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Lu M, Xu Z, Xu F, Yin C, Guo H, Cheng B. Mechanical network motifs as targets for mechanomedicine. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104145. [PMID: 39182599 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
The identification and analysis of network motifs has been widely used in the functional analysis of signaling components, disease discovery and other fields. The positive feedback loop (PFL) is a simple but important network motif. The formation of a PFL is regulated by mechanical cues such as substrate stiffness, fiber stretching and cell compression in the cell microenvironment. Here, we propose a new term, 'mechanical PFL', and analyze the mechanisms of mechanical PFLs at molecular, subcellular and cellular scales. More and more therapies are being targeted against mechanosignaling pathways at the experimental and preclinical stages, and exploring mechanical PFLs as potential mechanomedicine targets could be a new direction for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengnan Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710054, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Zhao Xu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Feng Xu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Chunyan Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710054, PR China.
| | - Hui Guo
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710054, PR China.
| | - Bo Cheng
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China.
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Jaffery OA, Melki L, Slabaugh G, Good WW, Roney CH. A Review of Personalised Cardiac Computational Modelling Using Electroanatomical Mapping Data. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2024; 13:e08. [PMID: 38807744 PMCID: PMC11131150 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2023.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Computational models of cardiac electrophysiology have gradually matured during the past few decades and are now being personalised to provide patient-specific therapy guidance for improving suboptimal treatment outcomes. The predictive features of these personalised electrophysiology models hold the promise of providing optimal treatment planning, which is currently limited in the clinic owing to reliance on a population-based or average patient approach. The generation of a personalised electrophysiology model entails a sequence of steps for which a range of activation mapping, calibration methods and therapy simulation pipelines have been suggested. However, the optimal methods that can potentially constitute a clinically relevant in silico treatment are still being investigated and face limitations, such as uncertainty of electroanatomical data recordings, generation and calibration of models within clinical timelines and requirements to validate or benchmark the recovered tissue parameters. This paper is aimed at reporting techniques on the personalisation of cardiac computational models, with a focus on calibrating cardiac tissue conductivity based on electroanatomical mapping data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovais A Jaffery
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
| | - Lea Melki
- R&D Algorithms, Acutus Medical Carlsbad, CA, US
| | - Gregory Slabaugh
- Digital Environment Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
| | | | - Caroline H Roney
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
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Jacho D, Yildirim-Ayan E. Mechanome-Guided Strategies in Regenerative Rehabilitation. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2024; 29:100516. [PMID: 38586151 PMCID: PMC10993906 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2023.100516] [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] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Regenerative Rehabilitation represents a multifaceted approach that merges mechanobiology with therapeutic intervention to harness the body's intrinsic tissue repair and regeneration capacity. This review delves into the intricate interplay between mechanical loading and cellular responses in the context of musculoskeletal tissue healing. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the phases involved in translating mechanical forces into biochemical responses at the cellular level. The review paper also covers the mechanosensitivity of macrophages, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells, which play a crucial role during regenerative rehabilitation since these cells exhibit unique mechanoresponsiveness during different stages of the tissue healing process. Understanding how mechanical loading amplitude and frequency applied during regenerative rehabilitation influences macrophage polarization, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT), and mesenchymal stem cell differentiation is crucial for developing effective therapies for musculoskeletal tissues. In conclusion, this review underscores the significance of mechanome-guided strategies in regenerative rehabilitation. By exploring the mechanosensitivity of different cell types and their responses to mechanical loading, this field offers promising avenues for accelerating tissue healing and functional recovery, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries and degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Jacho
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Street, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Eda Yildirim-Ayan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Street, Toledo, OH, USA
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Shou Y, Le Z, Cheng HS, Liu Q, Ng YZ, Becker DL, Li X, Liu L, Xue C, Yeo NJY, Tan R, Low J, Kumar ARK, Wu KZ, Li H, Cheung C, Lim CT, Tan NS, Chen Y, Liu Z, Tay A. Mechano-Activated Cell Therapy for Accelerated Diabetic Wound Healing. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2304638. [PMID: 37681325 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Chronic diabetic wounds are a significant global healthcare challenge. Current strategies, such as biomaterials, cell therapies, and medical devices, however, only target a few pathological features and have limited efficacy. A powerful platform technology combining magneto-responsive hydrogel, cells, and wireless magneto-induced dynamic mechanical stimulation (MDMS) is developed to accelerate diabetic wound healing. The hydrogel encapsulates U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved fibroblasts and keratinocytes to achieve ∼3-fold better wound closure in a diabetic mouse model. MDMS acts as a nongenetic mechano-rheostat to activate fibroblasts, resulting in ∼240% better proliferation, ∼220% more collagen deposition, and improved keratinocyte paracrine profiles via the Ras/MEK/ERK pathway to boost angiogenesis. The magneto-responsive property also enables on-demand insulin release for spatiotemporal glucose regulation through increasing network deformation and interstitial flow. By mining scRNAseq data, a mechanosensitive fibroblast subpopulation is identified that can be mechanically tuned for enhanced proliferation and collagen production, maximizing therapeutic impact. The "all-in-one" system addresses major pathological factors associated with diabetic wounds in a single platform, with potential applications for other challenging wound types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Shou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Zhicheng Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Hong Sheng Cheng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
| | - Qimin Liu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yi Zhen Ng
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - David Laurence Becker
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Xianlei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Ling Liu
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117510, Singapore
| | - Chencheng Xue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Natalie Jia Ying Yeo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
| | - Runcheng Tan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jessalyn Low
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Arun R K Kumar
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119288, Singapore
| | - Kenny Zhuoran Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Hua Li
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Christine Cheung
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Nguan Soon Tan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Yongming Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhijia Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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Watts KM, Nichols W, Richardson WJ. Computational screen for sex-specific drug effects in a cardiac fibroblast signaling network model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17068. [PMID: 37816826 PMCID: PMC10564891 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44440-9] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Cardiac fibrosis is the uncontrolled accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, which can exacerbate the progression of heart failure, and there are currently no drugs approved specifically to target matrix accumulation in the heart. Computational signaling network models (SNMs) can be used to facilitate discovery of novel drug targets. However, the vast majority of SNMs are not sex-specific and/or are developed and validated using data skewed towards male in vitro and in vivo samples. Biological sex is an important consideration in cardiovascular health and drug development. In this study, we integrate a cardiac fibroblast SNM with estrogen signaling pathways to create sex-specific SNMs. The sex-specific SNMs demonstrated high validation accuracy compared to in vitro experimental studies in the literature while also elucidating how estrogen signaling can modulate the effect of fibrotic cytokines via multi-pathway interactions. Further, perturbation analysis and drug screening uncovered several drug compounds predicted to generate divergent fibrotic responses in male vs. female conditions, which warrant further study in the pursuit of sex-specific treatment recommendations for cardiac fibrosis. Future model development and validation will require more generation of sex-specific data to further enhance modeling capabilities for clinically relevant sex-specific predictions of cardiac fibrosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M Watts
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
| | - Wesley Nichols
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - William J Richardson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
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Ezzo M, Hinz B. Novel approaches to target fibroblast mechanotransduction in fibroproliferative diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108528. [PMID: 37708995 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to changes in mechanical environment is vital in conditions of organ injury when the architecture of normal tissues is disturbed or lost. Among the various cellular players that respond to injury, fibroblasts take center stage in re-establishing tissue integrity by secreting and organizing extracellular matrix into stabilizing scar tissue. Activation, activity, survival, and death of scar-forming fibroblasts are tightly controlled by mechanical environment and proper mechanotransduction ensures that fibroblast activities cease after completion of the tissue repair process. Conversely, dysregulated mechanotransduction often results in fibroblast over-activation or persistence beyond the state of normal repair. The resulting pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix is called fibrosis, a condition that has been associated with over 40% of all deaths in the industrialized countries. Consequently, elements in fibroblast mechanotransduction are scrutinized for their suitability as anti-fibrotic therapeutic targets. We review the current knowledge on mechanically relevant factors in the fibroblast extracellular environment, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion structures, stretch-activated membrane channels, stress-regulated cytoskeletal structures, and co-transcription factors. We critically discuss the targetability of these elements in therapeutic approaches and their progress in pre-clinical and/or clinical trials to treat organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Ezzo
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Figueroa M, Hall S, Mattia V, Mendoza A, Brown A, Xiong Y, Mukherjee R, Jones JA, Richardson W, Ruddy JM. Vascular smooth muscle cell mechanotransduction through serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase-1 promotes interleukin-6 production and macrophage accumulation in murine hypertension. JVS Vasc Sci 2023; 4:100124. [PMID: 37920479 PMCID: PMC10618507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvssci.2023.100124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this investigation was to demonstrate that in vivo induction of hypertension (HTN) and in vitro cyclic stretch of aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) can cause serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase (SGK-1)-dependent production of cytokines to promote macrophage accumulation that may promote vascular pathology. Methods HTN was induced in C57Bl/6 mice with angiotensin II infusion (1.46 mg/kg/day × 21 days) with or without systemic infusion of EMD638683 (2.5 mg/kg/day × 21 days), a selective SGK-1 inhibitor. Systolic blood pressure was recorded. Abdominal aortas were harvested to quantify SGK-1 activity (pSGK-1/SGK-1) by immunoblot. Flow cytometry quantified the abundance of CD11b+/F480+ cells (macrophages). Plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Aortic VSMCs from wild-type mice were subjected to 12% biaxial cyclic stretch (Stretch) for 3 or 12 hours with or without EMD638683 (10 μM) and with or without SGK-1 small interfering RNA with subsequent quantitative polymerase chain reaction for IL-6 and MCP-1 expression. IL-6 and MCP-1 in culture media were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Aortic VSMCs from SGK-1flox+/+ mice were transfected with Cre-Adenovirus to knockdown SGK-1 (SGK-1KD VSMCs) and underwent parallel tension experimentation. Computational modeling was used to simulate VSMC signaling. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance with significance at a P value of <.05. Results SGK-1 activity, abundance of CD11b+/F4-80+ cells, and plasma IL-6 were increased in the abdominal aorta of mice with HTN and significantly reduced by treatment with EMD638683. This outcome mirrored the increased abundance of IL-6 in media from Stretch C57Bl/6 VSMCs and attenuation of the effect with EMD638683 or SGK-1 small interfering RNA. C57Bl/6 VSMCs also responded to Stretch with increased MCP-1 expression and secretion into the culture media. Further supporting the integral role of mechanical signaling through SGK-1, target gene expression and cytokine secretion was unchanged in SGK-1KD VSMCs with Stretch, and computer modeling confirmed SGK-1 as an intersecting node of signaling owing to mechanical strain and angiotensin II. Conclusions Mechanical activation of SGK-1 in aortic VSMCs can promote inflammatory signaling and increased macrophage abundance, therefore this kinase warrants further exploration as a pharmacotherapeutic target to abrogate hypertensive vascular pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Figueroa
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - SarahRose Hall
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Victoria Mattia
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Alex Mendoza
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Adam Brown
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Ying Xiong
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Rupak Mukherjee
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Jeffrey A. Jones
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC
| | - William Richardson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AK
| | - Jean Marie Ruddy
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC
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Watts KM, Nichols W, Richardson WJ. Computational Screen for Sex-Specific Drug Effects in a Cardiac Fibroblast Network Model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.11.536523. [PMID: 37090681 PMCID: PMC10120687 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.11.536523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Cardiac fibrosis is the uncontrolled accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins which can exacerbate the progression of heart failure, and there are currently no drugs approved specifically to target matrix accumulation in the heart. Computational signaling network models (SNMs) can be used to facilitate discovery of novel drug targets. However, the vast majority of SNMs are not sex-specific and/or are developed and validated using data skewed towards male in vitro and in vivo samples. Biological sex is an important consideration in cardiovascular health and drug development. In this study, we integrate a previously constructed cardiac fibroblast SNM with estrogen signaling pathways to create sex-specific SNMs. The sex-specific SNMs maintained previously high validation when compared to in vitro experimental studies in the literature. A sex-specific perturbation analysis and drug screen uncovered several potential pathways that warrant further study in the pursuit of sex-specific treatment recommendations for cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M Watts
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Wesley Nichols
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - William J Richardson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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Coeyman SJ, Richardson WJ, Bradshaw AD. Mechanics & Matrix: Positive Feedback Loops between Fibroblasts and ECM Drive Interstitial Cardiac Fibrosis. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2022.100560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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