1
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Fang G, Ho BX, Xu H, Gong C, Qiao Z, Liao Y, Zhu S, Lu H, Nie N, Zhou T, Kim M, Huang C, Soh BS, Chen YC. Compressible Hollow Microlasers in Organoids for High-Throughput and Real-Time Mechanical Screening. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 39214618 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c08886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical stress within organoids is a pivotal indicator in disease modeling and pharmacokinetics, yet current tools lack the ability to rapidly and dynamically screen these mechanics. Here, we introduce biocompatible and compressible hollow microlasers that realize all-optical assessment of cellular stress within organoids. The laser spectroscopy yields identification of cellular deformation at the nanometer scale, corresponding to tens of pascals stress sensitivity. The compressibility enables the investigation of the isotropic component, which is the fundamental mechanics of multicellular models. By integrating with a microwell array, we demonstrate the high-throughput screening of mechanical cues in tumoroids, establishing a platform for mechano-responsive drug screening. Furthermore, we showcase the monitoring and mapping of dynamic contractile stress within human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiac organoids, revealing the internal mechanical inhomogeneity within a single organoid. This method eliminates time-consuming scanning and sample damage, providing insights into organoid mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guocheng Fang
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Beatrice Xuan Ho
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Republic of Singapore
| | - Hongmei Xu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Chaoyang Gong
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Zhen Qiao
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Yikai Liao
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Song Zhu
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Hongxu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1295 Dingxi Road, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Ningyuan Nie
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Tian Zhou
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Munho Kim
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Changjin Huang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Boon Seng Soh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Yu-Cheng Chen
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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2
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Thomas-Chemin O, Séverac C, Moumen A, Martinez-Rivas A, Vieu C, Le Lann MV, Trevisiol E, Dague E. Automated Bio-AFM Generation of Large Mechanome Data Set and Their Analysis by Machine Learning to Classify Cancerous Cell Lines. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:44504-44517. [PMID: 39162348 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c09218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Mechanobiological measurements have the potential to discriminate healthy cells from pathological cells. However, a technology frequently used to measure these properties, i.e., atomic force microscopy (AFM), suffers from its low output and lack of standardization. In this work, we have optimized AFM mechanical measurement on cell populations and developed a technology combining cell patterning and AFM automation that has the potential to record data on hundreds of cells (956 cells measured for publication). On each cell, 16 force curves (FCs) and seven features/FC, constituting the mechanome, were calculated. All of the FCs were then classified using machine learning tools with a statistical approach based on a fuzzy logic algorithm, trained to discriminate between nonmalignant and cancerous cells (training base, up to 120 cells/cell line). The proof of concept was first made on prostate nonmalignant (RWPE-1) and cancerous cell lines (PC3-GFP), then on nonmalignant (Hs 895.Sk) and cancerous (Hs 895.T) skin fibroblast cell lines, and demonstrated the ability of our method to classify correctly 73% of the cells (194 cells in the database/cell line) despite the very high degree of similarity of the whole set of measurements (79-100% similarity).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Childérick Séverac
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31031 Toulouse, France
- RESTORE Research Center, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, EFS, ENVT, Université P. Sabatier, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | | | | | - Christophe Vieu
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31031 Toulouse, France
| | | | - Emmanuelle Trevisiol
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31031 Toulouse, France
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Etienne Dague
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31031 Toulouse, France
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3
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Soliman BG, Chin IL, Li Y, Ishii M, Ho MH, Doan VK, Cox TR, Wang PY, Lindberg GCJ, Zhang YS, Woodfield TBF, Choi YS, Lim KS. Droplet-based microfluidics for engineering shape-controlled hydrogels with stiffness gradient. Biofabrication 2024; 16:045026. [PMID: 39121873 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad6d8e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Current biofabrication strategies are limited in their ability to replicate native shape-to-function relationships, that are dependent on adequate biomimicry of macroscale shape as well as size and microscale spatial heterogeneity, within cell-laden hydrogels. In this study, a novel diffusion-based microfluidics platform is presented that meets these needs in a two-step process. In the first step, a hydrogel-precursor solution is dispersed into a continuous oil phase within the microfluidics tubing. By adjusting the dispersed and oil phase flow rates, the physical architecture of hydrogel-precursor phases can be adjusted to generate spherical and plug-like structures, as well as continuous meter-long hydrogel-precursor phases (up to 1.75 m). The second step involves the controlled introduction a small molecule-containing aqueous phase through a T-shaped tube connector to enable controlled small molecule diffusion across the interface of the aqueous phase and hydrogel-precursor. Application of this system is demonstrated by diffusing co-initiator sodium persulfate (SPS) into hydrogel-precursor solutions, where the controlled SPS diffusion into the hydrogel-precursor and subsequent photo-polymerization allows for the formation of unique radial stiffness patterns across the shape- and size-controlled hydrogels, as well as allowing the formation of hollow hydrogels with controllable internal architectures. Mesenchymal stromal cells are successfully encapsulated within hollow hydrogels and hydrogels containing radial stiffness gradient and found to respond to the heterogeneity in stiffness through the yes-associated protein mechano-regulator. Finally, breast cancer cells are found to phenotypically switch in response to stiffness gradients, causing a shift in their ability to aggregate, which may have implications for metastasis. The diffusion-based microfluidics thus finds application mimicking native shape-to-function relationship in the context of tissue engineering and provides a platform to further study the roles of micro- and macroscale architectural features that exist within native tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram G Soliman
- Light Activated Biomaterials (LAB) Group, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
- Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReaTE) Group, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
- School of Material Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Ian L Chin
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Yiwei Li
- School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Melissa Ishii
- Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReaTE) Group, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Minh Hieu Ho
- School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Vinh Khanh Doan
- School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Thomas R Cox
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peng Yuan Wang
- Oujiang Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 32500, People's Republic of China
| | - Gabriella C J Lindberg
- Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReaTE) Group, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States of America
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
| | - Tim B F Woodfield
- Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReaTE) Group, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Khoon S Lim
- Light Activated Biomaterials (LAB) Group, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
- Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReaTE) Group, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
- School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
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4
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Eliahoo P, Setayesh H, Hoffman T, Wu Y, Li S, Treweek JB. Viscoelasticity in 3D Cell Culture and Regenerative Medicine: Measurement Techniques and Biological Relevance. ACS MATERIALS AU 2024; 4:354-384. [PMID: 39006396 PMCID: PMC11240420 DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialsau.3c00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The field of mechanobiology is gaining prominence due to recent findings that show cells sense and respond to the mechanical properties of their environment through a process called mechanotransduction. The mechanical properties of cells, cell organelles, and the extracellular matrix are understood to be viscoelastic. Various technologies have been researched and developed for measuring the viscoelasticity of biological materials, which may provide insight into both the cellular mechanisms and the biological functions of mechanotransduction. Here, we explain the concept of viscoelasticity and introduce the major techniques that have been used to measure the viscoelasticity of various soft materials in different length- and timescale frames. The topology of the material undergoing testing, the geometry of the probe, the magnitude of the exerted stress, and the resulting deformation should be carefully considered to choose a proper technique for each application. Lastly, we discuss several applications of viscoelasticity in 3D cell culture and tissue models for regenerative medicine, including organoids, organ-on-a-chip systems, engineered tissue constructs, and tunable viscoelastic hydrogels for 3D bioprinting and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Eliahoo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
| | - Hesam Setayesh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
| | - Tyler Hoffman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Song Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Jennifer B Treweek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
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5
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Bi Y, Jin J, Wang R, Liu Y, Zhu L, Wang J. Mechanical models and measurement methods of solid stress in tumors. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:363. [PMID: 38842572 PMCID: PMC11156757 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13211-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
In addition to genetic mutations, biomechanical factors also affect the structures and functions of the tumors during tumor growth, including solid stress, interstitial fluid pressure, stiffness, and microarchitecture. Solid stress affects tumors by compressing cancer and stromal cells and deforming blood and lymphatic vessels which reduce supply of oxygen, nutrients and drug delivery, making resistant to treatment. Researchers simulate the stress by creating mechanical models both in vitro and in vivo. Cell models in vitro are divided into two dimensions (2D) and three dimensions (3D). 2D models are simple to operate but exert pressure on apical surface of the cells. 3D models, the multicellular tumor spheres, are more consistent with the actual pathological state in human body. However, the models are more difficult to establish compared with the 2D models. Besides, the procedure of the animal models in vivo is even more complex and tougher to operate. Then, researchers challenged to quantify the solid stress through some measurement methods. We compared the advantages and limitations of these models and methods, which may help to explore new therapeutic targets for normalizing the tumor's physical microenvironment. KEY POINTS: •This is the first review to conclude the mechanical models and measurement methods in tumors. •The merit and demerit of these models and methods are compared. •Insights into further models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingwei Bi
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Zhongshan Road 222, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Jiacheng Jin
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Zhongshan Road 222, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Zhongshan Road 222, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Zhongshan Road 222, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Liang Zhu
- Dalian University of Technology, Linggong Road 2, Dalian, 116081, China.
- Dalian Medical University, Lvshun South Road 9, Dalian, 116041, China.
| | - Jianbo Wang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Zhongshan Road 222, Dalian, 116011, China.
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6
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Vettori L, Tran HA, Mahmodi H, Filipe EC, Wyllie K, Liu Chung Ming C, Cox TR, Tipper J, Kabakova IV, Rnjak-Kovacina J, Gentile C. Silk fibroin increases the elasticity of alginate-gelatin hydrogels and regulates cardiac cell contractile function in cardiac bioinks. Biofabrication 2024; 16:035025. [PMID: 38776895 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad4f1b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural protein extracted fromBombyx morisilkworm thread. From its common use in the textile industry, it emerged as a biomaterial with promising biochemical and mechanical properties for applications in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this study, we evaluate for the first time the effects of SF on cardiac bioink formulations containing cardiac spheroids (CSs). First, we evaluate if the SF addition plays a role in the structural and elastic properties of hydrogels containing alginate (Alg) and gelatin (Gel). Then, we test the printability and durability of bioprinted SF-containing hydrogels. Finally, we evaluate whether the addition of SF controls cell viability and function of CSs in Alg-Gel hydrogels. Our findings show that the addition of 1% (w/v) SF to Alg-Gel hydrogels makes them more elastic without affecting cell viability. However, fractional shortening (FS%) of CSs in SF-Alg-Gel hydrogels increases without affecting their contraction frequency, suggesting an improvement in contractile function in the 3D cultures. Altogether, our findings support a promising pathway to bioengineer bioinks containing SF for cardiac applications, with the ability to control mechanical and cellular features in cardiac bioinks.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Vettori
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
- The Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia
| | - H A Tran
- University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - H Mahmodi
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - E C Filipe
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - K Wyllie
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - C Liu Chung Ming
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
- The Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia
| | - T R Cox
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - J Tipper
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - I V Kabakova
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | | | - C Gentile
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- The Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia
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7
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Tang M, Qu Y, He P, Yao E, Guo T, Yu D, Zhang N, Kiratitanaporn W, Sun Y, Liu L, Wang Y, Chen S. Heat-inducible CAR-T overcomes adverse mechanical tumor microenvironment in a 3D bioprinted glioblastoma model. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101077. [PMID: 38765247 PMCID: PMC11099333 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) presents a significant therapeutic challenge due to the limited efficacy of existing treatments. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy offers promise, but its potential in solid tumors like GBM is undermined by the physical barrier posed by the extracellular matrix (ECM). To address the inadequacies of traditional 2D cell culture, animal models, and Matrigel-based 3D culture in mimicking the mechanical characteristics of tumor tissues, we employed biomaterials and digital light processing-based 3D bioprinting to fabricate biomimetic tumor models with finely tunable ECM stiffness independent of ECM composition. Our results demonstrated that increased material stiffness markedly impeded CAR-T cell penetration and tumor cell cytotoxicity in GBM models. The 3D bioprinted models enabled us to examine the influence of ECM stiffness on CAR-T cell therapy effectiveness, providing a clinically pertinent evaluation tool for CAR-T cell development in stiff solid tumors. Furthermore, we developed an innovative heat-inducible CAR-T cell therapy, effectively overcoming the challenges posed by the stiff tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Tang
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Yunjia Qu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Peixiang He
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Emmie Yao
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Tianze Guo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Di Yu
- Department of Human Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nancy Zhang
- Department of Human Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Wisarut Kiratitanaporn
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Yazhi Sun
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Longwei Liu
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Yingxiao Wang
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Shaochen Chen
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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8
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Sutanto R, Neahring L, Serra Marques A, Jacobo Jacobo M, Kilinc S, Goga A, Dumont S. The oncogene cyclin D1 promotes bipolar spindle integrity under compressive force. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296779. [PMID: 38478555 PMCID: PMC10936824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The mitotic spindle is the bipolar, microtubule-based structure that segregates chromosomes at each cell division. Aberrant spindles are frequently observed in cancer cells, but how oncogenic transformation affects spindle mechanics and function, particularly in the mechanical context of solid tumors, remains poorly understood. Here, we constitutively overexpress the oncogene cyclin D1 in human MCF10A cells to probe its effects on spindle architecture and response to compressive force. We find that cyclin D1 overexpression increases the incidence of spindles with extra poles, centrioles, and chromosomes. However, it also protects spindle poles from fracturing under compressive force, a deleterious outcome linked to multipolar cell divisions. Our findings suggest that cyclin D1 overexpression may adapt cells to increased compressive stress, possibly contributing to its prevalence in cancers such as breast cancer by allowing continued proliferation in mechanically challenging environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renaldo Sutanto
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Lila Neahring
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Andrea Serra Marques
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Mauricio Jacobo Jacobo
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Seda Kilinc
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Andrei Goga
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Sophie Dumont
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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9
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Cambria E, Coughlin MF, Floryan MA, Offeddu GS, Shelton SE, Kamm RD. Linking cell mechanical memory and cancer metastasis. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:216-228. [PMID: 38238471 PMCID: PMC11146605 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00656-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis causes most cancer-related deaths; however, the efficacy of anti-metastatic drugs is limited by incomplete understanding of the biological mechanisms that drive metastasis. Focusing on the mechanics of metastasis, we propose that the ability of tumour cells to survive the metastatic process is enhanced by mechanical stresses in the primary tumour microenvironment that select for well-adapted cells. In this Perspective, we suggest that biophysical adaptations favourable for metastasis are retained via mechanical memory, such that the extent of memory is influenced by both the magnitude and duration of the mechanical stress. Among the mechanical cues present in the primary tumour microenvironment, we focus on high matrix stiffness to illustrate how it alters tumour cell proliferation, survival, secretion of molecular factors, force generation, deformability, migration and invasion. We particularly centre our discussion on potential mechanisms of mechanical memory formation and retention via mechanotransduction and persistent epigenetic changes. Indeed, we propose that the biophysical adaptations that are induced by this process are retained throughout the metastatic process to improve tumour cell extravasation, survival and colonization in the distant organ. Deciphering mechanical memory mechanisms will be key to discovering a new class of anti-metastatic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cambria
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Mark F Coughlin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marie A Floryan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Giovanni S Offeddu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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10
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Soeiro JF, Sousa FL, Monteiro MV, Gaspar VM, Silva NJO, Mano JF. Advances in screening hyperthermic nanomedicines in 3D tumor models. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2024; 9:334-364. [PMID: 38204336 PMCID: PMC10896258 DOI: 10.1039/d3nh00305a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Hyperthermic nanomedicines are particularly relevant for tackling human cancer, providing a valuable alternative to conventional therapeutics. The early-stage preclinical performance evaluation of such anti-cancer treatments is conventionally performed in flat 2D cell cultures that do not mimic the volumetric heat transfer occurring in human tumors. Recently, improvements in bioengineered 3D in vitro models have unlocked the opportunity to recapitulate major tumor microenvironment hallmarks and generate highly informative readouts that can contribute to accelerating the discovery and validation of efficient hyperthermic treatments. Leveraging on this, herein we aim to showcase the potential of engineered physiomimetic 3D tumor models for evaluating the preclinical efficacy of hyperthermic nanomedicines, featuring the main advantages and design considerations under diverse testing scenarios. The most recent applications of 3D tumor models for screening photo- and/or magnetic nanomedicines will be discussed, either as standalone systems or in combinatorial approaches with other anti-cancer therapeutics. We envision that breakthroughs toward developing multi-functional 3D platforms for hyperthermia onset and follow-up will contribute to a more expedited discovery of top-performing hyperthermic therapies in a preclinical setting before their in vivo screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana F Soeiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Filipa L Sousa
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Maria V Monteiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Vítor M Gaspar
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Nuno J O Silva
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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11
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Shu J, Deng H, Zhang Y, Wu F, He J. Cancer cell response to extrinsic and intrinsic mechanical cue: opportunities for tumor apoptosis strategies. Regen Biomater 2024; 11:rbae016. [PMID: 38476678 PMCID: PMC10932484 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing studies have revealed the importance of mechanical cues in tumor progression, invasiveness and drug resistance. During malignant transformation, changes manifest in either the mechanical properties of the tissue or the cellular ability to sense and respond to mechanical signals. The major focus of the review is the subtle correlation between mechanical cues and apoptosis in tumor cells from a mechanobiology perspective. To begin, we focus on the intracellular force, examining the mechanical properties of the cell interior, and outlining the role that the cytoskeleton and intracellular organelle-mediated intracellular forces play in tumor cell apoptosis. This article also elucidates the mechanisms by which extracellular forces guide tumor cell mechanosensing, ultimately triggering the activation of the mechanotransduction pathway and impacting tumor cell apoptosis. Finally, a comprehensive examination of the present status of the design and development of anti-cancer materials targeting mechanotransduction is presented, emphasizing the underlying design principles. Furthermore, the article underscores the need to address several unresolved inquiries to enhance our comprehension of cancer therapeutics that target mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Shu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Huan Deng
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, PR China
| | - Fang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Jing He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
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12
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Chong LH, Yip AK, Farm HJ, Mahmoud LN, Zeng Y, Chiam KH. The role of cell-matrix adhesion and cell migration in breast tumor growth and progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1339251. [PMID: 38374894 PMCID: PMC10875056 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1339251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
During breast cancer progression, there is typically increased collagen deposition resulting in elevated extracellular matrix rigidity. This results in changes to cell-matrix adhesion and cell migration, impacting processes such as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. We aim to investigate the roles of cell-matrix adhesion and cell migration on breast tumor growth and progression by studying the impacts of different types of extracellular matrices and their rigidities. We embedded MCF7 spheroids within three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrices and agarose matrices. MCF7 cells adhere to collagen but not agarose. Contrasting the results between these two matrices allows us to infer the role of cell-matrix adhesion. We found that MCF7 spheroids exhibited the fastest growth rate when embedded in a collagen matrix with a rigidity of 5.1 kPa (0.5 mg/mL collagen), whereas, for the agarose matrix, the rigidity for the fastest growth rate is 15 kPa (1.0% agarose) instead. This discrepancy is attributable to the presence of cell adhesion molecules in the collagen matrix, which initiates collagen matrix remodeling and facilitates cell migration from the tumor through the EMT. As breast tumors do not adhere to agarose matrices, it is suitable to simulate the cell-cell interactions during the early stage of breast tumor growth. We conducted further analysis to characterize the stresses exerted by the expanding spheroid on the agarose matrix. We identified two distinct MCF7 cell populations, namely, those that are non-dividing and those that are dividing, which exerted low and high expansion stresses on the agarose matrix, respectively. We confirmed this using Western blot which showed the upregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, a proliferation marker, in spheroids grown in the 1.0% agarose (≈13 kPa). By treating the embedded MCF7 spheroids with an inhibitor or activator of myosin contractility, we showed that the optimum spheroids' growth can be increased or decreased, respectively. This finding suggests that tumor growth in the early stage, where cell-cell interaction is more prominent, is determined by actomyosin tension, which alters cell rounding pressure during cell division. However, when breast tumors begin generating collagen into the surrounding matrix, collagen remodeling triggers EMT to promote cell migration and invasion, ultimately leading to metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lor Huai Chong
- Bioinformatics Institute, ASTAR, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ai Kia Yip
- Bioinformatics Institute, ASTAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui Jia Farm
- Bioinformatics Institute, ASTAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lamees N. Mahmoud
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Helwan University, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yukai Zeng
- Bioinformatics Institute, ASTAR, Singapore, Singapore
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13
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Brill-Karniely Y, Tischenko K, Benny O. Analyzing force measurements of multi-cellular clusters comprising indeterminate geometries. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2024; 23:145-155. [PMID: 37770729 PMCID: PMC10902013 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01764-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Multi-cellular biomimetic models often comprise heterogenic geometries. Therefore, quantification of their mechanical properties-which is crucial for various biomedical applications-is a challenge. Due to its simplicity, linear fitting is traditionally used in analyzing force-displacement data of parallel compression measurements of multi-cellular clusters, such as tumor spheroids. However, the linear assumption would be artificial when the contact geometry is not planar. We propose here the integrated elasticity (IE) regression, which is based on extrapolation of established elastic theories for well-defined geometries, and is free, extremely simple to apply, and optimal for analyzing coarsely concave multi-cellular clusters. We studied here the quality of the data analysis in force measurements of tumor spheroids comprising different types of melanoma cells, using either the IE or the traditional linear regressions. The IE regression maintained excellent precision also when the contact geometry deviated from planarity (as shown by our image analysis). While the quality of the linear fittings was relatively satisfying, these predicted smaller elastic moduli as compared to the IE regression. This was in accordance with previous studies, in which the elastic moduli predicted by linear fits were smaller compared to those obtained by well-established methods. This suggests that linear regressions underestimate the elastic constants of bio-samples even in cases where the fitting precision seems satisfying, and highlights the need in alternative methods as the IE scheme. For comparison between different types of spheroids we further recommend to increase the soundness by regarding relative moduli, using universal reference samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifat Brill-Karniely
- Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9112001, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Institute of Animal Science, ARO, The Volcani Center, 50250, Bet-Dagan, Israel.
| | - Katerina Tischenko
- Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9112001, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofra Benny
- Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9112001, Jerusalem, Israel.
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14
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Rasti Boroojeni F, Naeimipour S, Lifwergren P, Abrahamsson A, Dabrosin C, Selegård R, Aili D. Proteolytic remodeling of 3D bioprinted tumor microenvironments. Biofabrication 2024; 16:025002. [PMID: 38128125 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad17d1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In native tissue, remodeling of the pericellular space is essential for cellular activities and is mediated by tightly regulated proteases. Protease activity is dysregulated in many diseases, including many forms of cancer. Increased proteolytic activity is directly linked to tumor invasion into stroma, metastasis, and angiogenesis as well as all other hallmarks of cancer. Here we show a strategy for 3D bioprinting of breast cancer models using well-defined protease degradable hydrogels that can facilitate exploration of the multifaceted roles of proteolytic extracellular matrix remodeling in tumor progression. We designed a set of bicyclo[6.1.0]nonyne functionalized hyaluronan (HA)-based bioinks cross-linked by azide-modified poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) or matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) degradable azide-functionalized peptides. Bioprinted structures combining PEG and peptide-based hydrogels were proteolytically degraded with spatial selectivity, leaving non-degradable features intact. Bioprinting of tumor-mimicking microenvironments using bioinks comprising human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and fibroblast in hydrogels with different susceptibilities to proteolytic degradation shows that MCF-7 proliferation and spheroid size were significantly increased in protease degradable hydrogel compartments, but only in the presence of fibroblasts. In the absence of fibroblasts in the stromal compartment, cancer cell proliferation was reduced and did not differ between degradable and nondegradable hydrogels. The interactions between spatially separated fibroblasts and MCF-7 cells consequently resulted in protease-mediated remodeling of the bioprinted structures and a significant increase in cancer cell spheroid size, highlighting the close interplay between cancer cells and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment and the influence of proteases in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Rasti Boroojeni
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sajjad Naeimipour
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Philip Lifwergren
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Annelie Abrahamsson
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Dabrosin
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robert Selegård
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Daniel Aili
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
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15
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Jahin I, Phillips T, Marcotti S, Gorey MA, Cox S, Parsons M. Extracellular matrix stiffness activates mechanosensitive signals but limits breast cancer cell spheroid proliferation and invasion. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1292775. [PMID: 38125873 PMCID: PMC10731024 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1292775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is characterized by physical changes that occur in the tumor microenvironment throughout growth and metastasis of tumors. Extracellular matrix stiffness increases as tumors develop and spread, with stiffer environments thought to correlate with poorer disease prognosis. Changes in extracellular stiffness and other physical characteristics are sensed by integrins which integrate these extracellular cues to intracellular signaling, resulting in modulation of proliferation and invasion. However, the co-ordination of mechano-sensitive signaling with functional changes to groups of tumor cells within 3-dimensional environments remains poorly understood. Here we provide evidence that increasing the stiffness of collagen scaffolds results in increased activation of ERK1/2 and YAP in human breast cancer cell spheroids. We also show that ERK1/2 acts upstream of YAP activation in this context. We further demonstrate that YAP, matrix metalloproteinases and actomyosin contractility are required for collagen remodeling, proliferation and invasion in lower stiffness scaffolds. However, the increased activation of these proteins in higher stiffness 3-dimensional collagen gels is correlated with reduced proliferation and reduced invasion of cancer cell spheroids. Our data collectively provide evidence that higher stiffness 3-dimensional environments induce mechano-signaling but contrary to evidence from 2-dimensional studies, this is not sufficient to promote pro-tumorigenic effects in breast cancer cell spheroids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maddy Parsons
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Du EY, Jung M, Skhinas J, Tolentino MAK, Noy J, Jamshidi N, Houng JL, Tjandra KC, Engel M, Utama R, Tilley RD, Kavallaris M, Gooding JJ. 3D Bioprintable Hydrogel with Tunable Stiffness for Exploring Cells Encapsulated in Matrices of Differing Stiffnesses. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:4603-4612. [PMID: 37844275 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
In vitro cell models have undergone a shift from 2D models on glass slides to 3D models that better reflect the native 3D microenvironment. 3D bioprinting promises to progress the field by allowing the high-throughput production of reproducible cell-laden structures with high fidelity. The current stiffness range of printable matrices surrounding the cells that mimic the extracellular matrix environment remains limited. The work presented herein aims to expand the range of stiffnesses by utilizing a four-armed polyethylene glycol with maleimide-functionalized arms. The complementary cross-linkers comprised a matrix metalloprotease-degradable peptide and a four-armed thiolated polymer which were adjusted in ratio to tune the stiffness. The modularity of this system allows for a simple method of controlling stiffness and the addition of biological motifs. The application of this system in drop-on-demand printing is validated using MCF-7 cells, which were monitored for viability and proliferation. This study shows the potential of this system for the high-throughput investigation of the effects of stiffness and biological motif compositions in relation to cell behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Y Du
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia
| | - MoonSun Jung
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Joanna Skhinas
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - M A Kristine Tolentino
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia
| | - Janina Noy
- Inventia Life Science Pty Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales 2015, Australia
| | - Niloufar Jamshidi
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia
| | - Jacinta L Houng
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia
| | - Kristel C Tjandra
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia
| | - Martin Engel
- Inventia Life Science Pty Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales 2015, Australia
| | - Robert Utama
- Inventia Life Science Pty Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales 2015, Australia
| | - Richard D Tilley
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Electron Microscope Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - J Justin Gooding
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia
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17
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Hikage F, Watanabe M, Sato T, Umetsu A, Tsugeno Y, Furuhashi M, Ohguro H. Simultaneous Effects of a Selective EP2 Agonist, Omidenepag, and a Rho-Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase Inhibitor, Ripasudil, on Human Orbital Fibroblasts. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2023; 39:439-448. [PMID: 37352418 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2023.0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the combined effects of omidenepag (OMD), a selective EP2 agonist, and ripasudil (Rip), an inhibitor of rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinases, on the human orbital adipose tissue, two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) cultures of human orbital fibroblasts (HOFs) were employed. Methods: Cellular metabolic functions (2D), physical (3D), lipid staining (3D), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for adipogenesis-related genes, PPARγ and AP2, and extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, including collagen (COL)1, 4, and 6, and fibronectin (FN) (3D) were evaluated in the presence of OMD (100 nM) and/or Rip (10 μM). Results: Real-time metabolic analyses revealed that the adipogenic differentiation (DIF+) with OMD significantly shifted an energetic state toward energetic, whereas DIF+ with Rip significantly shifted that toward quiescent. In the case of both drugs upon DIF+, the metabolic effect of OMD was predominant. DIF+ induced enlargement and stiffed 3D spheroid with increased lipid staining and mRNA expression of adipogenesis-related genes, COL4 and COL6, and decreased the expression of COL1. In the presence of OMD and/or Rip to DIF+, (1) the sizes were further increased by Rip and the stiffness was significantly decreased by OMD or Rip and (2) COL4 or AP2 expression was substantially increased by OMD or Rip, respectively. Conclusion: The results presented herein indicate that the metabolic effects of OMD and Rip exerted opposing effects and the effects of OMD toward Ap2 and ECM expressions were distinct from those of Rip, but the effects of OMD toward the physical aspects and adipogenesis of the 3D cultured HOFs were similar to the effects of Rip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihito Hikage
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Megumi Watanabe
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sato
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, and School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Cellular Physiology and Signal Transduction, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Araya Umetsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuri Tsugeno
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masato Furuhashi
- Department of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, and School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohguro
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
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18
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Metkari AS, Fowler EW, Witt RL, Jia X. Matrix Degradability Contributes to the Development of Salivary Gland Progenitor Cells with Secretory Functions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:32148-32161. [PMID: 37364369 PMCID: PMC10529452 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic matrices that are cytocompatible, cell adhesive, and cell responsive are needed for the engineering of implantable, secretory salivary gland constructs to treat radiation induced xerostomia or dry mouth. Here, taking advantage of the bioorthogonality of the Michael-type addition reaction, hydrogels with comparable stiffness but varying degrees of degradability (100% degradable, 100DEG; 50% degradable, 50DEG; and nondegradable, 0DEG) by cell-secreted matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) were synthesized using thiolated HA (HA-SH), maleimide (MI)-conjugated integrin-binding peptide (RGD-MI), and MI-functionalized peptide cross-linkers that are protease degradable (GIW-bisMI) or nondegradable (GIQ-bisMI). Organized multicellular structures developed readily in all hydrogels from dispersed primary human salivary gland stem cells (hS/PCs). As the matrix became progressively degradable, cells proliferated more readily, and the multicellular structures became larger, less spherical, and more lobular. Immunocytochemical analysis showed positive staining for stem/progenitor cell markers CD44 and keratin 5 (K5) in all three types of cultures and positive staining for the acinar marker α-amylase under 50DEG and 100DEG conditions. Quantitatively at the mRNA level, the expression levels of key stem/progenitor markers KIT, KRT5, and ETV4/5 were significantly increased in the degradable gels as compared to the nondegradable counterparts. Western blot analyses revealed that imparting matrix degradation led to >3.8-fold increase in KIT expression by day 15. The MMP-degradable hydrogels also promoted the development of a secretary phenotype, as evidenced by the upregulation of acinar markers α-amylase (AMY), aquaporin-5 (AQP5), and sodium-potassium chloride cotransporter 1 (SLC12A2). Collectively, we show that cell-mediated matrix remodeling is necessary for the development of regenerative pro-acinar progenitor cells from hS/PCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apoorva S. Metkari
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Eric W. Fowler
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Robert L. Witt
- Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Xinqiao Jia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, Delaware, USA
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19
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Aung A, Davey SK, Theprungsirikul J, Kumar V, Varghese S. Deciphering the Mechanics of Cancer Spheroid Growth in 3D Environments through Microfluidics Driven Mechanical Actuation. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2201842. [PMID: 36377350 PMCID: PMC10183055 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Uncontrolled growth of tumor cells is a key contributor to cancer-associated mortalities. Tumor growth is a biomechanical process whereby the cancer cells displace the surrounding matrix that provides mechanical resistance to the growing cells. The process of tumor growth and remodeling is regulated by material properties of both the cancer cells and their surrounding matrix, yet the mechanical interdependency between the two entities is not well understood. Herein, this work develops a microfluidic platform that precisely positions tumor spheroids within a hydrogel and mechanically probes the growing spheroids and surrounding matrix simultaneously. By using hydrostatic pressure to deform the spheroid-laden hydrogel along with confocal imaging and finite element (FE) analysis, this work deduces the material properties of the spheroid and the matrix in situ. For spheroids embedded within soft hydrogels, decreases in the Young's modulus of the matrix are detected at discrete locations accompanied by localized tumor growth. Contrastingly, spheroids within stiff hydrogels do not significantly decrease the Young's modulus of the surrounding matrix, despite exhibiting growth. Spheroids in stiff matrices leverage their high bulk modulus to grow and display a uniform volumetric expansion. Collectively, a quantitative platform is established and new insights into tumor growth within a stiff 3D environment are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aereas Aung
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shruti K. Davey
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Vardhman Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Shyni Varghese
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC
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20
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Sutanto R, Neahring L, Marques AS, Kilinc S, Goga A, Dumont S. The oncogene cyclin D1 promotes bipolar spindle integrity under compressive force. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.30.542893. [PMID: 37398487 PMCID: PMC10312523 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.30.542893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The mitotic spindle is the bipolar, microtubule-based structure that segregates chromosomes at each cell division. Aberrant spindles are frequently observed in cancer cells, but how oncogenic transformation affects spindle mechanics and function, particularly in the mechanical context of solid tumors, remains poorly understood. Here, we constitutively overexpress the oncogene cyclin D1 in human MCF10A cells to probe its effects on spindle architecture and response to compressive force. We find that cyclin D1 overexpression increases the incidence of spindles with extra poles, centrioles, and chromosomes. However, it also protects spindle poles from fracturing under compressive force, a deleterious outcome linked to multipolar cell divisions. Our findings suggest that cyclin D1 overexpression may adapt cells to increased compressive stress, contributing to its prevalence in cancers such as breast cancer by allowing continued proliferation in mechanically challenging environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renaldo Sutanto
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Lila Neahring
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Andrea Serra Marques
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Seda Kilinc
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Andrei Goga
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Sophie Dumont
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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21
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Privar Y, Boroda A, Pestov A, Kazantsev D, Malyshev D, Skatova A, Bratskaya S. Chitosan Cryogels Cross-Linked with 1,1,3-Triglycidyloxypropane: Mechanical Properties and Cytotoxicity for Cancer Cell 3D Cultures. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:228. [PMID: 37366823 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we have presented a new method of 1,1,3-triglycidyloxypropane (TGP) synthesis and investigated how cross-linker branching affects mechanical properties and cytotoxicity of chitosan scaffolds in comparison with those cross-linked using diglycidyl ethers of 1,4-butandiol (BDDGE) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEGDGE). We have demonstrated that TGP is an efficient cross-linker for chitosan at a subzero temperature at TGP:chitosan molar ratios from 1:1 to 1:20. Although the elasticity of chitosan scaffolds increased in the following order of the cross-linkers PEGDGE > TGP > BDDGE, TGP provided cryogels with the highest compressive strength. Chitosan-TGP cryogels have shown low cytotoxicity for colorectal cancer HCT 116 cell line and supported the formation of 3D multicellular structures of the spherical shape and size up to 200 µm, while in more brittle chitosan-BDDGE cryogel this cell culture formed epithelia-like sheets. Hence, the selection of the cross-linker type and concentration for chitosan scaffold fabrication can be used to mimic the solid tumor microenvironment of certain human tissue, control matrix-driven changes in the morphology of cancer cell aggregates, and facilitate long-term experiments with 3D tumor cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Privar
- Institute of Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Prospekt 100-Letiya Vladivostoka, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Andrey Boroda
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 17, Palchevskogo Street, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Alexandr Pestov
- Postovsky Institute of Organic Synthesis, Urals Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 22, S. Kovalevskoy Street, 620990 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Daniil Kazantsev
- Postovsky Institute of Organic Synthesis, Urals Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 22, S. Kovalevskoy Street, 620990 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Daniil Malyshev
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 17, Palchevskogo Street, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Anna Skatova
- Institute of Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Prospekt 100-Letiya Vladivostoka, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Svetlana Bratskaya
- Institute of Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Prospekt 100-Letiya Vladivostoka, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
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22
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Zhang J, Nikolic M, Tanner K, Scarcelli G. Rapid biomechanical imaging at low irradiation level via dual line-scanning Brillouin microscopy. Nat Methods 2023; 20:677-681. [PMID: 36894684 PMCID: PMC10363327 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01816-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Brillouin microscopy is a technique for mechanical characterization of biological material without contact at high three-dimensional resolution. Here, we introduce dual line-scanning Brillouin microscopy (dLSBM), which improves acquisition speed and reduces irradiation dose by more than one order of magnitude with selective illumination and single-shot analysis of hundreds of points along the incident beam axis. Using tumor spheroids, we demonstrate the ability to capture the sample response to rapid mechanical perturbations as well as the spatially resolved evolution of the mechanical properties in growing spheroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitao Zhang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Milos Nikolic
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Maryland Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kandice Tanner
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Giuliano Scarcelli
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Maryland Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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23
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Hohmann T, Hohmann U, Dehghani F. MACC1-induced migration in tumors: Current state and perspective. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1165676. [PMID: 37051546 PMCID: PMC10084939 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1165676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors are still a global, heavy health burden. Many tumor types cannot be treated curatively, underlining the need for new treatment targets. In recent years, metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) was identified as a promising biomarker and drug target, as it is promoting tumor migration, initiation, proliferation, and others in a multitude of solid cancers. Here, we will summarize the current knowledge about MACC1-induced tumor cell migration with a special focus on the cytoskeletal and adhesive systems. In addition, a brief overview of several in vitro models used for the analysis of cell migration is given. In this context, we will point to issues with the currently most prevalent models used to study MACC1-dependent migration. Lastly, open questions about MACC1-dependent effects on tumor cell migration will be addressed.
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24
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Wang Y, Liu M, Zhang Y, Liu H, Han L. Recent methods of droplet microfluidics and their applications in spheroids and organoids. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1080-1096. [PMID: 36628972 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00493c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidic techniques have long been known as a high-throughput approach for cell manipulation. The capacity to compartmentalize cells into picolitre droplets in microfluidic devices has opened up a range of new ways to extract information from cells. Spheroids and organoids are crucial in vitro three-dimensional cell culture models that physiologically mimic natural tissues and organs. With the aid of developments in cell biology and materials science, droplet microfluidics has been applied to construct spheroids and organoids in numerous formats. In this article, we divide droplet microfluidic approaches for managing spheroids and organoids into three categories based on the droplet module format: liquid droplet, microparticle, and microcapsule. We discuss current advances in the use of droplet microfluidics for the generation of tumour spheroids, stem cell spheroids, and organoids, as well as the downstream applications of these methods in high-throughput screening and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihe Wang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 P. R. China.
| | - Mengqi Liu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 P. R. China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 P. R. China.
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 P. R. China.
| | - Lin Han
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 P. R. China.
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Biomarker and Artificial Intelligence Application, Jinan, 250100 P. R. China
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25
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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] [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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26
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Bessot A, Gunter J, Waugh D, Clements JA, Hutmacher DW, McGovern J, Bock N. GelMA and Biomimetic Culture Allow the Engineering of Mineralized, Adipose, and Tumor Tissue Human Microenvironments for the Study of Advanced Prostate Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2201701. [PMID: 36708740 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence shows bone marrow (BM)-adipocytes as a potentially important contributor in prostate cancer (PCa) bone metastases. However, a lack of relevant models has prevented the full understanding of the effects of human BM-adipocytes in this microenvironment. It is hypothesized that the combination of tunable gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA)-based hydrogels with the biomimetic culture of human cells would offer a versatile 3D platform to engineer human bone tumor microenvironments containing BM-adipocytes. Human osteoprogenitors, adipocytes, and PCa cells are individually cultured in vitro in GelMA hydrogels, leading to mineralized, adipose, and PCa tumor 3D microtissues, respectively. Osteoblast mineralization and tumor spheroid formation are tailored by hydrogel stiffness with lower stiffnesses correlating with increased mineralization and tumor spheroid size. Upon coculture with tumor cells, BM-adipocytes undergo morphological changes and delipidation, suggesting reciprocal interactions between the cell types. When brought in vivo, the mineralized and adipose microtissues successfully form a humanized fatty bone microenvironment, presenting, for the first time, with human adipocytes. Using this model, an increase in tumor burden is observed when human adipocytes are present, suggesting that adipocytes support early bone tumor growth. The advanced platform presented here combines natural aspects of the microenvironment with tunable properties useful for bone tumor research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Bessot
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, and Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q), QUT, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Centre for Biomedical Technologies, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.,Max Planck Queensland Centre, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Jennifer Gunter
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, and Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q), QUT, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - David Waugh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, and Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Judith A Clements
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, and Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q), QUT, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Dietmar W Hutmacher
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Engineering Faculty, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.,Max Planck Queensland Centre, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Jacqui McGovern
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, and Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Centre for Biomedical Technologies, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.,Max Planck Queensland Centre, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Nathalie Bock
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, and Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q), QUT, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Centre for Biomedical Technologies, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.,Max Planck Queensland Centre, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
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27
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Nguyen DHT, Utama RH, Tjandra KC, Suwannakot P, Du EY, Kavallaris M, Tilley RD, Gooding JJ. Tuning the Mechanical Properties of Multiarm RAFT-Based Block Copolyelectrolyte Hydrogels via Ionic Cross-Linking for 3D Cell Cultures. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:57-68. [PMID: 36514252 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels that serve as native extracellular matrix (ECM) mimics are typically naturally derived hydrogels that are physically cross-linked via ionic interactions. This means rapid gelation of synthetic polymers, which give control over the chemical and physical cues in hydrogel formation. Herein, we combine the best of both systems by developing a synthetic hydrogel with ionic cross-linking of block copolyelectrolytes to rapidly create hydrogels. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization was used to synthesize oppositely charged polyelectrolyte molecules and, in turn, modulate the mechanical property of stiffness. The mechanical stiffness of a range of 900-3500 Pa was tuned by varying the number of charged ionic groups, the length of the polymer arms, and the polymer concentration. We demonstrate the synthetic polyelectrolyte hydrogel as an ECM mimic for three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cell models using MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duyen H T Nguyen
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia
| | - Robert H Utama
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia
| | - Kristel C Tjandra
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia
| | - Panthipa Suwannakot
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia
| | - Eric Y Du
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia.,Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia
| | - Richard D Tilley
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia.,Electron Microscopy Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, The University of New South Wales, SydneyNSW2052, Australia
| | - J Justin Gooding
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia
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28
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Mao BH, Nguyen Thi KM, Tang MJ, Kamm RD, Tu TY. The interface stiffness and topographic feature dictate interfacial invasiveness of cancer spheroids. Biofabrication 2023; 15. [PMID: 36594698 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acaa00] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During cancer metastasis, tumor cells likely navigate, in a collective manner, discrete tissue spaces comprising inherently heterogeneous extracellular matrix microstructures where interfaces may be frequently encountered. Studies have shown that cell migration modes can be determined by adaptation to mechanical/topographic cues from interfacial microenvironments. However, less attention has been paid to exploring the impact of interfacial mechnochemical attributes on invasive and metastatic behaviors of tumor aggregates. Here, we excogitated a collagen matrix-solid substrate interface platform to investigate the afore-stated interesting issue. Our data revealed that stiffer interfaces stimulated spheroid outgrowth by motivating detachment of single cells and boosting their motility and velocity. However, stronger interfacial adhesive strength between matrix and substrate led to the opposite outcomes. Besides, this interfacial parameter also affected the morphological switch between migration modes of the detached cells and their directionality. Mechanistically, myosin II-mediated cell contraction, compared to matrix metalloproteinases-driven collagen degradation, was shown to play a more crucial role in the invasive outgrowth of tumor spheroids in interfacial microenvironments. Thus, our findings highlight the importance of heterogeneous interfaces in addressing and combating cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Hsu Mao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Kim Mai Nguyen Thi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jer Tang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan.,International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
| | - Ting-Yuan Tu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan.,International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan.,Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
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29
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Elosegui-Artola A, Gupta A, Najibi AJ, Seo BR, Garry R, Tringides CM, de Lázaro I, Darnell M, Gu W, Zhou Q, Weitz DA, Mahadevan L, Mooney DJ. Matrix viscoelasticity controls spatiotemporal tissue organization. NATURE MATERIALS 2023; 22:117-127. [PMID: 36456871 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-022-01400-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular and physical cues of the extracellular matrix environment regulate collective cell dynamics and tissue patterning. Nonetheless, how the viscoelastic properties of the matrix regulate collective cell spatial and temporal organization is not fully understood. Here we show that the passive viscoelastic properties of the matrix encapsulating a spheroidal tissue of breast epithelial cells guide tissue proliferation in space and in time. Matrix viscoelasticity prompts symmetry breaking of the spheroid, leading to the formation of invading finger-like protrusions, YAP nuclear translocation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition both in vitro and in vivo in a Arp2/3-complex-dependent manner. Computational modelling of these observations allows us to establish a phase diagram relating morphological stability with matrix viscoelasticity, tissue viscosity, cell motility and cell division rate, which is experimentally validated by biochemical assays and in vitro experiments with an intestinal organoid. Altogether, this work highlights the role of stress relaxation mechanisms in tissue growth dynamics, a fundamental process in morphogenesis and oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Elosegui-Artola
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Cell and Tissue Mechanobiology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Physics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anupam Gupta
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Alexander J Najibi
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bo Ri Seo
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ryan Garry
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christina M Tringides
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard Program in Biophysics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Irene de Lázaro
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Max Darnell
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Wei Gu
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - David A Weitz
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - L Mahadevan
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - David J Mooney
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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30
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Biswas A, Ng BH, Prabhakaran VS, Chan CJ. Squeezing the eggs to grow: The mechanobiology of mammalian folliculogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1038107. [PMID: 36531957 PMCID: PMC9756970 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1038107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of functional eggs (oocyte) in ovarian follicles is arguably one of the most important events in early mammalian development since the oocytes provide the bulk genetic and cytoplasmic materials for successful reproduction. While past studies have identified many genes that are critical to normal ovarian development and function, recent studies have highlighted the role of mechanical force in shaping folliculogenesis. In this review, we discuss the underlying mechanobiological principles and the force-generating cellular structures and extracellular matrix that control the various stages of follicle development. We also highlight emerging techniques that allow for the quantification of mechanical interactions and follicular dynamics during development, and propose new directions for future studies in the field. We hope this review will provide a timely and useful framework for future understanding of mechano-signalling pathways in reproductive biology and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arikta Biswas
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon Heng Ng
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Chii Jou Chan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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31
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Kast V, Nadernezhad A, Pette D, Gabrielyan A, Fusenig M, Honselmann KC, Stange DE, Werner C, Loessner D. A Tumor Microenvironment Model of Pancreatic Cancer to Elucidate Responses toward Immunotherapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2022:e2201907. [PMID: 36417691 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating malignancy with minimal treatment options. Standard-of-care therapy, including surgery and chemotherapy, is unsatisfactory, and therapies harnessing the immune system have been unsuccessful in clinical trials. Resistance to therapy and disease progression are mediated by the tumor microenvironment, which contains excessive amounts of extracellular matrix and stromal cells, acting as a barrier to drug delivery. There is a lack of preclinical pancreatic cancer models that reconstruct the extracellular, cellular, and biomechanical elements of tumor tissues to assess responses toward immunotherapy. To address this limitation and explore the effects of immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy, a multicellular 3D cancer model using a star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol)-heparin hydrogel matrix is developed. Human pancreatic cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and myeloid cells are grown encapsulated in hydrogels to mimic key components of tumor tissues, and cell responses toward treatment are assessed. Combining the CD11b agonist ADH-503 with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy and chemotherapy leads to a significant reduction in tumor cell viability, proliferation, metabolic activity, immunomodulation, and secretion of immunosuppressive and tumor growth-promoting cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Kast
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V, Max Bergmann Centre of Biomaterials, Hohe Straße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ali Nadernezhad
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V, Max Bergmann Centre of Biomaterials, Hohe Straße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dagmar Pette
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V, Max Bergmann Centre of Biomaterials, Hohe Straße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anastasiia Gabrielyan
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V, Max Bergmann Centre of Biomaterials, Hohe Straße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maximilian Fusenig
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V, Max Bergmann Centre of Biomaterials, Hohe Straße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kim C Honselmann
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Daniel E Stange
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty, Technical University Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Carsten Werner
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V, Max Bergmann Centre of Biomaterials, Hohe Straße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technical University Dresden, Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V, Max Bergmann Centre of Biomaterials, Hohe Straße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
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32
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Zhu H, Roode LW, Parry AJ, Erkamp NA, Rodriguez-Garcia M, Narita M, Shen Y, Ou Y, Toprakcioglu Z, Narita M, Knowles TP. Core–Shell Spheroid‐Laden Microgels Crosslinked under Biocompatible Conditions for Probing Cancer‐Stromal Communication. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202200138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjia Zhu
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Lianne W.Y. Roode
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Aled J. Parry
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute University of Cambridge Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way Cambridge CB2 0RE UK
| | - Nadia A. Erkamp
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Marc Rodriguez-Garcia
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Masako Narita
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute University of Cambridge Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way Cambridge CB2 0RE UK
| | - Yi Shen
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Yangteng Ou
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Zenon Toprakcioglu
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Masashi Narita
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute University of Cambridge Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way Cambridge CB2 0RE UK
- Tokyo Tech World Research Hub Initiative (WRHI) Institute of Innovative Research Tokyo Institute of Technology Yokohama, Tokyo 152-8550 Japan
| | - Tuomas P.J. Knowles
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
- Department of Physics University of Cambridge JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0HE UK
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33
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Lekka M. Applicability of atomic force microscopy to determine cancer-related changes in cells. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2022; 380:20210346. [PMID: 35909354 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2021.0346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The determination of mechanical properties of living cells as an indicator of cancer progression has become possible with the development of local measurement techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM). Its most important advantage is a nanoscopic character, implying that very local alterations can be quantified. The results gathered from AFM measurements of various cancers show that, for most cancers, individual cells are characterized by the lower apparent Young's modulus, denoting higher cell deformability. The measured value depends on various factors, like the properties of substrates used for cell growth, force loading rate or indentation depth. Despite this, the results proved the AFM capability to recognize mechanically altered cells. This can significantly impact the development of methodological approaches toward the precise identification of pathological cells. This article is part of the theme issue 'Nanocracks in nature and industry'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Lekka
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland
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34
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Sorteberg AL, Halipi V, Wickström M, Shirazi Fard S. The cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p21Cip1/Waf1 is a therapeutic target in high-risk neuroblastoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:906194. [PMID: 36147919 PMCID: PMC9486206 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.906194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Platinum-based chemotherapies such as cisplatin are used as first-line treatment for the paediatric tumour neuroblastoma. Although the majority of neuroblastoma tumours respond to therapy, there is a high fraction of high-risk neuroblastoma patients that eventually relapse with increased resistance. Here, we show that one key determinant of cisplatin sensitivity is phosphorylation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21Cip1/Waf1. A panel of eight neuroblastoma cell lines and a TH-MYCN mouse model were investigated for the expression of p21Cip1/Waf1 using RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. This was followed by investigation of sensitivity towards cisplatin and the p21Cip1/Waf1 inhibitor UC2288. Whereas the cell lines and the mouse model showed low levels of un-phosphorylated p21Cip1/Waf1, the phosphorylated p21Cip1/Waf1 (Thr145) was highly expressed, which in the cell lines correlated to cisplatin resistance. Furthermore, the neuroblastoma cell lines showed high sensitivity to UC2288, and combination treatment with cisplatin resulted in considerably decreased cell viability and delay in regrowth in the two most resistant cell lines, SK-N-DZ and BE(2)-C. Thus, targeting p21Cip1/Waf1 can offer new treatment strategies and subsequently lead to the design of more efficient combination treatments for high-risk neuroblastoma.
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35
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Friedland F, Babu S, Springer R, Konrad J, Herfs Y, Gerlach S, Gehlen J, Krause HJ, De Laporte L, Merkel R, Noetzel E. ECM-transmitted shear stress induces apoptotic cell extrusion in early breast gland development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:947430. [PMID: 36105352 PMCID: PMC9465044 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.947430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cells of human breast glands are exposed to various mechanical ECM stresses that regulate tissue development and homeostasis. Mechanoadaptation of breast gland tissue to ECM-transmitted shear stress remained poorly investigated due to the lack of valid experimental approaches. Therefore, we created a magnetic shear strain device that enabled, for the first time, to analyze the instant shear strain response of human breast gland cells. MCF10A-derived breast acini with basement membranes (BM) of defined maturation state and basoapical polarization were used to resemble breast gland morphogenesis in vitro. The novel biophysical tool was used to apply cyclic shear strain with defined amplitudes (≤15%, 0.2 Hz) over 22 h on living spheroids embedded in an ultrasoft matrix (<60 Pa). We demonstrated that breast spheroids gain resistance to shear strain, which increased with BM maturation and basoapical polarization. Most intriguingly, poorly developed spheroids were prone to cyclic strain-induced extrusion of apoptotic cells from the spheroid body. In contrast, matured spheroids were insensitive to this mechanoresponse—indicating changing mechanosensing or mechanotransduction mechanisms during breast tissue morphogenesis. Together, we introduced a versatile tool to study cyclic shear stress responses of 3D cell culture models. It can be used to strain, in principle, all kinds of cell clusters, even those that grow only in ultrasoft hydrogels. We believe that this approach opens new doors to gain new insights into dynamic shear strain-induced mechanobiological regulation circuits between cells and their ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Friedland
- Institute of Biological Information Processing 2 (IBI-2): Mechanobiology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - S. Babu
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), Polymeric Biomaterials, RWTH University Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - R. Springer
- Institute of Biological Information Processing 2 (IBI-2): Mechanobiology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - J. Konrad
- Institute of Biological Information Processing 2 (IBI-2): Mechanobiology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Y. Herfs
- Institute of Biological Information Processing 2 (IBI-2): Mechanobiology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - S. Gerlach
- Institute of Biological Information Processing 2 (IBI-2): Mechanobiology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - J. Gehlen
- Institute of Biological Information Processing 2 (IBI-2): Mechanobiology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - H.-J. Krause
- Institute of Biological Information Processing 3 (IBI-3): Bioelectronics, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - L. De Laporte
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), Polymeric Biomaterials, RWTH University Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CMBS), Aachen, Germany
| | - R. Merkel
- Institute of Biological Information Processing 2 (IBI-2): Mechanobiology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - E. Noetzel
- Institute of Biological Information Processing 2 (IBI-2): Mechanobiology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- *Correspondence: E. Noetzel,
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36
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Taïeb HM, Bertinetti L, Robinson T, Cipitria A. FUCCItrack: An all-in-one software for single cell tracking and cell cycle analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268297. [PMID: 35793313 PMCID: PMC9258891 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Beyond the more conventional single-cell segmentation and tracking, single-cell cycle dynamics is gaining a growing interest in the field of cell biology. Thanks to sophisticated systems, such as the fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator (FUCCI), it is now possible to study cell proliferation, migration, changes in nuclear morphology and single cell cycle dynamics, quantitatively and in real time. In this work, we introduce FUCCItrack, an all-in-one, semi-automated software to segment, track and visualize FUCCI modified cell lines. A user-friendly complete graphical user interface is presented to record and quantitatively analyze both collective cell proliferation as well as single cell information, including migration and changes in nuclear or cell morphology as a function of cell cycle. To enable full control over the analysis, FUCCItrack also contains features for identification of errors and manual corrections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert M. Taïeb
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
- * E-mail: (AC); (HMT)
| | - Luca Bertinetti
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
- B CUBE Center for Molecular Bioengineering, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tom Robinson
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Amaia Cipitria
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Bioengineering in Regeneration and Cancer, San Sebastian, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- * E-mail: (AC); (HMT)
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37
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Hassani A, Avci ÇB, Kerdar SN, Amini H, Amini M, Ahmadi M, Sakai S, Bagca BG, Ozates NP, Rahbarghazi R, Khoshfetrat AB. Interaction of alginate with nano-hydroxyapatite-collagen using strontium provides suitable osteogenic platform. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:310. [PMID: 35765003 PMCID: PMC9238039 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01511-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hydrogels based on organic/inorganic composites have been at the center of attention for the fabrication of engineered bone constructs. The establishment of a straightforward 3D microenvironment is critical to maintaining cell-to-cell interaction and cellular function, leading to appropriate regeneration. Ionic cross-linkers, Ca2+, Ba2+, and Sr2+, were used for the fabrication of Alginate-Nanohydroxyapatite-Collagen (Alg-nHA-Col) microspheres, and osteogenic properties of human osteoblasts were examined in in vitro and in vivo conditions after 21 days. Results Physicochemical properties of hydrogels illustrated that microspheres cross-linked with Sr2+ had reduced swelling, enhanced stability, and mechanical strength, as compared to the other groups. Human MG-63 osteoblasts inside Sr2+ cross-linked microspheres exhibited enhanced viability and osteogenic capacity indicated by mineralization and the increase of relevant proteins related to bone formation. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) array analysis of the Wnt (Wingless-related integration site) signaling pathway revealed that Sr2+ cross-linked microspheres appropriately induced various signaling transduction pathways in human osteoblasts leading to osteogenic activity and dynamic growth. Transplantation of Sr2+ cross-linked microspheres with rat osteoblasts into cranium with critical size defect in the rat model accelerated bone formation analyzed with micro-CT and histological examination. Conclusion Sr2+ cross-linked Alg-nHA-Col hydrogel can promote functionality and dynamic growth of osteoblasts. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01511-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayla Hassani
- Chemical Engineering Faculty, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, 51335-1996, Iran.,Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Laboratory, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, 51335-1996, Iran
| | - Çığır Biray Avci
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sajed Nazif Kerdar
- Chemical Engineering Faculty, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, 51335-1996, Iran.,Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Laboratory, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, 51335-1996, Iran
| | - Hassan Amini
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Meisam Amini
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Ahmadi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shinji Sakai
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan
| | - Bakiye Goker Bagca
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Reza Rahbarghazi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Ali Baradar Khoshfetrat
- Chemical Engineering Faculty, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, 51335-1996, Iran. .,Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Laboratory, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, 51335-1996, Iran.
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38
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Nishi R, Oda Y, Morikura T, Miyata S. Effect of Compressive Stress in Tumor Microenvironment on Malignant Tumor Spheroid Invasion Process. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137091. [PMID: 35806095 PMCID: PMC9266885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we proposed an in vitro tumor model to simulate the mechanical microenvironment and investigate the effect of compressive stress on the invasion process of malignant tumors. It has been pointed out that the biomechanical environment, as well as the biochemical environment, could affect the transformation of cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. We hypothesized that the solid stress caused by the exclusion of surrounding tissue could transform tumor cells from noninvasive to invasive phenotypes. Colorectal cell spheroids were embedded and cultured in agarose gels of varying concentrations to simulate the earliest stages of tumor formation and invasion. The spheroids embedded in gels at higher concentrations showed peculiar growth after 72 h of culture, and the external compressive loading imposed on them caused peculiar growth even in the gels at lower concentrations. In conclusion, the mechanical microenvironment caused the transformation of tumor cell phenotypes, promoting the growth and invasion of tumor cell spheroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Nishi
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan; (R.N.); (T.M.)
| | - Yudai Oda
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan;
| | - Takashi Morikura
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan; (R.N.); (T.M.)
| | - Shogo Miyata
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan;
- Correspondence:
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39
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Jeong JE, Han SS, Shim HE, Kim W, Lee BS, Kim YJ, Kang SW. Hyaluronic microparticle-based biomimetic artificial neighbors of cells for three-dimensional cell culture. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 294:119770. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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40
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Tian H, Shi H, Yu J, Ge S, Ruan J. Biophysics Role and Biomimetic Culture Systems of ECM Stiffness in Cancer EMT. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2022; 6:2100094. [PMID: 35712024 PMCID: PMC9189138 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Oncological diseases have become the second leading cause of death from noncommunicable diseases worldwide and a major threat to human health. With the continuous progress in cancer research, the mechanical cues from the tumor microenvironment environment (TME) have been found to play an irreplaceable role in the progression of many cancers. As the main extracellular mechanical signal carrier, extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness may influence cancer progression through biomechanical transduction to modify downstream gene expression, promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and regulate the stemness of cancer cells. EMT is an important mechanism that induces cancer cell metastasis and is closely influenced by ECM stiffness, either independently or in conjunction with other molecules. In this review, the unique role of ECM stiffness in EMT in different kinds of cancers is first summarized. By continually examining the significance of ECM stiffness in cancer progression, a biomimetic culture system based on 3D manufacturing and novel material technologies is developed to mimic ECM stiffness. The authors then look back on the novel development of the ECM stiffness biomimetic culture systems and finally provide new insights into ECM stiffness in cancer progression which can broaden the fields' horizons with a view toward developing new cancer diagnosis methods and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tian
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Hanhan Shi
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jing Ruan
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
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41
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Ro J, Kim J, Cho YK. Recent advances in spheroid-based microfluidic models to mimic the tumour microenvironment. Analyst 2022; 147:2023-2034. [PMID: 35485712 DOI: 10.1039/d2an00172a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) multicellular spheroid models can recapitulate the human tumour microenvironment with more accuracy than conventional cell culture models, as they include complex architectural structures and dynamic cellular interactions. Among the diverse platforms for spheroid formation, microfluidic platforms have been extensively applied to study spheroids because they can mimic the in vivo microenvironment. This review provides an overview of the advantages of 3D spheroid cultures with a summary of the recent applications for tumour microenvironment-focused cellular interactions, as well as the studies on spheroids and external stimuli. These 3D tumour spheroid-based microfluidic devices will provide a platform for a better understanding of cellular and external interactions, as well as the discovery of cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooyoung Ro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Korea. .,Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan, Korea
| | - Junyoung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Korea.
| | - Yoon-Kyoung Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Korea. .,Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan, Korea
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42
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Shin DS, Schroeder ME, Anseth KS. Impact of Collagen Triple Helix Structure on Melanoma Cell Invadopodia Formation and Matrix Degradation upon BRAF Inhibitor Treatment. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101592. [PMID: 34783464 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A collagen-rich tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with worse outcomes in cancer patients and contributes to drug resistance in many cancer types. In melanoma, stiff and fibrillar collagen-abundant tissue is observed after failure of therapeutic treatments with BRAF inhibitors. Increased collagen in the TME can affect properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including stiffness, adhesiveness, and interaction of integrins with triple helix forming nanostructures. Decoupling these biochemical and biophysical properties of the ECM can lead to a better understanding of how each of these individual properties affect melanoma cancer behavior and drug efficacy. In addition, as drug treatment can induce cancer cell phenotypic switch, cancer cell responsiveness to the TME can be dynamically changed during therapeutic treatments. To investigate cancer cell phenotype changes and the role of the cancer TME, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels functionalized with collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) is utilized, or an interpenetrating network (IPN) of type І collagen within the PEG system to culture various melanoma cell lines in the presence or absence of Vemurafenib (PLX4032) drug treatment is prepared. Additionally, the potential of using CMP functionalized PEG hydrogels, which can provide better tunability is explored, to replace the existing invadopodia assay platform based on fluorescent gelatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Della S. Shin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
| | - Megan E. Schroeder
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
- BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
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43
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Hosseini K, Trus P, Frenzel A, Werner C, Fischer-Friedrich E. Skin epithelial cells change their mechanics and proliferation upon snail-mediated EMT signalling. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:2585-2596. [PMID: 35294513 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00159d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in the USA and Germany, and the fourth most common cancer worldwide. Snail-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was shown to initiate and promote skin cancer. Previous studies could show that EMT changes actin cortex regulation and cellular mechanics in epithelial cells of diverse tissue origin. However, in spite of its potentially high significance in the context of skin cancer, the effect of EMT on cellular mechanics, mitotic rounding and proliferation has not been studied in skin epithelial cells so far. In this work, we show that TGF-β-induced partial EMT results in a transformation of the mechanical phenotype of skin epithelial cells in a cell-cycle dependent manner. Concomitantly, we looked at EMT-induced changes of cell proliferation. While EMT decreases proliferation in 2D culture, we observed an EMT-induced boost of cellular proliferation when culturing cells as mechanically confined aggregates of skin epithelial cells. This proliferation boost was accompanied by enhanced mitotic rounding and composition changes of the actin cortex. We give evidence that observed EMT-induced changes depend on the EMT-upregulated transcription factor snail. Overall, our findings indicate that EMT-induced changes of cellular mechanics might play a currently unappreciated role in EMT-induced promotion of skin tumor proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamran Hosseini
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Palina Trus
- Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Annika Frenzel
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Carsten Werner
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center, Dresden, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Fischer-Friedrich
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Physics, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Qin Y, Yang W, Chu H, Li Y, Cai S, Yu H, Liu L. Atomic Force Microscopy for Tumor Research at Cell and Molecule Levels. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2022; 28:1-18. [PMID: 35257653 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927622000290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tumors have posed a serious threat to human life and health. Researchers can determine whether or not cells are cancerous, whether the cancer cells are invasive or metastatic, and what the effects of drugs are on cancer cells by the physical properties such as hardness, adhesion, and Young's modulus. The atomic force microscope (AFM) has emerged as a key important tool for biomechanics research on tumor cells due to its ability to image and collect force spectroscopy information of biological samples with nano-level spatial resolution and under near-physiological conditions. This article reviews the existing results of the study of cancer cells with AFM. The main foci are the operating principle of AFM and research advances in mechanical property measurement, ultra-microtopography, and molecular recognition of tumor cells, which allows us to outline what we do know it in a systematic way and to summarize and to discuss future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Qin
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai264005, China
| | - Wenguang Yang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai264005, China
| | - Honghui Chu
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai264005, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai264005, China
| | - Shuxiang Cai
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai264005, China
| | - Haibo Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang110016, China
| | - Lianqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang110016, China
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Cao H, Duan L, Zhang Y, Cao J, Zhang K. Current hydrogel advances in physicochemical and biological response-driven biomedical application diversity. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:426. [PMID: 34916490 PMCID: PMC8674418 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00830-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel is a type of versatile platform with various biomedical applications after rational structure and functional design that leverages on material engineering to modulate its physicochemical properties (e.g., stiffness, pore size, viscoelasticity, microarchitecture, degradability, ligand presentation, stimulus-responsive properties, etc.) and influence cell signaling cascades and fate. In the past few decades, a plethora of pioneering studies have been implemented to explore the cell-hydrogel matrix interactions and figure out the underlying mechanisms, paving the way to the lab-to-clinic translation of hydrogel-based therapies. In this review, we first introduced the physicochemical properties of hydrogels and their fabrication approaches concisely. Subsequently, the comprehensive description and deep discussion were elucidated, wherein the influences of different hydrogels properties on cell behaviors and cellular signaling events were highlighted. These behaviors or events included integrin clustering, focal adhesion (FA) complex accumulation and activation, cytoskeleton rearrangement, protein cyto-nuclei shuttling and activation (e.g., Yes-associated protein (YAP), catenin, etc.), cellular compartment reorganization, gene expression, and further cell biology modulation (e.g., spreading, migration, proliferation, lineage commitment, etc.). Based on them, current in vitro and in vivo hydrogel applications that mainly covered diseases models, various cell delivery protocols for tissue regeneration and disease therapy, smart drug carrier, bioimaging, biosensor, and conductive wearable/implantable biodevices, etc. were further summarized and discussed. More significantly, the clinical translation potential and trials of hydrogels were presented, accompanied with which the remaining challenges and future perspectives in this field were emphasized. Collectively, the comprehensive and deep insights in this review will shed light on the design principles of new biomedical hydrogels to understand and modulate cellular processes, which are available for providing significant indications for future hydrogel design and serving for a broad range of biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Cao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 610064, Chengdu, P. R. China
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Lixia Duan
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Cao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 610064, Chengdu, P. R. China.
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Hasselmann S, Hahn L, Lorson T, Schätzlein E, Sébastien I, Beudert M, Lühmann T, Neubauer JC, Sextl G, Luxenhofer R, Heinrich D. Freeform direct laser writing of versatile topological 3D scaffolds enabled by intrinsic support hydrogel. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2021; 8:3334-3344. [PMID: 34617095 DOI: 10.1039/d1mh00925g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a novel approach to create arbitrarily shaped 3D hydrogel objects is presented, wherein freeform two-photon polymerization (2PP) is enabled by the combination of a photosensitive hydrogel and an intrinsic support matrix. This way, topologies without physical contact such as a highly porous 3D network of concatenated rings were realized, which are impossible to manufacture with most current 3D printing technologies. Micro-Raman and nanoindentation measurements show the possibility to control water uptake and hence tailor the Young's modulus of the structures via the light dosage, proving the versatility of the concept regarding many scaffold characteristics that makes it well suited for cell specific cell culture as demonstrated by cultivation of human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Hasselmann
- Fraunhofer Project Center for Stem Cell Process Engineering Neunerplatz 2, Würzburg 97082, Germany
| | - Lukas Hahn
- Functional Polymer Materials, Chair for Advanced Materials Synthesis, Institute for Functional Materials and Biofabrication, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070, Germany
| | - Thomas Lorson
- Functional Polymer Materials, Chair for Advanced Materials Synthesis, Institute for Functional Materials and Biofabrication, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070, Germany
| | - Eva Schätzlein
- East Bavarian Technical University of Applied Sciences, Prüfeninger Str. 58, Regensburg 93049, Germany
| | - Isabelle Sébastien
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Fraunhofer Project Center for Stem Cell Process Engineering, Neunerplatz 2, Würzburg 97082, Germany
| | - Matthias Beudert
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, Würzburg 97074, Germany
| | - Tessa Lühmann
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, Würzburg 97074, Germany
| | - Julia C Neubauer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Fraunhofer Project Center for Stem Cell Process Engineering, Neunerplatz 2, Würzburg 97082, Germany
| | - Gerhard Sextl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Neunerplatz 2, Würzburg 97082, Germany.
| | - Robert Luxenhofer
- Functional Polymer Materials, Chair for Advanced Materials Synthesis, Institute for Functional Materials and Biofabrication, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070, Germany
- Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, Faculty of Science University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Doris Heinrich
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Neunerplatz 2, Würzburg 97082, Germany.
- Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques, Rosenhof, Heilbad Heiligenstadt 37308, Germany
- Faculty for Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Ilmenau University of Technology, Ilmenau, Germany
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Mendoza-Martinez AK, Loessner D, Mata A, Azevedo HS. Modeling the Tumor Microenvironment of Ovarian Cancer: The Application of Self-Assembling Biomaterials. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5745. [PMID: 34830897 PMCID: PMC8616551 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is one of the leading causes of gynecologic malignancies. Despite treatment with surgery and chemotherapy, OvCa disseminates and recurs frequently, reducing the survival rate for patients. There is an urgent need to develop more effective treatment options for women diagnosed with OvCa. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key driver of disease progression, metastasis and resistance to treatment. For this reason, 3D models have been designed to represent this specific niche and allow more realistic cell behaviors compared to conventional 2D approaches. In particular, self-assembling peptides represent a promising biomaterial platform to study tumor biology. They form nanofiber networks that resemble the architecture of the extracellular matrix and can be designed to display mechanical properties and biochemical motifs representative of the TME. In this review, we highlight the properties and benefits of emerging 3D platforms used to model the ovarian TME. We also outline the challenges associated with using these 3D systems and provide suggestions for future studies and developments. We conclude that our understanding of OvCa and advances in materials science will progress the engineering of novel 3D approaches, which will enable the development of more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Karen Mendoza-Martinez
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK;
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V., 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alvaro Mata
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Helena S. Azevedo
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK;
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
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Mahajan V, Beck T, Gregorczyk P, Ruland A, Alberti S, Guck J, Werner C, Schlüßler R, Taubenberger AV. Mapping Tumor Spheroid Mechanics in Dependence of 3D Microenvironment Stiffness and Degradability by Brillouin Microscopy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5549. [PMID: 34771711 PMCID: PMC8583550 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered biophysical properties of cancer cells and of their microenvironment contribute to cancer progression. While the relationship between microenvironmental stiffness and cancer cell mechanical properties and responses has been previously studied using two-dimensional (2D) systems, much less is known about it in a physiologically more relevant 3D context and in particular for multicellular systems. To investigate the influence of microenvironment stiffness on tumor spheroid mechanics, we first generated MCF-7 tumor spheroids within matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degradable 3D polyethylene glycol (PEG)-heparin hydrogels, where spheroids showed reduced growth in stiffer hydrogels. We then quantitatively mapped the mechanical properties of tumor spheroids in situ using Brillouin microscopy. Maps acquired for tumor spheroids grown within stiff hydrogels showed elevated Brillouin frequency shifts (hence increased longitudinal elastic moduli) with increasing hydrogel stiffness. Maps furthermore revealed spatial variations of the mechanical properties across the spheroids' cross-sections. When hydrogel degradability was blocked, comparable Brillouin frequency shifts of the MCF-7 spheroids were found in both compliant and stiff hydrogels, along with similar levels of growth-induced compressive stress. Under low compressive stress, single cells or free multicellular aggregates showed consistently lower Brillouin frequency shifts compared to spheroids growing within hydrogels. Thus, the spheroids' mechanical properties were modulated by matrix stiffness and degradability as well as multicellularity, and also to the associated level of compressive stress felt by tumor spheroids. Spheroids generated from a panel of invasive breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer cell lines within degradable stiff hydrogels, showed higher Brillouin frequency shifts and less cell invasion compared to those in compliant hydrogels. Taken together, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the interplay between cancer cells and microenvironment mechanics and degradability, which is relevant to better understand cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Mahajan
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Timon Beck
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudtstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Paulina Gregorczyk
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - André Ruland
- Max Bergmann Center, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (A.R.); (C.W.)
| | - Simon Alberti
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudtstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Carsten Werner
- Max Bergmann Center, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (A.R.); (C.W.)
| | - Raimund Schlüßler
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Anna Verena Taubenberger
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
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Vernerey FJ, Lalitha Sridhar S, Muralidharan A, Bryant SJ. Mechanics of 3D Cell-Hydrogel Interactions: Experiments, Models, and Mechanisms. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11085-11148. [PMID: 34473466 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels are highly water-swollen molecular networks that are ideal platforms to create tissue mimetics owing to their vast and tunable properties. As such, hydrogels are promising cell-delivery vehicles for applications in tissue engineering and have also emerged as an important base for ex vivo models to study healthy and pathophysiological events in a carefully controlled three-dimensional environment. Cells are readily encapsulated in hydrogels resulting in a plethora of biochemical and mechanical communication mechanisms, which recapitulates the natural cell and extracellular matrix interaction in tissues. These interactions are complex, with multiple events that are invariably coupled and spanning multiple length and time scales. To study and identify the underlying mechanisms involved, an integrated experimental and computational approach is ideally needed. This review discusses the state of our knowledge on cell-hydrogel interactions, with a focus on mechanics and transport, and in this context, highlights recent advancements in experiments, mathematical and computational modeling. The review begins with a background on the thermodynamics and physics fundamentals that govern hydrogel mechanics and transport. The review focuses on two main classes of hydrogels, described as semiflexible polymer networks that represent physically cross-linked fibrous hydrogels and flexible polymer networks representing the chemically cross-linked synthetic and natural hydrogels. In this review, we highlight five main cell-hydrogel interactions that involve key cellular functions related to communication, mechanosensing, migration, growth, and tissue deposition and elaboration. For each of these cellular functions, recent experiments and the most up to date modeling strategies are discussed and then followed by a summary of how to tune hydrogel properties to achieve a desired functional cellular outcome. We conclude with a summary linking these advancements and make the case for the need to integrate experiments and modeling to advance our fundamental understanding of cell-matrix interactions that will ultimately help identify new therapeutic approaches and enable successful tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck J Vernerey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0428, United States.,Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-613, United States
| | - Shankar Lalitha Sridhar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0428, United States
| | - Archish Muralidharan
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-613, United States
| | - Stephanie J Bryant
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-613, United States.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0596, United States.,BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado at Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0596, United States
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50
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Paradiso F, Serpelloni S, Francis LW, Taraballi F. Mechanical Studies of the Third Dimension in Cancer: From 2D to 3D Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10098. [PMID: 34576261 PMCID: PMC8472581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
From the development of self-aggregating, scaffold-free multicellular spheroids to the inclusion of scaffold systems, 3D models have progressively increased in complexity to better mimic native tissues. The inclusion of a third dimension in cancer models allows researchers to zoom out from a significant but limited cancer cell research approach to a wider investigation of the tumor microenvironment. This model can include multiple cell types and many elements from the extracellular matrix (ECM), which provides mechanical support for the tissue, mediates cell-microenvironment interactions, and plays a key role in cancer cell invasion. Both biochemical and biophysical signals from the extracellular space strongly influence cell fate, the epigenetic landscape, and gene expression. Specifically, a detailed mechanistic understanding of tumor cell-ECM interactions, especially during cancer invasion, is lacking. In this review, we focus on the latest achievements in the study of ECM biomechanics and mechanosensing in cancer on 3D scaffold-based and scaffold-free models, focusing on each platform's level of complexity, up-to-date mechanical tests performed, limitations, and potential for further improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paradiso
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (F.P.); (S.S.)
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6445 Main St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK;
| | - Stefano Serpelloni
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (F.P.); (S.S.)
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6445 Main St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lewis W. Francis
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK;
| | - Francesca Taraballi
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (F.P.); (S.S.)
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6445 Main St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
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