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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.
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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
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2
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Zhao F, Zhang M, Nizamoglu M, Kaper HJ, Brouwer LA, Borghuis T, Burgess JK, Harmsen MC, Sharma PK. Fibroblast alignment and matrix remodeling induced by a stiffness gradient in a skin-derived extracellular matrix hydrogel. Acta Biomater 2024; 182:67-80. [PMID: 38750915 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.05.018] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Large skin injuries heal as scars. Stiffness gradually increases from normal skin to scar tissue (20x higher), due to excessive deposition and crosslinking of extracellular matrix (ECM) mostly produced by (myo)fibroblasts. Using a custom mold, skin-derived ECM hydrogels (dECM) were UV crosslinked after diffusion of ruthenium (Ru) to produce a Ru-dECM gradient hydrogel. The Ru diffusion gradient equates to a stiffness gradient and models physiology of the scarred skin. Crosslinking in Ru-dECM hydrogels results in a 23-fold increase in stiffness from a stiffness similar to that of normal skin. Collagen fiber density increases in a stiffness-dependent fashion while stress relaxation also alters, with one additional Maxwell element necessary for characterizing Ru-dECM. Alignment of fibroblasts encapsulated in hydrogels suggests that the stiffness gradient directs fibroblasts to orientate at ∼45 ° in regions below 120 kPa. In areas above 120 kPa, fibroblasts decrease the stiffness prior to adjusting their orientation. Furthermore, fibroblasts remodel their surrounding ECM in a gradient-dependent fashion, with rearrangement of cell-surrounding ECM in high-stiffness areas, and formation of interlaced collagen bundles in low-stiffness areas. Overall, this study shows that fibroblasts remodel their local environment to generate an optimal ECM mechanical and topographical environment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study developed a versatile in vitro model with a gradient stiffness using skin-derived ECM hydrogel with unchanged biochemical environment. Using Ruthenium crosslinking, a 20-fold stiffness increase was achieved as observed in fibrotic skin. The interaction between fibroblasts and matrix depends on changes in the matrix stiffness. The stiffness gradient directed the alignment of fibroblasts with ∼45° in regions with≤ 120 kPa. The cells in regions with the higher stiffness decreased stiffness first and then oriented themselves. Furthermore, fibroblasts remodeled surrounding ECM and regulated its mechanics in a gradient-dependent fashion to reach an optimal condition. Our study highlights the dynamic interplay between cells and surrounding matrix, shedding light on potential mechanisms and strategies to target scar formation and remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Zhao
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology-FB40, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Meng Zhang
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans J Kaper
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology-FB40, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Linda A Brouwer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Theo Borghuis
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martin C Harmsen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Prashant K Sharma
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology-FB40, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands.
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3
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Smits JJHM, van der Pol A, Goumans MJ, Bouten CVC, Jorba I. GelMA hydrogel dual photo-crosslinking to dynamically modulate ECM stiffness. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1363525. [PMID: 38966190 PMCID: PMC11222782 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1363525] [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: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The dynamic nature of the extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly its stiffness, plays a pivotal role in cellular behavior, especially after myocardial infarction (MI), where cardiac fibroblasts (cFbs) are key in ECM remodeling. This study explores the effects of dynamic stiffness changes on cFb activation and ECM production, addressing a gap in understanding the dynamics of ECM stiffness and their impact on cellular behavior. Utilizing gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels, we developed a model to dynamically alter the stiffness of cFb environment through a two-step photocrosslinking process. By inducing a quiescent state in cFbs with a TGF-β inhibitor, we ensured the direct observation of cFbs-responses to the engineered mechanical environment. Our findings demonstrate that the mechanical history of substrates significantly influences cFb activation and ECM-related gene expression. Cells that were initially cultured for 24 h on the soft substrate remained more quiescent when the hydrogel was stiffened compared to cells cultured directly to a stiff static substrate. This underscores the importance of past mechanical history in cellular behavior. The present study offers new insights into the role of ECM stiffness changes in regulating cellular behavior, with significant implications for understanding tissue remodeling processes, such as in post-MI scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephina J. H. M. Smits
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Atze van der Pol
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Marie José Goumans
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V. C. Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Ignasi Jorba
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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4
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Cassel SE, Huntington BM, Chen W, Lei P, Andreadis ST, Kloxin AM. Dynamic reporters for probing real-time activation of human fibroblasts from single cells to populations. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:026127. [PMID: 38938687 PMCID: PMC11209894 DOI: 10.1063/5.0166152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Activation of fibroblasts is pivotal for wound healing; however, persistent activation leads to maladaptive processes and is a hallmark of fibrosis, where disease mechanisms are only partially understood. Human in vitro model systems complement in vivo animal models for both hypothesis testing and drug evaluation to improve the identification of therapeutics relevant to human disease. Despite advances, a challenge remains in understanding the dynamics of human fibroblast responses to complex microenvironment stimuli, motivating the need for more advanced tools to investigate fibrotic mechanisms. This work established approaches for assessing the temporal dynamics of these responses using genetically encoded fluorescent reporters of alpha smooth muscle actin expression, an indicator of fibroblast activation. Specifically, we created a toolset of human lung fibroblast reporter cell lines from different origins (male, female; healthy, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and used three different versions of the reporter with the fluorescent protein modified to exhibit different temporal stabilities, providing temporal resolution of protein expression processes over a range of timescales. Using this toolset, we demonstrated that reporters provide insight into population shifts in response to both mechanical and biochemical cues that are not detectable by traditional end point assessments with differential responses based on cell origin. Furthermore, individual cells can also be tracked over time, with opportunities for comparison to complementary end point measurements. The establishment of this reporter toolset enables dynamic cell investigations that can be translated into more complex synthetic culture environments for elucidating disease mechanisms and evaluating therapeutics for lung fibrosis and other complex biological processes more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E. Cassel
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | - Breanna M. Huntington
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | - Wilfred Chen
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | - Pedro Lei
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260-4200, USA
| | - Stelios T. Andreadis
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260-4200, USA
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5
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Roth-Walter F, Adcock IM, Benito-Villalvilla C, Bianchini R, Bjermer L, Caramori G, Cari L, Chung KF, Diamant Z, Eguiluz-Gracia I, Knol EF, Jesenak M, Levi-Schaffer F, Nocentini G, O'Mahony L, Palomares O, Redegeld F, Sokolowska M, Van Esch BCAM, Stellato C. Metabolic pathways in immune senescence and inflammaging: Novel therapeutic strategy for chronic inflammatory lung diseases. An EAACI position paper from the Task Force for Immunopharmacology. Allergy 2024; 79:1089-1122. [PMID: 38108546 DOI: 10.1111/all.15977] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of senescent cells drives inflammaging and increases morbidity of chronic inflammatory lung diseases. Immune responses are built upon dynamic changes in cell metabolism that supply energy and substrates for cell proliferation, differentiation, and activation. Metabolic changes imposed by environmental stress and inflammation on immune cells and tissue microenvironment are thus chiefly involved in the pathophysiology of allergic and other immune-driven diseases. Altered cell metabolism is also a hallmark of cell senescence, a condition characterized by loss of proliferative activity in cells that remain metabolically active. Accelerated senescence can be triggered by acute or chronic stress and inflammatory responses. In contrast, replicative senescence occurs as part of the physiological aging process and has protective roles in cancer surveillance and wound healing. Importantly, cell senescence can also change or hamper response to diverse therapeutic treatments. Understanding the metabolic pathways of senescence in immune and structural cells is therefore critical to detect, prevent, or revert detrimental aspects of senescence-related immunopathology, by developing specific diagnostics and targeted therapies. In this paper, we review the main changes and metabolic alterations occurring in senescent immune cells (macrophages, B cells, T cells). Subsequently, we present the metabolic footprints described in translational studies in patients with chronic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and review the ongoing preclinical studies and clinical trials of therapeutic approaches aiming at targeting metabolic pathways to antagonize pathological senescence. Because this is a recently emerging field in allergy and clinical immunology, a better understanding of the metabolic profile of the complex landscape of cell senescence is needed. The progress achieved so far is already providing opportunities for new therapies, as well as for strategies aimed at disease prevention and supporting healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Roth-Walter
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna and University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - I M Adcock
- Molecular Cell Biology Group, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - C Benito-Villalvilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - R Bianchini
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna and University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - L Bjermer
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lung and Allergy research, Allergy, Asthma and COPD Competence Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - G Caramori
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Pneumologia, Italy
| | - L Cari
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - K F Chung
- Experimental Studies Medicine at National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London & Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospital, London, UK
| | - Z Diamant
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Institute for Clinical Science, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen and QPS-NL, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - I Eguiluz-Gracia
- Allergy Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA)-ARADyAL, Málaga, Spain
| | - E F Knol
- Departments of Center of Translational Immunology and Dermatology/Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M Jesenak
- Department of Paediatrics, Department of Pulmonology and Phthisiology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, University Teaching Hospital, Martin, Slovakia
| | - F Levi-Schaffer
- Institute for Drug Research, Pharmacology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - G Nocentini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - L O'Mahony
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - O Palomares
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Redegeld
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M Sokolowska
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zürich, Davos, Switzerland
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Switzerland
| | - B C A M Van Esch
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - C Stellato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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6
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Streutker EM, Devamoglu U, Vonk MC, Verdurmen WPR, Le Gac S. Fibrosis-on-Chip: A Guide to Recapitulate the Essential Features of Fibrotic Disease. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2303991. [PMID: 38536053 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis, which is primarily marked by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, is a pathophysiological process associated with many disorders, which ultimately leads to organ dysfunction and poor patient outcomes. Despite the high prevalence of fibrosis, currently there exist few therapeutic options, and importantly, there is a paucity of in vitro models to accurately study fibrosis. This review discusses the multifaceted nature of fibrosis from the viewpoint of developing organ-on-chip (OoC) disease models, focusing on five key features: the ECM component, inflammation, mechanical cues, hypoxia, and vascularization. The potential of OoC technology is explored for better modeling these features in the context of studying fibrotic diseases and the interplay between various key features is emphasized. This paper reviews how organ-specific fibrotic diseases are modeled in OoC platforms, which elements are included in these existing models, and the avenues for novel research directions are highlighted. Finally, this review concludes with a perspective on how to address the current gap with respect to the inclusion of multiple features to yield more sophisticated and relevant models of fibrotic diseases in an OoC format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Streutker
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Utku Devamoglu
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnoloygy and TechMed Centre, Organ-on-Chip Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon C Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter P R Verdurmen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Séverine Le Gac
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnoloygy and TechMed Centre, Organ-on-Chip Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
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7
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Nizamoglu M, Alleblas F, Koster T, Borghuis T, Vonk JM, Thomas MJ, White ES, Watson CK, Timens W, El Kasmi KC, Melgert BN, Heijink IH, Burgess JK. Three dimensional fibrotic extracellular matrix directs microenvironment fiber remodeling by fibroblasts. Acta Biomater 2024; 177:118-131. [PMID: 38350556 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.008] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), for which effective treatments are limited, results in excessive and disorganized deposition of aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM). An altered ECM microenvironment is postulated to contribute to disease progression through inducing profibrotic behavior of lung fibroblasts, the main producers and regulators of ECM. Here, we examined this hypothesis in a 3D in vitro model system by growing primary human lung fibroblasts in ECM-derived hydrogels from non-fibrotic (control) or IPF lung tissue. Using this model, we compared how control and IPF lung-derived fibroblasts responded in control and fibrotic microenvironments in a combinatorial manner. Culture of fibroblasts in fibrotic hydrogels did not alter in the overall amount of collagen or glycosaminoglycans but did cause a drastic change in fiber organization compared to culture in control hydrogels. High-density collagen percentage was increased by control fibroblasts in IPF hydrogels at day 7, but decreased at day 14. In contrast, IPF fibroblasts only decreased the high-density collagen percentage at day 14, which was accompanied by enhanced fiber alignment in IPF hydrogels. Similarly, stiffness of fibrotic hydrogels was increased only by control fibroblasts by day 14 while those of control hydrogels were not altered by fibroblasts. These data highlight how the ECM-remodeling responses of fibroblasts are influenced by the origin of both the cells and the ECM. Moreover, by showing how the 3D microenvironment plays a crucial role in directing cells, our study paves the way in guiding future investigations examining fibrotic processes with respect to ECM remodeling responses of fibroblasts. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we investigated the influence of the altered extracellular matrix (ECM) in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), using a 3D in vitro model system composed of ECM-derived hydrogels from both IPF and control lungs, seeded with human IPF and control lung fibroblasts. While our results indicated that fibrotic microenvironment did not change the overall collagen or glycosaminoglycan content, it resulted in a dramatically alteration of fiber organization and mechanical properties. Control fibroblasts responded differently from IPF fibroblasts, highlighting the unique instructive role of the fibrotic ECM and the interplay with fibroblast origin. These results underscore the importance of 3D microenvironments in guiding pro-fibrotic responses, offering potential insights for future IPF therapies as well as other fibrotic diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Frederique Alleblas
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Taco Koster
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Theo Borghuis
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Judith M Vonk
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Epidemiology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew J Thomas
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Eric S White
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT, United States
| | - Carolin K Watson
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Wim Timens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Karim C El Kasmi
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Barbro N Melgert
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Irene H Heijink
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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8
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Chen F, Lei L, Chen S, Zhao Z, Huang Y, Jiang G, Guo X, Li Z, Zheng Z, Wang J. Serglycin secreted by late-stage nucleus pulposus cells is a biomarker of intervertebral disc degeneration. Nat Commun 2024; 15:47. [PMID: 38167807 PMCID: PMC10761730 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44313-9] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration is a natural process during aging and a leading cause of lower back pain. Here, we generate a comprehensive atlas of nucleus pulposus cells using single-cell RNA-seq analysis of human nucleus pulposus tissues (three males and four females, age 41.14 ± 18.01 years). We identify fibrotic late-stage nucleus pulposus cells characterized by upregulation of serglycin expression which facilitate the local inflammatory response by promoting the infiltration of inflammatory cytokines and macrophages. Finally, we discover that daphnetin, a potential serglycin ligand, substantially mitigates the local inflammatory response by downregulating serglycin expression in an in vivo mouse model, thus alleviating intervertebral disc degeneration. Taken together, we identify late-stage nucleus pulposus cells and confirm the potential mechanism by which serglycin regulates intervertebral disc degeneration. Our findings indicate that serglycin is a latent biomarker of intervertebral disc degeneration and may contribute to development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Linchuan Lei
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shunlun Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
| | - Zhuoyang Zhao
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuming Huang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
| | - Guowei Jiang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xingyu Guo
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
| | - Zemin Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
| | - Zhaomin Zheng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China.
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China.
| | - Jianru Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China.
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China.
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9
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Yao X, Adcock IM, Mumby S. A mechanistic insight into severe COPD: the nose as a surrogate for the airways. ERJ Open Res 2023; 9:00647-2023. [PMID: 38020557 PMCID: PMC10680035 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00647-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A severe COPD signature in bronchial and nasal epithelial cells reflects reduced tissue repair and ECM regulation https://bit.ly/476S3PJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ian M. Adcock
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sharon Mumby
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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10
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Phogat S, Thiam F, Al Yazeedi S, Abokor FA, Osei ET. 3D in vitro hydrogel models to study the human lung extracellular matrix and fibroblast function. Respir Res 2023; 24:242. [PMID: 37798767 PMCID: PMC10552248 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02548-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The pulmonary extracellular matrix (ECM) is a macromolecular structure that provides mechanical support, stability and elastic recoil for different pulmonary cells including the lung fibroblasts. The ECM plays an important role in lung development, remodeling, repair, and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Biomechanical and biochemical signals produced by the ECM regulate the phenotype and function of various cells including fibroblasts in the lungs. Fibroblasts are important lung structural cells responsible for the production and repair of different ECM proteins (e.g., collagen and fibronectin). During lung injury and in chronic lung diseases such as asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an abnormal feedback between fibroblasts and the altered ECM disrupts tissue homeostasis and leads to a vicious cycle of fibrotic changes resulting in tissue remodeling. In line with this, using 3D hydrogel culture models with embedded lung fibroblasts have enabled the assessment of the various mechanisms involved in driving defective (fibrotic) fibroblast function in the lung's 3D ECM environment. In this review, we provide a summary of various studies that used these 3D hydrogel models to assess the regulation of the ECM on lung fibroblast phenotype and function in altered lung ECM homeostasis in health and in chronic respiratory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Phogat
- Department of Biology, Okanagan Campus, University of British Columbia, 3187 University Way, ASC366, Kelowna, BC, V1V1V7, Canada
| | - Fama Thiam
- Department of Biology, Okanagan Campus, University of British Columbia, 3187 University Way, ASC366, Kelowna, BC, V1V1V7, Canada
| | - Safiya Al Yazeedi
- Department of Biology, Okanagan Campus, University of British Columbia, 3187 University Way, ASC366, Kelowna, BC, V1V1V7, Canada
| | - Filsan Ahmed Abokor
- Department of Biology, Okanagan Campus, University of British Columbia, 3187 University Way, ASC366, Kelowna, BC, V1V1V7, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Twumasi Osei
- Department of Biology, Okanagan Campus, University of British Columbia, 3187 University Way, ASC366, Kelowna, BC, V1V1V7, Canada.
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
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11
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Mavrogonatou E, Papadopoulou A, Pratsinis H, Kletsas D. Senescence-associated alterations in the extracellular matrix: deciphering their role in the regulation of cellular function. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C633-C647. [PMID: 37486063 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00178.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic structural network that provides a physical scaffolding, as well as biochemical factors that maintain normal tissue homeostasis and thus its disruption is implicated in many pathological conditions. On the other hand, senescent cells express a particular secretory phenotype, affecting the composition and organization of the surrounding ECM and modulating their microenvironment. As accumulation of senescent cells may be linked to the manifestation of several age-related conditions, senescence-associated ECM alterations may serve as targets for novel anti-aging treatment modalities. Here, we will review characteristic changes in the ECM elicited by cellular senescence and we will discuss the complex interplay between ECM and senescent cells, in relation to normal aging and selected age-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Mavrogonatou
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos," Athens, Greece
| | - Adamantia Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos," Athens, Greece
| | - Harris Pratsinis
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos," Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Kletsas
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos," Athens, Greece
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12
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Nizamoglu M, Burgess JK. Current possibilities and future opportunities provided by three-dimensional lung ECM-derived hydrogels. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1154193. [PMID: 36969853 PMCID: PMC10034771 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1154193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the complex interplay between cells and extracellular matrix (ECM), the scaffold that provides support, biochemical and biomechanical cues, is emerging as a key element underlying lung diseases. We readily acknowledge that the lung is a flexible, relatively soft tissue that is three dimensional (3D) in structure, hence a need exists to develop in vitro model systems that reflect these properties. Lung ECM-derived hydrogels have recently emerged as a model system that mimics native lung physiology; they contain most of the plethora of biochemical components in native lung, as well as reflecting the biomechanics of native tissue. Research investigating the contribution of cell:matrix interactions to acute and chronic lung diseases has begun adopting these models but has yet to harness their full potential. This perspective article provides insight about the latest advances in the development, modification, characterization and utilization of lung ECM-derived hydrogels. We highlight some opportunities for expanding research incorporating lung ECM-derived hydrogels and potential improvements for the current approaches. Expanding the capabilities of investigations using lung ECM-derived hydrogels is positioned at a cross roads of disciplines, the path to new and innovative strategies for unravelling disease underlying mechanisms will benefit greatly from interdisciplinary approaches. While challenges need to be addressed before the maximum potential can be unlocked, with the rapid pace at which this field is evolving, we are close to a future where faster, more efficient and safer drug development targeting the disrupted 3D microenvironment is possible using lung ECM-derived hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Janette K. Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Janette K. Burgess,
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