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Houchen CW, Li M. Glutaminase 2-Mediated Yes Associated Protein 1 Glutamylation Facilitates Immune Evasion in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Gastroenterology 2025; 168:1055-1057. [PMID: 40057131 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2025.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2025] [Accepted: 02/17/2025] [Indexed: 03/28/2025]
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney W Houchen
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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2
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Li Z, Liu J, Ju J, Peng X, Zhao W, Ren J, Jia X, Wang J, Tu Y, Gao F. Contributions of synaptic energetic dysfunction by microtubule dynamics and microtubule-based mitochondrial transport disorder to morphine tolerance. Br J Pharmacol 2025. [PMID: 40361281 DOI: 10.1111/bph.70048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2025] [Accepted: 03/16/2025] [Indexed: 05/15/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Morphine is among the most powerful analgesic, but its long-term use can cause tolerance. Synaptic ATP supply is critical for maintaining synaptic transmission. Microtubule-based mitochondrial transport ensures synaptic energy supply. How synaptic energy changes with morphine and the role of microtubule tracks in synaptic mitochondrial energy supply remain elusive. Chronic morphine treatment can destroy microtubule cytoskeletons. We investigated the effect of the microtubule cytoskeleton on synaptic mitochondrial energy supply and the mechanism of microtubule dynamics after morphine exposure. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Rats were treated with long-term morphine and the effect on thermal pain thresholds was evaluated by the tail-flick latency test. Various antagonists and agonists were used elucidated the role and mechanism of synaptic mitochondrial energy supply and microtubules in morphine tolerance in vivo and in SH-SY5Y cells. KEY RESULTS Chronic morphine treatment reduced synaptic mitochondrial ATP production. Improving mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) alleviated the downregulation of synaptic ATP levels. Microtubule-stabilizing agents prevented microtubule disruption and ameliorated synaptic energy deficit via microtubule-based microtubule transport. In SH-SY5Y cells, morphine exposure reduced microtubule expression. And re-opening the synaptic Ca2+ channel by agonist alleviated microtubule decrease by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 2 (CAMKK2)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrates that the microtubule cytoskeleton regulated by the Ca2+-CAMKK2-AMPK axis is critical for synaptic mitochondrial transport and ATP production, explaining an interplay between chronic morphine-induced abnormal neuroadaptation and synaptic energetic dysfunction. These findings implicated a potential clinical strategy for prolonging the opioid antinociceptive effect during long-term pain control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Ju
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoling Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihao Ren
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoqian Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Tu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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3
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Abdellatef SA, Wang H, Nakanishi J. Microtubules Disruption Alters the Cellular Structures and Mechanics Depending on Underlying Chemical Cues. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2025; 21:e2312282. [PMID: 39344221 PMCID: PMC11962689 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202312282] [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] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix determines cell morphology and stiffness by manipulating the cytoskeleton. The impacts of extracellular matrix cues, including the mechanical and topographical cues on microtubules and their role in biological behaviors, are previously studied. However, there is a lack of understanding about how microtubules (MTs) are affected by environmental chemical cues, such as extracellular matrix density. Specifically, it is crucial to understand the connection between cellular morphology and mechanics induced by chemical cues and the role of microtubules in these cellular responses. To address this, surfaces with high and low cRGD (cyclic Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic acid) peptide ligand densities are used. The cRGD is diluted with a bioinert ligand to prevent surface native cellular remodeling. The cellular morphology, actin, and microtubules differ on these surfaces. Confocal fluorescence microscopes and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to determine the structural and mechanical cellular responses with and without microtubules. Microtubules are vital as an intracellular scaffold in elongated morphology correlated with low cRGD compared to rounded morphology in high cRGD substrates. The contributions of MTs to nucleus morphology and cellular mechanics are based on the underlying cRGD densities. Finally, this study reveals a significant correlation between MTs, actin networks, and vimentin in response to the underlying densities of cRGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa A. Abdellatef
- Research Center for Macromolecules and BiomaterialsNational Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)1‐1 NamikiTsukuba305‐0044Japan
| | - Hongxin Wang
- Research Center for Macromolecules and BiomaterialsNational Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)1‐1 NamikiTsukuba305‐0044Japan
| | - Jun Nakanishi
- Research Center for Macromolecules and BiomaterialsNational Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)1‐1 NamikiTsukuba305‐0044Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced EngineeringTokyo University of Science6‐3‐1, NiijukuKatsushika‐kuTokyo125‐8585Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and EngineeringWaseda University3‐4‐1 OkuboShinjuku‐kuTokyo169‐8555Japan
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4
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Dong Y, Qian S, Wang X, Zhang W, Lu W, Qu J, Cui M, Chen L, Zhao Y, Gao Y, Giomo M, Urciuolo A, Feng J, Zheng Y, Jiang B, Shen R, Zhu X, Elvassore N. In situ tailored confining microenvironment for lung cancer spheroids. Mater Today Bio 2025; 31:101602. [PMID: 40070872 PMCID: PMC11894329 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.101602] [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: 11/27/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2025] [Accepted: 02/19/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties and physical confinement of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are crucial roles in regulating tumor growth and progression. Extensive efforts have been dedicated to replicating the physical characteristics of tumor tissue by developing two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models. However, it remains a significant challenge to modulate the local microenvironment around the specific cells according to the culture progress. In this study, we develop a 3D culture platform for multicellular lung cancer spheroids using a gelatin-based hydrogel with adjustable density and stiffness. Then, by utilizing a two-photon mediated bioprinting technique, we construct 3D confining microstructures with micrometer accuracy to enclose the selected spheroids within the hydrogel matrix. Diverse transcriptional profilings of cells are observed in response to the increased ECM density and stiffness compared to the additional confining stress. In addition, changed confining stress can regulate the tumor cells with contrary impacts on the cell cycle-related pathways. Our model not only allows for modifications to the mechanical microenvironment of the overall matrix but also facilitates localized adjustments throughout the culture evolution. This approach serves as a valuable tool for investigating tumor progression and understanding cell-ECM interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiao Dong
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai Academy of Sciences & Technology Institute of Model Animals Transformation, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shuyi Qian
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xuechun Wang
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wang Zhang
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Weisheng Lu
- Shanghai Laboratory Animal Research Center, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ju Qu
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Meihua Cui
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Linzhi Chen
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yingshuai Zhao
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yuehua Gao
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Monica Giomo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Anna Urciuolo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, 35127, Italy
| | - Jian Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yijun Zheng
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Biao Jiang
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Ruling Shen
- Shanghai Laboratory Animal Research Center, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xianmin Zhu
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai Academy of Sciences & Technology Institute of Model Animals Transformation, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Nicola Elvassore
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
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5
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Tang R, Zhang Z, Liu X, Liao Y, Chen Y, Xiao M, Li Y, Zhou C, Tan Z, Zhang C, Chen C, Rong Z, Liu Y, Li P, Du Q, He Q, Lei Y, Wu Z, Lu S, Xu J, Wang W, Shi S, Yu X. Stromal Stiffness-Regulated IGF2BP2 in Pancreatic Cancer Drives Immune Evasion via Sphingomyelin Metabolism. Gastroenterology 2025:S0016-5085(25)00542-6. [PMID: 40158738 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2025.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2025] [Accepted: 03/04/2025] [Indexed: 04/02/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Immunotherapy has shown promising results in cancer treatment; however, it remains largely ineffective for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). N6-methyladenosine (m6A), known for its crucial role in cancer biology, is not yet fully understood regarding immune evasion. This study aims to elucidate the associations and mechanisms linking m6A modification with immune evasion in PDAC and propose strategies for clinical intervention. METHODS A multimodal PDAC cohort of 122 patients was developed, integrating transcriptomic profiling, imaging mass cytometry, and m6A quantification to identify m6A regulators associated with immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and clinical outcomes. Findings were validated across 6 independent PDAC cohorts. Assays including MeRIP, RIP, and RNA pull-down confirmed that IGF2BP2 binds to targets, whereas scRNA-seq, flow cytometry, and mIHC profiled the TME. Preclinical interventions were tested in PDAC organoids, patient-derived tissue fragments, and humanized mouse models. RESULTS Our comprehensive analysis identified the m6A reader protein IGF2BP2 as a critical factor associated with poor prognosis in PDAC, linked to reduced effector cell infiltration and a fibrotic TME. High matrix stiffness in PDAC stabilized IGF2BP2, which subsequently promoted sphingomyelin synthesis via SGMS2 up-regulation. This pathway facilitates PD-L1 localization on membrane lipid rafts, enhancing immune evasion. The elastographic properties of PDAC enabled noninvasive screening of patients with overexpressed IGF2BP2/SGMS2. Disrupting sphingomyelin synthesis improved antitumor immunity and suppressed PDAC growth in humanized mice, highlighting immunotherapeutic opportunities for PDAC. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasize the critical interplay between extrinsic matrix stiffness and intrinsic IGF2BP2-regulated sphingomyelin synthesis, identifying a promising target for immunotherapeutic strategies in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Tang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zifeng Zhang
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomeng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingna Liao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueyue Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingming Xiao
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Yangyi Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Zhou
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chaoyi Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeyin Rong
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Endoscopy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing He
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yubin Lei
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zijian Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Siyuan Lu
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si Shi
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Tan H, Wang S, He X, Yang G, Zhu Y, Yang S, Yan S, Gong C, Bai W, Hu Y, Song J, Zheng L. Microneedles Loaded with Nitric-Oxide Driven Nanomotors Improve Force-Induced Efferocytosis Impairment and Sterile Inflammation by Revitalizing Macrophage Energy Metabolism. ACS NANO 2025; 19:9390-9411. [PMID: 40025734 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c01877] [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: 03/04/2025]
Abstract
Mechanical force initiates sterile inflammation, a process implicated in diverse physiological and pathological processes. The timely clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages via efferocytosis is crucial for the proper resolution of sterile inflammation and for averting excessive tissue damage. Despite this, the specific role and underlying mechanisms of mechanical force on macrophage efferocytosis remain obscure. By integrating bioinformatics and metabolomics analyses, we uncovered how mechanical force disrupts the "arginine metabolism─TCA cycle─mitochondrial function" metabolic cascade, thereby impairing macrophage efferocytosis and intensifying sterile inflammation. Notably, we discovered that elevating l-arginine levels can ameliorate these crises by restoring energy metabolism. Leveraging this insight, we engineered a microneedle drug delivery system loaded with nitric-oxide driven nanomotors (MSN-LA@MNs) for targeted delivery of l-arginine. The active component, MSN-LA, exploits the heightened expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in force-loaded tissues as a chemoattractant, harnessing NO generated from iNOS-catalyzed l-arginine for autonomous propulsion. In a force-induced rat orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) model, we confirmed that MSN-LA@MNs enhance macrophage efferocytosis and, under iNOS guidance, dynamically modulate sterile inflammation levels in OTM, thus facilitating the OTM process. Collectively, our findings elucidate previously unclear mechanistic links between force, macrophage efferocytosis, and sterile inflammation from a metabolic vantage point, offering a promising targeted strategy for modulating force-related biological processes such as OTM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tan
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Shan Wang
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Xinyi He
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Guoyin Yang
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Ye Zhu
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Sihan Yang
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Shengnan Yan
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Chu Gong
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Wenya Bai
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Yun Hu
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Jinlin Song
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Leilei Zheng
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
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7
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Zhang W, Liu S, Hou Y, Xu S, An J, Lee K, Miao Q, Wang N, Wang Y, Ma M. Functional nanoplatform for modulating cellular forces to enhance antitumor immunity via mechanotransduction. J Control Release 2025; 379:850-865. [PMID: 39863022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2025.01.065] [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: 08/02/2024] [Revised: 01/18/2025] [Accepted: 01/22/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025]
Abstract
Immune cells are sensitive to the perception of mechanical stimuli in the tumor microenvironment. Changes in biophysical cues within tumor tissue can alter the force-sensing mechanisms experienced by cells. Mechanical stimuli within the extracellular matrix are transformed into biochemical signals through mechanotransduction. Delving into how these minute biophysical cues affect the activation of immune cells, metabolic reprogramming, and subsequent effector functions could offer perspectives on therapeutic interventions for immune-related disorders. Our study used a ternary phycocyanin-podophyllotoxin-IDO1 self-assembled nanoplatform to investigate molecule-scale regulation of mechanical cues in the tumor microenvironment on immune cell functions to modulate immune responses. After treatment, a caspase cascade was mediated by remodeling mechanical cues, including cytoskeleton-related assembly, force channel activation, and metabolic reprogramming, all of which contributed to enhancing anti-tumor immunity via mechanotransduction. The results will be helpful for understanding the interaction between cell force remodeling and antitumor immunity via mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanheng Zhang
- Medical 3D Printing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China; Department of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shuqin Liu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yan Hou
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Shihui Xu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jiayan An
- School of Life Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Kyubae Lee
- Department of Biomedical Materials, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Qi Miao
- Department of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Nana Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China.
| | - Yongtao Wang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Mengze Ma
- Medical 3D Printing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
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8
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Sun M, He L, Chen R, Lv M, Chen ZS, Fan Z, Zhou Y, Qin J, Du J. Rational design of peptides to overcome drug resistance by metabolic regulation. Drug Resist Updat 2025; 79:101208. [PMID: 39914188 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2025.101208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2025] [Accepted: 01/24/2025] [Indexed: 02/24/2025]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is widely used clinically, however, its efficacy is often compromised by the development of drug resistance, which arises from prolonged administration of drugs or other stimuli. One of the driven causes of drug resistance in tumors or bacterial infections is metabolic reprogramming, which alters mitochondrial metabolism, disrupts metabolic pathways and causes ion imbalance. Bioactive peptide materials, due to their biocompatibility, diverse bioactivities, customizable sequences, and ease of modification, have shown promise in overcoming drug resistance. This review provides an in-depth analysis of metabolic reprogramming and associated microenvironmental changes that contribute to drug resistance in common tumors and bacterial infections, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, we explore peptide-based materials for regulating metabolism and their potential synergic effect with other therapies, highlighting the mechanisms by which these peptides reverse drug resistance. Finally, we discuss future perspectives and the clinical challenges in peptide-based treatments, aiming to offer insights for overcoming drug-resistant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Sun
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Le He
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Ran Chen
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Mingchen Lv
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Zhen Fan
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yuxiao Zhou
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China.
| | - Jinlong Qin
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China; Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China.
| | - Jianzhong Du
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China.
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9
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Laporte D, Sagot I. Microtubule Reorganization and Quiescence: an Intertwined Relationship. Physiology (Bethesda) 2025; 40:0. [PMID: 39378102 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00036.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 10/01/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Quiescence is operationally defined as a reversible proliferation arrest. This cellular state is central to both organism development and homeostasis, and its dysregulation causes many pathologies. The quiescent state encompasses very diverse cellular situations depending on the cell type and its environment. Further, quiescent cell properties evolve with time, a process that is thought to be the origin of aging in multicellular organisms. Microtubules are found in all eukaryotes and are essential for cell proliferation as they support chromosome segregation and intracellular trafficking. Upon proliferation cessation and quiescence establishment, the microtubule cytoskeleton was shown to undergo significant remodeling. The purpose of this review is to examine the literature in search of evidence to determine whether the observed microtubule reorganizations are merely a consequence of quiescence establishment or if they somehow participate in this cell fate decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Laporte
- Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueUniversité de Bordeaux-Institut de Biochimie et Génétique Cellulaires, UMR5095, Bordeaux, France
| | - Isabelle Sagot
- Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueUniversité de Bordeaux-Institut de Biochimie et Génétique Cellulaires, UMR5095, Bordeaux, France
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10
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Simoes-da-Silva MM, Barisic M. How does the tubulin code facilitate directed cell migration? Biochem Soc Trans 2025; 53:BST20240841. [PMID: 39998313 DOI: 10.1042/bst20240841] [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: 11/04/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2025] [Accepted: 02/07/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025]
Abstract
Besides being a component of the cytoskeleton that provides structural integrity to the cell, microtubules also serve as tracks for intracellular transport. As the building units of the mitotic spindle, microtubules distribute chromosomes during cell division. By distributing organelles, vesicles, and proteins, they play a pivotal role in diverse cellular processes, including cell migration, during which they reorganize to facilitate cell polarization. Structurally, microtubules are built up of α/β-tubulin dimers, which consist of various tubulin isotypes that undergo multiple post-translational modifications (PTMs). These PTMs allow microtubules to differentiate into functional subsets, influencing the associated processes. This text explores the current understanding of the roles of tubulin PTMs in cell migration, particularly detyrosination and acetylation, and their implications in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marin Barisic
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Xu H, Wei K, Ni J, Deng X, Wang Y, Xiang T, Song F, Wang Q, Niu Y, Jiang F, Wang J, Sheng L, Dai J. Matrix stiffness regulates nucleus pulposus cell glycolysis by MRTF-A-dependent mechanotransduction. Bone Res 2025; 13:23. [PMID: 39952914 PMCID: PMC11828926 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-025-00402-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 12/17/2024] [Accepted: 12/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2025] Open
Abstract
Increased matrix stiffness of nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue is a main feature of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and affects various functions of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Glycolysis is the main energy source for NPC survival, but the effects and underlying mechanisms of increased extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness on NPC glycolysis remain unknown. In this study, hydrogels with different stiffness were established to mimic the mechanical environment of NPCs. Notably, increased matrix stiffness in degenerated NP tissues from IVDD patients was accompanied with impaired glycolysis, and NPCs cultured on rigid substrates exhibited a reduction in glycolysis. Meanwhile, RNA sequencing analysis showed altered cytoskeleton-related gene expression in NPCs on rigid substrates. Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) is a transcriptional coactivator in mechanotransduction mainly responding to cytoskeleton remodeling, which was activated and translocated to the nucleus under rigid substrate and was upregulated during IVDD progression. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that MRTF-A overexpression reduced NPC glycolytic metabolite abundance and identified a correlation with AMPK pathway. Mechanistically, rigid substrates and MRTF-A overexpression inhibited Kidins220 expression and AMPK phosphorylation in NPCs, whereas MRTF-A inhibition, treated with the MRTF-A inhibitor CCG, partially rescued NP tissue degeneration and glycolytic enzyme expression. Our data demonstrate that MRTF-A is a critical regulator that responds to increased matrix stiffness in IVDD, and MRTF-A activation reduces NPC glycolysis by down-regulating Kidins220 and inhibiting AMPK phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Wei
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinhao Ni
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Deng
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuexing Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Taiyang Xiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fanglong Song
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qianliang Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanping Niu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fengxian Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Periodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Lei Sheng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Jun Dai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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12
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Torrino S, Oldham WM, Tejedor AR, Burgos IS, Nasr L, Rachedi N, Fraissard K, Chauvet C, Sbai C, O'Hara BP, Abélanet S, Brau F, Favard C, Clavel S, Collepardo-Guevara R, Espinosa JR, Ben-Sahra I, Bertero T. Mechano-dependent sorbitol accumulation supports biomolecular condensate. Cell 2025; 188:447-464.e20. [PMID: 39591966 PMCID: PMC11761381 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 10/25/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024]
Abstract
Condensed droplets of protein regulate many cellular functions, yet the physiological conditions regulating their formation remain largely unexplored. Increasing our understanding of these mechanisms is paramount, as failure to control condensate formation and dynamics can lead to many diseases. Here, we provide evidence that matrix stiffening promotes biomolecular condensation in vivo. We demonstrate that the extracellular matrix links mechanical cues with the control of glucose metabolism to sorbitol. In turn, sorbitol acts as a natural crowding agent to promote biomolecular condensation. Using in silico simulations and in vitro assays, we establish that variations in the physiological range of sorbitol concentrations, but not glucose concentrations, are sufficient to regulate biomolecular condensates. Accordingly, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of intracellular sorbitol concentration modulates biomolecular condensates in breast cancer-a mechano-dependent disease. We propose that sorbitol is a mechanosensitive metabolite enabling protein condensation to control mechano-regulated cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Torrino
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU RespirERA, Valbonne, France.
| | - William M Oldham
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrés R Tejedor
- Department of Chemical Physics, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, Maxwell Centre, University of Cambridge, J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Ignacio S Burgos
- Department of Chemical Physics, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, Maxwell Centre, University of Cambridge, J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Lara Nasr
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Nesrine Rachedi
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Kéren Fraissard
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Caroline Chauvet
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Chaima Sbai
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Brendan P O'Hara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sophie Abélanet
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, Valbonne, France
| | - Frederic Brau
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, Valbonne, France
| | - Cyril Favard
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 9004, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Stephan Clavel
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Rosana Collepardo-Guevara
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK; Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Jorge R Espinosa
- Department of Chemical Physics, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, Maxwell Centre, University of Cambridge, J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Issam Ben-Sahra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thomas Bertero
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU RespirERA, Valbonne, France.
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13
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Zhu Y, Chen J, Chen C, Tang R, Xu J, Shi S, Yu X. Deciphering mechanical cues in the microenvironment: from non-malignant settings to tumor progression. Biomark Res 2025; 13:11. [PMID: 39849659 PMCID: PMC11755887 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-025-00727-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2025] [Indexed: 01/25/2025] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment functions as a dynamic and intricate ecosystem, comprising a diverse array of cellular and non-cellular components that precisely orchestrate pivotal tumor behaviors, including invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. While unraveling the intricate interplay between the tumor microenvironment and tumor behaviors represents a tremendous challenge, recent research illuminates a crucial biological phenomenon known as cellular mechanotransduction. Within the microenvironment, mechanical cues like tensile stress, shear stress, and stiffness play a pivotal role by activating mechanosensitive effectors such as PIEZO proteins, integrins, and Yes-associated protein. This activation initiates cascades of intrinsic signaling pathways, effectively linking the physical properties of tissues to their physiological and pathophysiological processes like morphogenesis, regeneration, and immunity. This mechanistic insight offers a novel perspective on how the mechanical cues within the tumor microenvironment impact tumor behaviors. While the intricacies of the mechanical tumor microenvironment are yet to be fully elucidated, it exhibits distinct physical attributes from non-malignant tissues, including elevated solid stresses, interstitial hypertension, augmented matrix stiffness, and enhanced viscoelasticity. These traits exert notable influences on tumor progression and treatment responses, enriching our comprehension of the multifaceted nature of the microenvironment. Through this innovative review, we aim to provide a new lens to decipher the mechanical attributes within the tumor microenvironment from non-malignant contexts, broadening our knowledge on how these factors promote or inhibit tumor behaviors, and thus offering valuable insights to identify potential targets for anti-tumor strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Zhu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiaoshun Chen
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Rong Tang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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14
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Jia Y, Xu X, Liu Y, Shen H, Sun S, Sun G. Effect of calcium concentration on metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells cultured in alginate gel beads. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2025; 245:114201. [PMID: 39255748 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.114201] [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: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Changes in sodium alginate and calcium ion concentrations have a considerable impact on the structural properties of calcium alginate gel (ALG) beads, consequently influencing the biological characteristics of the cells encapsulated within them. This study aimed to examine the effects of calcium on the metastatic potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells encapsulated in ALG beads. The results showed that the invasion ability of HCC cells significantly increased when they were encapsulated in beads prepared with a calcium concentration of 200 mM compared to those prepared with a calcium concentration of 50 mM. Furthermore, the expression levels of genes related to metastasis were significantly elevated in ALG beads prepared with a calcium concentration of 200 mM. Specifically, the expression of activated matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and urokinase-type plasminogen activator system proteins was found to be high. Conversely, the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 was observed to be significantly reduced. These findings indicate that manipulating the calcium ion concentration during the fabrication of ALG beads enables the generation of three-dimensional HCC cells with varying metastatic capacities. This model offers a valuable tool for investigating the mechanisms underlying liver cancer metastasis and screening potential therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunbo Jia
- Innovative Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoxi Xu
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Innovative Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Laboratory of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Hongfei Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Siyu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guangwei Sun
- Innovative Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Laboratory of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.
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15
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Zhang X, Al‐Danakh A, Zhu X, Feng D, Yang L, Wu H, Li Y, Wang S, Chen Q, Yang D. Insights into the mechanisms, regulation, and therapeutic implications of extracellular matrix stiffness in cancer. Bioeng Transl Med 2025; 10:e10698. [PMID: 39801760 PMCID: PMC11711218 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10698] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 01/03/2025] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for cancer initiation, growth, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a significant tumor component that serves various functions, including mechanical support, TME regulation, and signal molecule generation. The quantity and cross-linking status of ECM components are crucial factors in tumor development, as they determine tissue stiffness and the interaction between stiff TME and cancer cells, resulting in aberrant mechanotransduction, proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and treatment resistance. Therefore, broad knowledge of ECM dysregulation in the TME might aid in developing innovative cancer therapies. This review summarized the available information on major ECM components, their functions, factors that increase and decrease matrix stiffness, and related signaling pathways that interplay between cancer cells and the ECM in TME. Moreover, mechanotransduction alters during tumorogenesis, and current drug therapy based on ECM as targets, as well as future efforts in ECM and cancer, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximo Zhang
- Department of UrologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Abdullah Al‐Danakh
- Department of UrologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Xinqing Zhu
- Department of UrologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Dan Feng
- Department of UrologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Linlin Yang
- Department of UrologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Haotian Wu
- Department of UrologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Yingying Li
- Department of Discipline ConstructionDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Shujing Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of GlycobiologyDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Qiwei Chen
- Department of UrologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
- Zhongda Hospital, Medical School Advanced Institute Life HealthSoutheast UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Deyong Yang
- Department of UrologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
- Department of SurgeryHealinghands ClinicDalianChina
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16
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Murcy F, Borowczyk C, Gourion-Arsiquaud S, Torrino S, Ouahrouche N, Barouillet T, Dussaud S, Couralet M, Vaillant N, Merlin J, Berquand A, Kaikkonen MU, McClelland RL, Tressel W, Stein J, Thorp EB, Bertero T, Barbry P, Bailly-Maitre B, Gautier EL, Karjalainen MK, Kettunen J, Duca L, Shea S, Yvan-Charvet L. GLS2 links glutamine metabolism and atherosclerosis by remodeling artery walls. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2024; 3:1454-1467. [PMID: 39562782 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-024-00566-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2024] [Indexed: 11/21/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysregulation, including perturbed glutamine-glutamate homeostasis, is common among patients with cardiovascular diseases, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Using the human MESA cohort, here we show that plasma glutamine-glutamate ratio is an independent risk factor for carotid plaque progression. Mice deficient in glutaminase-2 (Gls2), the enzyme that mediates hepatic glutaminolysis, developed accelerated atherosclerosis and susceptibility to catastrophic cardiac events, while Gls2 overexpression partially protected from disease progression. High-throughput transcriptional profiling and high-resolution structural biology imaging of aortas showed that Gls2 deficiency perturbed extracellular matrix composition and increased vessel stiffness. This results from an imbalance of glutamine- and glutamate-dependent cross-linked proteins within atherosclerotic lesions and cellular remodeling of plaques. Thus, hepatic glutaminolysis functions as a potent regulator of glutamine homeostasis, which affects the aortic wall structure during atherosclerotic plaque progression.
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Grants
- ERC2016COG724838 EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)
- 25-CE14-Glutacare Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)
- 75N92020D00001 NHLBI NIH HHS
- 75N92020D00004 NHLBI NIH HHS
- N01-HC-95164 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- 75N92020D00007 NHLBI NIH HHS
- N01-HC-95165 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- N01-HC-95166 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- N01-HC-95167 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- N01-HC-95169 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- 75N92020D00001 NHLBI NIH HHS
- 75N92020D00004 NHLBI NIH HHS
- 75N92020D00007 NHLBI NIH HHS
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Murcy
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1065, Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Oncoage, IHU ResprERA Respiratory Health, Environment and Ageing (RespirERA), Nice, France
| | - Coraline Borowczyk
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1065, Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Oncoage, IHU ResprERA Respiratory Health, Environment and Ageing (RespirERA), Nice, France
| | | | - Stéphanie Torrino
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, IPMC, IHU-RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | | | - Thibault Barouillet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1065, Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Oncoage, IHU ResprERA Respiratory Health, Environment and Ageing (RespirERA), Nice, France
| | | | - Marie Couralet
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, IPMC, IHU-RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Nathalie Vaillant
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1065, Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Oncoage, IHU ResprERA Respiratory Health, Environment and Ageing (RespirERA), Nice, France
| | - Johanna Merlin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1065, Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Oncoage, IHU ResprERA Respiratory Health, Environment and Ageing (RespirERA), Nice, France
| | | | - Minna U Kaikkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - William Tressel
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James Stein
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Edward B Thorp
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thomas Bertero
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, IPMC, IHU-RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Pascal Barbry
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, IPMC, IHU-RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Béatrice Bailly-Maitre
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1065, Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Oncoage, IHU ResprERA Respiratory Health, Environment and Ageing (RespirERA), Nice, France
| | | | - Minna K Karjalainen
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Northern Finland Birth Cohorts, Arctic Biobank, Infrastructure for Population Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johannes Kettunen
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Steven Shea
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laurent Yvan-Charvet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1065, Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Oncoage, IHU ResprERA Respiratory Health, Environment and Ageing (RespirERA), Nice, France.
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17
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Linke JA, Munn LL, Jain RK. Compressive stresses in cancer: characterization and implications for tumour progression and treatment. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:768-791. [PMID: 39390249 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00745-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Beyond their many well-established biological aberrations, solid tumours create an abnormal physical microenvironment that fuels cancer progression and confers treatment resistance. Mechanical forces impact tumours across a range of biological sizes and timescales, from rapid events at the molecular level involved in their sensing and transmission, to slower and larger-scale events, including clonal selection, epigenetic changes, cell invasion, metastasis and immune response. Owing to challenges with studying these dynamic stimuli in biological systems, the mechanistic understanding of the effects and pathways triggered by abnormally elevated mechanical forces remains elusive, despite clear correlations with cancer pathophysiology, aggressiveness and therapeutic resistance. In this Review, we examine the emerging and diverse roles of physical forces in solid tumours and provide a comprehensive framework for understanding solid stress mechanobiology. We first review the physiological importance of mechanical forces, especially compressive stresses, and discuss their defining characteristics, biological context and relative magnitudes. We then explain how abnormal compressive stresses emerge in tumours and describe the experimental challenges in investigating these mechanically induced processes. Finally, we discuss the clinical translation of mechanotherapeutics that alleviate solid stresses and their potential to synergize with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Linke
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lance L Munn
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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18
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Northington KR, Calderon J, Bates EA. Netrin-1 stimulated axon growth requires the polyglutamylase TTLL1. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1436312. [PMID: 39469034 PMCID: PMC11514365 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1436312] [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: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the developing brain, neurons extend an axonal process through a complex and changing environment to form synaptic connections with the correct targets in response to extracellular cues. Microtubule and actin filaments provide mechanical support and drive axon growth in the correct direction. The axonal cytoskeleton responds to extracellular guidance cues. Netrin-1 is a multifunctional guidance cue that can induce alternate responses based on the bound receptor. The mechanism by which actin responds to Netrin-1 is well described. However, how Netrin-1 influences the microtubule cytoskeleton is less understood. Appropriate microtubule function is required for axon pathfinding, as mutations in tubulin phenocopy axon crossing defects of Netrin-1 and DCC mutants. Microtubule stabilization is required for attractive guidance cue response. The C-terminal tails of microtubules can be post-translationally modified. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) help control the microtubule cytoskeleton. Methods We measured polyglutamylation in cultured primary mouse cortical neurons before and after Netrin-1 stimulation. We used immunohistochemistry to measure how Netrin-1 stimulation alters microtubule-associated protein localization. Next, we manipulated TTLL1 to determine if Netrin-1-induced axon growth and MAP localization depend on polyglutamylation levels. Results In this study, we investigated if Netrin-1 signaling alters microtubule PTMs in the axon. We found that microtubule polyglutamylation increases after Netrin-1 stimulation. This change in polyglutamylation is necessary for Netrin-1-induced axonal growth rate increases. We next determined that MAP1B and DCX localization changes in response to Netrin-1. These proteins can both stabilize the microtubule cytoskeleton and may be responsible for Netrin-1-induced growth response in neurons. The changes in DCX and MAP1B depend on TTLL1, a protein responsible for microtubule polyglutamylation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emily A. Bates
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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19
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Berdiaki A, Neagu M, Tzanakakis P, Spyridaki I, Pérez S, Nikitovic D. Extracellular Matrix Components and Mechanosensing Pathways in Health and Disease. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1186. [PMID: 39334952 PMCID: PMC11430160 DOI: 10.3390/biom14091186] [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: 08/07/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) are essential components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) with pivotal roles in cellular mechanosensing pathways. GAGs, such as heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), interact with various cell surface receptors, including integrins and receptor tyrosine kinases, to modulate cellular responses to mechanical stimuli. PGs, comprising a core protein with covalently attached GAG chains, serve as dynamic regulators of tissue mechanics and cell behavior, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of GAG/PG-mediated mechanosensing pathways is implicated in numerous pathological conditions, including cancer and inflammation. Understanding the intricate mechanisms by which GAGs and PGs modulate cellular responses to mechanical forces holds promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting mechanotransduction pathways in disease. This comprehensive overview underscores the importance of GAGs and PGs as key mediators of mechanosensing in maintaining tissue homeostasis and their potential as therapeutic targets for mitigating mechano-driven pathologies, focusing on cancer and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Berdiaki
- Department of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 712 03 Heraklion, Greece; (A.B.); (P.T.); (I.S.)
| | - Monica Neagu
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Petros Tzanakakis
- Department of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 712 03 Heraklion, Greece; (A.B.); (P.T.); (I.S.)
| | - Ioanna Spyridaki
- Department of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 712 03 Heraklion, Greece; (A.B.); (P.T.); (I.S.)
| | - Serge Pérez
- Centre de Recherche sur les Macromolécules Végétales (CERMAV), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), University Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Dragana Nikitovic
- Department of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 712 03 Heraklion, Greece; (A.B.); (P.T.); (I.S.)
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20
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Tan M, Song B, Zhao X, Du J. The role and mechanism of compressive stress in tumor. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1459313. [PMID: 39351360 PMCID: PMC11439826 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1459313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent research has revealed the important role of mechanical forces in the initiation and progression of tumors. The interplay between mechanical and biochemical cues affects the function and behavior of tumor cells during the development of solid tumors, especially their metastatic potential. The compression force generated by excessive cell proliferation and the tumor microenvironment widely regulates the progression of solid tumor disease. Tumor cells can sense alterations in compressive stress through diverse mechanosensitive components and adapt their mechanical characteristics accordingly to adapt to environmental changes. Here, we summarize the current role of compressive stress in regulating tumor behavior and its biophysical mechanism from the mechanobiological direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Tan
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingqi Song
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinbin Zhao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Du
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
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21
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Park J, Wu Y, Suk Kim J, Byun J, Lee J, Oh YK. Cytoskeleton-modulating nanomaterials and their therapeutic potentials. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 211:115362. [PMID: 38906478 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115362] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
The cytoskeleton, an intricate network of protein fibers within cells, plays a pivotal role in maintaining cell shape, enabling movement, and facilitating intracellular transport. Its involvement in various pathological states, ranging from cancer proliferation and metastasis to the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, underscores its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention. The exploration of nanotechnology in this realm, particularly the use of nanomaterials for cytoskeletal modulation, represents a cutting-edge approach with the promise of novel treatments. Inorganic nanomaterials, including those derived from gold, metal oxides, carbon, and black phosphorus, alongside organic variants such as peptides and proteins, are at the forefront of this research. These materials offer diverse mechanisms of action, either by directly interacting with cytoskeletal components or by influencing cellular signaling pathways that, in turn, modulate the cytoskeleton. Recent advancements have introduced magnetic field-responsive and light-responsive nanomaterials, which allow for targeted and controlled manipulation of the cytoskeleton. Such precision is crucial in minimizing off-target effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This review explores the importance of research into cytoskeleton-targeting nanomaterials for developing therapeutic interventions for a range of diseases. It also addresses the progress made in this field, the challenges encountered, and future directions for using nanomaterials to modulate the cytoskeleton. The continued exploration of nanomaterials for cytoskeleton modulation holds great promise for advancing therapeutic strategies against a broad spectrum of diseases, marking a significant step forward in the intersection of nanotechnology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwon Park
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yina Wu
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Suk Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Junho Byun
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jaiwoo Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yu-Kyoung Oh
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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22
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Liu Y, Chen P, Hu B, Xiao Y, Su T, Luo X, Tu M, Cai G. Excessive mechanical loading promotes osteoarthritis development by upregulating Rcn2. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167251. [PMID: 38795835 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Exposure of articular cartilage to excessive mechanical loading is closely related to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the exact molecular mechanism by which excessive mechanical loading drives OA remains unclear. In vitro, primary chondrocytes were exposed to cyclic tensile strain at 0.5 Hz and 10 % elongation for 30 min to simulate excessive mechanical loading in OA. In vivo experiments involved mice undergoing anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) to model OA, followed by interventions on Rcn2 expression through adeno-associated virus (AAV) injection and tamoxifen-induced gene deletion. 10 μL AAV2/5 containing AAV-Rcn2 or AAV-shRcn2 was administered to the mice by articular injection at 1 week post ACLT surgery, and Col2a1-creERT: Rcn2flox/flox mice were injected with tamoxifen intraperitoneally to obtain Rcn2-conditional knockout mice. Finally, we explored the mechanism of Rcn2 affecting OA. Here, we identified reticulocalbin-2 (Rcn2) as a mechanosensitive factor in chondrocytes, which was significantly elevated in chondrocytes under mechanical overloading. PIEZO type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1) is a critical mechanosensitive ion channel, which mediates the effect of mechanical loading on chondrocytes, and we found that increased Rcn2 could be suppressed through knocking down Piezo1 under excessive mechanical loading. Furthermore, chondrocyte-specific deletion of Rcn2 in adult mice alleviated OA progression in the mice receiving the surgery of ACLT. On the contrary, articular injection of Rcn2-expressing adeno-associated virus (AAV) accelerated the progression of ACLT-induced OA in mice. Mechanistically, Rcn2 accelerated the progression of OA through promoting the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Orthopedic, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Biao Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ye Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tian Su
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xianghang Luo
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Manli Tu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, China; Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, China; Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for metabolic Disease, China.
| | - Guangping Cai
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.
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23
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Liu X, Ren B, Ren J, Gu M, You L, Zhao Y. The significant role of amino acid metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:380. [PMID: 39069612 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01760-1] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Amino acid metabolism plays a pivotal role in tumor microenvironment, influencing various aspects of cancer progression. The metabolic reprogramming of amino acids in tumor cells is intricately linked to protein synthesis, nucleotide synthesis, modulation of signaling pathways, regulation of tumor cell metabolism, maintenance of oxidative stress homeostasis, and epigenetic modifications. Furthermore, the dysregulation of amino acid metabolism also impacts tumor microenvironment and tumor immunity. Amino acids can act as signaling molecules that modulate immune cell function and immune tolerance within the tumor microenvironment, reshaping the anti-tumor immune response and promoting immune evasion by cancer cells. Moreover, amino acid metabolism can influence the behavior of stromal cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, regulate ECM remodeling and promote angiogenesis, thereby facilitating tumor growth and metastasis. Understanding the intricate interplay between amino acid metabolism and the tumor microenvironment is of crucial significance. Expanding our knowledge of the multifaceted roles of amino acid metabolism in tumor microenvironment holds significant promise for the development of more effective cancer therapies aimed at disrupting the metabolic dependencies of cancer cells and modulating the tumor microenvironment to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and inhibit tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Bo Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Minzhi Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Lei You
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
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24
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Ou LP, Liu YJ, Qiu ST, Yang C, Tang JX, Li XY, Liu HF, Ye ZN. Glutaminolysis is a Potential Therapeutic Target for Kidney Diseases. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2024; 17:2789-2807. [PMID: 39072347 PMCID: PMC11283263 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s471711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming contributes to the progression and prognosis of various kidney diseases. Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body and participates in more metabolic processes than other amino acids. Altered glutamine metabolism is a prominent feature in different kidney diseases. Glutaminolysis converts glutamine into the TCA cycle metabolite, alpha-ketoglutarate, via a cascade of enzymatic reactions. This metabolic pathway plays pivotal roles in inflammation, maladaptive repair, cell survival and proliferation, redox homeostasis, and immune regulation. Given the crucial role of glutaminolysis in bioenergetics and anaplerotic fluxes in kidney pathogenesis, studies on this cascade could provide a better understanding of kidney diseases, thus inspiring the development of potential methods for targeted therapy. Emerging evidence has shown that targeting glutaminolysis is a promising therapeutic strategy for ameliorating kidney disease. In this narrative review, equation including keywords related to glutamine, glutaminolysis and kidney are subjected to an exhaustive search on Pubmed database, we identified all relevant articles published before 1 April, 2024. Afterwards, we summarize the regulation of glutaminolysis in major kidney diseases and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, we highlight therapeutic strategies targeting glutaminolysis and their potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Ou
- Institute of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong-Jian Liu
- Institute of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shi-Tong Qiu
- Institute of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen Yang
- Institute of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ji-Xin Tang
- Institute of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yu Li
- Institute of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua-Feng Liu
- Institute of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Nan Ye
- Institute of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, People’s Republic of China
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25
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Xie J, Huck WTS, Bao M. Unveiling the Intricate Connection: Cell Volume as a Key Regulator of Mechanotransduction. Annu Rev Biophys 2024; 53:299-317. [PMID: 38424091 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-030822-035656] [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: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The volumes of living cells undergo dynamic changes to maintain the cells' structural and functional integrity in many physiological processes. Minor fluctuations in cell volume can serve as intrinsic signals that play a crucial role in cell fate determination during mechanotransduction. In this review, we discuss the variability of cell volume and its role in vivo, along with an overview of the mechanisms governing cell volume regulation. Additionally, we provide insights into the current approaches used to control cell volume in vitro. Furthermore, we summarize the biological implications of cell volume regulation and discuss recent advances in understanding the fundamental relationship between cell volume and mechanotransduction. Finally, we delve into the potential underlying mechanisms, including intracellular macromolecular crowding and cellular mechanics, that govern the global regulation of cell fate in response to changes in cell volume. By exploring the intricate interplay between cell volume and mechanotransduction, we underscore the importance of considering cell volume as a fundamental signaling cue to unravel the basic principles of mechanotransduction. Additionally, we propose future research directions that can extend our current understanding of cell volume in mechanotransduction. Overall, this review highlights the significance of considering cell volume as a fundamental signal in understanding the basic principles in mechanotransduction and points out the possibility of controlling cell volume to control cell fate, mitigate disease-related damage, and facilitate the healing of damaged tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xie
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wilhelm T S Huck
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Min Bao
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China;
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26
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Tharp KM, Kersten K, Maller O, Timblin GA, Stashko C, Canale FP, Menjivar RE, Hayward MK, Berestjuk I, Ten Hoeve J, Samad B, Ironside AJ, di Magliano MP, Muir A, Geiger R, Combes AJ, Weaver VM. Tumor-associated macrophages restrict CD8 + T cell function through collagen deposition and metabolic reprogramming of the breast cancer microenvironment. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:1045-1062. [PMID: 38831058 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00775-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Tumor progression is accompanied by fibrosis, a condition of excessive extracellular matrix accumulation, which is associated with diminished antitumor immune infiltration. Here we demonstrate that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) respond to the stiffened fibrotic tumor microenvironment (TME) by initiating a collagen biosynthesis program directed by transforming growth factor-β. A collateral effect of this programming is an untenable metabolic milieu for productive CD8+ T cell antitumor responses, as collagen-synthesizing macrophages consume environmental arginine, synthesize proline and secrete ornithine that compromises CD8+ T cell function in female breast cancer. Thus, a stiff and fibrotic TME may impede antitumor immunity not only by direct physical exclusion of CD8+ T cells but also through secondary effects of a mechano-metabolic programming of TAMs, which creates an inhospitable metabolic milieu for CD8+ T cells to respond to anticancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Tharp
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kelly Kersten
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ori Maller
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Greg A Timblin
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Connor Stashko
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fernando P Canale
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Rosa E Menjivar
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mary-Kate Hayward
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ilona Berestjuk
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Johanna Ten Hoeve
- UCLA Metabolomics Center, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bushra Samad
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF CoLabs, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Cancer Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alexander Muir
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Roger Geiger
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Alexis J Combes
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF CoLabs, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Valerie M Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Department of Radiation Oncology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, and The Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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27
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Coppini A, Falconieri A, Mualem O, Nasrin SR, Roudon M, Saper G, Hess H, Kakugo A, Raffa V, Shefi O. Can repetitive mechanical motion cause structural damage to axons? Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1371738. [PMID: 38912175 PMCID: PMC11191579 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1371738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Biological structures have evolved to very efficiently generate, transmit, and withstand mechanical forces. These biological examples have inspired mechanical engineers for centuries and led to the development of critical insights and concepts. However, progress in mechanical engineering also raises new questions about biological structures. The past decades have seen the increasing study of failure of engineered structures due to repetitive loading, and its origin in processes such as materials fatigue. Repetitive loading is also experienced by some neurons, for example in the peripheral nervous system. This perspective, after briefly introducing the engineering concept of mechanical fatigue, aims to discuss the potential effects based on our knowledge of cellular responses to mechanical stresses. A particular focus of our discussion are the effects of mechanical stress on axons and their cytoskeletal structures. Furthermore, we highlight the difficulty of imaging these structures and the promise of new microscopy techniques. The identification of repair mechanisms and paradigms underlying long-term stability is an exciting and emerging topic in biology as well as a potential source of inspiration for engineers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oz Mualem
- Faculty of Engineering, Bar Ilan Institute of Nanotechnologies and Advanced Materials, Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Syeda Rubaiya Nasrin
- Graduate School of Science, Division of Physics and Astronomy, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Marine Roudon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gadiel Saper
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Henry Hess
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Akira Kakugo
- Graduate School of Science, Division of Physics and Astronomy, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Orit Shefi
- Faculty of Engineering, Bar Ilan Institute of Nanotechnologies and Advanced Materials, Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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28
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Rachedi NS, Tang Y, Tai YY, Zhao J, Chauvet C, Grynblat J, Akoumia KKF, Estephan L, Torrino S, Sbai C, Ait-Mouffok A, Latoche JD, Al Aaraj Y, Brau F, Abélanet S, Clavel S, Zhang Y, Guillermier C, Kumar NVG, Tavakoli S, Mercier O, Risbano MG, Yao ZK, Yang G, Ouerfelli O, Lewis JS, Montani D, Humbert M, Steinhauser ML, Anderson CJ, Oldham WM, Perros F, Bertero T, Chan SY. Dietary intake and glutamine-serine metabolism control pathologic vascular stiffness. Cell Metab 2024; 36:1335-1350.e8. [PMID: 38701775 PMCID: PMC11152997 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Perivascular collagen deposition by activated fibroblasts promotes vascular stiffening and drives cardiovascular diseases such as pulmonary hypertension (PH). Whether and how vascular fibroblasts rewire their metabolism to sustain collagen biosynthesis remains unknown. Here, we found that inflammation, hypoxia, and mechanical stress converge on activating the transcriptional coactivators YAP and TAZ (WWTR1) in pulmonary arterial adventitial fibroblasts (PAAFs). Consequently, YAP and TAZ drive glutamine and serine catabolism to sustain proline and glycine anabolism and promote collagen biosynthesis. Pharmacologic or dietary intervention on proline and glycine anabolic demand decreases vascular stiffening and improves cardiovascular function in PH rodent models. By identifying the limiting metabolic pathways for vascular collagen biosynthesis, our findings provide guidance for incorporating metabolic and dietary interventions for treating cardiopulmonary vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrine S Rachedi
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU-RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Ying Tang
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yi-Yin Tai
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jingsi Zhao
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Caroline Chauvet
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU-RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Julien Grynblat
- Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, INSERM UMR_S 999, Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France; Pôle Thoracique, Vasculaire et Transplantations, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Kouamé Kan Firmin Akoumia
- Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, INSERM UMR_S 999, Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Leonard Estephan
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stéphanie Torrino
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU-RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Chaima Sbai
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU-RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Amel Ait-Mouffok
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU-RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Joseph D Latoche
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yassmin Al Aaraj
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Frederic Brau
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU-RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Sophie Abélanet
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU-RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Stephan Clavel
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU-RespirERA, Valbonne, France
| | - Yingze Zhang
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Christelle Guillermier
- Center for NanoImaging, Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Naveen V G Kumar
- Aging Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sina Tavakoli
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Olaf Mercier
- Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, INSERM UMR_S 999, Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France; Assistance PubliqueHôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Centre de Référence de l'Hypertension Pulmonaire, Hôpital Bicêtre, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Michael G Risbano
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhong-Ke Yao
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Organic Synthesis Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Guangli Yang
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Organic Synthesis Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ouathek Ouerfelli
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Organic Synthesis Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason S Lewis
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Organic Synthesis Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Montani
- Pôle Thoracique, Vasculaire et Transplantations, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France; Assistance PubliqueHôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Centre de Référence de l'Hypertension Pulmonaire, Hôpital Bicêtre, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Marc Humbert
- Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, INSERM UMR_S 999, Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France; Assistance PubliqueHôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Centre de Référence de l'Hypertension Pulmonaire, Hôpital Bicêtre, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Matthew L Steinhauser
- Center for NanoImaging, Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Aging Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - William M Oldham
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Frédéric Perros
- Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, INSERM UMR_S 999, Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France; Laboratoire CarMeN, UMR INSERM U1060/INRA U1397, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69310 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Thomas Bertero
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IPMC, IHU-RespirERA, Valbonne, France.
| | - Stephen Y Chan
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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29
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Filipe EC, Velayuthar S, Philp A, Nobis M, Latham SL, Parker AL, Murphy KJ, Wyllie K, Major GS, Contreras O, Mok ETY, Enriquez RF, McGowan S, Feher K, Quek L, Hancock SE, Yam M, Tran E, Setargew YFI, Skhinas JN, Chitty JL, Phimmachanh M, Han JZR, Cadell AL, Papanicolaou M, Mahmodi H, Kiedik B, Junankar S, Ross SE, Lam N, Coulson R, Yang J, Zaratzian A, Da Silva AM, Tayao M, Chin IL, Cazet A, Kansara M, Segara D, Parker A, Hoy AJ, Harvey RP, Bogdanovic O, Timpson P, Croucher DR, Lim E, Swarbrick A, Holst J, Turner N, Choi YS, Kabakova IV, Philp A, Cox TR. Tumor Biomechanics Alters Metastatic Dissemination of Triple Negative Breast Cancer via Rewiring Fatty Acid Metabolism. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307963. [PMID: 38602451 PMCID: PMC11186052 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307963] [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] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, the role of tumor biomechanics on cancer cell behavior at the primary site has been increasingly appreciated. However, the effect of primary tumor biomechanics on the latter stages of the metastatic cascade, such as metastatic seeding of secondary sites and outgrowth remains underappreciated. This work sought to address this in the context of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a cancer type known to aggressively disseminate at all stages of disease progression. Using mechanically tuneable model systems, mimicking the range of stiffness's typically found within breast tumors, it is found that, contrary to expectations, cancer cells exposed to softer microenvironments are more able to colonize secondary tissues. It is shown that heightened cell survival is driven by enhanced metabolism of fatty acids within TNBC cells exposed to softer microenvironments. It is demonstrated that uncoupling cellular mechanosensing through integrin β1 blocking antibody effectively causes stiff primed TNBC cells to behave like their soft counterparts, both in vitro and in vivo. This work is the first to show that softer tumor microenvironments may be contributing to changes in disease outcome by imprinting on TNBC cells a greater metabolic flexibility and conferring discrete cell survival advantages.
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30
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Na J, Yang Z, Shi Q, Li C, Liu Y, Song Y, Li X, Zheng L, Fan Y. Extracellular matrix stiffness as an energy metabolism regulator drives osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells. Bioact Mater 2024; 35:549-563. [PMID: 38434800 PMCID: PMC10909577 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.02.003] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The biophysical factors of biomaterials such as their stiffness regulate stem cell differentiation. Energy metabolism has been revealed an essential role in stem cell lineage commitment. However, whether and how extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness regulates energy metabolism to determine stem cell differentiation is less known. Here, the study reveals that stiff ECM promotes glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and enhances antioxidant defense system during osteogenic differentiation in MSCs. Stiff ECM increases mitochondrial fusion by enhancing mitofusin 1 and 2 expression and inhibiting the dynamin-related protein 1 activity, which contributes to osteogenesis. Yes-associated protein (YAP) impacts glycolysis, glutamine metabolism, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitochondrial biosynthesis to regulate stiffness-mediated osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, glycolysis in turn regulates YAP activity through the cytoskeletal tension-mediated deformation of nuclei. Overall, our findings suggest that YAP is an important mechanotransducer to integrate ECM mechanical cues and energy metabolic signaling to affect the fate of MSCs. This offers valuable guidance to improve the scaffold design for bone tissue engineering constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Na
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zhijie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Qiusheng Shi
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chiyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yaxin Song
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xinyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Lisha Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
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31
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Fanelli G, Alloisio G, Lelli V, Marini S, Rinalducci S, Gioia M. Mechano-induced cell metabolism disrupts the oxidative stress homeostasis of SAOS-2 osteosarcoma cells. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1297826. [PMID: 38726050 PMCID: PMC11079223 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1297826] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
There has been an increasing focus on cancer mechanobiology, determining the underlying-induced changes to unlock new avenues in the modulation of cell malignancy. Our study used LC-MS untargeted metabolomic approaches and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to characterize the molecular changes induced by a specific moderate uniaxial stretch regimen (i.e., 24 h-1 Hz, cyclic stretch 0,5% elongation) on SAOS-2 osteosarcoma cells. Differential metabolic pathway analysis revealed that the mechanical stimulation induces a downregulation of both glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. At the same time, the amino acid metabolism was found to be dysregulated, with the mechanical stimulation enhancing glutaminolysis and reducing the methionine cycle. Our findings showed that cell metabolism and oxidative defense are tightly intertwined in mechanically stimulated cells. On the one hand, the mechano-induced disruption of the energy cell metabolism was found correlated with an antioxidant glutathione (GSH) depletion and an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). On the other hand, we showed that a moderate stretch regimen could disrupt the cytoprotective gene transcription by altering the expression levels of manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD1), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) genes. Interestingly, the cyclic applied strain could induce a cytotoxic sensitization (to the doxorubicin-induced cell death), suggesting that mechanical signals are integral regulators of cell cytoprotection. Hence, focusing on the mechanosensitive system as a therapeutic approach could potentially result in more effective treatments for osteosarcoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Fanelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giulia Alloisio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Lelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Stefano Marini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Rinalducci
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Magda Gioia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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32
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Zhang G, Guo J, Yang H, Li Q, Ye F, Song Y, Xiong D, Zeng J, Zhi W, Yuan S, Lv Y, Li T, Wang Y, Liao L, Deng D, Liu W, Xu W. Metabolic profiling identifies Qrich2 as a novel glutamine sensor that regulates microtubule glutamylation and mitochondrial function in mouse sperm. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:170. [PMID: 38597976 PMCID: PMC11006759 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05177-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
In our prior investigation, we discerned loss-of-function variants within the gene encoding glutamine-rich protein 2 (QRICH2) in two consanguineous families, leading to various morphological abnormalities in sperm flagella and male infertility. The Qrich2 knockout (KO) in mice also exhibits multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) phenotype with a significantly decreased sperm motility. However, how ORICH2 regulates the formation of sperm flagella remains unclear. Abnormal glutamylation levels of tubulin cause dysplastic microtubules and flagella, eventually resulting in the decline of sperm motility and male infertility. In the current study, by further analyzing the Qrich2 KO mouse sperm, we found a reduced glutamylation level and instability of tubulin in Qrich2 KO mouse sperm flagella. In addition, we found that the amino acid metabolism was dysregulated in both testes and sperm, leading to the accumulated glutamine (Gln) and reduced glutamate (Glu) concentrations, and disorderly expressed genes responsible for Gln/Glu metabolism. Interestingly, mice fed with diets devoid of Gln/Glu phenocopied the Qrich2 KO mice. Furthermore, we identified several mitochondrial marker proteins that could not be correctly localized in sperm flagella, which might be responsible for the reduced mitochondrial function contributing to the reduced sperm motility in Qrich2 KO mice. Our study reveals a crucial role of a normal Gln/Glu metabolism in maintaining the structural stability of the microtubules in sperm flagella by regulating the glutamylation levels of the tubulin and identifies Qrich2 as a possible novel Gln sensor that regulates microtubule glutamylation and mitochondrial function in mouse sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Juncen Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Haoxuan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Yuelin Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Jiuzhi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yunyun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Fishes Conservation and Utilization in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Life Sciences, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, 641100, China
| | - Tongtong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lu Liao
- Puhua Bioscience, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Dong Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China.
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Liao Z, Lim JJH, Lee JXT, Chua D, Vos MIG, Yip YS, Too CB, Cao H, Wang JK, Shou Y, Tay A, Lehti K, Cheng HS, Tay CY, Tan NS. Attenuating Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer through Angiopoietin-Like 4 Inhibition in a 3D Tumor Microenvironment Model. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303481. [PMID: 37987244 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303481] [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: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in metastatic cancer progression, and current research, which relies heavily on 2D monolayer cultures, falls short in recapitulating the complexity of a 3D tumor microenvironment. To address this limitation, a transcriptomic meta-analysis is conducted on diverse cancer types undergoing EMT in 2D and 3D cultures. It is found that mechanotransduction is elevated in 3D cultures and is further intensified during EMT, but not during 2D EMT. This analysis reveals a distinct 3D EMT gene signature, characterized by extracellular matrix remodeling coordinated by angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4) along with other canonical EMT regulators. Utilizing hydrogel-based 3D matrices with adjustable mechanical forces, 3D cancer cultures are established at varying physiological stiffness levels. A YAP:EGR-1 mediated up-regulation of Angptl4 expression is observed, accompanied by an upregulation of mesenchymal markers, at higher stiffness during cancer EMT. Suppression of Angptl4 using antisense oligonucleotides or anti-cAngptl4 antibodies leads to a dose-dependent abolishment of EMT-mediated chemoresistance and tumor self-organization in 3D, ultimately resulting in diminished metastatic potential and stunted growth of tumor xenografts. This unique programmable 3D cancer cultures simulate stiffness levels in the tumor microenvironment and unveil Angptl4 as a promising therapeutic target to inhibit EMT and impede cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehuan Liao
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Joseph Jing Heng Lim
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Jeannie Xue Ting Lee
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Damien Chua
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Marcus Ivan Gerard Vos
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Yun Sheng Yip
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Choon Boon Too
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Huan Cao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Jun Kit Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yufeng Shou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117510, Singapore
| | - Kaisa Lehti
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
| | - Hong Sheng Cheng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Chor Yong Tay
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Nguan Soon Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
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Han L, Zhu W, Qi H, He L, Wang Q, Shen J, Song Y, Shen Y, Zhu Q, Zhou J. The cuproptosis-related gene glutaminase promotes alveolar macrophage copper ion accumulation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 129:111585. [PMID: 38325045 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111585] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Cuproptosis, a novel mode of cell death, is strongly associated with a variety of diseases. However, the contribution of cuproptosis to the onset or progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the third most common chronic cause of mortality, is not yet clear. To investigate the potential role of cuproptosis in COPD, raw datasets from multiple public clinical COPD databases (including RNA-seq, phenotype, and lung function data) were used. For further validation, mice exposed to cigarette smoke for three months were used as in vivo models, and iBMDMs (immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophages) and RAW264.7 cells stimulated with cigarette smoke extract were used as in vitro models. For the first time, the expression of the cuproptosis-related gene glutaminase (GLS) was found to be decreased in COPD, and the low expression of GLS was significantly associated with the grade of pulmonary function. In vivo experiments confirmed the decreased expression of GLS in COPD, particularly in alveolar macrophages. Furthermore, in vitro studies revealed that copper ions accumulated in alveolar macrophages, leading to a substantially decreased amount of cell activity of macrophages when stimulated with cigarette extract. In summary, we demonstrate the high potential of GLS as an avenue for diagnosis and therapy in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiao Han
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Internet of Things for Respiratory Medicine, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wensi Zhu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Internet of Things for Respiratory Medicine, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui Qi
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, Hebei, China
| | - Ludan He
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Internet of Things for Respiratory Medicine, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Internet of Things for Respiratory Medicine, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Research Center for Chemical Injury, Emergency and Critical Medicine of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai 200540, China; Center of Emergency and Critical Medicine in Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai 200540, China; Key Laboratory of Chemical Injury, Emergency and Critical Medicine of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, Shanghai 200540, China
| | - Yuanlin Song
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yao Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Shanghai 201399, China.
| | - Qiaoliang Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Internet of Things for Respiratory Medicine, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, Hebei, China; Research Center for Chemical Injury, Emergency and Critical Medicine of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai 200540, China; Center of Emergency and Critical Medicine in Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai 200540, China; Key Laboratory of Chemical Injury, Emergency and Critical Medicine of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, Shanghai 200540, China.
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Mishra J, Chakraborty S, Niharika, Roy A, Manna S, Baral T, Nandi P, Patra SK. Mechanotransduction and epigenetic modulations of chromatin: Role of mechanical signals in gene regulation. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30531. [PMID: 38345428 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical forces may be generated within a cell due to tissue stiffness, cytoskeletal reorganization, and the changes (even subtle) in the cell's physical surroundings. These changes of forces impose a mechanical tension within the intracellular protein network (both cytosolic and nuclear). Mechanical tension could be released by a series of protein-protein interactions often facilitated by membrane lipids, lectins and sugar molecules and thus generate a type of signal to drive cellular processes, including cell differentiation, polarity, growth, adhesion, movement, and survival. Recent experimental data have accentuated the molecular mechanism of this mechanical signal transduction pathway, dubbed mechanotransduction. Mechanosensitive proteins in the cell's plasma membrane discern the physical forces and channel the information to the cell interior. Cells respond to the message by altering their cytoskeletal arrangement and directly transmitting the signal to the nucleus through the connection of the cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton before the information despatched to the nucleus by biochemical signaling pathways. Nuclear transmission of the force leads to the activation of chromatin modifiers and modulation of the epigenetic landscape, inducing chromatin reorganization and gene expression regulation; by the time chemical messengers (transcription factors) arrive into the nucleus. While significant research has been done on the role of mechanotransduction in tumor development and cancer progression/metastasis, the mechanistic basis of force-activated carcinogenesis is still enigmatic. Here, in this review, we have discussed the various cues and molecular connections to better comprehend the cellular mechanotransduction pathway, and we also explored the detailed role of some of the multiple players (proteins and macromolecular complexes) involved in mechanotransduction. Thus, we have described an avenue: how mechanical stress directs the epigenetic modifiers to modulate the epigenome of the cells and how aberrant stress leads to the cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagdish Mishra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Subhajit Chakraborty
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Niharika
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Ankan Roy
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Soumen Manna
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Tirthankar Baral
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Piyasa Nandi
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Samir K Patra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Life Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
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Shi S, Tang X, Liu H. Disulfidptosis-Related lncRNA for the Establishment of Novel Prognostic Signature and Therapeutic Response Prediction to Endometrial Cancer. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:811-822. [PMID: 37880552 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01382-x] [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: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Disulfidptosis, a newly discovered cellular death mechanism initiated by disulfide stress, features elevated expression of SLC7A11 and restricted glucose availability, rendering it a possible therapeutic target for cancer. Endometrial cancer of the uterine corpus (ECUC) ranks among prevalent gynecological malignancies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in ECUC's metabolic pathways, invasive capabilities, and metastatic processes. Yet, the prognostic implications of Disulfidptosis-Linked lncRNAs (DLLs) in ECUC remain ambiguous. Transcriptome and clinical datasets related to ECUC were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), while genes linked with disulfidptosis were identified from existing literature. A panel of ten DLLs was discerned through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) coupled with Cox regression methods to formulate and validate risk prognostic models. We engineered a nomogram for ECUC patient prognosis forecasting and further examined the model via gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), principal component analysis (PCA), gene set analysis (GSA), immune profiling, and sensitivity to antineoplastic agents. Prognostic models employing a set of ten DLLs (including AC005034.2, AC020765.2, AL158071.4, AL161663.2, AP000787.1, CR392039.3, EMSLR, SEC24B-AS1, Z69733.1, Z94721.3) were established. Based on median risk values, patient samples were stratified into high- and low-risk cohorts, revealing notable differences in survival across both training and validation datasets. The risk scores, when amalgamated with clinical variables, acted as standalone predictors of prognosis. GSEA findings indicated that the high-risk category predominantly aligned with pathways like extracellular matrix interactions and cell adhesion molecules, suggesting a likely association with metastatic potential. Concurrently, we scrutinized disparities in immune function and tumor mutational burden across risk categories and identified anticancer drugs with likely efficacy. In summary, a set of ten DLLs proved useful in forecasting patient outcomes and holds potential for informing targeted therapeutic approaches in ECUC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanping Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojian Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
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Göransson S, Strömblad S. Regulation of protein synthesis and stability by mechanical cues and its implications in cancer. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102304. [PMID: 38113713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Elevated tissue stiffness is a common feature of many solid tumors and the downstream mechanical signaling affects many cellular processes and contributes to cancer progression. Significant progress has been made in understanding how the mechanical properties of the matrix affect cancer cell behavior as well as transcription. However, how the same mechanical cues impact protein synthesis and stability and how this may contribute to disease is less well understood. Here, we present emerging evidence that cancer progression is frequently supported by gene regulation acting beyond the mRNA level and highlight some of the known crosstalk between this type of regulation and mechanotransduction in cancer as well as in other contexts. We suggest that future systematic approaches to define mechanosensitive translatomes and proteomes and how these are controlled may provide novel targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Göransson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Staffan Strömblad
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden.
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Schmidt CJ, Stehbens SJ. Microtubule control of migration: Coordination in confinement. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102289. [PMID: 38041936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
The microtubule cytoskeleton has a well-established, instrumental role in coordinating cell migration. Decades of research has focused on understanding how microtubules couple intracellular trafficking with cortical targeting and spatial organization of signaling to facilitate locomotion. Movement in physically challenging environments requires coordination of forces generated by the actin cytoskeleton to drive cell shape changes, with microtubules acting to spatially regulate contractility. Recent work has demonstrated that the mechanical properties of microtubules are adaptive to stress, leading to a new understanding of their roles in cell migration. Herein we review new developments in how microtubules sense and adapt to changes in the physical properties of their environment during migration. We frame our discussion around our current understanding of how microtubules target cell-matrix adhesions, and their role in the spatiotemporal coordination of signaling to form mechano feedback loops. We expand on how these mechanisms may influence cell morphology in confined three-dimensional settings, and the importance of locally tuning the mechanical stability of polymers in response to mechanical cues. Finally, we discuss new roles for Golgi-derived microtubules in mechanosensing, and how preferential motor use may influence polymer stability to resist the physical constraints cells experience in confined environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christanny J Schmidt
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Samantha J Stehbens
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
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Falconieri A, Coppini A, Raffa V. Microtubules as a signal hub for axon growth in response to mechanical force. Biol Chem 2024; 405:67-77. [PMID: 37674311 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules are highly polar structures and are characterized by high anisotropy and stiffness. In neurons, they play a key role in the directional transport of vesicles and organelles. In the neuronal projections called axons, they form parallel bundles, mostly oriented with the plus-end towards the axonal termination. Their physico-chemical properties have recently attracted attention as a potential candidate in sensing, processing and transducing physical signals generated by mechanical forces. Here, we discuss the main evidence supporting the role of microtubules as a signal hub for axon growth in response to a traction force. Applying a tension to the axon appears to stabilize the microtubules, which, in turn, coordinate a modulation of axonal transport, local translation and their cross-talk. We speculate on the possible mechanisms modulating microtubule dynamics under tension, based on evidence collected in neuronal and non-neuronal cell types. However, the fundamental question of the causal relationship between these mechanisms is still elusive because the mechano-sensitive element in this chain has not yet been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allegra Coppini
- Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, Pisa, 56127, Italy
| | - Vittoria Raffa
- Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, Pisa, 56127, Italy
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40
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Danziger M, Xu F, Noble H, Yang P, Roque DM. Tubulin Complexity in Cancer and Metastasis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1452:21-35. [PMID: 38805123 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-58311-7_2] [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: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Tubulin plays a fundamental role in cellular function and as the subject for microtubule-active agents in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Microtubule-binding proteins (e.g., tau, MAP1/2/4, EB1, CLIP, TOG, survivin, stathmin) and posttranslational modifications (e.g., tyrosination, deglutamylation, acetylation, glycation, phosphorylation, polyamination) further diversify tubulin functionality and may permit additional opportunities to understand microtubule behavior in disease and to develop microtubule-modifying approaches to combat ovarian cancer. Tubulin-based structures that project from suspended ovarian cancer cells known as microtentacles may contribute to metastatic potential of ovarian cancer cells and could represent an exciting novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Danziger
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fuhua Xu
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Helen Noble
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peixin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dana M Roque
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Zhao Z, Huang G, He Y, Zuo X, Han W, Li H. Estrogen inhibits the differentiation of fibroblasts induced by high stiffness matrix by enhancing DNMT1 expression. Tissue Cell 2023; 85:102207. [PMID: 37708582 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102207] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Pelvic organ prolapse(POP) is a multifactorial connective tissue disorder caused by damage to the supporting structures of the pelvic floor. Evidence from several studies suggests that anterior vaginal wall stiffness is higher in patients with POP, but the mechanisms involved remain unknown. METHODS Tissue from the anterior vaginal wall of patients with POP or other benign diseases was obtained. The modulus of elasticity of the anterior vaginal wall was measured using a microindenter. Cells were cultured in vitro on acrylamide gels of different stiffness and treated with DNMT1 inhibitor, microtubule polymerisation inhibitor and estrogen. Western blot or immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect DNA Methyltransferase 1, α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) expression, and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) expression. CONCLUSION Estrogen can inhibit high stiffness matrix-induced fibroblast differentiation, by enhancing DNMT1 expression. This study may help to elucidate the complex crosstalk between fibroblasts and their surrounding matrix under healthy and pathological conditions and provide new insights into the options for material-related therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Guotao Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yong He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Xiaohu Zuo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Wuyue Han
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, PR China.
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Bonucci M, Shu T, Holt LJ. How it feels in a cell. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:924-938. [PMID: 37286396 PMCID: PMC10592589 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Life emerges from thousands of biochemical processes occurring within a shared intracellular environment. We have gained deep insights from in vitro reconstitution of isolated biochemical reactions. However, the reaction medium in test tubes is typically simple and diluted. The cell interior is far more complex: macromolecules occupy more than a third of the space, and energy-consuming processes agitate the cell interior. Here, we review how this crowded, active environment impacts the motion and assembly of macromolecules, with an emphasis on mesoscale particles (10-1000 nm diameter). We describe methods to probe and analyze the biophysical properties of cells and highlight how changes in these properties can impact physiology and signaling, and potentially contribute to aging, and diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Bonucci
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Medical Center, 435 E 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tong Shu
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Medical Center, 435 E 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Liam J Holt
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Medical Center, 435 E 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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Xin Y, Li K, Huang M, Liang C, Siemann D, Wu L, Tan Y, Tang X. Biophysics in tumor growth and progression: from single mechano-sensitive molecules to mechanomedicine. Oncogene 2023; 42:3457-3490. [PMID: 37864030 PMCID: PMC10656290 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02844-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from physical sciences in oncology increasingly suggests that the interplay between the biophysical tumor microenvironment and genetic regulation has significant impact on tumor progression. Especially, tumor cells and the associated stromal cells not only alter their own cytoskeleton and physical properties but also remodel the microenvironment with anomalous physical properties. Together, these altered mechano-omics of tumor tissues and their constituents fundamentally shift the mechanotransduction paradigms in tumorous and stromal cells and activate oncogenic signaling within the neoplastic niche to facilitate tumor progression. However, current findings on tumor biophysics are limited, scattered, and often contradictory in multiple contexts. Systematic understanding of how biophysical cues influence tumor pathophysiology is still lacking. This review discusses recent different schools of findings in tumor biophysics that have arisen from multi-scale mechanobiology and the cutting-edge technologies. These findings range from the molecular and cellular to the whole tissue level and feature functional crosstalk between mechanotransduction and oncogenic signaling. We highlight the potential of these anomalous physical alterations as new therapeutic targets for cancer mechanomedicine. This framework reconciles opposing opinions in the field, proposes new directions for future cancer research, and conceptualizes novel mechanomedicine landscape to overcome the inherent shortcomings of conventional cancer diagnosis and therapies.
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Grants
- R35 GM150812 NIGMS NIH HHS
- This work was financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project no. 11972316, Y.T.), Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (Project no. JCYJ20200109142001798, SGDX2020110309520303, and JCYJ20220531091002006, Y.T.), General Research Fund of Hong Kong Research Grant Council (PolyU 15214320, Y. T.), Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF18191421, Y.T.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (1-CD75, 1-ZE2M, and 1-ZVY1, Y.T.), the Cancer Pilot Research Award from UF Health Cancer Center (X. T.), the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award number R35GM150812 (X. T.), the National Science Foundation under grant number 2308574 (X. T.), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under award number FA9550-23-1-0393 (X. T.), the University Scholar Program (X. T.), UF Research Opportunity Seed Fund (X. T.), the Gatorade Award (X. T.), and the National Science Foundation REU Site at UF: Engineering for Healthcare (Douglas Spearot and Malisa Sarntinoranont). We are deeply grateful for the insightful discussions with and generous support from all members of Tang (UF)’s and Tan (PolyU)’s laboratories and all staff members of the MAE/BME/ECE/Health Cancer Center at UF and BME at PolyU.
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xin
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Keming Li
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chenyu Liang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dietmar Siemann
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lizi Wu
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Youhua Tan
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- Research Institute of Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Pan X, Ye L, Guo X, Wang W, Zhang Z, Wang Q, Huang J, Xu J, Cai Y, Shou X, Wang Y, Feng Y, Xie C, Shan P, Meng ZX. Glutamine Production by Glul Promotes Thermogenic Adipocyte Differentiation Through Prdm9-Mediated H3K4me3 and Transcriptional Reprogramming. Diabetes 2023; 72:1574-1596. [PMID: 37579296 DOI: 10.2337/db23-0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Thermogenic adipocytes have been extensively investigated because of their energy-dissipating property and therapeutic potential for obesity and diabetes. Besides serving as fuel sources, accumulating evidence suggests that intermediate metabolites play critical roles in multiple biological processes. However, their role in adipocyte differentiation and thermogenesis remains unexplored. Here, we report that human and mouse obesity is associated with marked downregulation of glutamine synthetase (Glul) expression and activity in thermogenic adipose tissues. Glul is robustly upregulated during brown adipocyte (BAC) differentiation and in brown adipose tissue (BAT) upon cold exposure and Cl316,243 stimulation. Further genetic, pharmacologic, or metabolic manipulations of Glul and glutamine levels reveal that glutamine cells autonomously stimulate BAC differentiation and function and BAT remodeling and improve systemic energy homeostasis in mice. Mechanistically, glutamine promotes transcriptional induction of adipogenic and thermogenic gene programs through histone modification-mediated chromatin remodeling. Among all the glutamine-regulated writer and eraser genes responsible for histone methylation and acetylation, only Prdm9, a histone lysine methyltransferase, is robustly induced during BAC differentiation. Importantly, Prdm9 inactivation by shRNA knockdown or a selective inhibitor attenuates glutamine-triggered adipogenic and thermogenic induction. Furthermore, Prdm9 gene transcription is regulated by glutamine through the recruitment of C/EBPb to its enhancer region. This work reveals glutamine as a novel activator of thermogenic adipocyte differentiation and uncovers an unexpected role of C/EBPb-Prdm9-mediated H3K4me3 and transcriptional reprogramming in adipocyte differentiation and thermogenesis. ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Pan
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingxia Ye
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaozhen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Material Medical, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Weihua Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ziyin Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qintao Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingya Xu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanhan Cai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinxin Shou
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yu Feng
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Cen Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Material Medical, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengfei Shan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhuo-Xian Meng
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Chronic Disease Research Institute, Zhejiang University School of Public Health, Hangzhou, China
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Chen MB, Javanmardi Y, Shahreza S, Serwinski B, Aref A, Djordjevic B, Moeendarbary E. Mechanobiology in oncology: basic concepts and clinical prospects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1239749. [PMID: 38020912 PMCID: PMC10644154 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1239749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between genetic transformations, biochemical communications, and physical interactions is crucial in cancer progression. Metastasis, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, involves a series of steps, including invasion, intravasation, circulation survival, and extravasation. Mechanical alterations, such as changes in stiffness and morphology, play a significant role in all stages of cancer initiation and dissemination. Accordingly, a better understanding of cancer mechanobiology can help in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Targeting the physical properties of tumours and their microenvironment presents opportunities for intervention. Advancements in imaging techniques and lab-on-a-chip systems enable personalized investigations of tumor biomechanics and drug screening. Investigation of the interplay between genetic, biochemical, and mechanical factors, which is of crucial importance in cancer progression, offers insights for personalized medicine and innovative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle B. Chen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Yousef Javanmardi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Somayeh Shahreza
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bianca Serwinski
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd., London, United Kingdom
- Northeastern University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amir Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Boris Djordjevic
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd., London, United Kingdom
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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McKenna ED, Sarbanes SL, Cummings SW, Roll-Mecak A. The Tubulin Code, from Molecules to Health and Disease. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2023; 39:331-361. [PMID: 37843925 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-030123-032748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules are essential dynamic polymers composed of α/β-tubulin heterodimers. They support intracellular trafficking, cell division, cellular motility, and other essential cellular processes. In many species, both α-tubulin and β-tubulin are encoded by multiple genes with distinct expression profiles and functionality. Microtubules are further diversified through abundant posttranslational modifications, which are added and removed by a suite of enzymes to form complex, stereotyped cellular arrays. The genetic and chemical diversity of tubulin constitute a tubulin code that regulates intrinsic microtubule properties and is read by cellular effectors, such as molecular motors and microtubule-associated proteins, to provide spatial and temporal specificity to microtubules in cells. In this review, we synthesize the rapidly expanding tubulin code literature and highlight limitations and opportunities for the field. As complex microtubule arrays underlie essential physiological processes, a better understanding of how cells employ the tubulin code has important implications for human disease ranging from cancer to neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D McKenna
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
| | - Stephanie L Sarbanes
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
| | - Steven W Cummings
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
| | - Antonina Roll-Mecak
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Zhong X, He Z, Yin L, Fan Y, Tong Y, Kang Y, Bi Q. Glutamine metabolism in tumor metastasis: Genes, mechanisms and the therapeutic targets. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20656. [PMID: 37829798 PMCID: PMC10565784 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells frequently change their metabolism from aerobic glycolysis to lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism to adapt to the malignant biological behaviours of infinite proliferation and distant metastasis. The significance of metabolic substances and patterns in tumour cell metastasis is becoming increasingly prominent. Tumour metastasis involves a series of significant steps such as the shedding of cancer cells from a primary tumour, resistance to apoptosis, and colonisation of metastatic sites. However, the role of glutamine in these processes remains unclear. This review summarises the key enzymes and transporters involved in glutamine metabolism that are related to the pathogenesis of malignant tumour metastasis. We also list the roles of glutamine in resisting oxidative stress and promoting immune escape. Finally, the significance of targeting glutamine metabolism in inhibiting tumour metastasis was proposed, research in this field improving our understanding of amino acid metabolism rewiring and simultaneously bringing about new and exciting therapeutic prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xugang Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zeju He
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Li Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yu Tong
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Medical College People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yao Kang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Medical College People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Bi
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Medical College People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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48
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Bertolio R, Napoletano F, Del Sal G. Dynamic links between mechanical forces and metabolism shape the tumor milieu. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 84:102218. [PMID: 37597464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Cell function relies on the spatiotemporal dynamics of metabolic reactions. In all physiopathological processes of tissues, mechanical forces impact the structure and function of membranes, enzymes, organelles and regulators of metabolic gene programs, thus regulating cell metabolism. In turn, metabolic pathways feedback impacts the physical properties of cell and tissues. Hence, metabolism and tissue mechanics are dynamically intertwined and continuously interact. Cancer is akin to an ecosystem, comprising tumor cells and various subpopulations of stromal cells embedded in an altered extracellular matrix. The progression of cancer, from initiation to advanced stage and metastasis, is driven by genetic mutations and crucially influenced by physical and metabolic alterations in the tumor microenvironment. These alterations also play a pivotal role in cancer cells evasion from immune surveillance and in developing resistance to treatments. Here, we highlight emerging evidence showing that mechano-metabolic circuits in cancer and stromal cells regulate multiple processes crucial for tumor progression and discuss potential approaches to improve therapeutic treatments by interfering with these circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Bertolio
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park-Padriciano, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Napoletano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park-Padriciano, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giannino Del Sal
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park-Padriciano, 34149 Trieste, Italy; IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy.
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Ke W, Liao Z, Liang H, Tong B, Song Y, Li G, Ma L, Wang K, Feng X, Li S, Hua W, Wang B, Yang C. Stiff Substrate Induces Nucleus Pulposus Cell Ferroptosis via YAP and N-Cadherin Mediated Mechanotransduction. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300458. [PMID: 37022980 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Increased tissue stiffness is associated with various pathological processes, such as fibrosis, inflammation, and aging. The matrix stiffness of the nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues increases gradually during intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), while the mechanism through which NP cells sense and react to matrix stiffness remains unclear. In this study, the results indicate that ferroptosis is involved in stiff substrate-induced NP cell death. The expression of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) increases in NP cells of the stiff group, which mediates lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in NP cells. In addition, stiff substrate activates the hippo signaling cascade and induces the nuclear translocation of yes-associated protein (YAP). Interestingly, inhibition of YAP is efficient to reverse the increase of ACSL4 expression caused by matrix stiffness. Furthermore, stiff substrate suppresses the expression of N-cadherin in NP cells. N-cadherin overexpression can inhibit YAP nuclear translocation via the formation of the N-cadherin/β-catenin/YAP complex, and reverse matrix stiffness-induced ferroptosis in NP cells. Finally, the effects of YAP inhibition and N-cadherin overexpression on IDD progression are further illustrated in animal models. These findings reveal a new mechanism of mechanotransduction in NP cells, providing novel insights into the development of therapies for the treatment of IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencan Ke
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhiwei Liao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Huaizhen Liang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Bide Tong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yu Song
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Gaocai Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiaobo Feng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wenbin Hua
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Bingjin Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Cao Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
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Johnson S, Sommer N, Cox-Flaherty K, Weissmann N, Ventetuolo CE, Maron BA. Pulmonary Hypertension: A Contemporary Review. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 208:528-548. [PMID: 37450768 PMCID: PMC10492255 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202302-0327so] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Major advances in pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with lung disease, and chronic thromboembolic PH cast new light on the pathogenetic mechanisms, epidemiology, diagnostic approach, and therapeutic armamentarium for pulmonary vascular disease. Here, we summarize key basic, translational, and clinical PH reports, emphasizing findings that build on current state-of-the-art research. This review includes cutting-edge progress in translational pulmonary vascular biology, with a guide to the diagnosis of patients in clinical practice, incorporating recent PH definition revisions that continue emphasis on early detection of disease. PH management is reviewed including an overview of the evolving considerations for the approach to treatment of PH in patients with cardiopulmonary comorbidities, as well as a discussion of the groundbreaking sotatercept data for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelsey Johnson
- The Pulmonary Center, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep and Critical Care, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
| | - Natascha Sommer
- Excellence Cluster Cardiopulmonary Institute, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Norbert Weissmann
- Excellence Cluster Cardiopulmonary Institute, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Corey E. Ventetuolo
- Department of Medicine and
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Bradley A. Maron
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep, and Critical Care Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; and
- The University of Maryland-Institute for Health Computing, Bethesda, Maryland
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