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Dutcher M, Chewchuk S, Benavente-Babace A, Soucy N, Wan F, Merrett K, Davis DR, Harden J, Godin M. Encapsulating therapeutic cells in RGD-modified agarose microcapsules. Biomed Mater 2023. [PMID: 37437576 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ace6e8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Current cell-based strategies for repairing damaged tissue often show limited efficacy due to low cell retention at the site of injury. Encapsulation of cells within hydrogel microcapsules demonstrably increases cell retention but benefits can be limited due to premature cell escape from the hydrogel microcapsules and subsequent clearance from the targeted tissue. We propose a method of encapsulating cells in agarose microcapsules that have been modified to increase cell retention by providing cell attachment domains within the agarose hydrogel allowing cells to adhere to the microcapsules. We covalently modified agarose with the addition of the cell adhesion peptide, RGD (arginine, glycine, aspartic acid). We then used a microfluidic platform to encapsulate single cells within 50 µm agarose microcapsules. We tracked encapsulated cells for cell viability, egress from microcapsules and attachment to microcapsules at 2 h, 24 h, and 48 h after encapsulation. Many encapsulated cells eventually egress their microcapsule. Those that were encapsulated using RGD-modified agarose adhered to the outer surface of the microcapsule following egress. NIH 3T3 cells showed nearly 45% of egressed cells attached to the outside of RGD modified agarose microcapsules, while minimal cellular adhesion was observed when using unmodified agarose. Similarly, HUVECs had up to 33% of egressed cells attached and EDCs (explant-derived cardiac stem cells) showed up to 20% attachment with the presence of RGD binding domains within the agarose microcapsules.
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Cober ND, Rowe K, Deng Y, Benavente‐Babace A, Courtman DW, Godin M, Stewart DJ. Targeting extracellular vesicle delivery to the lungs by microgel encapsulation. JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 2:e94. [PMID: 38938918 PMCID: PMC11080904 DOI: 10.1002/jex2.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by stem and progenitor cells have significant potential as cell-free 'cellular' therapeutics. Yet, small EVs (<200 nm) are rapidly cleared after systemic administration, mainly by the liver, presenting challenges targeting EVs to a specific organ or tissue. Microencapsulation using natural nano-porous hydrogels (microgels) has been shown to enhance engraftment and increase the survival of transplanted cells. We sought to encapsulate EVs within microgels to target their delivery to the lung by virtue of their size-based retention within the pulmonary microcirculation. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) derived EVs were labelled with the lipophilic dye (DiR) and encapsulated within agarose-gelatin microgels. Endothelial cells and bone marrow derived macrophages were able to take up EVs encapsulated in microgels in vitro, but less efficiently than the uptake of free EVs. Following intrajugular administration, microgel encapsulated EVs were selectively retained within the lungs for 72h, while free EVs were rapidly cleared by the liver. Furthermore, microgel-loaded EVs demonstrated greater uptake by lung cells, in particular CD45+ immune cells, as assessed by flow cytometry compared to free EVs. Microencapsulation of EVs may be a novel tool for enhancing the targeted delivery of EVs for future therapeutic applications.
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Walker M, Godin M, Pelling AE. Mechanical stretch sustains myofibroblast phenotype and function in microtissues through latent TGF-β1 activation. Integr Biol (Camb) 2021; 12:199-210. [PMID: 32877929 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyaa015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Developing methods to study tissue mechanics and myofibroblast activation may lead to new targets for therapeutic treatments that are urgently needed for fibrotic disease. Microtissue arrays are a promising approach to conduct relatively high-throughput research into fibrosis as they recapitulate key biomechanical aspects of the disease through a relevant 3D extracellular environment. In early work, our group developed a device called the MVAS-force to stretch microtissues while enabling simultaneous assessment of their dynamic mechanical behavior. Here, we investigated TGF-β1-induced fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation in microtissue cultures using our MVAS-force device through assessing α-SMA expression, contractility and stiffness. In doing so, we linked cell-level phenotypic changes to functional changes that characterize the clinical manifestation of fibrotic disease. As expected, TGF-β1 treatment promoted a myofibroblastic phenotype and microtissues became stiffer and possessed increased contractility. These changes were partially reversible upon TGF-β1 withdrawal under a static condition, while, in contrast, long-term cyclic stretching maintained myofibroblast activation. This pro-fibrotic effect of mechanical stretching was absent when TGF-β1 receptors were inhibited. Furthermore, stretching promoted myofibroblast differentiation when microtissues were given latent TGF-β1. Altogether, these results suggest that external mechanical stretch may activate latent TGF-β1 and, accordingly, might be a powerful stimulus for continued myofibroblast activation to progress fibrosis. Further exploration of this pathway with our approach may yield new insights into myofibroblast activation and more effective therapeutic treatments for fibrosis.
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Bentov Y, Beharier O, Moav-Zafrir A, Kabessa M, Godin M, Greenfield CS, Ketzinel-Gilad M, Ash Broder E, Holzer HEG, Wolf D, Oiknine-Djian E, Barghouti I, Goldman-Wohl D, Yagel S, Walfisch A, Hersko Klement A. Ovarian follicular function is not altered by SARS-CoV-2 infection or BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2506-2513. [PMID: 34364311 PMCID: PMC8385874 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does the immune response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection or the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine involve the ovarian follicle, and does it affect its function? SUMMARY ANSWER We were able to demonstrate anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS–CoV-2) IgG in follicular fluid (FF) from both infected and vaccinated IVF patients, with no evidence for compromised follicular function. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY No research data are available yet. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a cohort study, composed of 32 consecutive IVF patients, either infected with COVID-19, vaccinated or non-exposed, conducted between 1 February and 10 March 2021 in a single university hospital-based IVF clinic. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A consecutive sample of female consenting patients undergoing oocyte retrieval was recruited and assigned to one of the three study groups: recovering from confirmed COVID-19 (n = 9); vaccinated (n = 9); and uninfected, non-vaccinated controls (n = 14). Serum and FF samples were taken and analyzed for anti-COVID IgG as well as estrogen, progesterone and heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 concentration, as well as the number and maturity of aspirated oocytes and day of trigger estrogen and progesterone measurements. Main outcome measures were follicular function, including steroidogenesis, follicular response to the LH/hCG trigger, and oocyte quality biomarkers. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Both COVID-19 and the vaccine elicited anti-COVID IgG antibodies that were detected in the FF at levels proportional to the IgG serum concentration. No differences between the three groups were detected in any of the surrogate parameters for ovarian follicle quality. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a small study, comprising a mixed fertile and infertile population, and its conclusions should be supported and validated by larger studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the first study to examine the impact of SARS–Cov-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination on ovarian function and these early findings suggest no measurable detrimental effect on function of the ovarian follicle. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was funded out of an internal budget. There are no conflicts of interest for any of the authors. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CinicalTrials.gov registry number NCT04822012.
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Beamish E, Tabard-Cossa V, Godin M. Digital counting of nucleic acid targets using solid-state nanopores. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:17833-17840. [PMID: 32832949 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr03878d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Assays targeting biomarkers for the early diagnosis of disease demand a sensing platform with a high degree of specificity and sensitivity. In this work, we developed and characterized a solid-state nanopore-based sensing assay for the detection of short nucleic acid targets with readily customizable nanostructured DNA probe sets. We explored the electrical signatures of three DNA nanostructures to determine their performance as probe sets in a digital counting scheme to quantify the concentration of targets. With these probes, we demonstrate the specific, simultaneous detection of two different DNA targets in a 2-plex assay, and separately that of microRNA-155, a biomarker linked to various human cancers. In addition to specific target detection, our scheme demonstrated the ability to quantify at least six different microRNA concentrations. These results highlight the potential for solid-state nanopores as single-molecule counters for future digital diagnostic technologies.
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Walker M, Godin M, Harden JL, Pelling AE. Time dependent stress relaxation and recovery in mechanically strained 3D microtissues. APL Bioeng 2020; 4:036107. [PMID: 32984751 PMCID: PMC7500532 DOI: 10.1063/5.0002898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterizing the time-dependent mechanical properties of cells is not only necessary to determine how they deform but also to understand how external forces trigger biochemical-signaling cascades to govern their behavior. At present, mechanical properties are largely assessed by applying local shear or compressive forces on single cells grown in isolation on non-physiological 2D surfaces. In comparison, we developed the microfabricated vacuum actuated stretcher to measure tensile loading of 3D multicellular "microtissue" cultures. Using this approach, we here assessed the time-dependent stress relaxation and recovery responses of microtissues and quantified the spatial viscoelastic deformation following step length changes. Unlike previous results, stress relaxation and recovery in microtissues measured over a range of step amplitudes and pharmacological treatments followed an augmented stretched exponential behavior describing a broad distribution of inter-related timescales. Furthermore, despite the variety of experimental conditions, all responses led to a single linear relationship between the residual elastic stress and the degree of stress relaxation, suggesting that these mechanical properties are coupled through interactions between structural elements and the association of cells with their matrix. Finally, although stress relaxation could be quantitatively and spatially linked to recovery, they differed greatly in their dynamics; while stress recovery acted as a linear process, relaxation time constants changed with an inverse power law with the step size. This assessment of microtissues offers insights into how the collective behavior of cells in a 3D collagen matrix generates the dynamic mechanical properties of tissues, which is necessary to understand how cells deform and sense mechanical forces in vivo.
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Sohi AN, Beamish E, Tabard-Cossa V, Godin M. DNA Capture by Nanopore Sensors under Flow. Anal Chem 2020; 92:8108-8116. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b05778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Walker M, Rizzuto P, Godin M, Pelling AE. Structural and mechanical remodeling of the cytoskeleton maintains tensional homeostasis in 3D microtissues under acute dynamic stretch. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7696. [PMID: 32376876 PMCID: PMC7203149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64725-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
When stretched, cells cultured on 2D substrates share a universal softening and fluidization response that arises from poorly understood remodeling of well-conserved cytoskeletal elements. It is known, however, that the structure and distribution of the cytoskeleton is profoundly influenced by the dimensionality of a cell's environment. Therefore, in this study we aimed to determine whether cells cultured in a 3D matrix share this softening behavior and to link it to cytoskeletal remodeling. To achieve this, we developed a high-throughput approach to measure the dynamic mechanical properties of cells and allow for sub-cellular imaging within physiologically relevant 3D microtissues. We found that fibroblast, smooth muscle and skeletal muscle microtissues strain softened but did not fluidize, and upon loading cessation, they regained their initial mechanical properties. Furthermore, microtissue prestress decreased with the strain amplitude to maintain a constant mean tension. This adaptation under an auxotonic condition resulted in lengthening. A filamentous actin cytoskeleton was required, and responses were mirrored by changes to actin remodeling rates and visual evidence of stretch-induced actin depolymerization. Our new approach for assessing cell mechanics has linked behaviors seen in 2D cultures to a 3D matrix, and connected remodeling of the cytoskeleton to homeostatic mechanical regulation of tissues.
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Kanda P, Benavente-Babace A, Parent S, Connor M, Soucy N, Steeves A, Lu A, Cober ND, Courtman D, Variola F, Alarcon EI, Liang W, Stewart DJ, Godin M, Davis DR. Deterministic paracrine repair of injured myocardium using microfluidic-based cocooning of heart explant-derived cells. Biomaterials 2020; 247:120010. [PMID: 32259654 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
While encapsulation of cells within protective nanoporous gel cocoons increases cell retention and pro-survival integrin signaling, the influence of cocoon size and intra-capsular cell-cell interactions on therapeutic repair are unknown. Here, we employ a microfluidic platform to dissect the impact of cocoon size and intracapsular cell number on the regenerative potential of transplanted heart explant-derived cells. Deterministic increases in cocoon size boosted the proportion of multicellular aggregates within cocoons, reduced vascular clearance of transplanted cells and enhanced stimulation of endogenous repair. The latter being attributable to cell-cell stimulation of cytokine and extracellular vesicle production while also broadening of the miRNA cargo within extracellular vesicles. Thus, by tuning cocoon size and cell occupancy, the paracrine signature and retention of transplanted cells can be enhanced to promote paracrine stimulation of endogenous tissue repair.
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Beamish E, Tabard-Cossa V, Godin M. Programmable DNA Nanoswitch Sensing with Solid-State Nanopores. ACS Sens 2019; 4:2458-2464. [PMID: 31449750 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.9b01053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Sensing performance of solid-state nanopores is limited by the fast kinetics of small molecular targets. To address this challenge, we translate the presence of a small target to a large conformational change of a long polymer. In this work, we explore the performance of solid-state nanopores for sensing the conformational states of molecular nanoswitches assembled using the principles of DNA origami. These programmable single-molecule switches show great potential in molecular diagnostics and long-term information storage. We investigate the translocation properties of linear and looped nanoswitch topologies using nanopores fabricated in thin membranes, ultimately comparing the performance of our nanopore platform for detecting the presence of a DNA analogue to a sequence found in a Zika virus biomarker gene with that of conventional gel electrophoresis. We found that our system provides a high-throughput method for quantifying several target concentrations within an order of magnitude by sensing only several hundred molecules using electronics of moderate bandwidth that are conventionally used in nanopore sensing systems.
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Landolff Q, Veugeois A, Godin M, Boussaada MM, Dibie A, Caussin C, Amabile N. [Hot issues in bifurcation lesions PCI in 2019]. Ann Cardiol Angeiol (Paris) 2019; 68:325-332. [PMID: 31542202 DOI: 10.1016/j.ancard.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Coronary bifurcations are involved in 15-20% of all percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and remain one of the most challenging lesions in interventional cardiology in terms of procedural success rate as well as long-term cardiac events. The optimal management of bifurcation lesions is still debated but involves careful assessment, planning and a sequential provisional approach. The preferential strategy for PCI of bifurcation lesions remains to use main vessel (MV) stenting with a proximal optimisation technique (POT) and provisional side branch (SB) stenting as a preferred approach. Final kissing balloon inflation is not recommended in all cases. In the minority of lesions where two stents are required, careful deployment and optimal expansion are essential to achieve a long-term result. Intracoronary imaging techniques (IVUS, OCT) and FFR are useful endovascular tools to achieve optimal results.
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Kanda P, Benavente-Babace A, Godin M, Davis DR. Abstract 404: Deterministic Paracrine Repair of Injured Myocardium using Microfluidic Cocooning of Heart Explant-Derived Cells. Circ Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1161/res.125.suppl_1.404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous work has shown that cocooning heart explant-derived cells (EDCs) within protective nanoporous gel capsules before intra-myocardial injection increases the retention of transplanted cells and the paracrine production of nanoparticles to improve post infarct cardiac function. In this study, we investigated the influence of cocoon size and intracapsular cell number on cell-treatment outcomes using a newly developed microfluidic-based (MF) cellular cocooning platform.
Methods/Results:
Traditional vortex-based encapsulation (Vx) inherently provides cocoons of varying diameters (30-100 μm; 68±5 μm). By altering the flow pressure ratios and the nozzle diameters within the MF chip, we encapsulated human EDCs within small (51±1 μm, MF50) and large (90±1 μm, MF90) diameter nanoporous gel cocoons for comparison with standard Vx-defined capsules (71±1 μm, MF70). MF cocooning mirrored the expected Poisson distribution with smaller cocoons having a greater proportion of single cells while larger diameter cocoons contained greater proportions of multicellular aggregates. Immunodeficient mice underwent left coronary artery ligation 1 week before randomization to echocardiographic guided intra-myocardial injection of EDCs (suspended or variable diameter cocoons) or vehicle. Increasing cocoon diameter stimulated progressive salutary effects on post-infarct function (ejection fraction), scar burden and newly generated peri-infarct blood vessels (isolectin B4+) and cardiomyocytes (BrdU+/TNT+) 4 weeks after treatment. Bioluminescent imaging of luciferase tagged cells revealed increasing cocoon diameter reduced the rate of cell clearance from injured tissues. Disrupting cell-cell contact within the capsules (using a custom antibody cocktail to block E/P-selectin and N-cadherin) reduced the amount and profile of pro-healing cytokines + nanoparticles delivered to injured myocardium.
Conclusions:
Increasing cocoon diameter and cell occupancy within protective nanoporous gel cocoons boosts paracrine-mediated repair of damaged myocardium by slowing clearance of cells from injured tissues and the number of cytokines + nanoparticles secreted by micro-encapsulated cells.
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Benavente-Babace A, Haase K, Stewart DJ, Godin M. Strategies for controlling egress of therapeutic cells from hydrogel microcapsules. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2019; 13:612-624. [PMID: 30771272 DOI: 10.1002/term.2818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial progenitor cells and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have shown great regenerative potential to repair damaged tissue; however, their injection in vivo results in low retention and poor cell survival. Early clinical research has focussed on cell encapsulation to improve viability and integration of delivered cells. However, this strategy has been limited by the inability to reproduce large volumes of standardized microcapsules and the lack of information on cell-specific egress and timed release from hydrogel microcapsules. Here, we address both of these limitations. First, we use a droplet microfluidic platform to generate monodisperse agarose microcapsules, and second we encapsulate and characterize egress of therapeutically relevant cells (human umbilical vein endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and hMSCs). With increased temporal resolution, we demonstrate distinct differences in egress between cell types. Importantly, therapeutic cells (hMSCs) egress quickly, in <6 hr following encapsulation. Further, we examined potential escape mechanisms and showed that proliferation can be exploited by cells for microcapsule translocation. We also systematically characterized the egress of fibroblasts (as model cells) following alterations to the microcapsules. Specifically, we show that microcapsule size and hydrogel density impact cell egress efficiency. Overall, our results demonstrate the need for characterization of cell-specific egress and tuning of the cocoon microenvironment prior to delivery, for timely release and successful engraftment.
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Faurie B, Lefevre T, Souteyrand G, Staat P, Godin M, Caussin C, Abdellaoui M, Mangin L, Van Belle E, Drogoul L, Dumonteil N, Monsegu J. Direct left ventricular rapid pacing via the valve delivery guide wire in TAVI: A randomized study (EASY TAVI). ARCHIVES OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES SUPPLEMENTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acvdsp.2018.10.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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15
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Chagnon-Lessard S, Godin M, Pelling AE. Time dependence of cellular responses to dynamic and complex strain fields. Integr Biol (Camb) 2019; 11:4-15. [PMID: 30778578 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyy002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Exposing cells to an unconventional sequence of physical cues can reveal subtleties of cellular sensing and response mechanisms. We investigated the mechanoresponse of cyclically stretched fibroblasts under a spatially non-uniform strain field which was subjected to repeated changes in stretching directions over 55 h. A polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic stretcher array optimized for complex staining procedures and imaging was developed to generate biologically relevant strain and strain gradient amplitudes. We demonstrated that cells can successfully reorient themselves repeatedly, as the main cyclical stretching direction is consecutively switched between two perpendicular directions every 11 h. Importantly, from one reorientation to the next, the extent to which cells reorient themselves perpendicularly to the local strain direction progressively decreases, while their tendency to align perpendicularly to the strain gradient direction increases. We demonstrate that these results are consistent with our finding that cellular responses to strains and strain gradients occur on two distinct time scales, the latter being slower. Overall, our results reveal the absence of major irreversible cellular changes that compromise the ability to sense and reorient to changing strain directions under the conditions of this experiment. On the other hand, we show how the history of strain field dynamics can influence the cellular realignment behavior, due to the interplay of complex time-dependent responses.
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Jing W, Camellato B, Roney IJ, Kaern M, Godin M. Measuring Single-Cell Phenotypic Growth Heterogeneity Using a Microfluidic Cell Volume Sensor. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17809. [PMID: 30546021 PMCID: PMC6293012 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36000-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An imaging-integrated microfluidic cell volume sensor was used to evaluate the volumetric growth rate of single cells from a Saccharomyces cerevisiae population exhibiting two phenotypic expression states of the PDR5 gene. This gene grants multidrug resistance by transcribing a membrane transporter capable of pumping out cytotoxic compounds from the cell. Utilizing fluorescent markers, single cells were isolated and trapped, then their growth rates were measured in two on-chip environments: rich media and media dosed with the antibiotic cycloheximide. Approximating growth rates to first-order, we assessed the fitness of individual cells and found that those with low PDR5 expression had higher fitness in rich media whereas cells with high PDR5 expression had higher fitness in the presence of the drug. Moreover, the drug dramatically reduced the fitness of cells with low PDR5 expression but had comparatively minimal impact on the fitness of cells with high PDR5 expression. Our experiments show the utility of this imaging-integrated microfluidic cell volume sensor for high-resolution, single-cell analysis, as well as its potential application for studies that characterize and compare the fitness and morphology of individual cells from heterogeneous populations under different growth conditions.
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Rémy P, Audard V, Natella PA, Pelle G, Dussol B, Leray-Moragues H, Vigneau C, Bouachi K, Dantal J, Vrigneaud L, Karras A, Pourcine F, Gatault P, Grimbert P, Ait Sahlia N, Moktefi A, Daugas E, Rigothier C, Bastuji-Garin S, Sahali D, Aldigier JC, Bataille P, Canaud B, Chauveau D, Combe C, Choukroun G, Cornec-Legall E, Dahan K, Delahousse M, Desvaux D, Deteix P, Durrbach A, Esnault V, Essig M, Fievet P, Frouget T, Guerrot D, Godin M, Gontiers-Picard A, Gosselin M, Hanrotel-Saliou C, Heng AE, Huart A, Humbert A, Kofman T, Hummel A, Lang P, Laville M, Lemeur Y, Malvezzi P, Matignon M, Mesbah R, Moulin B, Muller S, Olagne J, Pardon A, Provot F, Queffeulou G, Plaisier E, Raimbourg Q, Rieu P, Stehlé T, Vanhille P. An open-label randomized controlled trial of low-dose corticosteroid plus enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium versus standard corticosteroid treatment for minimal change nephrotic syndrome in adults (MSN Study). Kidney Int 2018; 94:1217-1226. [DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2018.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Prud'homme P, Fortin G, El-Kamouni H, Nguyen M, Lepage S, Côté A, Godin M, Farand P. HIGH SENSITIVITY TROPONIN AND BRAIN-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE FLUCTUATION DURING HEMODIALYSIS AND THEIR POTENTIAL CLINICAL APPLICATION ON CARDIOVASCULAR PROGNOSIS. Can J Cardiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2018.07.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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19
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Cober N, Chaudhary K, Deng Y, Lee C, Rowe K, Benavente A, Godin M, Courtman D, Stewart D. ENDOTHELIAL PROGENITOR CELLS ENCAPSULATED IN MATRIX-SUPPLEMENTED MICROGEL IMPROVES CELL RETENTION AND THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY IN PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION. Can J Cardiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2018.07.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Chagnon-Lessard S, Jean-Ruel H, Godin M, Pelling AE. Cellular orientation is guided by strain gradients. Integr Biol (Camb) 2018; 9:607-618. [PMID: 28534911 DOI: 10.1039/c7ib00019g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The strain-induced reorientation response of cyclically stretched cells has been well characterized in uniform strain fields. In the present study, we comprehensively analyse the behaviour of human fibroblasts subjected to a highly non-uniform strain field within a polymethylsiloxane microdevice. Our results indicate that the strain gradient amplitude and direction regulate cell reorientation through a coordinated gradient avoidance response. We provide critical evidence that strain gradient is a key physical cue that can guide cell organization. Specifically, our work suggests that cells are able to pinpoint the location under the cell of multiple physical cues and integrate this information (strain and strain gradient amplitudes and directions), resulting in a coordinated response. To gain insight into the underlying mechanosensing processes, we studied focal adhesion reorganization and the effect of modulating myosin-II contractility. The extracted focal adhesion orientation distributions are similar to those obtained for the cell bodies, and their density is increased by the presence of stretching forces. Moreover, it was found that the myosin-II activity promoter calyculin-A has little effect on the cellular response, while the inhibitor blebbistatin suppresses cell and focal adhesion alignment and reduces focal adhesion density. These results confirm that similar internal structures involved in sensing and responding to strain direction and amplitude are also key players in strain gradient mechanosensing and avoidance.
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Cober N, Chaudhary K, Deng Y, Lee C, Rowe K, Benavente A, Godin M, Courtman D, Stewart D. Single-cell matrix-supplemented hydrogel cocooning of endothelial progenitor cells improves retention and therapeutic efficacy in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Cytotherapy 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2018.02.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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22
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Beamish E, Tabard-Cossa V, Godin M. Identifying Structure in Short DNA Scaffolds Using Solid-State Nanopores. ACS Sens 2017; 2:1814-1820. [PMID: 29182276 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.7b00628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The identification of molecular tags along nucleic acid sequences has many potential applications in bionanotechnology, disease biomarker detection, and DNA sequencing. An attractive approach to this end is the use of solid-state nanopores, which can electrically detect molecular substructure and can be integrated into portable lab-on-a-chip sensors. We present here a DNA origami-based approach of molecular assembly in which solid-state nanopores are capable of differentiating 165 bp scaffolds containing zero, one, and two dsDNA protrusions. This highly scalable technique requires minimal sample preparation and is customizable for a wide range of targets and applications. As a proof-of-concept, an aptamer-based DNA displacement reaction is performed in which a dsDNA protrusion is formed along a 255 bp scaffold in the presence of ATP. While ATP is too small to be directly sensed using conventional nanopore methods, our approach allows us to detect ATP by identifying molecular substructure along the DNA scaffold.
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23
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Bertrand D, Cheddani L, Etienne I, François A, Hanoy M, Laurent C, Lebourg L, Le Roy F, Lelandais L, Loron MC, Godin M, Guerrot D. Belatacept Rescue Therapy in Kidney Transplant Recipients With Vascular Lesions: A Case Control Study. Am J Transplant 2017; 17:2937-2944. [PMID: 28707779 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients with decreased graft function and severe histological vascular changes can be particularly challenging. Belatacept could be a valuable option, as a rescue therapy in this context. We report a retrospective case control study comparing a CNI to belatacept switch in 17 patients with vascular damage and low eGFR to a control group of 18 matched patients with CNI continuation. Belatacept switch was performed on average 51.5 months after kidney transplantation (6.2-198 months). There was no difference between the two groups regarding eGFR at inclusion, and 3 months before inclusion. In the "CNI to belatacept switch group," mean eGFR increased significantly from 23.5 ± 6.7 mL/min/1.73m2 on day 0, to 30.4 ± 9.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 on month 6 (p < 0.001) compared to the control group, in which no improvement was observed. These results were still significant on month 12. Two patients experienced biopsy-proven acute rejection. One was effectively treated without belatacept discontinuation. Two patients needed belatacept discontinuation for infection. In conclusion, the remplacement of CNI with belatacept in patients with decreased allograft function and vascular lesions is associated with an improvement in eGFR.
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24
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Guerrot D, Godin M. Cibles de pression artérielle en néphrologie en 2017. Nephrol Ther 2017; 13 Suppl 1:S69-S74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nephro.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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25
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Tahvildari R, Beamish E, Briggs K, Chagnon-Lessard S, Sohi AN, Han S, Watts B, Tabard-Cossa V, Godin M. Manipulating Electrical and Fluidic Access in Integrated Nanopore-Microfluidic Arrays Using Microvalves. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2017; 13:1602601. [PMID: 28026148 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201602601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
On-chip microvalves regulate electrical and fluidic access to an array of nanopores integrated within microfluidic networks. This configuration allows for on-chip sequestration of biomolecular samples in various flow channels and analysis by independent nanopores.
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