1
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Yuan X, Zhao X, Wang W, Li C. Mechanosensing by Piezo1 and its implications in the kidney. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14152. [PMID: 38682304 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14152] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Piezo1 is an essential mechanosensitive transduction ion channel in mammals. Its unique structure makes it capable of converting mechanical cues into electrical and biological signals, modulating biological and (patho)physiological processes in a wide variety of cells. There is increasing evidence demonstrating that the piezo1 channel plays a vital role in renal physiology and disease conditions. This review summarizes the current evidence on the structure and properties of Piezo1, gating modulation, and pharmacological characteristics, with special focus on the distribution and (patho)physiological significance of Piezo1 in the kidney, which may provide insights into potential treatment targets for renal diseases involving this ion channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Yuan
- Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Hypertension, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoduo Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weidong Wang
- Institute of Hypertension, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunling Li
- Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Hypertension, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Conti S, Venturini V, Cañellas-Socias A, Cortina C, Abenza JF, Stephan-Otto Attolini C, Middendorp Guerra E, Xu CK, Li JH, Rossetti L, Stassi G, Roca-Cusachs P, Diz-Muñoz A, Ruprecht V, Guck J, Batlle E, Labernadie A, Trepat X. Membrane to cortex attachment determines different mechanical phenotypes in LGR5+ and LGR5- colorectal cancer cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3363. [PMID: 38637494 PMCID: PMC11026456 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors are composed of heterogeneous and plastic cell populations, including a pool of cancer stem cells that express LGR5. Whether these distinct cell populations display different mechanical properties, and how these properties might contribute to metastasis is poorly understood. Using CRC patient derived organoids (PDOs), we find that compared to LGR5- cells, LGR5+ cancer stem cells are stiffer, adhere better to the extracellular matrix (ECM), move slower both as single cells and clusters, display higher nuclear YAP, show a higher survival rate in response to mechanical confinement, and form larger transendothelial gaps. These differences are largely explained by the downregulation of the membrane to cortex attachment proteins Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin (ERMs) in the LGR5+ cells. By analyzing single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) expression patterns from a patient cohort, we show that this downregulation is a robust signature of colorectal tumors. Our results show that LGR5- cells display a mechanically dynamic phenotype suitable for dissemination from the primary tumor whereas LGR5+ cells display a mechanically stable and resilient phenotype suitable for extravasation and metastatic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sefora Conti
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valeria Venturini
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrià Cañellas-Socias
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red de Cancer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Cortina
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red de Cancer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan F Abenza
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Camille Stephan-Otto Attolini
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emily Middendorp Guerra
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red de Cancer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Catherine K Xu
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jia Hui Li
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leone Rossetti
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pere Roca-Cusachs
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Facultat de Medicina, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Diz-Muñoz
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Verena Ruprecht
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Max-Planck Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eduard Batlle
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red de Cancer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Anna Labernadie
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe (CIPF), Valencia, Spain.
| | - Xavier Trepat
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
- Facultat de Medicina, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain.
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3
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Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Mechanotransduction Circuits in Human Pathobiology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3816. [PMID: 38612628 PMCID: PMC11011732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073816] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
It is widely acknowledged that mechanical forces exerted throughout the human body are critical for cellular and tissue homeostasis [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios N. Gargalionis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas A. Papavassiliou
- ‘Sotiria’ Hospital, Medical School, First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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4
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Fenelon KD, Krause J, Koromila T. Opticool: Cutting-edge transgenic optical tools. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011208. [PMID: 38517915 PMCID: PMC10959397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Only a few short decades have passed since the sequencing of GFP, yet the modern repertoire of transgenically encoded optical tools implies an exponential proliferation of ever improving constructions to interrogate the subcellular environment. A myriad of tags for labeling proteins, RNA, or DNA have arisen in the last few decades, facilitating unprecedented visualization of subcellular components and processes. Development of a broad array of modern genetically encoded sensors allows real-time, in vivo detection of molecule levels, pH, forces, enzyme activity, and other subcellular and extracellular phenomena in ever expanding contexts. Optogenetic, genetically encoded optically controlled manipulation systems have gained traction in the biological research community and facilitate single-cell, real-time modulation of protein function in vivo in ever broadening, novel applications. While this field continues to explosively expand, references are needed to assist scientists seeking to use and improve these transgenic devices in new and exciting ways to interrogate development and disease. In this review, we endeavor to highlight the state and trajectory of the field of in vivo transgenic optical tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli D. Fenelon
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
| | - Julia Krause
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
| | - Theodora Koromila
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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5
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Nakamura F. The Role of Mechanotransduction in Contact Inhibition of Locomotion and Proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2135. [PMID: 38396812 PMCID: PMC10889191 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042135] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Contact inhibition (CI) represents a crucial tumor-suppressive mechanism responsible for controlling the unbridled growth of cells, thus preventing the formation of cancerous tissues. CI can be further categorized into two distinct yet interrelated components: CI of locomotion (CIL) and CI of proliferation (CIP). These two components of CI have historically been viewed as separate processes, but emerging research suggests that they may be regulated by both distinct and shared pathways. Specifically, recent studies have indicated that both CIP and CIL utilize mechanotransduction pathways, a process that involves cells sensing and responding to mechanical forces. This review article describes the role of mechanotransduction in CI, shedding light on how mechanical forces regulate CIL and CIP. Emphasis is placed on filamin A (FLNA)-mediated mechanotransduction, elucidating how FLNA senses mechanical forces and translates them into crucial biochemical signals that regulate cell locomotion and proliferation. In addition to FLNA, trans-acting factors (TAFs), which are proteins or regulatory RNAs capable of directly or indirectly binding to specific DNA sequences in distant genes to regulate gene expression, emerge as sensitive players in both the mechanotransduction and signaling pathways of CI. This article presents methods for identifying these TAF proteins and profiling the associated changes in chromatin structure, offering valuable insights into CI and other biological functions mediated by mechanotransduction. Finally, it addresses unanswered research questions in these fields and delineates their possible future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihiko Nakamura
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China
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6
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Ngo HHP, Andrade RJ, Lancelot J, Loumeaud A, Cornu C, Nordez A, Chatelin S, Gennisson JL. Unravelling anisotropic nonlinear shear elasticity in muscles: Towards a non-invasive assessment of stress in living organisms. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 150:106325. [PMID: 38150816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Acoustoelasticity theory describes propagation of shear waves in uniaxially stressed medium and allows the retrieval of nonlinear elastic coefficients of tissues. In transverse isotropic medium such as muscles the theory leads to 9 different configurations of propagating shear waves (stress axis vs. fibers axis vs. shear wave polarization axis vs. shear wave propagation axis). In this work we propose to use 4 configurations to quantify these nonlinear parameters ex vivo and in vivo. Ex vivo experiments combining ultrasound shear wave elastography and mechanical testing were conducted on iliopsoas pig muscles to quantify three third-order nonlinear coefficients A, H and K that are possibly linked to the architectural structure of muscles. In vivo experiments were performed with human volunteers on biceps brachii during a stretching exercise on an ergometer. A combination of the third order nonlinear elastic parameters was assessed. The knowledge of this nonlinear elastic parameters paves the way to quantify in vivo the local forces produced by muscle during exercise, contraction or movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Hien Phuong Ngo
- Laboratoire d'imagerie biomédicale multimodale (BioMaps), University Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS UMR 9011, Inserm UMR 1281, Orsay, F-91401, France
| | - Ricardo J Andrade
- Mouvement Interactions Performance (MIP), University of Nantes, UR 4334, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Juliette Lancelot
- Mouvement Interactions Performance (MIP), University of Nantes, UR 4334, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Aude Loumeaud
- Engineering Science, Computer Science and Imaging Laboratory (ICube), University of Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7357, Strasbourg, F-67000, France
| | - Corentin Cornu
- Laboratoire d'imagerie biomédicale multimodale (BioMaps), University Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS UMR 9011, Inserm UMR 1281, Orsay, F-91401, France
| | - Antoine Nordez
- Mouvement Interactions Performance (MIP), University of Nantes, UR 4334, F-44000, Nantes, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), France
| | - Simon Chatelin
- Engineering Science, Computer Science and Imaging Laboratory (ICube), University of Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7357, Strasbourg, F-67000, France
| | - Jean-Luc Gennisson
- Laboratoire d'imagerie biomédicale multimodale (BioMaps), University Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS UMR 9011, Inserm UMR 1281, Orsay, F-91401, France.
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7
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He J, Blazeski A, Nilanthi U, Menéndez J, Pirani SC, Levic DS, Bagnat M, Singh MK, Raya JG, García-Cardeña G, Torres-Vázquez J. Plxnd1-mediated mechanosensing of blood flow controls the caliber of the Dorsal Aorta via the transcription factor Klf2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.24.576555. [PMID: 38328196 PMCID: PMC10849625 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.24.576555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The cardiovascular system generates and responds to mechanical forces. The heartbeat pumps blood through a network of vascular tubes, which adjust their caliber in response to the hemodynamic environment. However, how endothelial cells in the developing vascular system integrate inputs from circulatory forces into signaling pathways to define vessel caliber is poorly understood. Using vertebrate embryos and in vitro-assembled microvascular networks of human endothelial cells as models, flow and genetic manipulations, and custom software, we reveal that Plexin-D1, an endothelial Semaphorin receptor critical for angiogenic guidance, employs its mechanosensing activity to serve as a crucial positive regulator of the Dorsal Aorta's (DA) caliber. We also uncover that the flow-responsive transcription factor KLF2 acts as a paramount mechanosensitive effector of Plexin-D1 that enlarges endothelial cells to widen the vessel. These findings illuminate the molecular and cellular mechanisms orchestrating the interplay between cardiovascular development and hemodynamic forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia He
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Adriana Blazeski
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Uthayanan Nilanthi
- Programme in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857
| | - Javier Menéndez
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Samuel C. Pirani
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Daniel S. Levic
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Michel Bagnat
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Manvendra K. Singh
- Programme in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, 5 Hospital Drive, Singapore, 169609
| | - José G Raya
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Guillermo García-Cardeña
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jesús Torres-Vázquez
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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8
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Panebianco CJ, Nijsure MP, Berlew EE, Jeong AL, Boerckel JD. Adjusting to Your Surroundings: An Inquiry-Based Learning Module to Teach Principles of Mechanobiology for Regenerative Medicine. BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING EDUCATION 2024; 4:73-86. [PMID: 38752167 PMCID: PMC11095843 DOI: 10.1007/s43683-023-00130-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Mechanobiology is an interdisciplinary field that aims to understand how physical forces impact biological systems. Enhancing our knowledge of mechanobiology has become increasingly important for understanding human disease and developing novel therapeutics. There is a societal need to teach diverse students principles of mechanobiology so that we may collectively expand our knowledge of this subject and apply new principles to improving human health. Toward this goal, we designed, implemented, and evaluated a hands-on, inquiry-based learning (IBL) module to teach students principles of cell-biomaterial interactions. This module was designed to be hosted in two 3-h sessions, over two consecutive days. During this time, students learned how to synthesize and mechanically test biomaterials, culture bacteria cells, and assess effects of matrix stiffness on bacteria cell proliferation. Among the 73 students who registered to participate in our IBL mechanobiology module, 40 students completed both days and participated in this study. A vast majority of the participants were considered underrepresented minority (URM) students based on race/ethnicity. Using pre/post-tests, we found that students experienced significant learning gains of 33 percentage points from completing our IBL mechanobiology module. In addition to gaining knowledge of mechanobiology, validated pre/post-surveys showed that students also experienced significant improvements in scientific literacy. Instructors may use this module as described, increase the complexity for an undergraduate classroom assignment, or make the module less complex for K-12 outreach. As presented, this IBL mechanobiology module effectively teaches diverse students principles of mechanobiology and scientific inquiry. Deploying this module, and similar IBL modules, may help advance the next generation of mechanobiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Panebianco
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, 3450 Hamilton Walk, 371 Stemmler Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Madhura P. Nijsure
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, 3450 Hamilton Walk, 371 Stemmler Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Erin E. Berlew
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, 3450 Hamilton Walk, 371 Stemmler Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Annie L. Jeong
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joel D. Boerckel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, 3450 Hamilton Walk, 371 Stemmler Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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9
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Cho DH, Aguayo S, Cartagena-Rivera AX. Atomic force microscopy-mediated mechanobiological profiling of complex human tissues. Biomaterials 2023; 303:122389. [PMID: 37988897 PMCID: PMC10842832 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Tissue mechanobiology is an emerging field with the overarching goal of understanding the interplay between biophysical and biochemical responses affecting development, physiology, and disease. Changes in mechanical properties including stiffness and viscosity have been shown to describe how cells and tissues respond to mechanical cues and modify critical biological functions. To quantitatively characterize the mechanical properties of tissues at physiologically relevant conditions, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has emerged as a highly versatile biomechanical technology. In this review, we describe the fundamental principles of AFM, typical AFM modalities used for tissue mechanics, and commonly used elastic and viscoelastic contact mechanics models to characterize complex human tissues. Furthermore, we discuss the application of AFM-based mechanobiology to characterize the mechanical responses within complex human tissues to track their developmental, physiological/functional, and diseased states, including oral, hearing, and cancer-related tissues. Finally, we discuss the current outlook and challenges to further advance the field of tissue mechanobiology. Altogether, AFM-based tissue mechanobiology provides a mechanistic understanding of biological processes governing the unique functions of tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Cho
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sebastian Aguayo
- Dentistry School, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Schools of Engineering, Medicine, and Biological Sciences, Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexander X Cartagena-Rivera
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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10
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Jebane C, Varlet AA, Karnat M, Hernandez- Cedillo LM, Lecchi A, Bedu F, Desgrouas C, Vigouroux C, Vantyghem MC, Viallat A, Rupprecht JF, Helfer E, Badens C. Enhanced cell viscosity: A new phenotype associated with lamin A/C alterations. iScience 2023; 26:107714. [PMID: 37701573 PMCID: PMC10494210 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Lamin A/C is a well-established key contributor to nuclear stiffness and its role in nucleus mechanical properties has been extensively studied. However, its impact on whole-cell mechanics has been poorly addressed, particularly concerning measurable physical parameters. In this study, we combined microfluidic experiments with theoretical analyses to quantitatively estimate the whole-cell mechanical properties. This allowed us to characterize the mechanical changes induced in cells by lamin A/C alterations and prelamin A accumulation resulting from atazanavir treatment or lipodystrophy-associated LMNA R482W pathogenic variant. Our results reveal a distinctive increase in long-time viscosity as a signature of cells affected by lamin A/C alterations. Furthermore, they show that the whole-cell response to mechanical stress is driven not only by the nucleus but also by the nucleo-cytoskeleton links and the microtubule network. The enhanced cell viscosity assessed with our microfluidic assay could serve as a valuable diagnosis marker for lamin-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Jebane
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | | | - Marc Karnat
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, CPT, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Corinne Vigouroux
- Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Saint-Antoine Hospital, National Reference Centre for Rares diseases of Insulin-Secretion and Insulin-Sensitivity (PRISIS), Department of Endocrinology, Paris, France
- Sorbonne University, Saint-Antoine Research Centre, Inserm UMR_S938, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Christine Vantyghem
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism Department, Inserm U1190, EGID, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Annie Viallat
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-François Rupprecht
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, CPT, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuèle Helfer
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Catherine Badens
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, MMG, Marseille, France
- AP-HM, Laboratoire de Biochimie, Marseille, France
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11
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Negri ML, D'Annunzio S, Vitali G, Zippo A. May the force be with you: Nuclear condensates function beyond transcription control: Potential nongenetic functions of nuclear condensates in physiological and pathological conditions. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2300075. [PMID: 37530178 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, research has revealed biomolecular condensates' relevance in diverse cellular functions. Through a phase separation process, they concentrate macromolecules in subcompartments shaping the cellular organization and physiology. In the nucleus, biomolecular condensates assemble relevant biomolecules that orchestrate gene expression. We here hypothesize that chromatin condensates can also modulate the nongenetic functions of the genome, including the nuclear mechanical properties. The importance of chromatin condensates is supported by the genetic evidence indicating that mutations in their members are causative of a group of rare Mendelian diseases named chromatinopathies (CPs). Despite a broad spectrum of clinical features and the perturbations of the epigenetic machinery characterizing the CPs, recent findings highlighted negligible changes in gene expression. These data argue in favor of possible noncanonical functions of chromatin condensates in regulating the genome's spatial organization and, consequently, the nuclear mechanics. In this review, we discuss how condensates may impact nuclear mechanical properties, thus affecting the cellular response to mechanical cues and, eventually, cell fate and identity. Chromatin condensates organize macromolecules in the nucleus orchestrating the transcription regulation and mutations in their members are responsible for rare diseases named chromatinopathies. We argue that chromatin condensates, in concert with the nuclear lamina, may also govern the nuclear mechanical properties affecting the cellular response to external cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luce Negri
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Sarah D'Annunzio
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Giulia Vitali
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Alessio Zippo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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12
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Ezzo M, Hinz B. Novel approaches to target fibroblast mechanotransduction in fibroproliferative diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108528. [PMID: 37708995 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to changes in mechanical environment is vital in conditions of organ injury when the architecture of normal tissues is disturbed or lost. Among the various cellular players that respond to injury, fibroblasts take center stage in re-establishing tissue integrity by secreting and organizing extracellular matrix into stabilizing scar tissue. Activation, activity, survival, and death of scar-forming fibroblasts are tightly controlled by mechanical environment and proper mechanotransduction ensures that fibroblast activities cease after completion of the tissue repair process. Conversely, dysregulated mechanotransduction often results in fibroblast over-activation or persistence beyond the state of normal repair. The resulting pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix is called fibrosis, a condition that has been associated with over 40% of all deaths in the industrialized countries. Consequently, elements in fibroblast mechanotransduction are scrutinized for their suitability as anti-fibrotic therapeutic targets. We review the current knowledge on mechanically relevant factors in the fibroblast extracellular environment, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion structures, stretch-activated membrane channels, stress-regulated cytoskeletal structures, and co-transcription factors. We critically discuss the targetability of these elements in therapeutic approaches and their progress in pre-clinical and/or clinical trials to treat organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Ezzo
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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13
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Sánchez-Duffhues G, Hiepen C. Human iPSCs as Model Systems for BMP-Related Rare Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:2200. [PMID: 37681932 PMCID: PMC10487005 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172200] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling contribute to onset and development of a number of rare genetic diseases, including Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). After decades of animal research to build a solid foundation in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms, the progressive implementation of iPSC-based patient-derived models will improve drug development by addressing drug efficacy, specificity, and toxicity in a complex humanized environment. We will review the current state of literature on iPSC-derived model systems in this field, with special emphasis on the access to patient source material and the complications that may come with it. Given the essential role of BMPs during embryonic development and stem cell differentiation, gain- or loss-of-function mutations in the BMP signalling pathway may compromise iPSC generation, maintenance, and differentiation procedures. This review highlights the need for careful optimization of the protocols used. Finally, we will discuss recent developments towards complex in vitro culture models aiming to resemble specific tissue microenvironments with multi-faceted cellular inputs, such as cell mechanics and ECM together with organoids, organ-on-chip, and microfluidic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Sánchez-Duffhues
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC), ISPA-HUCA, Avda. de Roma, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Hiepen
- Department of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences, August-Schmidt-Ring 10, 45665 Recklinghausen, Germany
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14
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Wang D, Shang Q, Mao J, Gao C, Wang J, Wang D, Wang H, Jia H, Peng P, Du M, Luo Z, Yang L. Phosphorylation of KRT8 (keratin 8) by excessive mechanical load-activated PKN (protein kinase N) impairs autophagosome initiation and contributes to disc degeneration. Autophagy 2023; 19:2485-2503. [PMID: 36897022 PMCID: PMC10392755 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2186099] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive mechanical load (overloading) is a well-documented pathogenetic factor for many mechano stress-induced pathologies, i.e. intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Under overloading, the balance between anabolism and catabolism within nucleus pulposus (NP) cells are badly thrown off, and NP cells undergo apoptosis. However, little is known about how the overloading is transduced to the NP cells and contributes to disc degeneration. The current study shows that conditional knockout of Krt8 (keratin 8) within NP aggravates load-induced IDD in vivo, and overexpression of Krt8 endows NP cells greater resistance to overloading-induced apoptosis and degeneration in vitro. Discovery-driven experiments shows that phosphorylation of KRT8 on Ser43 by overloading activated RHOA-PKN (protein kinase N) impedes trafficking of Golgi resident small GTPase RAB33B, suppresses the autophagosome initiation and contributes to IDD. Overexpression of Krt8 and knockdown of Pkn1 and Pkn2, at an early stage of IDD, ameliorates disc degeneration; yet only knockdown of Pkn1 and Pkn2, when treated at late stage of IDD, shows a therapeutic effect. This study validates a protective role of Krt8 during overloading-induced IDD and demonstrates that targeting overloading activation of PKNs could be a novel and effective approach to mechano stress-induced pathologies with a wider window of therapeutic opportunity.Abbreviations: AAV: adeno-associated virus; AF: anulus fibrosus; ANOVA: analysis of variance; ATG: autophagy related; BSA: bovine serum albumin; cDNA: complementary deoxyribonucleic acid; CEP: cartilaginous endplates; CHX: cycloheximide; cKO: conditional knockout; Cor: coronal plane; CT: computed tomography; Cy: coccygeal vertebra; D: aspartic acid; DEG: differentially expressed gene; DHI: disc height index; DIBA: dot immunobinding assay; dUTP: 2'-deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate; ECM: extracellular matrix; EDTA: ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; FBS: fetal bovine serum; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GPS: group-based prediction system; GSEA: gene set enrichment analysis; GTP: guanosine triphosphate; HE: hematoxylin-eosin; HRP: horseradish peroxidase; IDD: intervertebral disc degeneration; IF: immunofluorescence staining; IL1: interleukin 1; IVD: intervertebral disc; KEGG: Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes; KRT8: keratin 8; KD: knockdown; KO: knockout; L: lumbar vertebra; LBP: low back pain; LC/MS: liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer; LSI: mouse lumbar instability model; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MMP3: matrix metallopeptidase 3; MRI: nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; NC: negative control; NP: nucleus pulposus; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PE: p-phycoerythrin; PFA: paraformaldehyde; PI: propidium iodide; PKN: protein kinase N; OE: overexpression; PTM: post translational modification; PVDF: polyvinylidene fluoride; qPCR: quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction; RHOA: ras homolog family member A; RIPA: radio immunoprecipitation assay; RNA: ribonucleic acid; ROS: reactive oxygen species; RT: room temperature; TCM: rat tail compression-induced IDD model; TCS: mouse tail suturing compressive model; S: serine; Sag: sagittal plane; SD rats: Sprague-Dawley rats; shRNA: short hairpin RNA; siRNA: small interfering RNA; SOFG: safranin O-fast green; SQSTM1: sequestosome 1; TUNEL: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling; VG/ml: viral genomes per milliliter; WCL: whole cell lysate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiliang Shang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianxin Mao
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chu Gao
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Medical Research Institute, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Wang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dong Wang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Han Wang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haoruo Jia
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pandi Peng
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Medical Research Institute, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mu Du
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuojing Luo
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Medical Research Institute, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liu Yang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Medical Research Institute, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Harper CE, Zhang W, Lee J, Shin JH, Keller MR, van Wijngaarden E, Chou E, Wang Z, Dörr T, Chen P, Hernandez CJ. Mechanical stimuli activate gene expression via a cell envelope stress sensing pathway. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13979. [PMID: 37633922 PMCID: PMC10460444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40897-w] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensitive mechanisms are often used to sense damage to tissue structure, stimulating matrix synthesis and repair. While this kind of mechanoregulatory process is well recognized in eukaryotic systems, it is not known whether such a process occurs in bacteria. In Vibrio cholerae, antibiotic-induced damage to the load-bearing cell wall promotes increased signaling by the two-component system VxrAB, which stimulates cell wall synthesis. Here we show that changes in mechanical stress within the cell envelope are sufficient to stimulate VxrAB signaling in the absence of antibiotics. We applied mechanical forces to individual bacteria using three distinct loading modalities: extrusion loading within a microfluidic device, direct compression and hydrostatic pressure. In all cases, VxrAB signaling, as indicated by a fluorescent protein reporter, was increased in cells submitted to greater magnitudes of mechanical loading, hence diverse forms of mechanical stimuli activate VxrAB signaling. Reduction in cell envelope stiffness following removal of the endopeptidase ShyA led to large increases in cell envelope deformation and substantially increased VxrAB response, further supporting the responsiveness of VxrAB. Our findings demonstrate a mechanosensitive gene regulatory system in bacteria and suggest that mechanical signals may contribute to the regulation of cell wall homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Harper
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Wenyao Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Junsung Lee
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Jung-Ho Shin
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Megan R Keller
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Ellen van Wijngaarden
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Emily Chou
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Zhaohong Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Tobias Dörr
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| | - Christopher J Hernandez
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
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16
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Feng Y, Li M. Micropipette-assisted atomic force microscopy for single-cell 3D manipulations and nanomechanical measurements. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:13346-13358. [PMID: 37526589 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02404k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical cues play a crucial role in regulating physiological and pathological processes, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) has become an important and standard tool for measuring the mechanical properties of single cells. In particular, providing a capability to manipulate cells in a three-dimensional (3D) space benefits enhancing the applications of AFM measurements in cell biology. Here, we present the complementary integration of AFM and micropipette micromanipulation, which allows precise 3D manipulations and nanomechanical measurements of single living cells. A micropipette micromanipulation system under the guidance of optical microscopy was established to isolate single living cells, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillar substrates were used to physically immobilize the isolated living cells for downstream AFM detection. The viscoelastic properties (Young's modulus, relaxation time, viscosity) of cells were quantitatively measured by AFM-based indentation assay. The effectiveness of micropipette-assisted AFM in single-cell analysis was confirmed on both living animal suspended cells and living animal adherent cells, showing dramatic changes in cell mechanics in different states and revealing the dynamics of single cells grown on micropillar arrays. The study demonstrates the great potential of a micropipette to aid AFM in single-cell manipulations for better accessing the mechanical cues involved in cellular processes, which will allow additional studies of single-cell mechanics and will benefit the field of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China.
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China.
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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17
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Papavassiliou KA, Basdra EK, Papavassiliou AG. The emerging promise of tumour mechanobiology in cancer treatment. Eur J Cancer 2023; 190:112938. [PMID: 37390803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.112938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumour cell biomechanics has lately came to the fore as a disparate feature that fosters cancer development and progression. Tumour mechanosensing entails a mechanical interplay amongst tumour cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells of the tumour microenvironment (TME). Sensory receptors (mechanoceptors) detect changes of extracellular mechanical inputs such as various types of mechanical forces/stress and trigger oncogenic signalling pathways advocating for cancer initiation, growth, survival, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and immune evasion. Moreover, alterations in ECM stiffness and potentiation of mechanostimulated transcriptional regulatory molecules (transcription factors/cofactors) have been shown to strongly correlate with resistance to anticancer drugs. On this basis, new mechanosensitive proteins emerge as potential therapeutic targets and/or biomarkers in cancer. Accordingly, tumour mechanobiology arises as a promising field that can potentially provide novel combinatorial regimens to reverse drug resistance, as well as offer unprecedented targeting approaches that may help to more effectively treat a large proportion of solid tumours and their complications. Here, we highlight recent findings regarding various aspects of tumour mechanobiology in the clinical setting and discuss evidence-based perspectives of developing diagnostic/prognostic tools and therapeutic approaches that exploit tumour-TME physical associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, 'Sotiria' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthimia K Basdra
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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18
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Zhuang C, Gould JE, Enninful A, Shao S, Mak M. Biophysical and mechanobiological considerations for T-cell-based immunotherapy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:366-378. [PMID: 37172572 PMCID: PMC10188210 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.03.007] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies modulate the body's defense system to treat cancer. While these therapies have shown efficacy against multiple types of cancer, patient response rates are limited, and the off-target effects can be severe. Typical approaches in developing immunotherapies tend to focus on antigen targeting and molecular signaling, while overlooking biophysical and mechanobiological effects. Immune cells and tumor cells are both responsive to biophysical cues, which are prominent in the tumor microenvironment. Recent studies have shown that mechanosensing - including through Piezo1, adhesions, and Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) - influences tumor-immune interactions and immunotherapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, biophysical methods such as fluidic systems and mechanoactivation schemes can improve the controllability and manufacturing of engineered T cells, with potential for increasing therapeutic efficacy and specificity. This review focuses on leveraging advances in immune biophysics and mechanobiology toward improving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell and anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuzhi Zhuang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Jared E Gould
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Archibald Enninful
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Stephanie Shao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Michael Mak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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19
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Hsia CR, Melters DP, Dalal Y. The Force is Strong with This Epigenome: Chromatin Structure and Mechanobiology. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168019. [PMID: 37330288 PMCID: PMC10567996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
All life forms sense and respond to mechanical stimuli. Throughout evolution, organisms develop diverse mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways, leading to fast and sustained mechanoresponses. Memory and plasticity characteristics of mechanoresponses are thought to be stored in the form of epigenetic modifications, including chromatin structure alterations. These mechanoresponses in the chromatin context share conserved principles across species, such as lateral inhibition during organogenesis and development. However, it remains unclear how mechanotransduction mechanisms alter chromatin structure for specific cellular functions, and if altered chromatin structure can mechanically affect the environment. In this review, we discuss how chromatin structure is altered by environmental forces via an outside-in pathway for cellular functions, and the emerging concept of how chromatin structure alterations can mechanically affect nuclear, cellular, and extracellular environments. This bidirectional mechanical feedback between chromatin of the cell and the environment can potentially have important physiological implications, such as in centromeric chromatin regulation of mechanobiology in mitosis, or in tumor-stroma interactions. Finally, we highlight the current challenges and open questions in the field and provide perspectives for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Ren Hsia
- Chromatin Structure and Epigenetic Mechanisms, Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States. https://twitter.com/JeremiahHsia
| | - Daniël P Melters
- Chromatin Structure and Epigenetic Mechanisms, Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States. https://twitter.com/dpmelters
| | - Yamini Dalal
- Chromatin Structure and Epigenetic Mechanisms, Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States. https://twitter.com/NCIYaminiDalal
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20
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Martino S. Mechanobiology in Cells and Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108564. [PMID: 37239910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This Editorial is a comment on the success of the Special Issue "Mechanobiology in Cells and Tissues" published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy
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21
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Pawlak MR, Smiley AT, Ramirez MP, Kelly MD, Shamsan GA, Anderson SM, Smeester BA, Largaespada DA, Odde DJ, Gordon WR. RAD-TGTs: high-throughput measurement of cellular mechanotype via rupture and delivery of DNA tension probes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2468. [PMID: 37117218 PMCID: PMC10147940 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38157-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces drive critical cellular processes that are reflected in mechanical phenotypes, or mechanotypes, of cells and their microenvironment. We present here "Rupture And Deliver" Tension Gauge Tethers (RAD-TGTs) in which flow cytometry is used to record the mechanical history of thousands of cells exerting forces on their surroundings via their propensity to rupture immobilized DNA duplex tension probes. We demonstrate that RAD-TGTs recapitulate prior DNA tension probe studies while also yielding a gain of fluorescence in the force-generating cell that is detectable by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the rupture propensity is altered following disruption of the cytoskeleton using drugs or CRISPR-knockout of mechanosensing proteins. Importantly, RAD-TGTs can differentiate distinct mechanotypes among mixed populations of cells. We also establish oligo rupture and delivery can be measured via DNA sequencing. RAD-TGTs provide a facile and powerful assay to enable high-throughput mechanotype profiling, which could find various applications, for example, in combination with CRISPR screens and -omics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Pawlak
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Adam T Smiley
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Maria Paz Ramirez
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Marcus D Kelly
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ghaidan A Shamsan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sarah M Anderson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | | | - David J Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Wendy R Gordon
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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22
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Scott AK, Rafuse M, Neu CP. Mechanically induced alterations in chromatin architecture guide the balance between cell plasticity and mechanical memory. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1084759. [PMID: 37143893 PMCID: PMC10151697 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1084759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity, or adaptability, of a cell determines its ability to survive and function within changing cellular environments. Changes in the mechanical environment, ranging from stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM) to physical stress such as tension, compression, and shear, are critical environmental cues that influence phenotypic plasticity and stability. Furthermore, an exposure to a prior mechanical signal has been demonstrated to play a fundamental role in modulating phenotypic changes that persist even after the mechanical stimulus is removed, creating stable mechanical memories. In this mini review, our objective is to highlight how the mechanical environment alters both phenotypic plasticity and stable memories through changes in chromatin architecture, mainly focusing on examples in cardiac tissue. We first explore how cell phenotypic plasticity is modulated in response to changes in the mechanical environment, and then connect the changes in phenotypic plasticity to changes in chromatin architecture that reflect short-term and long-term memories. Finally, we discuss how elucidating the mechanisms behind mechanically induced chromatin architecture that lead to cell adaptations and retention of stable mechanical memories could uncover treatment methods to prevent mal-adaptive permanent disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne K. Scott
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Michael Rafuse
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Corey P. Neu
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
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23
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Liu H, Fan P, Jin F, Huang G, Guo X, Xu F. Dynamic and static biomechanical traits of cardiac fibrosis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1042030. [PMID: 36394025 PMCID: PMC9659743 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1042030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathology in cardiovascular diseases which are reported as the leading cause of death globally. In recent decades, accumulating evidence has shown that the biomechanical traits of fibrosis play important roles in cardiac fibrosis initiation, progression and treatment. In this review, we summarize the four main distinct biomechanical traits (i.e., stretch, fluid shear stress, ECM microarchitecture, and ECM stiffness) and categorize them into two different types (i.e., static and dynamic), mainly consulting the unique characteristic of the heart. Moreover, we also provide a comprehensive overview of the effect of different biomechanical traits on cardiac fibrosis, their transduction mechanisms, and in-vitro engineered models targeting biomechanical traits that will aid the identification and prediction of mechano-based therapeutic targets to ameliorate cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengbei Fan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fanli Jin
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guoyou Huang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Guoyou Huang, ; Xiaogang Guo, ; Feng Xu,
| | - Xiaogang Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guoyou Huang, ; Xiaogang Guo, ; Feng Xu,
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Guoyou Huang, ; Xiaogang Guo, ; Feng Xu,
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