1
|
Okorafor CC, Shastri S, Wen K, Ebong EE. Mechanisms of triple-negative breast cancer extravasation: Impact of the physical environment and endothelial glycocalyx. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23785. [PMID: 38949120 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400380r] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of death for those afflicted with cancer. In cancer metastasis, the cancer cells break off from the primary tumor, penetrate nearby blood vessels, and attach and extravasate out of the vessels to form secondary tumors at distant organs. This makes extravasation a critical step of the metastatic cascade. Herein, with a focus on triple-negative breast cancer, the role that the prospective secondary tumor microenvironment's mechanical properties play in circulating tumor cells' extravasation is reviewed. Specifically, the effects of the physically regulated vascular endothelial glycocalyx barrier element, vascular flow factors, and subendothelial extracellular matrix mechanical properties on cancer cell extravasation are examined. The ultimate goal of this review is to clarify the physical mechanisms that drive triple-negative breast cancer extravasation, as these mechanisms may be potential new targets for anti-metastasis therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinedu C Okorafor
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sanjana Shastri
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ke Wen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eno E Ebong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mathews R, Hinds MT, Nguyen KP. Venous thromboembolism: diagnostic advances and unaddressed challenges in management. Curr Opin Hematol 2024; 31:122-129. [PMID: 38359323 PMCID: PMC10977858 DOI: 10.1097/moh.0000000000000809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes recent advances in developing targeted diagnostics for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and unaddressed knowledge gaps in patient management. Without addressing these critical data needs, the morbidity in VTE patients will persist. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies investigating plasma protein profiles in VTE patients have identified key diagnostic targets to address the currently unmet need for low-cost, confirmatory, point-of-care VTE diagnostics. These studies and a growing body of evidence from animal model studies have revealed the importance of inflammatory and vascular pathology in driving VTE, which are currently unaddressed targets for VTE therapy. To enhance the translation of preclinical animal studies, clinical quantification of thrombus burden and comparative component analyses between modeled VTE and clinical VTE are necessary. SUMMARY Lead candidates from protein profiling of VTE patients' plasma offer a promising outlook in developing low cost, confirmatory, point-of-care testing for VTE. Additionally, addressing the critical knowledge gap of quantitatively measuring clinical thrombi will allow for an array of benefits in VTE management and informing the translatability of experimental therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rick Mathews
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University
| | - Monica T Hinds
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University
| | - Khanh P Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University
- Research & Development Service, VA Portland Healthcare System
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ranjbar J, Yang Y, Harper AGS. Developing human tissue engineered arterial constructs to simulate human in vivo thrombus formation. Platelets 2023; 34:2153823. [PMID: 36550074 DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2022.2153823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Thrombus formation is highly dependent upon the physico-chemical environment in which it is triggered. Our ability to understand how thrombus formation is initiated, regulated, and resolved in the human body is dependent upon our ability to replicate the mechanical and biological properties of the arterial wall. Current in vitro thrombosis models principally use reductionist approaches to model the complex biochemical and cellular milieu present in the arterial wall, and so researcher have favored the use of in vivo models. The field of vascular tissue engineering has developed a range of techniques for culturing artificial human arteries for use as vascular grafts. These techniques therefore provide a basis for developing more sophisticated 3D replicas of the arterial wall that can be used in in vitro thrombosis models. In this review, we consider how tissue engineering approaches can be used to generate 3D models of the arterial wall that improve upon current in vivo and in vitro approaches. We consider the current benefits and limitations of reported 3D tissue engineered models and consider what additional evidence is required to validate them as alternatives to current in vivo models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying Yang
- School of Pharmacy & Bioengineering, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hamrangsekachaee M, Wen K, Yazdani N, Willits RK, Bencherif SA, Ebong EE. Endothelial glycocalyx sensitivity to chemical and mechanical sub-endothelial substrate properties. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1250348. [PMID: 38026846 PMCID: PMC10643223 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1250348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycocalyx (GCX) is a carbohydrate-rich structure that coats the surface of endothelial cells (ECs) and lines the blood vessel lumen. Mechanical perturbations in the vascular environment, such as blood vessel stiffness, can be transduced and sent to ECs through mechanosensors such as GCX. Adverse stiffness alters GCX-mediated mechanotransduction and leads to EC dysfunction and eventually atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. To understand GCX-regulated mechanotransduction events, an in vitro model emulating in vivo vessel conditions is needed. To this end, we investigated the impact of matrix chemical and mechanical properties on GCX expression via fabricating a tunable non-swelling matrix based on the collagen-derived polypeptide, gelatin. To study the effect of matrix composition, we conducted a comparative analysis of GCX expression using different concentrations (60-25,000 μg/mL) of gelatin and gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) in comparison to fibronectin (60 μg/mL), a standard coating material for GCX-related studies. Using immunocytochemistry analysis, we showed for the first time that different substrate compositions and concentrations altered the overall GCX expression on human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs). Subsequently, GelMA hydrogels were fabricated with stiffnesses of 2.5 and 5 kPa, representing healthy vessel tissues, and 10 kPa, corresponding to diseased vessel tissues. Immunocytochemistry analysis showed that on hydrogels with different levels of stiffness, the GCX expression in HUVECs remained unchanged, while its major polysaccharide components exhibited dysregulation in distinct patterns. For example, there was a significant decrease in heparan sulfate expression on pathological substrates (10 kPa), while sialic acid expression increased with increased matrix stiffness. This study suggests the specific mechanisms through which GCX may influence ECs in modulating barrier function, immune cell adhesion, and mechanotransduction function under distinct chemical and mechanical conditions of both healthy and diseased substrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ke Wen
- Chemical Engineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Narges Yazdani
- Bioengineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rebecca K. Willits
- Chemical Engineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Bioengineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sidi A. Bencherif
- Chemical Engineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Bioengineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Laboratoire de BioMécanique et BioIngénierie (BMBI), UMR CNRS, Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie of Compiègne (UTC), Compiègne, France
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Eno E. Ebong
- Chemical Engineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Bioengineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Neuroscience Department, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kohon AI, Man K, Mathis K, Webb J, Yang Y, Meckes B. Nanoparticle targeting of mechanically modulated glycocalyx. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.27.529887. [PMID: 36909503 PMCID: PMC10002687 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.27.529887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical properties and forces in the extracellular environment surrounding alveolar epithelial cells have the potential to modulate their behavior. Particularly, breathing applies 3-dimensional cyclic stretches to the cells, while the stiffness of the interstitium changes in disease states, such as fibrosis and cancer. A platform was developed that effectively imitates the active forces in the alveolus, while allowing one to control the interstitium matrix stiffnesses to mimic fibrotic lung tumor microenvironments. Alveolar epithelial cancer cells were cultured on these platforms and changes in the glycocalyx expression were evaluated. A complex combination of stiffness and dynamic forces altered heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan expressions. Consequently, we designed liposomal nanoparticles (LNPs) modified with peptides that can target heparan sulphate and chondroitin sulfates of cell surface glycocalyx. Cellular uptake of these modified nanoparticles increased in stiffer conditions depending on the stretch state. Namely, chondroitin sulfate A targeting improved uptake efficiency in cells experiencing dynamic stretches, while cells seeded on static stiff interstitium preferentially took up heparan sulfate targeting LNPs. These results demonstrate the critical role that mechanical stiffness and stretching play in the alveolus and the importance of including these properties in nanotherapeutic design for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afia Ibnat Kohon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 3940 N Elm St., Denton, TX 76207
- BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle Denton, Texas 76203-5017
| | - Kun Man
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 3940 N Elm St., Denton, TX 76207
| | - Katelyn Mathis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 3940 N Elm St., Denton, TX 76207
- BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle Denton, Texas 76203-5017
| | - Jade Webb
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 3940 N Elm St., Denton, TX 76207
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 3940 N Elm St., Denton, TX 76207
| | - Brian Meckes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 3940 N Elm St., Denton, TX 76207
- BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle Denton, Texas 76203-5017
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chandra Sekar N, Aguilera Suarez S, Nguyen N, Lai A, Thurgood P, Zhou Y, Chheang C, Needham S, Pirogova E, Peter K, Khoshmanesh K, Baratchi S. Studying the Synergistic Effect of Substrate Stiffness and Cyclic Stretch Level on Endothelial Cells Using an Elastomeric Cell Culture Chamber. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:4863-4872. [PMID: 36652631 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c15818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cells lining blood vessels are continuously exposed to biophysical cues that regulate their function in health and disease. As we age, blood vessels lose their elasticity and become stiffer. Vessel stiffness alters the mechanical forces that endothelial cells experience. Despite ample evidence on the contribution of endothelial cells to vessel stiffness, less is known about how vessel stiffness affects endothelial cells. In this study, we developed a versatile model to study the cooperative effect of substrate stiffness and cyclic stretch on human aortic endothelial cells. We cultured endothelial cells on elastomeric wells covered with fibronectin-coated polyacrylamide gel. Varying the concentrations of acrylamide and bis-acrylamide enabled us to produce soft and stiff substrates with elastic modules of 40 and 200 kPa, respectively. Using a customized three-dimensional (3D) printed cam-driven system, the cells were exposed to 5 and 10% cyclic stretch levels. This enabled us to mimic the stiffness and stretch levels that endothelial cells experience in young and aged arteries. Using this model, we found that endothelial cells cultured on a soft substrate had minimal cytoskeletal alignment to the direction of the stretch compared to the ones cultured on the stiff substrate. We also observed an increase in the cellular area and aspect ratio in cells cultured on the stiff substrate, both of which are positively regulated by cyclic stretch. However, neither cyclic stretch nor substrate stiffness significantly affected the nuclear circularity. Additionally, we found that the accumulation of NF-κB in the nucleus, endothelial proliferation, tube formation, and expression of IL1β depends on the stretch level and substrate stiffness. Our model can be further used to investigate the complex signaling pathways associated with vessel stiffening that govern the endothelial responses to mechanical forces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Chandra Sekar
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria3082, Australia
| | | | - Ngan Nguyen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria3000, Australia
| | - Austin Lai
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria3082, Australia
| | - Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria3000, Australia
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria3082, Australia
| | - Chanly Chheang
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria3082, Australia
| | - Scott Needham
- Leading Technology Group, Kew, Victoria3101, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria3000, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria3004, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria3010, Australia
| | | | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria3082, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria3004, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hamrangsekachaee M, Wen K, Bencherif SA, Ebong EE. Atherosclerosis and endothelial mechanotransduction: current knowledge and models for future research. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 324:C488-C504. [PMID: 36440856 PMCID: PMC10069965 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00449.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Endothelium health is essential to the regulation of physiological vascular functions. Because of the critical capability of endothelial cells (ECs) to sense and transduce chemical and mechanical signals in the local vascular environment, their dysfunction is associated with a vast variety of vascular diseases and injuries, especially atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular diseases. This review describes the mechanotransduction events that are mediated through ECs, the EC subcellular components involved, and the pathways reported to be potentially involved. Up-to-date research efforts involving in vivo animal models and in vitro biomimetic models are also discussed, including their advantages and drawbacks, with recommendations on future modeling approaches to aid the development of novel therapies targeting atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ke Wen
- Chemical Engineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sidi A Bencherif
- Chemical Engineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Bioengineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Laboratoire de BioMécanique et BioIngénierie, UMR CNRS 7388, Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie of Compiègne, Compiègne, France
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Eno E Ebong
- Chemical Engineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Bioengineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Neuroscience Department, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Flournoy J, Ashkanani S, Chen Y. Mechanical regulation of signal transduction in angiogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:933474. [PMID: 36081909 PMCID: PMC9447863 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.933474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Biophysical and biochemical cues work in concert to regulate angiogenesis. These cues guide angiogenesis during development and wound healing. Abnormal cues contribute to pathological angiogenesis during tumor progression. In this review, we summarize the known signaling pathways involved in mechanotransduction important to angiogenesis. We discuss how variation in the mechanical microenvironment, in terms of stiffness, ligand availability, and topography, can modulate the angiogenesis process. We also present an integrated view on how mechanical perturbations, such as stretching and fluid shearing, alter angiogenesis-related signal transduction acutely, leading to downstream gene expression. Tissue engineering-based approaches to study angiogenesis are reviewed too. Future directions to aid the efforts in unveiling the comprehensive picture of angiogenesis are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Flournoy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Institute for NanoBio Technology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shahad Ashkanani
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Institute for NanoBio Technology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Institute for NanoBio Technology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wei J, Yao J, Yan M, Xie Y, Liu P, Mao Y, Li X. The role of matrix stiffness in cancer stromal cell fate and targeting therapeutic strategies. Acta Biomater 2022; 150:34-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
10
|
Poly(2-Methoxyethyl Acrylate) (PMEA)-Coated Anti-Platelet Adhesive Surfaces to Mimic Native Blood Vessels through HUVECs Attachment, Migration, and Monolayer Formation. COATINGS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/coatings12060869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Confluent monolayers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on a poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) antithrombogenic surface play a major role in mimicking the inner surface of native blood vessels. In this study, we extensively investigated the behavior of cell–polymer and cell–cell interactions by measuring adhesion strength using single-cell force spectroscopy. In addition, the attachment and migration of HUVECs on PMEA-analogous substrates were detected, and the migration rate was estimated. Moreover, the bilateral migration of HUVECs between two adjacent surfaces was observed. Furthermore, the outer surface of HUVEC was examined using frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM). Hydration was found to be an indication of a healthy glycocalyx layer. The results were compared with the hydration states of individual PMEA-analogous polymers to understand the adhesion mechanism between the cells and substrates in the interface region. HUVECs could attach and spread on the PMEA surface with stronger adhesion strength than self-adhesion strength, and migration occurred over the surface of analogue polymers. We confirmed that platelets could not adhere to HUVEC monolayers cultured on the PMEA surface. FM-AFM images revealed a hydration layer on the HUVEC surfaces, indicating the presence of components of the glycocalyx layer in the presence of intermediate water. Our findings show that PMEA can mimic original blood vessels through an antithrombogenic HUVEC monolayer and is thus suitable for the construction of artificial small-diameter blood vessels.
Collapse
|
11
|
Introini V, Govendir MA, Rayner JC, Cicuta P, Bernabeu M. Biophysical Tools and Concepts Enable Understanding of Asexual Blood Stage Malaria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:908241. [PMID: 35711656 PMCID: PMC9192966 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.908241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Forces and mechanical properties of cells and tissues set constraints on biological functions, and are key determinants of human physiology. Changes in cell mechanics may arise from disease, or directly contribute to pathogenesis. Malaria gives many striking examples. Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, are single-celled organisms that cannot survive outside their hosts; thus, thost-pathogen interactions are fundamental for parasite’s biological success and to the host response to infection. These interactions are often combinations of biochemical and mechanical factors, but most research focuses on the molecular side. However, Plasmodium infection of human red blood cells leads to changes in their mechanical properties, which has a crucial impact on disease pathogenesis because of the interaction of infected red blood cells with other human tissues through various adhesion mechanisms, which can be probed and modelled with biophysical techniques. Recently, natural polymorphisms affecting red blood cell biomechanics have also been shown to protect human populations, highlighting the potential of understanding biomechanical factors to inform future vaccines and drug development. Here we review biophysical techniques that have revealed new aspects of Plasmodium falciparum invasion of red blood cells and cytoadhesion of infected cells to the host vasculature. These mechanisms occur differently across Plasmodium species and are linked to malaria pathogenesis. We highlight promising techniques from the fields of bioengineering, immunomechanics, and soft matter physics that could be beneficial for studying malaria. Some approaches might also be applied to other phases of the malaria lifecycle and to apicomplexan infections with complex host-pathogen interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viola Introini
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Viola Introini,
| | - Matt A. Govendir
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julian C. Rayner
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Bernabeu
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Milusev A, Rieben R, Sorvillo N. The Endothelial Glycocalyx: A Possible Therapeutic Target in Cardiovascular Disorders. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:897087. [PMID: 35647072 PMCID: PMC9136230 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.897087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological, anti-inflammatory, and anti-coagulant properties of endothelial cells (ECs) rely on a complex carbohydrate-rich layer covering the luminal surface of ECs, called the glycocalyx. In a range of cardiovascular disorders, glycocalyx shedding causes endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, underscoring the importance of glycocalyx preservation to avoid disease initiation and progression. In this review we discuss the physiological functions of the glycocalyx with particular focus on how loss of endothelial glycocalyx integrity is linked to cardiovascular risk factors, like hypertension, aging, diabetes and obesity, and contributes to the development of thrombo-inflammatory conditions. Finally, we consider the role of glycocalyx components in regulating inflammatory responses and discuss possible therapeutic interventions aiming at preserving or restoring the endothelial glycocalyx and therefore protecting against cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Milusev
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robert Rieben
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicoletta Sorvillo
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Nicoletta Sorvillo
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gifre-Renom L, Daems M, Luttun A, Jones EAV. Organ-Specific Endothelial Cell Differentiation and Impact of Microenvironmental Cues on Endothelial Heterogeneity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031477. [PMID: 35163400 PMCID: PMC8836165 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells throughout the body are heterogeneous, and this is tightly linked to the specific functions of organs and tissues. Heterogeneity is already determined from development onwards and ranges from arterial/venous specification to microvascular fate determination in organ-specific differentiation. Acknowledging the different phenotypes of endothelial cells and the implications of this diversity is key for the development of more specialized tissue engineering and vascular repair approaches. However, although novel technologies in transcriptomics and proteomics are facilitating the unraveling of vascular bed-specific endothelial cell signatures, still much research is based on the use of insufficiently specialized endothelial cells. Endothelial cells are not only heterogeneous, but their specialized phenotypes are also dynamic and adapt to changes in their microenvironment. During the last decades, strong collaborations between molecular biology, mechanobiology, and computational disciplines have led to a better understanding of how endothelial cells are modulated by their mechanical and biochemical contexts. Yet, because of the use of insufficiently specialized endothelial cells, there is still a huge lack of knowledge in how tissue-specific biomechanical factors determine organ-specific phenotypes. With this review, we want to put the focus on how organ-specific endothelial cell signatures are determined from development onwards and conditioned by their microenvironments during adulthood. We discuss the latest research performed on endothelial cells, pointing out the important implications of mimicking tissue-specific biomechanical cues in culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laia Gifre-Renom
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.G.-R.); (M.D.); (A.L.)
| | - Margo Daems
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.G.-R.); (M.D.); (A.L.)
| | - Aernout Luttun
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.G.-R.); (M.D.); (A.L.)
| | - Elizabeth A. V. Jones
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.G.-R.); (M.D.); (A.L.)
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|