casallo
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Gomez-Benito
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Silvia Hervas-Raluy
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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16
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Structural Breakdown of Collagen Type I Elastin Blend Polymerization. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14204434. [PMID: 36298012 PMCID: PMC9611167 DOI: 10.3390/polym14204434] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biopolymer blends are advantageous materials with novel properties that may show performances way beyond their individual constituents. Collagen elastin hybrid gels are a new representative of such materials as they employ elastin’s thermo switching behavior in the physiological temperature regime. Although recent studies highlight the potential applications of such systems, little is known about the interaction of collagen and elastin fibers during polymerization. In fact, the final network structure is predetermined in the early and mostly arbitrary association of the fibers. We investigated type I collagen polymerized with bovine neck ligament elastin with up to 33.3 weight percent elastin and showed, by using a plate reader, zeta potential and laser scanning microscopy (LSM) experiments, that elastin fibers bind in a lateral manner to collagen fibers. Our plate reader experiments revealed an elastin concentration-dependent increase in the polymerization rate, although the rate increase was greatest at intermediate elastin concentrations. As elastin does not significantly change the structural metrics pore size, fiber thickness or 2D anisotropy of the final gel, we are confident to conclude that elastin is incorporated homogeneously into the collagen fibers.
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17
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Martinez-Garcia FD, Fischer T, Hayn A, Mierke CT, Burgess JK, Harmsen MC. A Beginner’s Guide to the Characterization of Hydrogel Microarchitecture for Cellular Applications. Gels 2022; 8:gels8090535. [PMID: 36135247 PMCID: PMC9498492 DOI: 10.3390/gels8090535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional, acellular scaffold of living tissues. Incorporating the ECM into cell culture models is a goal of cell biology studies and requires biocompatible materials that can mimic the ECM. Among such materials are hydrogels: polymeric networks that derive most of their mass from water. With the tuning of their properties, these polymer networks can resemble living tissues. The microarchitectural properties of hydrogels, such as porosity, pore size, fiber length, and surface topology can determine cell plasticity. The adequate characterization of these parameters requires reliable and reproducible methods. However, most methods were historically standardized using other biological specimens, such as 2D cell cultures, biopsies, or even animal models. Therefore, their translation comes with technical limitations when applied to hydrogel-based cell culture systems. In our current work, we have reviewed the most common techniques employed in the characterization of hydrogel microarchitectures. Our review provides a concise description of the underlying principles of each method and summarizes the collective data obtained from cell-free and cell-loaded hydrogels. The advantages and limitations of each technique are discussed, and comparisons are made. The information presented in our current work will be of interest to researchers who employ hydrogels as platforms for cell culture, 3D bioprinting, and other fields within hydrogel-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Drusso Martinez-Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- W.J. Kolff Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tony Fischer
- Biological Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Hayn
- Biological Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Oncology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Pneumology, Infectiology Department of Hepatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstr. 19, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Biological Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Correspondence: (C.T.M.); (M.C.H.)
| | - Janette Kay Burgess
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- W.J. Kolff Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Conrad Harmsen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- W.J. Kolff Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (C.T.M.); (M.C.H.)
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18
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Merino-Casallo F, Gomez-Benito MJ, Martinez-Cantin R, Garcia-Aznar JM. A mechanistic protrusive-based model for 3D cell migration. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151255. [PMID: 35843121 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell migration is essential for a variety of biological processes, such as embryogenesis, wound healing, and the immune response. After more than a century of research-mainly on flat surfaces-, there are still many unknowns about cell motility. In particular, regarding how cells migrate within 3D matrices, which more accurately replicate in vivo conditions. We present a novel in silico model of 3D mesenchymal cell migration regulated by the chemical and mechanical profile of the surrounding environment. This in silico model considers cell's adhesive and nuclear phenotypes, the effects of the steric hindrance of the matrix, and cells ability to degradate the ECM. These factors are crucial when investigating the increasing difficulty that migrating cells find to squeeze their nuclei through dense matrices, which may act as physical barriers. Our results agree with previous in vitro observations where fibroblasts cultured in collagen-based hydrogels did not durotax toward regions with higher collagen concentrations. Instead, they exhibited an adurotactic behavior, following a more random trajectory. Overall, cell's migratory response in 3D domains depends on its phenotype, and the properties of the surrounding environment, that is, 3D cell motion is strongly dependent on the context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Merino-Casallo
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza 50018, Spain; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Gomez-Benito
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza 50018, Spain; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Ruben Martinez-Cantin
- Robotics, Perception and Real Time Group (RoPeRT), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza 50018, Spain; Department of Computer Science and System Engineering, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza 50018, Spain; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain.
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19
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Mierke CT, Hayn A, Fischer T. PINCH1 Promotes Fibroblast Migration in Extracellular Matrices and Influences Their Mechanophenotype. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:869563. [PMID: 35652097 PMCID: PMC9149598 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.869563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell migration performs a critical function in numerous physiological processes, including tissue homeostasis or wound healing after tissue injury, as well as pathological processes that include malignant progression of cancer. The efficiency of cell migration and invasion appears to be based on the mechano-phenotype of the cytoskeleton. The properties of the cytoskeleton depend on internal cytoskeletal and external environmental factors. A reason for this are connections between the cell and its local matrix microenvironment, which are established by cell-matrix adhesion receptors. Upon activation, focal adhesion proteins such as PINCH1 are recruited to sites where focal adhesions form. PINCH1 specifically couples through interactions with ILK, which binds to cell matrix receptors and the actomyosin cytoskeleton. However, the role of PINCH1 in cell mechanics regulating cellular motility in 3D collagen matrices is still unclear. PINCH1 is thought to facilitate 3D motility by regulating cellular mechanical properties, such as stiffness. In this study, PINCH1 wild-type and knock-out cells were examined for their ability to migrate in dense extracellular 3D matrices. Indeed, PINCH1 wild-type cells migrated more numerously and deeper in 3D matrices, compared to knock-out cells. Moreover, cellular deformability was determined, e.g., elastic modulus (stiffness). PINCH1 knock-out cells are more deformable (compliable) than PINCH1 wild-type cells. Migration of both PINCH1−/− cells and PINCH1fl/fl cells was decreased by Latrunculin A inhibition of actin polymerization, suggesting that actin cytoskeletal differences are not responsible for the discrepancy in invasiveness of the two cell types. However, the mechanical phenotype of PINCH1−/− cells may be reflected by Latrunculin A treatment of PINCH1fl/fl cells, as they exhibit resembling deformability to untreated PINCH1−/− cells. Moreover, an apparent mismatch exists between the elongation of the long axis and the contraction of the short axis between PINCH1fl/fl cells and PINCH1−/− cells following Latrunculin A treatment. There is evidence of this indicating a shift in the proxy values for Poisson’s ratio in PINCH1−/− cells compared with PINCH1fl/fl cells. This is probably attributable to modifications in cytoskeletal architecture. The non-muscle myosin II inhibitor Blebbistatin also reduced the cell invasiveness in 3D extracellular matrices but instead caused a stiffening of the cells. Finally, PINCH1 is apparently essential for providing cellular mechanical stiffness through the actin cytoskeleton, which regulates 3D motility.
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20
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Proestaki M, Burkel BM, Galles EE, Ponik SM, Notbohm J. Effect of matrix heterogeneity on cell mechanosensing. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:10263-10273. [PMID: 34125129 PMCID: PMC8616824 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00312g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cells sense mechanical signals within the extracellular matrix, the most familiar being stiffness, but matrix stiffness cannot be simply described by a single value. Randomness in matrix structure causes stiffness at the scale of a cell to vary by more than an order of magnitude. Additionally, the extracellular matrix contains ducts, blood vessels, and, in cancer or fibrosis, regions with abnormally high stiffness. These different features could alter the stiffness sensed by a cell, but it is unclear whether the change in stiffness is large enough to overcome the noise caused by heterogeneity due to the random fibrous structure. Here we used a combination of experiments and modeling to determine the extent to which matrix heterogeneity disrupts the potential for cell sensing of a locally stiff feature in the matrix. Results showed that, at the scale of a single cell, spatial heterogeneity in local stiffness was larger than the increase in stiffness due to a stiff feature. The heterogeneity was reduced only for large length scales compared to the fiber length. Experiments verified this conclusion, showing spheroids of cells, which were large compared to the average fiber length, spreading preferentially toward stiff inclusions. Hence, the propagation of mechanical cues through the matrix depends on length scale, with single cells being able to sense only the stiffness of the nearby fibers and multicellular structures, such as tumors, also sensing the stiffness of distant matrix features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Proestaki
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Brian M Burkel
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Emmett E Galles
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Suzanne M Ponik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jacob Notbohm
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
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21
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Paradiso F, Serpelloni S, Francis LW, Taraballi F. Mechanical Studies of the Third Dimension in Cancer: From 2D to 3D Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10098. [PMID: 34576261 PMCID: PMC8472581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [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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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paradiso
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (F.P.); (S.S.)
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6445 Main St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK;
| | - Stefano Serpelloni
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (F.P.); (S.S.)
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6445 Main St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lewis W. Francis
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK;
| | - Francesca Taraballi
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (F.P.); (S.S.)
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6445 Main St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Poole JJA, Mostaço-Guidolin LB. Optical Microscopy and the Extracellular Matrix Structure: A Review. Cells 2021; 10:1760. [PMID: 34359929 PMCID: PMC8308089 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological tissues are not uniquely composed of cells. A substantial part of their volume is extracellular space, which is primarily filled by an intricate network of macromolecules constituting the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM serves as the scaffolding for tissues and organs throughout the body, playing an essential role in their structural and functional integrity. Understanding the intimate interaction between the cells and their structural microenvironment is central to our understanding of the factors driving the formation of normal versus remodelled tissue, including the processes involved in chronic fibrotic diseases. The visualization of the ECM is a key factor to track such changes successfully. This review is focused on presenting several optical imaging microscopy modalities used to characterize different ECM components. In this review, we describe and provide examples of applications of a vast gamut of microscopy techniques, such as widefield fluorescence, total internal reflection fluorescence, laser scanning confocal microscopy, multipoint/slit confocal microscopy, two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF), second and third harmonic generation (SHG, THG), coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), structured illumination microscopy (SIM), stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED), ground-state depletion microscopy (GSD), and photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM/fPALM), as well as their main advantages, limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J A Poole
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Carleton University 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Leila B Mostaço-Guidolin
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Carleton University 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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