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Mohan MD, Latifi N, Flick R, Simmons CA, Young EWK. Interrogating Matrix Stiffness and Metabolomics in Pancreatic Ductal Carcinoma Using an Openable Microfluidic Tumor-on-a-Chip. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024. [PMID: 38606850 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a dense fibrotic stroma that contributes to aggressive tumor biology and therapeutic resistance. Current in vitro PDAC models lack sufficient optical and physical access for fibrous network visualization, in situ mechanical stiffness measurement, and metabolomic profiling. Here, we describe an openable multilayer microfluidic PDAC-on-a-chip platform that consists of pancreatic tumor cells (PTCs) and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) embedded in a 3D collagen matrix that mimics the stroma. Our system allows fibrous network visualization via reflected light confocal (RLC) microscopy, in situ mechanical stiffness testing using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and compartmentalized hydrogel extraction for PSC metabolomic profiling via mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. In comparing cocultures of gel-embedded PSCs and PTCs with PSC-only monocultures, RLC microscopy identified a significant decrease in pore size and corresponding increase in fiber density. In situ AFM indicated significant increases in stiffness, and hallmark characteristics of PSC activation were observed using fluorescence microscopy. PSCs in coculture also demonstrated localized fiber alignment and densification as well as increased collagen production. Finally, an untargeted MS study putatively identified metabolic contributions consistent with in vivo PDAC studies. Taken together, this platform can potentially advance our understanding of tumor-stromal interactions toward the discovery of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Mohan
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E2, Canada
| | - Neda Latifi
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, 661 University Avenue, 14th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ENG 030, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Robert Flick
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E2, Canada
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, 661 University Avenue, 14th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Edmond W K Young
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E2, Canada
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Fu X, Taghizadeh A, Taghizadeh M, Li CJ, Lim NK, Lee J, Kim HS, Kim H. Targeting Nuclear Mechanics Mitigates the Fibroblast Invasiveness in Pathological Dermal Scars Induced by Matrix Stiffening. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2308253. [PMID: 38353381 PMCID: PMC11022731 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Pathological dermal scars such as keloids present significant clinical challenges lacking effective treatment options. Given the distinctive feature of highly stiffened scar tissues, deciphering how matrix mechanics regulate pathological progression can inform new therapeutic strategies. Here, it is shown that pathological dermal scar keloid fibroblasts display unique metamorphoses to stiffened matrix. Compared to normal fibroblasts, keloid fibroblasts show high sensitivity to stiffness rather than biochemical stimulation, activating cytoskeletal-to-nuclear mechanosensing molecules. Notably, keloid fibroblasts on stiff matrices exhibit nuclear softening, concomitant with reduced lamin A/C expression, and disrupted anchoring of lamina-associated chromatin. This nuclear softening, combined with weak adhesion and high contractility, facilitates the invasive migration of keloid fibroblasts through confining matrices. Inhibiting lamin A/C-driven nuclear softening, via lamin A/C overexpression or actin disruption, mitigates such invasiveness of keloid fibroblasts. These findings highlight the significance of the nuclear mechanics of keloid fibroblasts in scar pathogenesis and propose lamin A/C as a potential therapeutic target for managing pathological scars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangting Fu
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN)Dankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 Global Research Center for Regeneration MedicineDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
| | - Ali Taghizadeh
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN)Dankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 Global Research Center for Regeneration MedicineDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
| | - Mohsen Taghizadeh
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN)Dankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 Global Research Center for Regeneration MedicineDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
| | - Cheng Ji Li
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN)Dankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 Global Research Center for Regeneration MedicineDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Kyu Lim
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryDankook University Hospital (DKUH)Cheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Dankook Physician Scientist Research CenterDankook University Hospital (DKUH)Cheonan31116Republic of Korea
| | - Jung‐Hwan Lee
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN)Dankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 Global Research Center for Regeneration MedicineDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of DentistryDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matter InstituteDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research CenterDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Sung Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN)Dankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 Global Research Center for Regeneration MedicineDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research CenterDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
| | - Hae‐Won Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN)Dankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 Global Research Center for Regeneration MedicineDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of DentistryDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matter InstituteDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research CenterDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
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Bao L, Zhong M, Zhang Z, Yu X, You B, You Y, Gu M, Zhang Q, Chen W, Lei W, Hu S. Stiffness promotes cell migration, invasion, and invadopodia in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by regulating the WT-CTTN level. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:836-846. [PMID: 38273817 PMCID: PMC10920987 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Matrix stiffness potently promotes the malignant phenotype in various biological contexts. Therefore, identification of gene expression to participate in mechanical force signals transduced into downstream biochemical signaling will contribute substantially to the advances in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment. In the present study, we detected that cortactin (CTTN) played an indispensable role in matrix stiffness-induced cell migration, invasion, and invadopodia formation. Advances in cancer research have highlighted that dysregulated alternative splicing contributes to cancer progression as an oncogenic driver. However, whether WT-CTTN or splice variants (SV1-CTTN or SV2-CTTN) regulate matrix stiffness-induced malignant phenotype is largely unknown. We proved that alteration of WT-CTTN expression modulated matrix stiffness-induced cell migration, invasion, and invadopodia formation. Considering that splicing factors might drive cancer progression through positive feedback loops, we analyzed and showed how the splicing factor PTBP2 and TIA1 modulated the production of WT-CTTN. Moreover, we determined that high stiffness activated PTBP2 expression. Taken together, our findings showed that the PTBP2-WT-CTTN level increases upon stiffening and then promotes cell migration, invasion, and invadopodia formation in NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Bao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Medical College of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Ming Zhong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryThe People's Hospital of RugaoRugaoJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Zixiang Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Medical College of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Xiangqing Yu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Medical College of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Bo You
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Medical College of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Yiwen You
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Medical College of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Miao Gu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Medical College of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Qicheng Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Medical College of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Wenhui Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Medical College of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Medical College of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Songqun Hu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Medical College of Nantong UniversityNantongJiangsu ProvinceChina
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Park Y, Lee D, Lee JE, Park HS, Jung SS, Park D, Kang DH, Lee SI, Woo SD, Chung C. The Matrix Stiffness Coordinates the Cell Proliferation and PD-L1 Expression via YAP in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:598. [PMID: 38339350 PMCID: PMC10854616 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) exerts physiological activity, facilitates cell-to-cell communication, promotes cell proliferation and metastasis, and provides mechanical support for tumor cells. The development of solid tumors is often associated with increased stiffness. A stiff ECM promotes mechanotransduction, and the predominant transcription factors implicated in this phenomenon are YAP/TAZ, β-catenin, and NF-κB. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether YAP is a critical mediator linking matrix stiffness and PD-L1 in lung adenocarcinoma. We confirmed that YAP, PD-L1, and Ki-67, a marker of cell proliferation, increase as the matrix stiffness increases in vitro using the lung adenocarcinoma cell lines PC9 and HCC827 cells. The knockdown of YAP decreased the expression of PD-L1 and Ki-67, and conversely, the overexpression of YAP increased the expression of PD-L1 and K-67 in a stiff-matrix environment (20.0 kPa). Additionally, lung cancer cells were cultured in a 3D environment, which provides a more physiologically relevant setting, and compared to the results obtained from 2D culture. Similar to the findings in 2D culture, it was confirmed that YAP influenced the expression of PD-L1 and K-67 in the 3D culture experiment. Our results suggest that matrix stiffness controls PD-L1 expression via YAP activation, ultimately contributing to cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonhee Park
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 34943, Republic of Korea;
| | - Dahye Lee
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Jeong Eun Lee
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Hee Sun Park
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Sung Soo Jung
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Dongil Park
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Da Hyun Kang
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Song-I Lee
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Seong-Dae Woo
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Chaeuk Chung
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
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5
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Song J, Zeng X, Li C, Yin H, Mao S, Ren D. Alteration in cartilage matrix stiffness as an indicator and modulator of osteoarthritis. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231730. [PMID: 38014522 PMCID: PMC10794814 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by cartilage degeneration and destruction, leading to joint ankylosis and disability. The major challenge in diagnosing OA at early stage is not only lack of clinical symptoms but also the insufficient histological and immunohistochemical signs. Alteration in cartilage stiffness during OA progression, especially at OA initiation, has been confirmed by growing evidences. Moreover, the stiffness of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM), pericellular matrix (PCM) and chondrocytes during OA development are dynamically changed in unique and distinct fashions, revealing possibly inconsistent conclusions when detecting cartilage matrix stiffness at different locations and scales. In addition, it will be discussed regarding the mechanisms through which OA-related cartilage degenerations exhibit stiffened or softened matrix, highlighting some critical events that generally incurred to cartilage stiffness alteration, as well as some typical molecules that participated in constituting the mechanical properties of cartilage. Finally, in vitro culturing chondrocytes in various stiffness-tunable scaffolds provided a reliable method to explore the matrix stiffness-dependent modulation of chondrocyte metabolism, which offers valuable information on optimizing implant scaffolds to maximally promote cartilage repair and regeneration during OA. Overall, this review systematically and comprehensively elucidated the current progresses in the relationship between cartilage stiffness alteration and OA progression. We hope that deeper attention and understanding in this researching field will not only develop more innovative methods in OA early detection and diagnose but also provide promising ideas in OA therapy and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Song
- Qingdao University Affiliated Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Department of Stomatology Medical Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, CN, China
| | - Xuemin Zeng
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Department of Stomatology Medical Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, CN, China
| | - Chenzhi Li
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Department of Stomatology Medical Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, CN, China
| | - Hongyan Yin
- Institute of Hybrid Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, CN, China
| | - Sui Mao
- Institute of Hybrid Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, CN, China
| | - Dapeng Ren
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Department of Stomatology Medical Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, CN, China
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Emon B, Joy MSH, Lalonde L, Ghrayeb A, Doha U, Ladehoff L, Brockstein R, Saengow C, Ewoldt RH, Saif MTA. Nuclear deformation regulates YAP dynamics in cancer associated fibroblasts. Acta Biomater 2024; 173:93-108. [PMID: 37977292 PMCID: PMC10848212 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Cells cultured on stiff 2D substrates exert high intracellular force, resulting in mechanical deformation of their nuclei. This nuclear deformation (ND) plays a crucial role in the transport of Yes Associated Protein (YAP) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. However, cells in vivo are in soft 3D environment with potentially much lower intracellular forces. Whether and how cells may deform their nuclei in 3D for YAP localization remains unclear. Here, by culturing human colon cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) on 2D, 2.5D, and 3D substrates, we differentiated the effects of stiffness, force, and ND on YAP localization. We found that nuclear translocation of YAP depends on the degree of ND irrespective of dimensionality, stiffness and total force. ND induced by the perinuclear force, not the total force, and nuclear membrane curvature correlate strongly with YAP activation. Immunostained slices of human tumors further supported the association between ND and YAP nuclear localization, suggesting ND as a potential biomarker for YAP activation in tumors. Additionally, we conducted quantitative analysis of the force dynamics of CAFs on 2D substrates to construct a stochastic model of YAP kinetics. This model revealed that the probability of YAP nuclear translocation, as well as the residence time in the nucleus follow a power law. This study provides valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing YAP dynamics and highlights the significance of threshold activation in YAP localization. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Yes Associated Protein (YAP), a transcription cofactor, has been identified as one of the drivers of cancer progression. High tumor stiffness is attributed to driving YAP to the nucleus, wherein it activates pro-metastatic genes. Here we show, using cancer associated fibroblasts, that YAP translocation to the nucleus depends on the degree of nuclear deformation, irrespective of stiffness. We also identified that perinuclear force induced membrane curvature correlates strongly with YAP nuclear transport. A novel stochastic model of YAP kinetics unveiled a power law relationship between the activation threshold and persistence time of YAP in the nucleus. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing YAP dynamics and the probability of activation that is of immense clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chaimongkol Saengow
- Mechanical Science & Engineering; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | - Randy H Ewoldt
- Mechanical Science & Engineering; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | - M Taher A Saif
- Mechanical Science & Engineering; Bioengineering; Cancer Center at Illinois.
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Cho AY, Lee HJ. Investigating the Impact of Mechanical Properties and Cell-Collagen Interaction on NIH3T3 Function: A Comparative Study on Different Substrates and Culture Environments. Gels 2023; 9:922. [PMID: 38131908 PMCID: PMC10742811 DOI: 10.3390/gels9120922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the intricate dynamics of matrix stiffness, substrate composition, and cell-cell interactions and elucidates their cumulative effects on fibroblast behavior in different culture contexts. Three primary substrate types were examined: non-coated, collagen-coated, and collagen hydrogel, within both two-dimensional (2D) monolayer and three-dimensional (3D) spheroid cultures. The research provides several key insights. First, 3D spheroid culture, which promotes robust cell-cell interactions, emerges as a critical factor in maintaining fibroblast functionality. Second, substrate stiffness significantly influences results, with the soft collagen hydrogel showing superior support for fibroblast function. Notably, fibroblasts cultured on collagen hydrogel in 2D exhibit comparable functionality to those in 3D, highlighting the importance of substrate mechanical properties. Third, surface composition, as exemplified by collagen coating, showed a limited effect compared to the other factors studied. These findings provide a basis for innovative applications in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and drug testing models, and offer valuable insights into harnessing the potential of fibroblasts and advancing biomedical sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyun Jong Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea;
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8
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Hasegawa T, Ouchi T, Shibukawa Y, Asoda S, Nakagawa T. Etiology of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Cellular Stress Regulation and Matrix Stiffness. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2023; 28:265. [PMID: 37919086 DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2810265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The oral cavity serves as the initial segment of the digestive system and is responsible for both nutritional supplementation and the mechanical breakdown of food. It comprises distinct hard and soft tissues; the oral mucosa is subject to mechanical stress and interaction with microbiota. In oral cancer, tumors exhibit abnormal cellular networks and aberrant cell-cell interactions arising from complex interplays between environmental and genetic factors. This presents a challenge for clinicians and researchers, impeding the understanding of mechanisms driving oral cancer development and treatment strategies. Lesions with dysplastic features are categorized under oral potentially malignant disorders, including oral leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, and proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, carrying a high malignancy risk. In this review, we discuss oral cancer cell characteristics and the stiffness of the surrounding matrix. We also discuss the significance of stiffness equilibrium in oral potentially malignant disorders, particularly oral submucous fibrosis, possibly triggered by mechanical stress such as betel quid chewing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Hasegawa
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 160-8582 Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, 113-0021 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehito Ouchi
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 160-8582 Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Dental College, 101-0061 Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Seiji Asoda
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 160-8582 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taneaki Nakagawa
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 160-8582 Tokyo, Japan
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9
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Xu R, Yin P, Wei J, Ding Q. The role of matrix stiffness in breast cancer progression: a review. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1284926. [PMID: 37916166 PMCID: PMC10616305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1284926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The significance of matrix stiffness in cancer development has been investigated in recent years. The gradual elastic force the extracellular matrix imparts to cells, known as matrix stiffness, is one of the most important types of mechanical stimulation. Increased matrix stiffness alters the biological activity of cells, which promotes the growth of numerous malignancies, including breast cancer. Comprehensive studies have demonstrated that increasing matrix stiffness activates molecular signaling pathways that are closely linked to breast cancer progression. There are many articles exploring the relationship between mechanism hardness and breast cancer, so we wanted to provide a systematic summary of recent research advances. In this review, we briefly introduce the mechanism of matrix stiffness in breast cancer, elaborate on the effect of extracellular matrix stiffness on breast cancer biological behavior and signaling pathways, and finally, we will talk about breast cancer treatment that focuses on matrix stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxi Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Yin
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jifu Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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10
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Jeong J, Hwang YE, Lee M, Keum S, Song S, Kim JW, Choi JH, Rhee S. Downregulation of AP1S1 causes the lysosomal degradation of EGFR in non-small cell lung cancer. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:2335-2347. [PMID: 37659097 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Matrix stiffness has been shown to play a critical role in cancer progression by influencing various cellular processes, including epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we investigated the role of adaptor-related protein complex 1 subunit sigma 1 (AP1S1), a component of adaptor protein complex-1, in the regulation of EGF receptor (EGFR) intracellular trafficking during cancer cell progression. We found that AP1S1 expression was upregulated under stiff matrix conditions, resulting in the regulation of EGFR trafficking in non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma cells. Knockout of AP1S1 caused the lysosomal degradation of EGFR, leading to suppressed EGF-induced anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation. In addition, the downregulation of AP1S1 increased the sensitivity of H1975 cancer cells, which are resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, to erlotinib. Collectively, our results suggest that AP1S1 could regulate EGFR recycling under stiff matrix conditions, and AP1S1 inhibition could be a novel strategy for treating cancer cells resistant to EGFR-targeted anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jangho Jeong
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Eun Hwang
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minwoo Lee
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seula Keum
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongeun Song
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Woong Kim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Hye Choi
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmyung Rhee
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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11
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Gong T, Wu D, Pan H, Sun Z, Yao X, Wang D, Huang Y, Li X, Guo Y, Lu Y. Biomimetic Microenvironmental Stiffness Boosts Stemness of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma via Augmented Autophagy. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5347-5360. [PMID: 37561610 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) features high recurrence rates and intensified lethality, accompanied by stiffening of the extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment, which is mainly due to the deposition, remodeling, and cross-linking of collagen. Boosted stemness plays an essential role during occurrence and progression, which indicates a poor prognosis. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand the effect of the underlying interaction of matrix stiffness and stemness on PDAC. For this purpose, a methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel with tunable stiffness was applied for incubating MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells. The results demonstrated that compared to the soft group (5% GelMA, w/v), the expression of stemness-related genes (SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG) in the stiff group (10% GelMA, w/v) displayed pronounced elevation as well as sphere formation. Intriguingly, we also observed that matrix stiffness regulated autophagy of PDAC, which played a momentous role in stemness promotion. In order to clarify the underlying relationship between matrix stiffness-mediated cell autophagy and stemness, rescue experiments with rapamycin and chloroquine were conducted with transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence staining, sphere formation, and qRT-PCR assays to evaluate the level of stemness and autophagy. For exploring the molecular mechanism in depth, RNA-seq and differential expression of miRNAs were carried out, which may sensor and respond to matrix stiffness during the regulation of stemness and autophagy. In conclusion, we validated that blocking autophagy repressed the stemness induced by matrix stiffness in PDAC and provided a potential therapeutic strategy for this aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiancheng Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haopeng Pan
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongxiang Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xihao Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongzhi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yibing Guo
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuhua Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
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12
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Wang B, Yang Y, Wang Y, Yang Y, Li Y, Hu C, Xue C. Matrix stiffness regulates neovascular homeostasis through autophagy in nude mice. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:2135-2146. [PMID: 37565586 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
One of the major obstacles to the effective application of vascularized fruit is an insufficient understanding of the relationship between the microenvironment and neovascular homeostasis. The role of extracellular matrix stiffness in regulating the structural and functional stability of neovascularization has not yet been elucidated. This study explored the effects of matrix stiffness on neovascular homeostasis in nude mice. Dextran hydrogels with three different stiffnesses were separately combined with mouse bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and subcutaneously implanted into the backs of nude mice. After 14 days, neovascular homeostasis indicators in the different groups were measured. Cell autophagy levels were evaluated, and inhibitor assays were performed to explore the underlying mechanism. New blood vessels were generated in the three stiffnesses of the EPC-loaded dextran hydrogels 14 days after implantation. The newly formed vessels tended to have better structural stability in softer hydrogels. Endothelial function markers, such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase and E-selectin, were downregulated as the matrix stiffness increased. Furthermore, we found that cell autophagy levels decreased in stiffer matrices, and autophagy inhibition attenuated neovascular homeostasis. A soft matrix is conducive to maintaining neovascular homeostasis through autophagy in nude mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqing Wang
- Department of Oral Implantology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuqing Yang
- Department of Oral Implantology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yichen Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanxin Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenxi Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Changyue Xue
- Department of Oral Implantology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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13
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Ke W, Liao Z, Liang H, Tong B, Song Y, Li G, Ma L, Wang K, Feng X, Li S, Hua W, Wang B, Yang C. Stiff Substrate Induces Nucleus Pulposus Cell Ferroptosis via YAP and N-Cadherin Mediated Mechanotransduction. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300458. [PMID: 37022980 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Increased tissue stiffness is associated with various pathological processes, such as fibrosis, inflammation, and aging. The matrix stiffness of the nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues increases gradually during intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), while the mechanism through which NP cells sense and react to matrix stiffness remains unclear. In this study, the results indicate that ferroptosis is involved in stiff substrate-induced NP cell death. The expression of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) increases in NP cells of the stiff group, which mediates lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in NP cells. In addition, stiff substrate activates the hippo signaling cascade and induces the nuclear translocation of yes-associated protein (YAP). Interestingly, inhibition of YAP is efficient to reverse the increase of ACSL4 expression caused by matrix stiffness. Furthermore, stiff substrate suppresses the expression of N-cadherin in NP cells. N-cadherin overexpression can inhibit YAP nuclear translocation via the formation of the N-cadherin/β-catenin/YAP complex, and reverse matrix stiffness-induced ferroptosis in NP cells. Finally, the effects of YAP inhibition and N-cadherin overexpression on IDD progression are further illustrated in animal models. These findings reveal a new mechanism of mechanotransduction in NP cells, providing novel insights into the development of therapies for the treatment of IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencan Ke
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhiwei Liao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Huaizhen Liang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Bide Tong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yu Song
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Gaocai Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiaobo Feng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wenbin Hua
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Bingjin Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Cao Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
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14
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Pospelov AD, Kutova OM, Efremov YM, Nekrasova AA, Trushina DB, Gefter SD, Cherkasova EI, Timofeeva LB, Timashev PS, Zvyagin AV, Balalaeva IV. Breast Cancer Cell Type and Biomechanical Properties of Decellularized Mouse Organs Drives Tumor Cell Colonization. Cells 2023; 12:2030. [PMID: 37626840 PMCID: PMC10453279 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering has emerged as an indispensable tool for the reconstruction of organ-specific environments. Organ-derived extracellular matrices (ECM) and, especially, decellularized tissues (DCL) are recognized as the most successful biomaterials in regenerative medicine, as DCL preserves the most essential organ-specific ECM properties such as composition alongside biomechanics characterized by stiffness and porosity. Expansion of the DCL technology to cancer biology research, drug development, and nanomedicine is pending refinement of the existing DCL protocols whose reproducibility remains sub-optimal varying from organ to organ. We introduce a facile decellularization protocol universally applicable to murine organs, including liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys, and ovaries, with demonstrated robustness, reproducibility, high purification from cell debris, and architecture preservation, as confirmed by the histological and SEM analysis. The biomechanical properties of as-produced DCL organs expressed in terms of the local and total stiffness were measured using our facile methodology and were found well preserved in comparison with the intact organs. To demonstrate the utility of the developed DCL model to cancer research, we engineered three-dimensional tissue constructs by recellularization representative decellularized organs and collagenous hydrogel with human breast cancer cells of pronounced mesenchymal (MDA-MB-231) or epithelial (SKBR-3) phenotypes. The biomechanical properties of the DCL organs were found pivotal to determining the cancer cell fate and progression. Our histological and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study revealed that the larger the ECM mean pore size and the smaller the total stiffness (as in lung and ovary), the more proliferative and invasive the mesenchymal cells became. At the same time, the low local stiffness ECMs (ranged 2.8-3.6 kPa) did support the epithelial-like SKBR-3 cells' viability (as in lung and spleen), while stiff ECMs did not. The total and local stiffness of the collagenous hydrogel was measured too low to sustain the proliferative potential of both cell lines. The observed cell proliferation patterns were easily interpretable in terms of the ECM biomechanical properties, such as binding sites, embedment facilities, and migration space. As such, our three-dimensional tissue engineering model is scalable and adaptable for pharmacological testing and cancer biology research of metastatic and primary tumors, including early metastatic colonization in native organ-specific ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton D. Pospelov
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia;
| | - Olga M. Kutova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
| | - Yuri M. Efremov
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow 117418, Russia; (Y.M.E.); (A.A.N.)
| | - Albina A. Nekrasova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow 117418, Russia; (Y.M.E.); (A.A.N.)
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141701, Russia
| | - Daria B. Trushina
- Federal Research Center Crystallography and Photonics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia;
- Institute of Molecular Theranostics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Sofia D. Gefter
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
| | - Elena I. Cherkasova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
| | - Lidia B. Timofeeva
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1, Minin and Pozharsky Sq., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
| | - Peter S. Timashev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia;
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory 1–3, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Laboratory of Clinical Smart Nanotechnology, Sechenov University, Moscow 117418, Russia
| | - Andrei V. Zvyagin
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
- Institute of Molecular Theranostics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119435, Russia
- Laboratory of Clinical Smart Nanotechnology, Sechenov University, Moscow 117418, Russia
| | - Irina V. Balalaeva
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
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15
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Sun L, Li Y, Wang H, Xiao X, Luo X, Yang R, Li J, Ma Y, Liu Q, Tu K, Shi Y. FOXC2-AS1/FOXC2 axis mediates matrix stiffness-induced trans-differentiation of hepatic stellate cells into fibrosis-promoting myofibroblasts. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4206-4222. [PMID: 37705741 PMCID: PMC10496501 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.81581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix stiffness is a central modulator of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and hepatic fibrogenesis. However, the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)-regulated transcriptional factors linking matrix stiffness to alterations in HSCs phenotype are not completely understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of matrix stiffness on HSCs activation and its potential mechanism. Through analysis the RNA-seq data with human primary HSCs cultured on 0.4 kPa and 25.6 kPa hydrogel, we identified that forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2) and its antisense lncRNA FXOC2-AS1 as the new mechanosensing transcriptional regulators that coordinate HSCs responses to the matrix stiffness, moreover, FOXC2 and FOXC2-AS1 expression were also elevated in human fibrosis and cirrhosis tissues. The matrix stiffness was sufficient to activate HSCs into myofibroblasts, resulting in nuclear accumulation of FOXC2. Disrupting FOXC2 and FOXC2-AS1 level abrogated stiffness-induced activation of HSCs. Further mechanistic studies displayed that stiffness-upregulated lncRNA FOXC2-AS1 had no influence on transcription of FOXC2. FOXC2-AS1 exerted its biological function through maintaining the RNA stability of FOXC2, and protecting FOXC2 mRNA from degradation by RNA exosome complex. Additionally, rescue assays confirmed that reintroduction of FOXC2 in FOXC2-AS1-depleted HSCs reversed the repression of FOXC2-AS1 knockdown on stiffness-induced HSCs activation. In AAV6-treated mice fibrotic models, targeting FOXC2 in vivo lead to a reduced degree of liver fibrosis. In sum, our study uncovers a reciprocal crosstalk between matrix stiffness and FOXC2-AS1/FOXC2 axis leading to modulation of HSCs mechanoactivation and liver fibrosis, and present AAV6 shRNA as an effective strategy that targets FOXC2 leading to the resolution of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liankang Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xuelian Xiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xuenan Luo
- Zonglian College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Ruida Yang
- Zonglian College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jinyan Li
- Zonglian College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yifei Ma
- Zonglian College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Qingguang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Kangsheng Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
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16
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Zmuda H, Pathak A. Epithelial multicellular clustering enabled by polarized macrophages on soft matrices. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23059. [PMID: 37389911 PMCID: PMC10540233 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300120rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Formation of epithelial structures of variegated geometries and sizes is essential for organogenesis, tumor growth, and wound repair. Although epithelial cells are predisposed with potential for multicellular clustering, it remains unclear whether immune cells and mechanical cues from their microenvironment influence this process. To explore this possibility, we cocultured human mammary epithelial cells with prepolarized macrophages on soft or stiff hydrogels. In the presence of M1 (proinflammatory) macrophages on soft matrices, epithelial cells migrated faster and subsequently formed larger multicellular clusters compared to cocultures with M0 (unpolarized) or M2 (anti-inflammatory) macrophages. By contrast, stiff matrices disabled active clustering of epithelial cells due to their enhanced migration and cell-ECM adhesion, regardless of macrophage polarization. We found that the copresence of soft matrices and M1 macrophages reduced focal adhesions, but enhanced fibronectin deposition and nonmuscle myosin-IIA expression, which altogether optimize conditions for epithelial clustering. Upon ROCK inhibition, epithelial clustering was abrogated, indicating a requirement for optimized cellular forces. In these cocultures, TNF-α secretion was the highest with M1 macrophages and TGF-β secretion was exclusively detectable in case of M2 macrophages on soft gels, which indicated potential role of macrophage secreted factors in the observed epithelial clustering. Indeed, exogenous addition of TGF-β promoted epithelial clustering with M1 coculture on soft gels. According to our findings, optimization of both mechanical and immune factors can tune epithelial clustering responses, which could have implications in tumor growth, fibrosis, and would healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Zmuda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, United States
| | - Amit Pathak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, United States
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17
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Man K, Liu J, Liang C, Corona C, Story MD, Meckes B, Yang Y. Biomimetic Human Lung Alveolar Interstitium Chip with Extended Longevity. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023. [PMID: 37463843 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c04091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Determining the mechanistic causes of lung diseases, developing new treatments thereof, and assessing toxicity whether from chemical exposures or engineered nanomaterials would benefit significantly from a preclinical human lung alveolar interstitium model of physiological relevance. The existing preclinical models have limitations because they fail to replicate the key anatomical and physiological characteristics of human alveoli. Thus, a human lung alveolar interstitium chip was developed to imitate key alveolar microenvironmental factors including an electrospun nanofibrous membrane as the analogue of the basement membrane for co-culture of epithelial cells with fibroblasts embedded in 3D collagenous gels, physiologically relevant interstitial matrix stiffness, interstitial fluid flow, and 3D breathing-like mechanical stretch. The biomimetic chip substantially improved the epithelial barrier function compared to transwell models. Moreover, the chip having a gel made of a collagen I-fibrin blend as the interstitial matrix sustained the interstitium integrity and further enhanced the epithelial barrier, resulting in a longevity that extended beyond eight weeks. The assessment of multiwalled carbon nanotube toxicity on the chip was in line with the animal study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Man
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Jiafeng Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Cindy Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Christopher Corona
- Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States
| | - Michael D Story
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Brian Meckes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
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18
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Yan L, Dwiggins CW, Moriarty RA, Jung JW, Gupta U, Brandon KD, Stroka KM. Matrix stiffness regulates the tight junction phenotypes and local barrier properties in tricellular regions in an iPSC-derived BBB model. Acta Biomater 2023:S1742-7061(23)00327-6. [PMID: 37302732 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) can respond to various mechanical cues such as shear stress and substrate stiffness. In the human brain, the compromised barrier function of the BBB is closely associated with a series of neurological disorders that are often also accompanied by the alteration of brain stiffness. In many types of peripheral vasculature, higher matrix stiffness decreases barrier function of endothelial cells through mechanotransduction pathways that alter cell-cell junction integrity. However, human brain endothelial cells are specialized endothelial cells that largely resist changes in cell morphology and key BBB markers. Therefore, it has remained an open question how matrix stiffness affects barrier integrity in the human BBB. To gain insight into the effects of matrix stiffness on BBB permeability, we differentiated brain microvascular endothelial-like cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iBMEC-like cells) and cultured the cells on extracellular matrix-coated hydrogels of varying stiffness. We first detected and quantified the junction presentation of key tight junction (TJ) proteins. Our results show matrix-dependent junction phenotypes in iBMEC-like cells, where cells on softer gels (1 kPa) have significantly lower continuous and total TJ coverages. We also determined that these softer gels also lead to decreased barrier function in a local permeability assay. Furthermore, we found that matrix stiffness regulates the local permeability of iBMEC-like cells through the balance of continuous ZO-1 TJs and no junction regions ZO-1 in tricellular regions. Together, these findings provide valuable insights into the effects of matrix stiffness on TJ phenotypes and local permeability of iBMEC-like cells. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Brain mechanical properties, including stiffness, are particularly sensitive indicators for pathophysiological changes in neural tissue. The compromised function of the blood-brain barrier is closely associated with a series of neurological disorders often accompanied by altered brain stiffness. In this study, we use polymeric biomaterials and provide new evidence that biomaterial stiffness regulates the local permeability in iPSC-derived brain endothelial cells in tricellular regions through the tight junction protein ZO-1. Our findings provide valuable insights into the changes in junction architecture and barrier permeability in response to different substrate stiffnesses. Since BBB dysfunction has been linked to many diseases, understanding the influence of substrate stiffness on junction presentations and barrier permeability could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases associated with BBB dysfunction or drug delivery across BBB systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Cole W Dwiggins
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Rebecca A Moriarty
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Jae W Jung
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Udit Gupta
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Ken D Brandon
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Kimberly M Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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19
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Asparuhova MB, Riedwyl D, Aizawa R, Raabe C, Couso-Queiruga E, Chappuis V. Local Concentrations of TGF-β1 and IGF-1 Appear Determinant in Regulating Bone Regeneration in Human Postextraction Tooth Sockets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098239. [PMID: 37175951 PMCID: PMC10179638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Healing after tooth extraction involves a series of reparative processes affecting both alveolar bone and soft tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether activation of molecular signals during the healing process confers a regenerative advantage to the extraction socket soft tissue (ESsT) at 8 weeks of healing. Compared to subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG), qRT-PCR analyses revealed a dramatic enrichment of the ESsT in osteogenic differentiation markers. However, ESsT and CTG shared characteristics of nonspecialized soft connective tissue by expressing comparable levels of genes encoding abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Genes encoding the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and its receptors were strongly enriched in the CTG, whereas the transcript for the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) showed significantly high and comparable expression in both tissues. Mechanical stimulation, by the means of cyclic strain or matrix stiffness applied to primary ESsT cells (ESsT-C) and CTG fibroblasts (CTG-F) extracted from the tissue samples, revealed that stress-induced TGF-β1 not exceeding 2.3 ng/mL, as measured by ELISA, in combination with IGF-1 up to 2.5 ng/mL was able to induce the osteogenic potential of ESsT-Cs. However, stiff matrices (50 kPa), upregulating the TGF-β1 expression up to 6.6 ng/mL, caused downregulation of osteogenic gene expression in the ESsT-Cs. In CTG-Fs, endogenous or stress-induced TGF-β1 ≥ 4.6 ng/mL was likely responsible for the complete lack of osteogenesis. Treatment of ESsT-Cs with TGF-β1 and IGF-1 proved that, at specific concentrations, the two growth factors exhibited either an inductive-synergistic or a suppressive activity, thus determining the osteogenic and mineralization potential of ESsT-Cs. Taken together, our data strongly warrant the clinical exploration of ESsT as a graft in augmentative procedures during dental implant placement surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria B Asparuhova
- Laboratory of Oral Cell Biology, Dental Research Center, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 3, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Oral Surgery and Stomatology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 7, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dominic Riedwyl
- Laboratory of Oral Cell Biology, Dental Research Center, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 3, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Oral Surgery and Stomatology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 7, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ryo Aizawa
- Laboratory of Oral Cell Biology, Dental Research Center, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 3, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Oral Surgery and Stomatology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 7, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Showa University, 2-1-1 Kitasenzoku, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 145-8515, Japan
| | - Clemens Raabe
- Department of Oral Surgery and Stomatology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 7, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emilio Couso-Queiruga
- Department of Oral Surgery and Stomatology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 7, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vivianne Chappuis
- Department of Oral Surgery and Stomatology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 7, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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20
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Fertala J, Wang ML, Rivlin M, Beredjiklian PK, Abboud J, Arnold WV, Fertala A. Extracellular Targets to Reduce Excessive Scarring in Response to Tissue Injury. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050758. [PMID: 37238628 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive scar formation is a hallmark of localized and systemic fibrotic disorders. Despite extensive studies to define valid anti-fibrotic targets and develop effective therapeutics, progressive fibrosis remains a significant medical problem. Regardless of the injury type or location of wounded tissue, excessive production and accumulation of collagen-rich extracellular matrix is the common denominator of all fibrotic disorders. A long-standing dogma was that anti-fibrotic approaches should focus on overall intracellular processes that drive fibrotic scarring. Because of the poor outcomes of these approaches, scientific efforts now focus on regulating the extracellular components of fibrotic tissues. Crucial extracellular players include cellular receptors of matrix components, macromolecules that form the matrix architecture, auxiliary proteins that facilitate the formation of stiff scar tissue, matricellular proteins, and extracellular vesicles that modulate matrix homeostasis. This review summarizes studies targeting the extracellular aspects of fibrotic tissue synthesis, presents the rationale for these studies, and discusses the progress and limitations of current extracellular approaches to limit fibrotic healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Fertala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Mark L Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Michael Rivlin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Pedro K Beredjiklian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Joseph Abboud
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - William V Arnold
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Andrzej Fertala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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21
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Han Y, Jiang N, Xu H, Yuan Z, Xiu J, Mao S, Liu X, Huang J. Extracellular Matrix Rigidities Regulate the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle and Antibiotic Resistance of Three-Dimensionally Confined Bacterial Microcolonies. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2023; 10:e2206153. [PMID: 36658695 PMCID: PMC10037996 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
As a major cause of clinical chronic infection, microbial biofilms/microcolonies in host tissues essentially live in 3D-constrained microenvironments, which potentially modulate their spatial self-organization and morphodynamics. However, it still remains unclear whether and how mechanical cues of 3D confined microenvironments, for example, extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness, exert an impact on antibiotic resistance of bacterial biofilms/microcolonies. With a high-throughput antibiotic sensitivity testing (AST) platform, it is revealed that 3D ECM rigidities greatly modulate their resistance to diverse antibiotics. The microcolonies in 3D ECM with human tissue-specific rigidities varying from 0.5 to 20 kPa show a ≈2-10 000-fold increase in minimum inhibitory concentration, depending on the types of antibiotics. The authors subsequently identified that the increase in 3D ECM rigidities leads to the downregulation of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, which is responsible for enhanced antibiotic resistance. Further, it is shown that fumarate, as a potentiator of TCA cycle activity, can alleviate the elevated antibiotic resistance and thus remarkably improve the efficacy of antibiotics against bacterial microcolonies in 3D confined ECM, as confirmed in the chronic infection mice model. These findings suggest fumarate can be employed as an antibiotic adjuvant to effectively treat infections induced by bacterial biofilms/microcolonies in a 3D-confined environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Han
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, and Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced TechnologyCollege of EngineeringPeking University100871BeijingChina
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, and Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced TechnologyCollege of EngineeringPeking University100871BeijingChina
| | - Hongwei Xu
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, and Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced TechnologyCollege of EngineeringPeking University100871BeijingChina
| | - Zuoying Yuan
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, and Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced TechnologyCollege of EngineeringPeking University100871BeijingChina
| | - Jidong Xiu
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, and Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced TechnologyCollege of EngineeringPeking University100871BeijingChina
| | - Sheng Mao
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, and Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced TechnologyCollege of EngineeringPeking University100871BeijingChina
| | - Xiaozhi Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Epigenetics for Organ Development of Premature InfantsFifth Central Hospital of TianjinTianjin300450China
| | - Jianyong Huang
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, and Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced TechnologyCollege of EngineeringPeking University100871BeijingChina
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22
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Hussien AA, Niederoest B, Bollhalder M, Goedecke N, Snedeker JG. The Stiffness-Sensitive Transcriptome of Human Tendon Stromal Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2101216. [PMID: 36509005 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix stiffness is a major regulator of cellular states. Stiffness-sensing investigations are typically performed using cells that have acquired "mechanical memory" through prolonged conditioning in rigid environments, e.g., tissue culture plastic (TCP). This potentially masks the full extent of the matrix stiffness-driven mechanosensing programs. Here, a biomaterial composed of 2D mechanovariant silicone substrates with simplified and scalable surface biofunctionalization chemistry is developed to facilitate large-scale cell culture expansion processes. Using RNA sequencing, stiffness-mediated mechano-responses of human tendon-derived stromal cells are broadly mapped. Matrix elasticity (E.) approximating tendon microscale stiffness range (E. ≈ 35 kPa) distinctly favors transcriptional programs related to chromatin remodeling and Hippo signaling; whereas compliant stiffnesses (E. ≈ 2 kPa) are enriched in processes related to cell stemness, synapse assembly, and angiogenesis. While tendon stromal cells undergo dramatic phenotypic drift on conventional TCP, mechanovariant substrates abrogate this activation with tenogenic stiffnesses inducing a transcriptional program that strongly correlates with established tendon tissue-specific expression signature. Computational inference predicts that AKT1 and ERK1/2 are major stiffness-sensing signaling hubs. Together, these findings highlight how matrix biophysical cues may dictate the transcriptional identity of tendon cells, and how matrix mechano-reciprocity regulates diverse sets of previously underappreciated mechanosensitive processes in tendon fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amro A Hussien
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland.,Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Niederoest
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland.,Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
| | - Maja Bollhalder
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland.,Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
| | - Nils Goedecke
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland.,Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
| | - Jess G Snedeker
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland.,Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
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23
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Han B, Cao C, Wang A, Zhao Y, Jin M, Wang Y, Chen S, Yu M, Yang Z, Qu X, Wang X. Injectable Double-Network Hydrogel-Based Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Systems for Regenerating Dental Pulp. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:7821-7832. [PMID: 36734883 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c20848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The regeneration of dental pulp tissue is very important, but difficult, in dentistry. The biocompatibility, water content, and viscoelastic properties of pulp-like tissue must be optimized to achieve the efficient transfer of metabolites and nutrients, a suitable degradation rate, distribution of encapsulated cells, injectability, and gelation in situ under physiological conditions. As promising materials for pulp regeneration, hydrogel scaffolds have been produced to simulate the extracellular matrix and transmit signaling molecules. It is imperative to develop hydrogels to effectively regenerate pulp tissue for clinical application. Here, two injectable double-network (DN) hydrogel-based three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems were developed for regenerating dental pulp. The microstructure, mechanical property, rheology property, and degradation behavior of the injectable DN glycol chitosan-based hydrogels in a simulated root canal model were characterized and compared to a single-network (SN) glycol chitosan-based hydrogel. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were then encapsulated into the GC-based hydrogels for the regeneration of pulp tissue, and the biological performance was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the DN hydrogels had ideal injectability under physiological conditions due to the dynamic nature of the crosslinks. Besides, the DN hydrogels exhibited better mechanical properties and longer degradation duration than the corresponding SN hydrogel. As a 3D cell culture system, the characteristics of the DN hydrogel facilitated odontogenic differentiation and mineralization of hDPSCs in vitro. Further in vivo analysis confirmed that the chemical composition, matrix stiffness, and degradation rate of the DN hydrogel matched those of pulp-like fibrous connective tissue, which might be related to Smad3 activation. These findings demonstrate that DN glycol chitosan-based hydrogels are suitable for the regeneration of pulp tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Han
- Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chunling Cao
- Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Aijing Wang
- Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yanran Zhao
- College of Materials Science and Opto-electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Moran Jin
- Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Shuqin Chen
- Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Orthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhenzhong Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaozhong Qu
- College of Materials Science and Opto-electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
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24
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Shou Y, Teo XY, Li X, Zhicheng L, Liu L, Sun X, Jonhson W, Ding J, Lim CT, Tay A. Dynamic Magneto-Softening of 3D Hydrogel Reverses Malignant Transformation of Cancer Cells and Enhances Drug Efficacy. ACS Nano 2023; 17:2851-2867. [PMID: 36633150 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c11278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
High extracellular matrix stiffness is a prominent feature of malignant tumors associated with poor clinical prognosis. To elucidate mechanistic connections between increased matrix stiffness and tumor progression, a variety of hydrogel scaffolds with dynamic changes in stiffness have been developed. These approaches, however, are not biocompatible at high temperature, strong irradiation, and acidic/basic pH, often lack reversibility (can only stiffen and not soften), and do not allow study on the same cell population longitudinally. In this work, we develop a dynamic 3D magnetic hydrogel whose matrix stiffness can be wirelessly and reversibly stiffened and softened multiple times with different rates of change using an external magnet. With this platform, we found that matrix stiffness increased tumor malignancy including denser cell organization, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and hypoxia. More interestingly, these malignant transformations could be halted or reversed with matrix softening (i.e., mechanical rescue), to potentiate drug efficacy attributing to reduced solid stress from matrix and downregulation of cell mechano-transductors including YAP1. We propose that our platform can be used to deepen understanding of the impact of matrix softening on cancer biology, an important but rarely studied phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Shou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Xin Yong Teo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Xianlei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Le Zhicheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Ling Liu
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, 117510, Singapore
| | - Xinhong Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Win Jonhson
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Jun Ding
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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25
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Guo T, Wantono C, Tan Y, Deng F, Duan T, Liu D. Regulators, functions, and mechanotransduction pathways of matrix stiffness in hepatic disease. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1098129. [PMID: 36711017 PMCID: PMC9878334 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1098129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides physical support and imparts significant biochemical and mechanical cues to cells. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of liver fibrosis and is associated with many hepatic diseases, especially liver cirrhosis and carcinoma. Increased matrix stiffness is not only a consequence of liver fibrosis but is also recognized as an active driver in the progression of fibrotic hepatic disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view of the role of matrix stiffness in the pathological progression of hepatic disease. The regulators that modulate matrix stiffness including ECM components, MMPs, and crosslinking modifications are discussed. The latest advances of the research on the matrix mechanics in regulating intercellular signaling and cell phenotype are classified, especially for hepatic stellate cells, hepatocytes, and immunocytes. The molecular mechanism that sensing and transducing mechanical signaling is highlighted. The current progress of ECM stiffness's role in hepatic cirrhosis and liver cancer is introduced and summarized. Finally, the recent trials targeting ECM stiffness for the treatment of liver disease are detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cindy Wantono
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuyong Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Feihong Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tianying Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Deliang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Deliang Liu,
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26
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Aguilar VM, Paul A, Lazarko D, Levitan I. Paradigms of endothelial stiffening in cardiovascular disease and vascular aging. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1081119. [PMID: 36714307 PMCID: PMC9874005 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1081119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells, the inner lining of the blood vessels, are well-known to play a critical role in vascular function, while endothelial dysfunction due to different cardiovascular risk factors or accumulation of disruptive mechanisms that arise with aging lead to cardiovascular disease. In this review, we focus on endothelial stiffness, a fundamental biomechanical property that reflects cell resistance to deformation. In the first part of the review, we describe the mechanisms that determine endothelial stiffness, including RhoA-dependent contractile response, actin architecture and crosslinking, as well as the contributions of the intermediate filaments, vimentin and lamin. Then, we review the factors that induce endothelial stiffening, with the emphasis on mechanical signals, such as fluid shear stress, stretch and stiffness of the extracellular matrix, which are well-known to control endothelial biomechanics. We also describe in detail the contribution of lipid factors, particularly oxidized lipids, that were also shown to be crucial in regulation of endothelial stiffness. Furthermore, we discuss the relative contributions of these two mechanisms of endothelial stiffening in vasculature in cardiovascular disease and aging. Finally, we present the current state of knowledge about the role of endothelial stiffening in the disruption of endothelial cell-cell junctions that are responsible for the maintenance of the endothelial barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor M. Aguilar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States,Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Amit Paul
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Dana Lazarko
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Irena Levitan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States,Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States,*Correspondence: Irena Levitan,
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Liu J, Wang J, Liu Y, Xie SA, Zhang J, Zhao C, Zhou Y, Pang W, Yao W, Peng Q, Wang X, Zhou J. Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation of DDR1 Counteracts the Hippo Pathway to Orchestrate Arterial Stiffening. Circ Res 2023; 132:87-105. [PMID: 36475898 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.122.322113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Hippo-YAP (yes-associated protein) signaling pathway is modulated in response to various environmental cues. Activation of YAP in vascular smooth muscle cells conveys the extracellular matrix stiffness-induced changes in vascular smooth muscle cells phenotype and behavior. Recent studies have established a mechanoreceptive role of receptor tyrosine kinase DDR1 (discoidin domain receptor 1) in vascular smooth muscle cells. METHODS We conduced 5/6 nephrectomy in vascular smooth muscle cells-specific Ddr1-knockout mice, accompanied by pharmacological inhibition of the Hippo pathway kinase LATS1 (large tumor suppressor 1), to investigate DDR1 in YAP activation. We utilized polyacrylamide gels of varying stiffness or the DDR1 ligand, type I collagen, to stimulate the cells. We employed multiple molecular biological techniques to explore the role of DDR1 in controlling the Hippo pathway and to determine the mechanistic basis by which DDR1 exerts this effect. RESULTS We identified the requirement for DDR1 in stiffness/collagen-induced YAP activation. We uncovered that DDR1 underwent stiffness/collagen binding-stimulated liquid-liquid phase separation and co-condensed with LATS1 to inactivate LATS1. Mutagenesis experiments revealed that the transmembrane domain is responsible for DDR1 droplet formation. Purified DDR1 N-terminal and transmembrane domain was sufficient to drive its reversible condensation. Depletion of the DDR1 C-terminus led to failure in co-condensation with LATS1. Interaction between the DDR1 C-terminus and LATS1 competitively inhibited binding of MOB1 (Mps one binder 1) to LATS1 and thus the subsequent phosphorylation of LATS1. Introduction of the single-point mutants, histidine-745-proline and histidine-902-proline, to DDR1 on the C-terminus abolished the co-condensation. In mouse models, YAP activity was positively correlated with collagen I expression and arterial stiffness. LATS1 inhibition reactivated the YAP signaling in Ddr1-deficient vessels and abrogated the arterial softening effect of Ddr1 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS These findings identify DDR1 as a mediator of YAP activation by mechanical and chemical stimuli and demonstrate that DDR1 regulates LATS1 phosphorylation in an liquid-liquid phase separation-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., W.P., W.Y., J.Z.).,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., Y.Z., J.Z.).,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., J.Z.)
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., W.P., W.Y., J.Z.).,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., Y.Z., J.Z.).,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., J.Z.).,Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, National Center for Infectious Disease, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (J.W.)
| | - Yueqi Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., W.P., W.Y., J.Z.).,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., Y.Z., J.Z.).,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., J.Z.)
| | - Si-An Xie
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., W.P., W.Y., J.Z.).,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., Y.Z., J.Z.).,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., J.Z.)
| | - Jianrui Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., W.P., W.Y., J.Z.).,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., Y.Z., J.Z.).,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., J.Z.)
| | - Chuanrong Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., W.P., W.Y., J.Z.).,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., Y.Z., J.Z.).,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., J.Z.)
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., Y.Z., J.Z.).,Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (Y.Z.)
| | - Wei Pang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., W.P., W.Y., J.Z.)
| | - Weijuan Yao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., W.P., W.Y., J.Z.)
| | - Qin Peng
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, China (Q.P.)
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, China (X.W.)
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., W.P., W.Y., J.Z.).,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., Y.Z., J.Z.).,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.L., J.W., Y.L., S.-A.X., J.Z., C.Z., J.Z.)
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Shah L, Latif A, Williams KJ, Mancuso E, Tirella A. Invasion and Secondary Site Colonization as a Function of In Vitro Primary Tumor Matrix Stiffness: Breast to Bone Metastasis. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2201898. [PMID: 36351739 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Increased breast tissue stiffness is correlated with breast cancer risk and invasive cancer progression. However, its role in promoting bone metastasis, a major cause of mortality, is not yet understood. It is previously identified that the composition and stiffness of alginate-based hydrogels mimicking normal (1-2 kPa) and cancerous (6-10 kPa) breast tissue govern phenotype of breast cancer cells (including MDA-MB-231) in vitro. Here, to understand the causal effect of primary tumor stiffness on metastatic potential, a new breast-to-bone in vitro model is described. Together with alginate-gelatin hydrogels to mimic breast tissue, 3D printed biohybrid poly-caprolactone (PCL)-composite scaffolds, decellularized following bone-ECM deposition through Saos-2 engraftment, are used to mimic the bone tissue. It is reported that higher hydrogel stiffness results in the increased migration and invasion capacity of MDA-MB 231 cells. Interestingly, increased expression of osteolytic factors PTHrP and IL-6 is observed when MDA-MB-231 cells pre-conditioned in stiffer hydrogels (10 kPa, 3% w/v gelatin) colonize the bone/PCL scaffolds. The new breast-to-bone in vitro models herein described are designed with relevant tissue microenvironmental factors and could emerge as future non-animal technological platforms for monitoring metastatic processes and therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lekha Shah
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Ayşe Latif
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Kaye J Williams
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Elena Mancuso
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bio-Engineering Centre (NIBEC), Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB, UK
| | - Annalisa Tirella
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.,BIOtech - Center for Biomedical Technologies, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Via delle Regole 101, Trento, 38123, Italy
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29
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Chen G, Deng Y, Xia B, Lv Y. In Situ Regulation and Mechanisms of 3D Matrix Stiffness on the Activation and Reversion of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 12:e2202560. [PMID: 36519640 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key event in the progression of liver fibrosis. HSCs transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts and secrete large amounts of extracellular matrix, resulting in increased liver stiffness. It is difficult for platforms constructed in vitro to simulate the structure, composition, and stiffness of the 3D microenvironment of HSCs in vivo. Here, 3D scaffolds with different stiffness are constructed by decellularizing rat livers at different stages of fibrosis. The effects of matrix stiffness on the proliferation, activation, and reversion of HSCs are studied. The results demonstrate these scaffolds have good cytocompatibility. It is also found that the high stiffness can significantly promote the activation of HSCs, and this process is accompanied by the activation of integrin β1 as well as the nucleation and activation of Yes-associated protein (YAP). Moreover, the low stiffness of the scaffold can promote the reversion of activated HSCs, which is associated with cell apoptosis and accompanied by the inactivation of integrin β1 and YAP. These results suggest that YAP may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis and the theoretical feasibility of inducing activated HSCs reversion to the resting state by regulating matrix stiffness of liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobao Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, P. R. China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Yaxin Deng
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, P. R. China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, P. R. China
| | - Bin Xia
- Engineering Research Center for Waste Oil Recovery Technology and Equipment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, 400067, P. R. China
| | - Yonggang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, P. R. China
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Li M, Zhang X, Wang M, Wang Y, Qian J, Xing X, Wang Z, You Y, Guo K, Chen J, Gao D, Zhao Y, Zhang L, Chen R, Cui J, Ren Z. Activation of Piezo1 contributes to matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:1162-1184. [PMID: 36181398 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite integrin being highlighted as a stiffness-sensor molecule in matrix stiffness-driven angiogenesis, other stiffness-sensor molecules and their mechanosensory pathways related to angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain obscure. Here, we explored the interplay between Piezo1 and integrin β1 in the mechanosensory pathway and their effects on HCC angiogenesis to better understand matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis. METHODS The role of Piezo1 in matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis was investigated using orthotopic liver cancer SD rat models with high liver stiffness background, and its clinical significance was evaluated in human HCC tissues. Matrix stiffness-mediated Piezo1 upregulation and activation were assayed using an in vitro fibronectin (FN)-coated cell culture system with different stiffness, Western blotting and Ca2+ probe. The effects of shPiezo1-conditioned medium (CM) on angiogenesis were examined by tube formation assay, wound healing assay and angiogenesis array. The underlying mechanism by which Piezo1 participated in matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis was analyzed by microRNA quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), matrix stiffness measurement, dual-luciferase reporter assay, ubiquitination assay and co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS Increased matrix stiffness significantly upregulated Piezo1 expression at both cellular and tissue levels, and high expression of Piezo1 indicated an unfavorable prognosis. High matrix stiffness also noticeably enhanced the activation level of Piezo1, similar to its expression level. Piezo1 knockdown significantly suppressed tumor growth, angiogenesis, and lung metastasis of HCC rat models with high liver stiffness background. shPiezo1-CM from HCC cells attenuated tube formation and migration abilities of vascular endothelial cells remarkably, and analysis of differentially expressed pro-angiogenic factors revealed that Piezo1 promoted the expression and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CXC chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2). Matrix stiffness-caused Piezo1 upregulation/activation restrained hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) ubiquitination, subsequently enhanced the expression of downstream pro-angiogenic factors to accelerate HCC angiogenesis. Besides, collagen 1 (COL1)-reinforced tissue stiffening resulted in more expression of Piezo1 via miR-625-5p. CONCLUSIONS This study unravels a new mechanism by which the integrin β1/Piezo1 activation/Ca2+ influx/HIF-1α ubiquitination/VEGF, CXCL16 and IGFBP2 pathway participates in matrix stiffness-driven HCC angiogenesis. Simultaneously, a positive feedback regulation loop as stiff matrix/integrin β1/miR-625-5p/Piezo1 and COL1/stiffer matrix mediates matrix stiffness-caused Piezo1 upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Li
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Mimi Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jiali Qian
- Department of Endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxia Xing
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Department of Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yang You
- Department of Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Kun Guo
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Dongmei Gao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Rongxin Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jiefeng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Zhenggang Ren
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
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Millet M, Bollmann E, Ringuette Goulet C, Bernard G, Chabaud S, Huot MÉ, Pouliot F, Bolduc S, Bordeleau F. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in a 3D Engineered Tissue Model Induce Tumor-like Matrix Stiffening and EMT Transition. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153810. [PMID: 35954473 PMCID: PMC9367573 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The physical properties of a tumor, such as stiffness, are important drivers of tumor progression. However, current in vitro tumor models fail to recapitulate the full range of physical properties observed in solid tumors. Here, we proposed a 3D self-assembly engineered bladder model using cancer-associated fibroblasts in which stromal cells produce their extracellular matrix. We then proceeded to assess how our model recapitulates biological and mechanical features found in tumors. We confirmed that stroma assembled by cancer-associated fibroblasts have increased extracellular matrix content and display increased remodeling and higher stiffness. Moreover, normal urothelial cells seeded on the tumor model displayed a mechanotransduction response, increased cell proliferation, cell infiltration within stroma, and displayed features of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Altogether, we demonstrated that our cancer-associated fibroblast-derived tumor stroma recapitulates several biological and physical features expected from a tumor-like environment and, thus, provides the basis for more accurate cancer models. Abstract A tumor microenvironment is characterized by its altered mechanical properties. However, most models remain unable to faithfully recreate the mechanical properties of a tumor. Engineered models based on the self-assembly method have the potential to better recapitulate the stroma architecture and composition. Here, we used the self-assembly method based on a bladder tissue model to engineer a tumor-like environment. The tissue-engineered tumor models were reconstituted from stroma-derived healthy primary fibroblasts (HFs) induced into cancer-associated fibroblast cells (iCAFs) along with an urothelium overlay. The iCAFs-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) composition was found to be stiffer, with increased ECM deposition and remodeling. The urothelial cells overlaid on the iCAFs-derived ECM were more contractile, as measured by quantitative polarization microscopy, and displayed increased YAP nuclear translocation. We further showed that the proliferation and expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker in the urothelial cells correlate with the increased stiffness of the iCAFs-derived ECM. Our data showed an increased expression of EMT markers within the urothelium on the iCAFs-derived ECM. Together, our results demonstrate that our tissue-engineered tumor model can achieve stiffness levels comparable to that of a bladder tumor, while triggering a tumor-like response from the urothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martial Millet
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Enola Bollmann
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Cassandra Ringuette Goulet
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division), Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Geneviève Bernard
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division), Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Stéphane Chabaud
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division), Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marc-Étienne Huot
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Frédéric Pouliot
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bolduc
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division), Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - François Bordeleau
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-418-525-4444 (ext. 15554)
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Long H, Vos BE, Betz T, Baker BM, Trappmann B. Nonswelling and Hydrolytically Stable Hydrogels Uncover Cellular Mechanosensing in 3D. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2022; 9:e2105325. [PMID: 35187856 PMCID: PMC9036035 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
While matrix stiffness regulates cell behavior on 2D substrates, recent studies using synthetic hydrogels have suggested that in 3D environments, cell behavior is primarily impacted by matrix degradability, independent of stiffness. However, these studies did not consider the potential impact of other confounding matrix parameters that typically covary with changes in stiffness, particularly, hydrogel swelling and hydrolytic stability, which may explain the previously observed distinctions in cell response in 2D versus 3D settings. To investigate how cells sense matrix stiffness in 3D environments, a nonswelling, hydrolytically stable, linearly elastic synthetic hydrogel model is developed in which matrix stiffness and degradability can be tuned independently. It is found that matrix degradability regulates cell spreading kinetics, while matrix stiffness dictates the final spread area once cells achieve equilibrium spreading. Importantly, the differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells toward adipocytes or osteoblasts is regulated by the spread state of progenitor cells upon initiating differentiation. These studies uncover matrix stiffness as a major regulator of cell function not just in 2D, but also in 3D environments, and identify matrix degradability as a critical microenvironmental feature in 3D that in conjunction with matrix stiffness dictates cell spreading, cytoskeletal state, and stem cell differentiation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Long
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 20Münster48149Germany
| | - Bart E. Vos
- Third Institute of Physics – BiophysicsGeorg August University GöttingenGöttingen37077Germany
| | - Timo Betz
- Third Institute of Physics – BiophysicsGeorg August University GöttingenGöttingen37077Germany
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Engineered Microenvironments and Mechanobiology LabDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Britta Trappmann
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 20Münster48149Germany
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Paradiso F, Lenna S, Gazze SA, Garcia Parra J, Murphy K, Margarit L, Gonzalez D, Francis L, Taraballi F. Mechanomimetic 3D Scaffolds as a Humanized In Vitro Model for Ovarian Cancer. Cells 2022; 11. [PMID: 35269446 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical homeostasis of tissues can be altered in response to trauma or disease, such as cancer, resulting in altered mechanotransduction pathways that have been shown to impact tumor development, progression, and the efficacy of therapeutic approaches. Specifically, ovarian cancer progression is parallel to an increase in tissue stiffness and fibrosis. With in vivo models proving difficult to study, tying tissue mechanics to altered cellular and molecular properties necessitate advanced, tunable, in vitro 3D models able to mimic normal and tumor mechanic features. First, we characterized normal human ovary and high-grade serous (HGSC) ovarian cancer tissue stiffness to precisely mimic their mechanical features on collagen I-based sponge scaffolds, soft (NS) and stiff (MS), respectively. We utilized three ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3, Caov-3, and SKOV3) to evaluate changes in viability, morphology, proliferation, and sensitivity to doxorubicin and liposomal doxorubicin treatment in response to a mechanically different microenvironment. High substrate stiffness promoted the proliferation of Caov-3 and SKOV3 cells without changing their morphology, and upregulated mechanosensors YAP/TAZ only in SKOV3 cells. After 7 days in culture, both OVCAR3 and SKOV3 decreased the MS scaffold storage modulus (stiffness), suggesting a link between cell proliferation and the softening of the matrix. Finally, high matrix stiffness resulted in higher OVCAR-3 and SKOV3 cell cytotoxicity in response to doxorubicin. This study demonstrates the promise of biomimetic porous scaffolds for effective inclusion of mechanical parameters in 3D cancer modeling. Furthermore, this work establishes the use of porous scaffolds for studying ovarian cancer cells response to mechanical changes in the microenvironment and as a meaningful platform from which to investigate chemoresistance and drug response.
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Li H, Sun Y, Li Q, Luo Q, Song G. Matrix Stiffness Potentiates Stemness of Liver Cancer Stem Cells Possibly via the Yes-Associated Protein Signal. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:598-609. [PMID: 35084830 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A hepatocellular carcinoma tissue has mechanical heterogeneity, where the stiffness gradually increases from the core to the invasion front. Furthermore, there is evidence that stem cells from liver cancer (LCSCs) preferentially enrich the invasion front, exhibiting the stiffest modulus in the tumor. LCSCs have the features of stem/progenitor cells and play a vital part in liver cancer development. However, whether matrix stiffness affects LCSC stemness remains unclear. Here, we established a three-dimensional hydrogel for culturing LCSCs to simulate the stiffness of the core and the invasion front of a liver cancer tissue. The results showed that a stiffer matrix (72.2 ± 0.90 kPa) significantly potentiated LCSC stemness as compared with a soft matrix (7.7 ± 0.41 kPa). Moreover, Yes-associated protein signaling might mediate this promotion. Together, our findings illustrate the relationship between matrix stiffness and LCSC stemness, which may aid the production of novel treatment approaches against liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
| | - Yuchuan Sun
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
| | - Qing Li
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
| | - Qing Luo
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
| | - Guanbin Song
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
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35
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Cassel de Camps C, Aslani S, Stylianesis N, Nami H, Mohamed NV, Durcan TM, Moraes C. Hydrogel Mechanics Influence the Growth and Development of Embedded Brain Organoids. ACS Appl Bio Mater 2022; 5:214-224. [PMID: 35014820 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c01047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Brain organoids are three-dimensional, tissue-engineered neural models derived from induced pluripotent stem cells that enable studies of neurodevelopmental and disease processes. Mechanical properties of the microenvironment are known to be critical parameters in tissue engineering, but the mechanical consequences of the encapsulating matrix on brain organoid growth and development remain undefined. Here, Matrigel was modified with an interpenetrating network (IPN) of alginate, to tune the mechanical properties of the encapsulating matrix. Brain organoids grown in IPNs were viable, with the characteristic formation of neuroepithelial buds. However, organoid growth was significantly restricted in the stiffest matrix tested. Moreover, stiffer matrixes skewed cell populations toward mature neuronal phenotypes, with fewer and smaller neural rosettes. These findings demonstrate that the mechanics of the culture environment are important parameters in brain organoid development and show that the self-organizing capacity and subsequent architecture of brain organoids can be modulated by forces arising from growth-induced compression of the surrounding matrix. This study therefore suggests that carefully designing the mechanical properties of organoid encapsulation materials is a potential strategy to direct organoid growth and maturation toward desired structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saba Aslani
- The Neuro's Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Nicholas Stylianesis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Harris Nami
- The Neuro's Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Nguyen-Vi Mohamed
- The Neuro's Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Thomas M Durcan
- The Neuro's Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada.,Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H3A 1A3, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
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36
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Fu Y, Wan P, Zhang J, Li X, Xing J, Zou Y, Wang K, Peng H, Zhu Q, Cao L, Zhai X. Targeting Mechanosensitive Piezo1 Alleviated Renal Fibrosis Through p38MAPK-YAP Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:741060. [PMID: 34805150 PMCID: PMC8602364 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.741060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the most common pathological manifestation of a wide variety of chronic kidney disease. Increased extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion and enhanced microenvironment stiffening aggravate the progression of renal fibrosis. However, the related mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the mechanism by which ECM stiffness aggravates renal fibrosis. In the present study, renal mesangial cells (MCs) were cultured on polyacrylamide hydrogels with different stiffness accurately detected by atomic force microscope (AFM), simulating the in vivo growth microenvironment of MCs in normal kidney and renal fibrosis. A series of in vitro knockdown and activation experiments were performed to establish the signaling pathway responsible for mechanics-induced MCs activation. In addition, an animal model of renal fibrosis was established in mice induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Lentiviral particles containing short hairpin RNA (sh RNA) targeting Piezo1 were used to explore the effect of Piezo1 knockdown on matrix stiffness-induced MCs activation and UUO-induced renal fibrosis. An in vitro experiment demonstrated that elevated ECM stiffness triggered the activation of Piezo1, which increased YAP nuclear translocation through the p38MAPK, and consequently led to increased ECM secretion. Furthermore, these consequences have been verified in the animal model of renal fibrosis induced by UUO and Piezo1 knockdown could alleviate UUO-induced fibrosis and improve renal function in vivo. Collectively, our results for the first time demonstrate enhanced matrix stiffness aggravates the progression of renal fibrosis through the Piezo1-p38MAPK-YAP pathway. Targeting mechanosensitive Piezo1 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for delaying the progression of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Fu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Pengzhi Wan
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jia Xing
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Zou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kaiyue Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qizhuo Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Liu Cao
- Department of Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhai
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Institute of Nephropathology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Shi X, Tang D, Xing Y, Zhao S, Fan C, Zhong J, Cui Y, Shi K, Jiu Y. Actin nucleator formins regulate the tension-buffering function of caveolin-1. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 13:876-888. [PMID: 34718633 PMCID: PMC8800513 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjab070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Both the mechanosensitive actin cytoskeleton and caveolae contribute to active processes such as cell migration, morphogenesis, and vesicular trafficking. Although distinct actin components are well studied, how they contribute to cytoplasmic caveolae, especially in the context of mechano-stress, has remained elusive. Here, we identify two actin-associated mobility stereotypes of caveolin-1 (CAV-1)-marked intracellular vesicles, which are characterized as ‘dwelling’ and ‘go and dwelling’. In order to exploit the reason for their distinct dynamics, elongated actin-associated formin functions are perturbed. We find drastically decreased density, increased clustering, and compromised motility of cytoplasmic CAV-1 vesicles resulting from lacking actin nucleator formins by both chemical treatment and RNA silencing of formin genes. Furthermore, hypo-osmosis-stimulated diminishing of CAV-1 is dramatically intensified upon blocking formins. The clustering of CAV-1 vesicles when cells are cultured on soft substrate is also aggravated under formin inhibition condition. Together, we reveal that actin-associated formins are essential for maintaining the dynamic organization of cytoplasmic CAV-1 and importantly its sensitivity upon mechanical challenge. We conclude that tension-controlled actin formins act as a safety valve dampening excessive tension on CAV-1 and safeguarding CAV-1 against mechanical damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemeng Shi
- The Joint Program in Infection and Immunity, a. Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623 and b. Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China
| | - Daijiao Tang
- Unit of Cell Biology and Imaging Study of Pathogen Host Interaction, The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Yifan Xing
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China.,Unit of Viral Hepatitis, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China
| | - Shuangshuang Zhao
- The Joint Program in Infection and Immunity, a. Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623 and b. Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China
| | - Changyuan Fan
- Unit of Cell Biology and Imaging Study of Pathogen Host Interaction, The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Jin Zhong
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China.,Unit of Viral Hepatitis, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China
| | - Yanqin Cui
- The Joint Program in Infection and Immunity, a. Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623 and b. Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China
| | - Kun Shi
- The Joint Program in Infection and Immunity, a. Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623 and b. Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China
| | - Yaming Jiu
- The Joint Program in Infection and Immunity, a. Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623 and b. Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China.,Unit of Cell Biology and Imaging Study of Pathogen Host Interaction, The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
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38
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Mahmoud M, Cancel L, Tarbell JM. Matrix Stiffness Affects Glycocalyx Expression in Cultured Endothelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:731666. [PMID: 34692689 PMCID: PMC8530223 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.731666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The endothelial cell glycocalyx (GCX) is a mechanosensor that plays a key role in protecting against vascular diseases. We have previously shown that age/disease mediated matrix stiffness inhibits the glycocalyx glycosaminoglycan heparan sulfate and its core protein Glypican 1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, rat fat pad endothelial cells and in a mouse model of age-mediated stiffness. Glypican 1 inhibition resulted in enhanced endothelial cell dysfunction. Endothelial cell culture typically occurs on stiff matrices such as plastic or glass. For the study of the endothelial GCX specifically it is important to culture cells on soft matrices to preserve GCX expression. To test the generality of this statement, we hypothesized that stiff matrices inhibit GCX expression and consequently endothelial cell function in additional cell types: bovine aortic endothelial cells, mouse aortic endothelial cell and mouse brain endothelial cells. Methods and Results: All cell types cultured on glass showed reduced GCX heparan sulfate expression compared to cells cultured on either soft polyacrylamide (PA) gels of a substrate stiffness of 2.5 kPa (mimicking the stiffness of young, healthy arteries) or on either stiff gels 10 kPa (mimicking the stiffness of old, diseased arteries). Specific cell types showed reduced expression of GCX protein Glypican 1 (4 of 5 cell types) and hyaluronic acid (2 of 5 cell types) on glass vs soft gels. Conclusion: Matrix stiffness affects GCX expression in endothelial cells. Therefore, the study of the endothelial glycocalyx on stiff matrices (glass/plastic) is not recommended for specific cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Mahmoud
- Tarbell Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - John M. Tarbell
- Tarbell Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
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39
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Tian BR, Lin WF, Zhang Y. Effects of biomechanical forces on the biological behavior of cancer stem cells. J Cancer 2021; 12:5895-5902. [PMID: 34476003 PMCID: PMC8408108 DOI: 10.7150/jca.60893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), dynamic subsets of cancer cells, are responsible for malignant progression. The unique properties of CSCs, including self-renewal, differentiation, and malignancy, closely depend on the tumor microenvironment. Mechanical components in the microenvironment, including matrix stiffness, fluid shear stress, compression and tension stress, affect the fate of CSCs and further influence the cancer process. This paper reviews recent studies of mechanical components and CSCs, and further discusses the intrinsic correlation among them. Regulatory mechanisms of mechanical microenvironment, which act on CSCs, have great potential for clinical application and provide different perspectives to drugs and treatment design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ren Tian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Fan Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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40
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Abstract
Focus on metabolic reprogramming has re-emerged in recent years due to the far-reaching consequences of metabolism on nearly all cellular behaviors. In a recent study in Cell Metabolism, Tharp et al. show that adhesion-dependent mechanical signaling induces mitochondrial and metabolic reprogramming to help cells adapt to future oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul V Taufalele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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41
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Lin C, He Y, Xu K, Feng Q, Li X, Zhang S, Li K, Bai R, Jiang H, Cai K. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Resist Mechanical Confinement through the Activation of the Cortex during Cell Division. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:4602-4613. [PMID: 34365789 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) change extensively, but these specific properties provide a relatively stable environment for resident cells. Although the effect of matrix stiffness on cell functions has been widely studied, the molecular mechanism was still not fully understood. Matrix stiffening is a common phenomenon in tissue damaging processes. To explore the effect of the increase in local matrix stiffness on cell behaviors, a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture system with a tunable modulus but constant other physical parameters was constructed by the alginate hydrogel with different molecular weights and cross-linking degrees. By using this culture system, the transcriptome response of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to matrix stiffness was explored. Furthermore, a finite element model was developed to simulate the interaction between cells and the matrix. Results revealed that the increased matrix stiffness promoted the proliferation-related signaling of MSCs, and this process depended on the increased cortex tension caused by the activation of RAS and myosin II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanchuan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Ye He
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.,Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Kun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Songyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Ke Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Ruqing Bai
- College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Materials Science, School of Biomedical Engineering, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Kaiyong Cai
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soft-Matter Material Chemistry and Function Manufacturing, Chongqing 400715, China
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42
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Alderfer L, Russo E, Archilla A, Coe B, Hanjaya-Putra D. Matrix stiffness primes lymphatic tube formation directed by vascular endothelial growth factor-C. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21498. [PMID: 33774872 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002426rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the lymphatic system is associated with a wide range of disease phenotypes. The restoration of dysfunctional lymphatic vessels has been hypothesized as an innovative method to rescue healthy phenotypes in diseased states including neurological conditions, metabolic syndromes, and cardiovascular disease. Compared to the vascular system, little is known about the molecular regulation that controls lymphatic tube morphogenesis. Using synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels as a chemically and mechanically tunable system to preserve lymphatic endothelial cell (LECs) phenotypes, we demonstrate that low matrix elasticity primes lymphatic cord-like structure (CLS) formation directed by a high concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C). Decreasing the substrate stiffness results in the upregulation of key lymphatic markers, including PROX-1, lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE-1), and VEGFR-3. Consequently, higher levels of VEGFR-3 enable stimulation of LECs with VEGF-C which is required to both activate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and facilitate LEC migration. Both of these steps are critical in establishing CLS formation in vitro. With decreases in substrate elasticity, we observe increased MMP expression and increased cellular elongation, as well as formation of intracellular vacuoles, which can further merge into coalescent vacuoles. RNAi studies demonstrate that MMP-14 is required to enable CLS formation and that LECs sense matrix stiffness through YAP/TAZ mechanosensors leading to the activation of their downstream target genes. Collectively, we show that by tuning both the matrix stiffness and VEGF-C concentration, the signaling pathways of CLS formation can be regulated in a synthetic matrix, resulting in lymphatic networks which will be useful for the study of lymphatic biology and future approaches in tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Alderfer
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Elizabeth Russo
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Adriana Archilla
- Notre Dame Nanoscience and Technology (NDnano), University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Brian Coe
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Donny Hanjaya-Putra
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.,Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.,Notre Dame Nanoscience and Technology (NDnano), University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.,Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
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43
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Watson AW, Grant AD, Parker SS, Hill S, Whalen MB, Chakrabarti J, Harman MW, Roman MR, Forte BL, Gowan CC, Castro-Portuguez R, Stolze LK, Franck C, Cusanovich DA, Zavros Y, Padi M, Romanoski CE, Mouneimne G. Breast tumor stiffness instructs bone metastasis via maintenance of mechanical conditioning. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109293. [PMID: 34192535 PMCID: PMC8312405 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While the immediate and transitory response of breast cancer cells to pathological stiffness in their native microenvironment has been well explored, it remains unclear how stiffness-induced phenotypes are maintained over time after cancer cell dissemination in vivo. Here, we show that fibrotic-like matrix stiffness promotes distinct metastatic phenotypes in cancer cells, which are preserved after transition to softer microenvironments, such as bone marrow. Using differential gene expression analysis of stiffness-responsive breast cancer cells, we establish a multigenic score of mechanical conditioning (MeCo) and find that it is associated with bone metastasis in patients with breast cancer. The maintenance of mechanical conditioning is regulated by RUNX2, an osteogenic transcription factor, established driver of bone metastasis, and mitotic bookmarker that preserves chromatin accessibility at target gene loci. Using genetic and functional approaches, we demonstrate that mechanical conditioning maintenance can be simulated, repressed, or extended, with corresponding changes in bone metastatic potential. Watson et al. demonstrate that mechanical conditioning by stiff microenvironments in breast tumors is maintained in cancer cells after dissemination to softer microenvironments, including bone marrow. They show that mechanical conditioning promotes invasion and osteolysis and establish a mechanical conditioning (MeCo) score, associated with bone metastasis in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W Watson
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; MeCo Diagnostics, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
| | - Adam D Grant
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Sara S Parker
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Samantha Hill
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Michael B Whalen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Jayati Chakrabarti
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Michael W Harman
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | | | | | - Cody C Gowan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | | | - Lindsey K Stolze
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Christian Franck
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Darren A Cusanovich
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Yana Zavros
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Megha Padi
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Bioinformatics Shared Resource, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Casey E Romanoski
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
| | - Ghassan Mouneimne
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
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Feng F, Feng X, Zhang D, Li Q, Yao L. Matrix Stiffness Induces Pericyte-Fibroblast Transition Through YAP Activation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:698275. [PMID: 34135765 PMCID: PMC8202079 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.698275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular pericytes, important mural cells that retain progenitor cell properties and protect vascular integrity in healthy tissues, are often associated with tumor development, but their functions in cancer invasion remain elusive. One prominent outcome of tumor occurrence is that the microenvironment of the lesion often stiffens, which could change resident cell behavior. Here, we found pericytes are matrix stiffness-responsive and mechanical stimuli induce pericyte-fibroblast transition (PFT). Soft PA gels that mimic the stiffness of healthy tissues retain the identity and behavior of pericytes, whereas stiff PA gels that reflect the stiffness of tumorous tissues promote PFT and the mobility and invasiveness of the cells. Matrix stiffness-induced PFT depends on the activation of YAP (Yes-associated protein), a transcription factor, which, upon receiving mechanical signals, transfers from cytoplasm to nucleus to mediate cell transcriptional activities. Our result reveals a mechanism through which vascular pericytes convert to fibroblasts and migrate away from vasculatures to help tumor development, and thus targeting matrix stiffness-induced PFT may offer a new perspective to the treatment of cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xueyan Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Di Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qilong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Jiang X, Hu J, Wu Z, Cafarello ST, Di Matteo M, Shen Y, Dong X, Adler H, Mazzone M, Ruiz de Almodovar C, Wang X. Protein Phosphatase 2A Mediates YAP Activation in Endothelial Cells Upon VEGF Stimulation and Matrix Stiffness. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:675562. [PMID: 34055807 PMCID: PMC8158299 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.675562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is an essential process during development. Abnormal angiogenesis also contributes to many disease conditions such as tumor and retinal diseases. Previous studies have established the Hippo signaling pathway effector Yes-associated protein (YAP) as a crucial regulator of angiogenesis. In ECs, activated YAP promotes endothelial cell proliferation, migration and sprouting. YAP activity is regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mechanical cues such as extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness. However, it is unclear how VEGF or ECM stiffness signal to YAP, especially how dephosphorylation of YAP occurs in response to VEGF stimulus or ECM stiffening. Here, we show that protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is required for this process. Blocking PP2A activity abolishes VEGF or ECM stiffening mediated YAP activation. Systemic administration of a PP2A inhibitor suppresses YAP activity in blood vessels in developmental and pathological angiogenesis mouse models. Consistently, PP2A inhibitor also inhibits sprouting angiogenesis. Mechanistically, PP2A directly interacts with YAP, and this interaction requires proper cytoskeleton dynamics. These findings identify PP2A as a crucial mediator of YAP activation in ECs and hence as an important regulator of angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Jiang
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiandong Hu
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ziru Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sarah Trusso Cafarello
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mario Di Matteo
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ying Shen
- European Center for Angioscience, Medicine Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Xue Dong
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Heike Adler
- European Center for Angioscience, Medicine Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carmen Ruiz de Almodovar
- European Center for Angioscience, Medicine Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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46
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Jia X, Yang Q, Gao C, Chen X, Li Y, Su H, Zheng Y, Zhang S, Wang Z, Wang H, Jiang LH, Sun Y, Fan Y. Stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by stiff matrix via the IK Ca channel-dependent Ca 2+ signaling. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6897-6906. [PMID: 33650160 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vascular stiffening, an early and common characteristic of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), stimulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation which reciprocally accelerates the progression of CVDs. However, the mechanisms by which extracellular matrix stiffness accompanying vascular stiffening regulates VSMC proliferation remain largely unknown. In the present study, we examined the role of the intermediate-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ (IKCa ) channel in the matrix stiffness regulation of VSMC proliferation by growing A7r5 cells on soft and stiff polydimethylsiloxane substrates with stiffness close to these of arteries under physiological and pathological conditions, respectively. Stiff substrates stimulated cell proliferation and upregulated the expression of the IKCa channel. Stiff substrate-induced cell proliferation was suppressed by pharmacological inhibition using TRAM34, an IKCa channel blocker, or genetic depletion of the IKCa channel. In addition, stiff substrate-induced cell proliferation was also suppressed by reducing extracellular Ca2+ concentration using EGTA or intracellular Ca2+ concentration using BAPTA-AM. Moreover, stiff substrate induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), which was inhibited by treatment with TRAM34 or BAPTA-AM. Stiff substrate-induced cell proliferation was suppressed by treatment with PD98059, an ERK inhibitor. Taken together, these results show that substrates with pathologically relevant stiffness upregulate the IKCa channel expression to enhance intracellular Ca2+ signaling and subsequent activation of the ERK signal pathway to drive cell proliferation. These findings provide a novel mechanism by which vascular stiffening regulates VSMC function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Jia
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Qingmao Yang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Xinlan Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Su
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Yufan Zheng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Haikun Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Lin-Hua Jiang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury of Henan Province and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, No.37, Xueyuan Road, haidian district, Beijing, China
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47
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Ng K, Shea QT, Wong T, Luk ST, Tong M, Lo C, Man K, Yun J, Guan X, Lee TK, Zheng Y, Ma S. Chemotherapy-Enriched THBS2-Deficient Cancer Stem Cells Drive Hepatocarcinogenesis through Matrix Softness Induced Histone H3 Modifications. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2021; 8:2002483. [PMID: 33717837 PMCID: PMC7927606 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The physical microenvironment is a critical mediator of tumor behavior. However, detailed biological and mechanistic insight is lacking. The present study reveals the role of chemotherapy-enriched CD133+ liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) with THBS2 deficiency. This subpopulation of cells contributes to a more aggressive cancer and functional stemness phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) through the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, collagen degradation, and matrix stiffness. The local soft spots created by these liver CSCs can enhance stemness and drug resistance and provide a route of escape to facilitate HCC metastasis. Interestingly, a positive feed-forward loop is identified where a local soft spot microenvironment in the HCC tumor is enriched with CD133 expressing cells that secrete markedly less ECM-modifying THBS2 upon histone H3 modification at its promoter region, allowing the maintenance of a localized soft spot matrix. Clinically, THBS2 deficiency is also correlated with low HCC survival, where high levels of CSCs with low THBS2 expression in HCC are associated with decreased collagen fiber deposits and an invasive tumor front. The findings have implications for the treatment of cancer stemness and for the prevention of tumor outgrowth through disseminated tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai‐Yu Ng
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Queenie T. Shea
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Tin‐Lok Wong
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Steve T. Luk
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Man Tong
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Chung‐Mau Lo
- Department of SurgeryQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of SurgeryQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
| | - Jing‐Ping Yun
- Department of PathologySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CentreGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Xin‐Yuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
- Department of Clinical OncologyQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Terence K. Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical TechnologyThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Yong‐Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
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48
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Li W, Li P, Li N, Du Y, Lü S, Elad D, Long M. Matrix stiffness and shear stresses modulate hepatocyte functions in a fibrotic liver sinusoidal model. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021; 320:G272-G282. [PMID: 33296275 PMCID: PMC8609567 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00379.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) rigidity has important effects on cell behaviors and increases sharply in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Hepatic blood flow is essential in maintaining hepatocytes' (HCs) functions. However, it is still unclear how matrix stiffness and shear stresses orchestrate HC phenotype in concert. A fibrotic three-dimensional (3-D) liver sinusoidal model is constructed using a porous membrane sandwiched between two polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layers with respective flow channels. The HCs are cultured in collagen gels of various stiffnesses in the lower channel, whereas the upper channel is pre-seeded with liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and accessible to shear flow. The results reveal that HCs cultured within stiffer matrices exhibit reduced albumin production and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) reductase expression. Low shear stresses enhance synthetic and metabolic functions of HC, whereas high shear stresses lead to the loss of HC phenotype. Furthermore, both mechanical factors regulate HC functions by complementing each other. These observations are likely attributed to mechanically induced mass transport or key signaling molecule of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α). The present study results provide an insight into understanding the mechanisms of HC dysfunction in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, especially from the viewpoint of matrix stiffness and blood flow.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A fibrotic three-dimensional (3-D) liver sinusoidal model was constructed to mimic different stages of liver fibrosis in vivo and to explore the cooperative effects of matrix stiffness and shear stresses on hepatocyte (HC) functions. Mechanically induced alterations of mass transport mainly contributed to HC functions via typical mechanosensitive signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Li
- 1Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,2Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,3Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,4School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peiwen Li
- 1Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,2Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,3Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,4School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ning Li
- 1Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,2Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,3Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,4School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Du
- 1Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,2Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,3Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,4School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shouqin Lü
- 1Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,2Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,3Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,4School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - David Elad
- 5Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mian Long
- 1Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,2Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,3Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,4School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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49
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Li M, Wu J, Hu G, Song Y, Shen J, Xin J, Li Z, Liu W, Dong E, Xu M, Zhang Y, Xiao H. Pathological matrix stiffness promotes cardiac fibroblast differentiation through the POU2F1 signaling pathway. Sci China Life Sci 2021; 64:242-254. [PMID: 32617828 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-019-1747-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblast (CF) differentiation into myofibroblasts is a crucial cause of cardiac fibrosis, which increases in the extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness. The increased stiffness further promotes CF differentiation and fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanism is still unclear. We used bioinformatics analysis to find new candidates that regulate the genes involved in stiffness-induced CF differentiation, and found that there were binding sites for the POU-domain transcription factor, POU2F1 (also known as Oct-1), in the promoters of 50 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CFs on the stiffer substrate. Immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting revealed that pathological stiffness upregulated POU2F1 expression and increased CF differentiation on polyacrylamide hydrogel substrates and in mouse myocardial infarction tissue. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that POU2F1 bound to the promoters of fibrosis repressors IL1R2, CD69, and TGIF2. The expression of these fibrosis repressors was inhibited on pathological substrate stiffness. Knockdown of POU2F1 upregulated these repressors and attenuated CF differentiation on pathological substrate stiffness (35 kPa). Whereas, overexpression of POU2F1 downregulated these repressors and enhanced CF differentiation. In conclusion, pathological stiffness upregulates the transcription factor POU2F1 to promote CF differentiation by inhibiting fibrosis repressors. Our work elucidated the crosstalk between CF differentiation and the ECM and provided a potential target for cardiac fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhe Li
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jimin Wu
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Guomin Hu
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yao Song
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Junzhou Xin
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zijian Li
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Erdan Dong
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Youyi Zhang
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China.
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50
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Tao B, Song Y, Wu Y, Yang X, Peng T, Peng L, Xia K, Xia X, Chen L, Zhong C. Matrix stiffness promotes glioma cell stemness by activating BCL9L/Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:5284-5296. [PMID: 33535177 PMCID: PMC7950305 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Matrix stiffness is a key physical characteristic of the tumor microenvironment and correlates tightly with tumor progression. Here, we explored the association between matrix stiffness and glioma development. Using atomic force microscopy, we observed higher matrix stiffness in highly malignant glioma tissues than in low-grade/innocent tissues. In vitro and in vivo analyses revealed that culturing glioma cells on stiff polyacrylamide hydrogels enhanced their proliferation, tumorigenesis and CD133 expression. Greater matrix stiffness could obviously up-regulated the expression of BCL9L, thereby promoting the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and ultimately increasing the stemness of glioma cells. Inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling using gigantol consistently improved the anticancer effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in mice with subcutaneous glioma tumors. These findings demonstrate that a stiffer matrix increases the stemness of glioma cells by activating BCL9L/Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Moreover, we have provided a potential strategy for clinical glioma treatment by demonstrating that gigantol can improve the effectiveness of traditional chemotherapy/radiotherapy by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Tao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yi Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Sichuan Clinic Research Center for Neurosurgery, Luzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Tangming Peng
- Sichuan Clinic Research Center for Neurosurgery, Luzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lilei Peng
- Sichuan Clinic Research Center for Neurosurgery, Luzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Kaiguo Xia
- Sichuan Clinic Research Center for Neurosurgery, Luzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiangguo Xia
- Sichuan Clinic Research Center for Neurosurgery, Luzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ligang Chen
- Sichuan Clinic Research Center for Neurosurgery, Luzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Chuanhong Zhong
- Sichuan Clinic Research Center for Neurosurgery, Luzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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