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Lopez DM, Castro CE, Sotomayor M. In-Silico Analyses of Molecular Force Sensors for Mechanical Characterization of Biological Systems. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.17.603923. [PMID: 39091752 PMCID: PMC11291006 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.17.603923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical forces play key roles in biological processes such as cell migration and sensory perception. In recent years molecular force sensors have been developed as tools for in situ force measurements. Here we use all-atom steered molecular dynamics simulations to predict and study the relationship between design parameters and mechanical properties for three types of molecular force sensors commonly used in cellular biological research: two peptide- and one DNA-based. The peptide-based sensors consist of a pair of fluorescent proteins, which can undergo Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), linked by spider silk (GPGGA)n or synthetic (GGSGGS)n disordered regions. The DNA-based sensor consists of two fluorophore-labeled strands of DNA that can be unzipped or sheared upon force application with a FRET signal as readout of dissociation. We simulated nine sensors, three of each kind. After equilibration, flexible peptide linkers of three different lengths were stretched by applying forces to their N- and C-terminal Cα atoms in opposite directions. Similarly, we equilibrated a DNA-based sensor and pulled on the phosphate atom of the terminal guanine of one strand and a selected phosphate atom on the other strand in the opposite direction. These simulations were performed at constant velocity (0.01 nm/ns - 10 nm/ns) and constant force (10 pN - 500 pN) for all versions of the sensors. Our results show how the force response of these sensors depends on their length, sequence, configuration and loading rate. Mechanistic insights gained from simulations analyses indicate that interpretation of experimental results should consider the influence of transient formation of secondary structure in peptide-based sensors and of overstretching in DNA-based sensors. These predictions can guide optimal fluorophore choice and facilitate the rational design of new sensors for use in protein, DNA, hybrid systems, and molecular devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M. Lopez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
- Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Carlos E. Castro
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
- Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Marcos Sotomayor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
- Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
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2
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Zhang Y, Du J, Liu X, Shang F, Deng Y, Ye J, Wang Y, Yan J, Chen H, Yu M, Le S. Multi-domain interaction mediated strength-building in human α-actinin dimers unveiled by direct single-molecule quantification. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6151. [PMID: 39034324 PMCID: PMC11271494 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50430-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: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
α-Actinins play crucial roles in cytoskeletal mechanobiology by acting as force-bearing structural modules that orchestrate and sustain the cytoskeletal framework, serving as pivotal hubs for diverse mechanosensing proteins. The mechanical stability of α-actinin dimer, a determinant of its functional state, remains largely unexplored. Here, we directly quantify the force-dependent lifetimes of homo- and hetero-dimers of human α-actinins, revealing an ultra-high mechanical stability of the dimers associated with > 100 seconds lifetime within 40 pN forces under shear-stretching geometry. Intriguingly, we uncover that the strong dimer stability is arisen from much weaker sub-domain pair interactions, suggesting the existence of distinct dimerized functional states of the dimer, spanning a spectrum of mechanical stability, with the spectrin repeats (SRs) in folded or unfolded conformation. In essence, our study supports a potent mechanism for building strength in biomolecular dimers through weak, multiple sub-domain interactions, and illuminates multifaceted roles of α-actinin dimers in cytoskeletal mechanics and mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Zhang
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Jingyi Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xian Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fei Shang
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Yunxin Deng
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Jiaqing Ye
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Yukai Wang
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117542, Singapore
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Fuzhou, 350207, China
| | - Hu Chen
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China.
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Shimin Le
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China.
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Shweta H, Gupta K, Zhou Y, Cui X, Li S, Lu Z, Goldman YE, Dantzig JA. Characterization and structural basis for the brightness of mCLIFY: a novel monomeric and circularly permuted bright yellow fluorescent protein. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4638282. [PMID: 39070629 PMCID: PMC11276004 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4638282/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
We present mCLIFY: a monomeric, bright, yellow, and long-lived fluorescent protein (FP) created by circular permutation of YPet, the brightest yellow FP from Aequorea Victoria for use in cellular and in vitro single molecule studies. mCLIFY retains the enhanced photophysical properties of YPET as a monomer at concentrations ≤ 40 μM. In contrast, we determined that YPet has a dimerization dissociation constant (K D 1-2) of 3.4 μM. Dimerization of YPet can cause homo-FRET, which underlies quantitative errors due to dimerization and homo-FRET. We determined the atomic structure of mCLIFY at 1.57 Å resolution and used its similarity with Venus for guided chromophore-targeted substitution studies to provide insights into its enhanced photophysical properties. The mutation V58L within the chromophore pocket improved quantum yield and extinction coefficient, making mCLIFY ~30% brighter than Venus. The extensive characterization of the photophysical and structural properties of YPet and mCLIFY presented here allowed us to reveal the basis of their long lifetimes and enhanced brightness and the basis of YPet's dimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Him Shweta
- Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA-19104, United States of America
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology (CEMB), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA-19104, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA-19104, United States of America
- Present address: Departments of Pharmacology and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA-95616
| | - Kushol Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA-19104, United States of America
| | - Yufeng Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA-19104, United States of America
| | - Xiaonan Cui
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA-19104, United States of America
| | - Selene Li
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA-19104, United States of America
| | - Zhe Lu
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA-19104, United States of America
| | - Yale E. Goldman
- Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA-19104, United States of America
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology (CEMB), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA-19104, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA-19104, United States of America
- Present address: Departments of Pharmacology and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA-95616
| | - Jody A. Dantzig
- Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA-19104, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA-19104, United States of America
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Tsai FC, Guérin G, Pernier J, Bassereau P. Actin-membrane linkers: Insights from synthetic reconstituted systems. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151402. [PMID: 38461706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151402] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
At the cell surface, the actin cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane interact reciprocally in a variety of processes related to the remodeling of the cell surface. The actin cytoskeleton has been known to modulate membrane organization and reshape the membrane. To this end, actin-membrane linking molecules play a major role in regulating actin assembly and spatially direct the interaction between the actin cytoskeleton and the membrane. While studies in cells have provided a wealth of knowledge on the molecular composition and interactions of the actin-membrane interface, the complex molecular interactions make it challenging to elucidate the precise actions of the actin-membrane linkers at the interface. Synthetic reconstituted systems, consisting of model membranes and purified proteins, have been a powerful approach to elucidate how actin-membrane linkers direct actin assembly to drive membrane shape changes. In this review, we will focus only on several actin-membrane linkers that have been studied by using reconstitution systems. We will discuss the design principles of these reconstitution systems and how they have contributed to the understanding of the cellular functions of actin-membrane linkers. Finally, we will provide a perspective on future research directions in understanding the intricate actin-membrane interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Ching Tsai
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR168, Physics of Cells and Cancer, Paris 75005, France.
| | - Gwendal Guérin
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR168, Physics of Cells and Cancer, Paris 75005, France
| | - Julien Pernier
- Tumor Cell Dynamics Unit, Inserm U1279, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif 94800, France
| | - Patricia Bassereau
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR168, Physics of Cells and Cancer, Paris 75005, France.
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Li X, Zhu H, Gu B, Yao C, Gu Y, Xu W, Zhang J, He J, Liu X, Li D. Advancing Intelligent Organ-on-a-Chip Systems with Comprehensive In Situ Bioanalysis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2305268. [PMID: 37688520 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305268] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
In vitro models are essential to a broad range of biomedical research, such as pathological studies, drug development, and personalized medicine. As a potentially transformative paradigm for 3D in vitro models, organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology has been extensively developed to recapitulate sophisticated architectures and dynamic microenvironments of human organs by applying the principles of life sciences and leveraging micro- and nanoscale engineering capabilities. A pivotal function of OOC devices is to support multifaceted and timely characterization of cultured cells and their microenvironments. However, in-depth analysis of OOC models typically requires biomedical assay procedures that are labor-intensive and interruptive. Herein, the latest advances toward intelligent OOC (iOOC) systems, where sensors integrated with OOC devices continuously report cellular and microenvironmental information for comprehensive in situ bioanalysis, are examined. It is proposed that the multimodal data in iOOC systems can support closed-loop control of the in vitro models and offer holistic biomedical insights for diverse applications. Essential techniques for establishing iOOC systems are surveyed, encompassing in situ sensing, data processing, and dynamic modulation. Eventually, the future development of iOOC systems featuring cross-disciplinary strategies is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Bingsong Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Cong Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Yuyang Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Wangkai Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Jiankang He
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Dichen Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
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6
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Li H, Deng L, Weng L, Li J, Hu W, Yu J, Xiao Y, Xiao G. Cell wall-localized Bt protein endows rice high resistance to Lepidoptera pests. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:1728-1739. [PMID: 38009289 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7901] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The commercialized Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) crops accumulate Bt protein within cells, but the intracellular interactions of foreign protein with endogenous protein inevitably result in large or small unintended effects. In this study, the Bt gene Cry1Ca was linked with the sequences of extracellular secretion signal peptide and carbohydrate binding module 11 to constitute a fusion gene SP-Cry1Ca-CBM11, and the fusion gene driven by constitutive promoters was used for secreting and anchoring onto the cell wall to minimize unintended effects. RESULTS The transient expression in tobacco leaves demonstrated that the fusion protein was anchored on cell walls. The Cry1Ca contents of five homozygous rice transformants of single-copy insertion were different and descended in the order leaf > root > stem. The maximum content of Cry1Ca was 17.55 μg g-1 in leaves of transformant 21H037. The bioassay results revealed that the transformants exhibited high resistance to lepidopteran pests. The corrected mortality of pink stem borer (Sesamia inferens) and striped stem borer (Chilo suppressalis) ranged from 96.33% to 100%, and from 83.32% to 100%, respectively, and the corrected mortality of rice leaf roller (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) was 92.53%. Besides, the agronomic traits of the five transformants were normal and similar to that of the recipient, and the transformants were highly resistant to glyphosate at the germination and seedling stages. CONCLUSION The fusion Bt protein was accumulated on cell walls and endowed the rice with high resistance to lepidopteran pests without unintended effects in agronomic traits. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Li
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Deng
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Lvshui Weng
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Jinjiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Wenbin Hu
- Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Jianghui Yu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Youlun Xiao
- Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Guoying Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
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Guo Y, Yan J, Goult BT. Mechanotransduction through protein stretching. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 87:102327. [PMID: 38301379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102327] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Cells sense and respond to subtle changes in their physicality, and via a myriad of different mechanosensitive processes, convert these physical cues into chemical and biochemical signals. This process, called mechanotransduction, is possible due to a highly sophisticated machinery within cells. One mechanism by which this can occur is via the stretching of mechanosensitive proteins. Stretching proteins that contain force-dependent regions results in altered geometry and dimensions of the connections, as well as differential spatial organization of signals bound to the stretched protein. The purpose of this mini-review is to discuss some of the intense recent activity in this area of mechanobiology that strives to understand how protein stretching can influence signaling outputs and cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyu Guo
- Department of Physics, Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Physics, Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore 117542, Singapore.
| | - Benjamin T Goult
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NJ, UK; Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
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Berniak K, Ura DP, Piórkowski A, Stachewicz U. Cell-Material Interplay in Focal Adhesion Points. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:9944-9955. [PMID: 38354103 PMCID: PMC10910443 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c19035] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The complex interplay between cells and materials is a key focus of this research, aiming to develop optimal scaffolds for regenerative medicine. The need for tissue regeneration underscores understanding cellular behavior on scaffolds, especially cell adhesion to polymer fibers forming focal adhesions. Key proteins, paxillin and vinculin, regulate cell signaling, migration, and mechanotransduction in response to the extracellular environment. This study utilizes advanced microscopy, specifically the AiryScan technique, along with advanced image analysis employing the Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) cluster algorithm, to investigate protein distribution during osteoblast cell adhesion to polymer fibers and glass substrates. During cell attachment to both glass and polymer fibers, a noticeable shift in the local maxima of paxillin and vinculin signals is observed at the adhesion sites. The focal adhesion sites on polymer fibers are smaller and elliptical but exhibit higher protein density than on the typical glass surface. The characteristics of focal adhesions, influenced by paxillin and vinculin, such as size and density, can potentially reflect the strength and stability of cell adhesion. Efficient adhesion correlates with well-organized, larger focal adhesions characterized by increased accumulation of paxillin and vinculin. These findings offer promising implications for enhancing scaffold design, evaluating adhesion to various substrates, and refining cellular interactions in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Berniak
- Faculty
of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Krakow 30-059, Poland
| | - Daniel P. Ura
- Faculty
of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Krakow 30-059, Poland
| | - Adam Piórkowski
- Department
of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Krakow 30-059, Poland
| | - Urszula Stachewicz
- Faculty
of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Krakow 30-059, Poland
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Ren Y, Yang J, Fujita B, Jin H, Zhang Y, Berro J. Force redistribution in clathrin-mediated endocytosis revealed by coiled-coil force sensors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi1535. [PMID: 37831774 PMCID: PMC10575576 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi1535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Forces are central to countless cellular processes, yet in vivo force measurement at the molecular scale remains difficult if not impossible. During clathrin-mediated endocytosis, forces produced by the actin cytoskeleton are transmitted to the plasma membrane by a multiprotein coat for membrane deformation. However, the magnitudes of these forces remain unknown. Here, we present new in vivo force sensors that induce protein condensation under force. We measured the forces on the fission yeast Huntingtin-Interacting Protein 1 Related (HIP1R) homolog End4p, a protein that links the membrane to the actin cytoskeleton. End4p is under ~19-piconewton force near the actin cytoskeleton, ~11 piconewtons near the clathrin lattice, and ~9 piconewtons near the plasma membrane. Our results demonstrate that forces are collected and redistributed across the endocytic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ren
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Barbara Fujita
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Huaizhou Jin
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yongli Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Julien Berro
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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10
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Zhang W, Lu CH, Nakamoto ML, Tsai CT, Roy AR, Lee CE, Yang Y, Jahed Z, Li X, Cui B. Curved adhesions mediate cell attachment to soft matrix fibres in three dimensions. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1453-1464. [PMID: 37770566 PMCID: PMC10567576 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01238-1] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Integrin-mediated focal adhesions are the primary architectures that transmit forces between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the actin cytoskeleton. Although focal adhesions are abundant on rigid and flat substrates that support high mechanical tensions, they are sparse in soft three-dimensional (3D) environments. Here we report curvature-dependent integrin-mediated adhesions called curved adhesions. Their formation is regulated by the membrane curvatures imposed by the topography of ECM protein fibres. Curved adhesions are mediated by integrin ɑvβ5 and are molecularly distinct from focal adhesions and clathrin lattices. The molecular mechanism involves a previously unknown interaction between integrin β5 and a curvature-sensing protein, FCHo2. We find that curved adhesions are prevalent in physiological conditions, and disruption of curved adhesions inhibits the migration of some cancer cell lines in 3D fibre matrices. These findings provide a mechanism for cell anchorage to natural protein fibres and suggest that curved adhesions may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chih-Hao Lu
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Melissa L Nakamoto
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ching-Ting Tsai
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anish R Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christina E Lee
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zeinab Jahed
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bianxiao Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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11
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Yousafzai MS, Hammer JA. Using Biosensors to Study Organoids, Spheroids and Organs-on-a-Chip: A Mechanobiology Perspective. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:905. [PMID: 37887098 PMCID: PMC10605946 DOI: 10.3390/bios13100905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The increasing popularity of 3D cell culture models is being driven by the demand for more in vivo-like conditions with which to study the biochemistry and biomechanics of numerous biological processes in health and disease. Spheroids and organoids are 3D culture platforms that self-assemble and regenerate from stem cells, tissue progenitor cells or cell lines, and that show great potential for studying tissue development and regeneration. Organ-on-a-chip approaches can be used to achieve spatiotemporal control over the biochemical and biomechanical signals that promote tissue growth and differentiation. These 3D model systems can be engineered to serve as disease models and used for drug screens. While culture methods have been developed to support these 3D structures, challenges remain to completely recapitulate the cell-cell and cell-matrix biomechanical interactions occurring in vivo. Understanding how forces influence the functions of cells in these 3D systems will require precise tools to measure such forces, as well as a better understanding of the mechanobiology of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Biosensors will prove powerful for measuring forces in both of these contexts, thereby leading to a better understanding of how mechanical forces influence biological systems at the cellular and tissue levels. Here, we discussed how biosensors and mechanobiological research can be coupled to develop accurate, physiologically relevant 3D tissue models to study tissue development, function, malfunction in disease, and avenues for disease intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Sulaiman Yousafzai
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - John A. Hammer
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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12
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Sloas DC, Tran JC, Marzilli AM, Ngo JT. Tension-tuned receptors for synthetic mechanotransduction and intercellular force detection. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1287-1295. [PMID: 36646932 PMCID: PMC10499187 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01638-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cells interpret mechanical stimuli from their environments and neighbors, but the ability to engineer customized mechanosensing capabilities has remained a synthetic and mechanobiology challenge. Here we introduce tension-tuned synthetic Notch (SynNotch) receptors to convert extracellular and intercellular forces into specifiable gene expression changes. By elevating the tension requirements of SynNotch activation, in combination with structure-guided mutagenesis, we designed a set of receptors with mechanical sensitivities spanning the physiologically relevant picoNewton range. Cells expressing these receptors can distinguish between varying tensile forces and respond by enacting customizable transcriptional programs. We applied these tools to design a decision-making circuit, through which fibroblasts differentiate into myoblasts upon stimulation with distinct tension magnitudes. We also characterize cell-generated forces transmitted between cells during Notch signaling. Overall, this work provides insight into how mechanically induced changes in protein structure can be used to transduce physical forces into biochemical signals. The system should facilitate the further programming and dissection of force-related phenomena in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Christopher Sloas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeremy C Tran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander M Marzilli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John T Ngo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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13
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Dubois C, Houel-Renault L, Erard M, Boustany NN, Westbrook N. Förster resonance energy transfer efficiency measurements on vinculin tension sensors at focal adhesions using a simple and cost-effective setup. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2023; 28:082808. [PMID: 37441563 PMCID: PMC10335361 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.28.8.082808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Significance Forces inside cells play a fundamental role in tissue growth, affecting important processes such as cancer cell migration or tissue repair after injury. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based tension sensors are a remarkable tool for studying these forces and should be made easier to use. Aim We prove that absolute FRET efficiency can be measured on a simple setup, an order of magnitude more cost-effective than a standard FRET microscopy setup, by applying it to vinculin tension sensors (VinTS) at the focal adhesions of live CHO-K1 cells. Approach Our setup located at Université Paris-Saclay acquires donor and acceptor fluorescence in parallel on two low-cost CMOS cameras and uses two LEDs for rapid switching of the excitation wavelength at a reduced cost. The calibration required to extract FRET efficiency was achieved using a single construct (TSMod). FRET efficiencies were measured for VinTS and the tail-less control VinTL, lacking the actin-binding domain of vinculin. Measurements were confirmed on the same cell type using a more standard intensity-based setup located at Rutgers University. Results The average FRET efficiency of VinTS (22.0 % ± 4 % ) over more than 10,000 focal adhesions is significantly lower (p < 10 - 6 ) than that of VinTL (30.4 % ± 5 % ), our control that is insensitive to force, in agreement with the force exerted on vinculin at focal adhesions. Attachment of the CHO-K1 cells on fibronectin decreases FRET efficiency, thus increasing the force, compared with poly-lysine. FRET efficiency for the VinTL control is consistent with all measurements currently available in the literature, confirming the validity of our measurements and hence of our simpler setup. Conclusions Force measurements, resolved spatially inside a cell, can be achieved using FRET-based tension sensors with a cost effective intensity-based setup. This will facilitate combining FRET with techniques for applying controlled forces such as optical tweezers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Dubois
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut d’Optique Graduate School, CNRS, Laboratoire Charles Fabry, Palaiseau, France
| | - Ludivine Houel-Renault
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires d’Orsay, CNRS, Centre de Photonique pour la Biologie et les Matériaux, Orsay, France
| | - Marie Erard
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut de Chimie Physique, CNRS, Orsay, France
| | - Nada N. Boustany
- Rutgers University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States
| | - Nathalie Westbrook
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut d’Optique Graduate School, CNRS, Laboratoire Charles Fabry, Palaiseau, France
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14
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Sadhanasatish T, Augustin K, Windgasse L, Chrostek-Grashoff A, Rief M, Grashoff C. A molecular optomechanics approach reveals functional relevance of force transduction across talin and desmoplakin. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg3347. [PMID: 37343090 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg3347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Many mechanobiological processes that govern development and tissue homeostasis are regulated on the level of individual molecular linkages, and a number of proteins experiencing piconewton-scale forces in cells have been identified. However, under which conditions these force-bearing linkages become critical for a given mechanobiological process is often still unclear. Here, we established an approach to revealing the mechanical function of intracellular molecules using molecular optomechanics. When applied to the integrin activator talin, the technique provides direct evidence that its role as a mechanical linker is indispensable for the maintenance of cell-matrix adhesions and overall cell integrity. Applying the technique to desmoplakin shows that mechanical engagement of desmosomes to intermediate filaments is expendable under homeostatic conditions yet strictly required for preserving cell-cell adhesion under stress. These results reveal a central role of talin and desmoplakin as mechanical linkers in cell adhesion structures and demonstrate that molecular optomechanics is a powerful tool to investigate the molecular details of mechanobiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay Sadhanasatish
- University of Münster, Institute of Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology, Münster D-48149, Germany
| | - Katharina Augustin
- Center for Protein Assemblies and Department of Bioscience, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Lukas Windgasse
- University of Münster, Institute of Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology, Münster D-48149, Germany
| | - Anna Chrostek-Grashoff
- University of Münster, Institute of Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology, Münster D-48149, Germany
| | - Matthias Rief
- Center for Protein Assemblies and Department of Bioscience, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Carsten Grashoff
- University of Münster, Institute of Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology, Münster D-48149, Germany
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15
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Zhang W, Lu CH, Nakamoto ML, Tsai CT, Roy AR, Lee CE, Yang Y, Jahed Z, Li X, Cui B. Curved adhesions mediate cell attachment to soft matrix fibres in 3D. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.16.532975. [PMID: 36993504 PMCID: PMC10055138 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.16.532975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian cells adhere to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and sense mechanical cues through integrin-mediated adhesions 1, 2 . Focal adhesions and related structures are the primary architectures that transmit forces between the ECM and the actin cytoskeleton. Although focal adhesions are abundant when cells are cultured on rigid substrates, they are sparse in soft environments that cannot support high mechanical tensions 3 . Here, we report a new class of integrin-mediated adhesions, curved adhesions, whose formation is regulated by membrane curvature instead of mechanical tension. In soft matrices made of protein fibres, curved adhesions are induced by membrane curvatures imposed by the fibre geometry. Curved adhesions are mediated by integrin ɑVβ5 and are molecularly distinct from focal adhesions and clathrin lattices. The molecular mechanism involves a previously unknown interaction between integrin β5 and a curvature-sensing protein FCHo2. We find that curved adhesions are prevalent in physiologically relevant environments. Disruption of curved adhesions by knocking down integrin β5 or FCHo2 abolishes the migration of multiple cancer cell lines in 3D matrices. These findings provide a mechanism of cell anchorage to natural protein fibres that are too soft to support the formation of focal adhesions. Given their functional importance for 3D cell migration, curved adhesions may serve as a therapeutic target for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Chih-Hao Lu
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Ching-Ting Tsai
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Anish R. Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Christina E. Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Zeinab Jahed
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Bianxiao Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Wu-Tsai Neuroscience Institute and ChEM-H institute, Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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16
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Nunes Vicente F, Chen T, Rossier O, Giannone G. Novel imaging methods and force probes for molecular mechanobiology of cytoskeleton and adhesion. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:204-220. [PMID: 36055943 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.07.008] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Detection and conversion of mechanical forces into biochemical signals is known as mechanotransduction. From cells to tissues, mechanotransduction regulates migration, proliferation, and differentiation in processes such as immune responses, development, and cancer progression. Mechanosensitive structures such as integrin adhesions, the actin cortex, ion channels, caveolae, and the nucleus sense and transmit forces. In vitro approaches showed that mechanosensing is based on force-dependent protein deformations and reorganizations. However, the mechanisms in cells remained unclear since cell imaging techniques lacked molecular resolution. Thanks to recent developments in super-resolution microscopy (SRM) and molecular force sensors, it is possible to obtain molecular insight of mechanosensing in live cells. We discuss how understanding of molecular mechanotransduction was revolutionized by these innovative approaches, focusing on integrin adhesions, actin structures, and the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Nunes Vicente
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France; Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tianchi Chen
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Rossier
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
| | - Grégory Giannone
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.
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17
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Kao TW, Liu YS, Yang CY, Lee OKS. Mechanotransduction of mesenchymal stem cells and hemodynamic implications. CHINESE J PHYSIOL 2023; 66:55-64. [PMID: 37082993 DOI: 10.4103/cjop.cjop-d-22-00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess the capacity for self-renewal and multipotency. The traditional approach to manipulating MSC's fate choice predominantly relies on biochemical stimulation. Accumulating evidence also suggests the role of physical input in MSCs differentiation. Therefore, investigating mechanotransduction at the molecular level and related to tissue-specific cell functions sheds light on the responses secondary to mechanical forces. In this review, a new frontier aiming to optimize the cultural parameters was illustrated, i.e. spatial boundary condition, which recapitulates in vivo physiology and facilitates the investigations of cellular behavior. The concept of mechanical memory was additionally addressed to appreciate how MSCs store imprints from previous culture niches. Besides, different types of forces as physical stimuli were of interest based on the association with the respective signaling pathways and the differentiation outcome. The downstream mechanoreceptors and their corresponding effects were further pinpointed. The cardiovascular system or immune system may share similar mechanisms of mechanosensing and mechanotransduction; for example, resident stem cells in a vascular wall and recruited MSCs in the bloodstream experience mechanical forces such as stretch and fluid shear stress. In addition, baroreceptors or mechanosensors of endothelial cells detect changes in blood flow, pass over signals induced by mechanical stimuli and eventually maintain arterial pressure at the physiological level. These mechanosensitive receptors transduce pressure variation and regulate endothelial barrier functions. The exact signal transduction is considered context dependent but still elusive. In this review, we summarized the current evidence of how mechanical stimuli impact MSCs commitment and the underlying mechanisms. Future perspectives are anticipated to focus on the application of cardiovascular bioengineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Wei Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shiuan Liu
- School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yu Yang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University; Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University; Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Oscar Kuang-Sheng Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University; Stem Cell Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University; Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei; Department of Orthopedics, China Medical University Hospital; Center for Translational Genomics and Regenerative Medicine Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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18
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Liu J, Le S, Yao M, Huang W, Tio Z, Zhou Y, Yan J. Tension Gauge Tethers as Tension Threshold and Duration Sensors. ACS Sens 2023; 8:704-711. [PMID: 36731861 PMCID: PMC9973368 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c02218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction, the process by which cells respond to tension transmitted through various supramolecular linkages, is important for understanding cellular behavior. Tension gauge tethers (TGTs), short fragments of double-stranded DNA that irreversibly break under shear-stretch conditions, have been used in live cell experiments to study mechanotransduction. However, our current understanding of TGTs' mechanical responses is limited, which limits the information that can be gleaned from experimental observations. In this study, we quantified the tension-dependent lifetime of TGTs to better understand their mechanical stability under various physiologically relevant stretching conditions. This work has broad applications for using TGTs as tension threshold and duration sensors and also suggests the need to revisit previous interpretations of experimental observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzhun Liu
- Mechanobiology
Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411Singapore
| | - Shimin Le
- Department
of Physics, Xiamen University, Xiamen361005, People’s Repbulic of China
| | - Mingxi Yao
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University
of Science and Technology, Shenzhen518055, People’s Repbulic of China
| | - Wenmao Huang
- Department
of Physics, National University of Singapore, 117546Singapore
| | - Zhikai Tio
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117585Singapore
| | - Yu Zhou
- Mechanobiology
Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Mechanobiology
Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411Singapore
- Department
of Physics, National University of Singapore, 117546Singapore
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19
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Light-driven biological actuators to probe the rheology of 3D microtissues. Nat Commun 2023; 14:717. [PMID: 36759504 PMCID: PMC9911700 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36371-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of biological tissues are key to their physical integrity and function. Although external loading or biochemical treatments allow the estimation of these properties globally, it remains difficult to assess how such external stimuli compare with cell-generated contractions. Here we engineer microtissues composed of optogenetically-modified fibroblasts encapsulated within collagen. Using light to control the activity of RhoA, a major regulator of cellular contractility, we induce local contractions within microtissues, while monitoring microtissue stress and strain. We investigate the regulation of these local contractions and their spatio-temporal distribution. We demonstrate the potential of our technique for quantifying tissue elasticity and strain propagation, before examining the possibility of using light to create and map local anisotropies in mechanically heterogeneous microtissues. Altogether, our results open an avenue to guide the formation of tissues while non-destructively charting their rheology in real time, using their own constituting cells as internal actuators.
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20
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Kanchanawong P, Calderwood DA. Organization, dynamics and mechanoregulation of integrin-mediated cell-ECM adhesions. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:142-161. [PMID: 36168065 PMCID: PMC9892292 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00531-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The ability of animal cells to sense, adhere to and remodel their local extracellular matrix (ECM) is central to control of cell shape, mechanical responsiveness, motility and signalling, and hence to development, tissue formation, wound healing and the immune response. Cell-ECM interactions occur at various specialized, multi-protein adhesion complexes that serve to physically link the ECM to the cytoskeleton and the intracellular signalling apparatus. This occurs predominantly via clustered transmembrane receptors of the integrin family. Here we review how the interplay of mechanical forces, biochemical signalling and molecular self-organization determines the composition, organization, mechanosensitivity and dynamics of these adhesions. Progress in the identification of core multi-protein modules within the adhesions and characterization of rearrangements of their components in response to force, together with advanced imaging approaches, has improved understanding of adhesion maturation and turnover and the relationships between adhesion structures and functions. Perturbations of adhesion contribute to a broad range of diseases and to age-related dysfunction, thus an improved understanding of their molecular nature may facilitate therapeutic intervention in these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakorn Kanchanawong
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - David A Calderwood
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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21
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Sanfeliu-Cerdán N, Lin LC, Dunn AR, Goodman MB, Krieg M. Visualizing Neurons Under Tension In Vivo with Optogenetic Molecular Force Sensors. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2600:239-266. [PMID: 36587102 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2851-5_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The visualization of mechanical stress distribution in specific molecular networks within a living and physiologically active cell or animal remains a formidable challenge in mechanobiology. The advent of fluorescence-resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based molecular tension sensors overcame a significant hurdle that now enables us to address previously technically limited questions. Here, we describe a method that uses genetically encoded FRET tension sensors to visualize the mechanics of cytoskeletal networks in neurons of living animals with sensitized emission FRET and confocal scanning light microscopy. This method uses noninvasive immobilization of living animals to image neuronal β-spectrin cytoskeleton at the diffraction limit, and leverages multiple imaging controls to verify and underline the quality of the measurements. In combination with a semiautomated machine-vision algorithm to identify and trace individual neurites, our analysis performs simultaneous calculation of FRET efficiencies and visualizes statistical uncertainty on a pixel by pixel basis. Our approach is not limited to genetically encoded spectrin tension sensors, but can also be used for any kind of ratiometric imaging in neuronal cells both in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus Sanfeliu-Cerdán
- Neurophotonics and Mechanical Systems Biology, ICFO, Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, ICFO, Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Li-Chun Lin
- Neurophotonics and Mechanical Systems Biology, ICFO, Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, ICFO, Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Alexander R Dunn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Miriam B Goodman
- Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael Krieg
- Neurophotonics and Mechanical Systems Biology, ICFO, Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, ICFO, Castelldefels, Spain.
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22
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Windgasse L, Grashoff C. Multiplexed Molecular Tension Sensor Measurements Using PIE-FLIM. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2600:221-237. [PMID: 36587101 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2851-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based tension sensors were developed to enable the quantification of piconewton (pN)-scale forces that act across distinct proteins in living cells and organisms. An important extension of this technology is the multiplexing of tension sensors to monitor several independent FRET probes in parallel. Here we describe how pulsed interleaved excitation (PIE)-fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) can be implemented to enable the analysis of two co-expressed tension sensor constructs. Our protocol covers all essential steps from biosensor expression and live cell PIE image acquisition to lifetime calculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Windgasse
- Department of Quantitative Cell Biology, Institute of Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Carsten Grashoff
- Department of Quantitative Cell Biology, Institute of Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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23
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Beedle AEM, Garcia-Manyes S. The role of single protein elasticity in mechanobiology. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2023; 8:10-24. [PMID: 37469679 PMCID: PMC7614781 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-022-00488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
In addition to biochemical signals and genetic considerations, mechanical forces are rapidly emerging as a master regulator of human physiology. Yet the molecular mechanisms that regulate force-induced functionalities across a wide range of scales, encompassing the cell, tissue or organ levels, are comparatively not so well understood. With the advent, development and refining of single molecule nanomechanical techniques, enabling to exquisitely probe the conformational dynamics of individual proteins under the effect of a calibrated force, we have begun to acquire a comprehensive knowledge on the rich plethora of physicochemical principles that regulate the elasticity of single proteins. Here we review the major advances underpinning our current understanding of how the elasticity of single proteins regulates mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. We discuss the present limitations and future challenges of such a prolific and burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy EM Beedle
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King’s College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, United Kingdom
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), the Barcelona Institute of Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Garcia-Manyes
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King’s College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, United Kingdom
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, London, UK
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24
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A network of mixed actin polarity in the leading edge of spreading cells. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1338. [PMID: 36473943 PMCID: PMC9727120 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical interactions of cells with the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) play key roles in multiple cellular processes. The actin cytoskeleton is a central driver and regulator of cellular dynamics, that produces membrane-protrusions such as lamellipodia and filopodia. Here, we examined actin organization in expanding lamellipodia during early stages of cell spreading. To gain insight into the 3D actin organization, we plated fibroblasts on galectin-8 coated EM grids, an ECM protein presents in disease states. We then combined cryo-electron tomography with advanced image processing tools for reconstructing the structure of F-actin in the lamellipodia. This approach enabled us to resolve the polarity and orientation of filaments, and the structure of the Arp2/3 complexes associated with F-actin branches. We show that F-actin in lamellipodial protrusions forms a dense network with three distinct sub-domains. One consists primarily of radial filaments, with their barbed ends pointing towards the membrane, the other is enriched with parallel filaments that run between the radial fibers, in addition to an intermediate sub-domain. Surprisingly, a minor, yet significant (~10%) population of actin filaments, are oriented with their barbed-ends towards the cell center. Our results provide structural insights into F-actin assembly and dynamic reorganization in the leading edge of spreading cells.
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25
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Barnett SFH, Goult BT. The MeshCODE to scale-visualising synaptic binary information. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1014629. [PMID: 36467609 PMCID: PMC9716431 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1014629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The Mercator projection map of the world provides a useful, but distorted, view of the relative scale of countries. Current cellular models suffer from a similar distortion. Here, we undertook an in-depth structural analysis of the molecular dimensions in the cell's computational machinery, the MeshCODE, that is assembled from a meshwork of binary switches in the scaffolding proteins talin and vinculin. Talin contains a series of force-dependent binary switches and each domain switching state introduces quantised step-changes in talin length on a micrometre scale. The average dendritic spine is 1 μm in diameter so this analysis identifies a plausible Gearbox-like mechanism for dynamic regulation of synaptic function, whereby the positioning of enzymes and substrates relative to each other, mechanically-encoded by the MeshCODE switch patterns, might control synaptic transmission. Based on biophysical rules and experimentally derived distances, this analysis yields a novel perspective on biological digital information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel F. H. Barnett
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benjamin T. Goult
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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26
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Zhong BL, Vachharajani VT, Dunn AR. Facile detection of mechanical forces across proteins in cells with STReTCh. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100278. [PMID: 36160040 PMCID: PMC9499875 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Numerous proteins experience and respond to mechanical forces as an integral part of their cellular functions, but measuring these forces remains a practical challenge. Here, we present a compact, 11-kDa molecular tension sensor termed STReTCh (sensing tension by reactive tag characterization). Unlike existing genetically encoded tension sensors, STReTCh does not rely on experimentally demanding measurements based on Förster resonance energy transfer and is compatible with typical fix-and-stain protocols. Using a magnetic tweezers assay, we calibrate the STReTCh module and show that it responds to physiologically relevant, piconewton forces. As proof of concept, we use an extracellular STReTCh-based sensor to visualize cell-generated forces at integrin-based adhesion complexes. In addition, we incorporate STReTCh into vinculin, a cytoskeletal adaptor protein, and show that STReTCh reports on forces transmitted between the cytoskeleton and cellular adhesion complexes. These data illustrate the utility of STReTCh as a tool for visualizing molecular-scale forces in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian L. Zhong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Alexander R. Dunn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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27
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Yamaguchi N, Knaut H. Focal adhesion-mediated cell anchoring and migration: from in vitro to in vivo. Development 2022; 149:dev200647. [PMID: 35587444 PMCID: PMC9188754 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cell-extracellular matrix interactions have been studied extensively using cells cultured in vitro. These studies indicate that focal adhesion (FA)-based cell-extracellular matrix interactions are essential for cell anchoring and cell migration. Whether FAs play a similarly important role in vivo is less clear. Here, we summarize the formation and function of FAs in cultured cells and review how FAs transmit and sense force in vitro. Using examples from animal studies, we also describe the role of FAs in cell anchoring during morphogenetic movements and cell migration in vivo. Finally, we conclude by discussing similarities and differences in how FAs function in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Holger Knaut
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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28
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The C-terminal actin-binding domain of talin forms an asymmetric catch bond with F-actin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2109329119. [PMID: 35245171 PMCID: PMC8915792 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2109329119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Talin is a mechanosensitive adaptor protein that links integrins to the actin cytoskeleton at cell–extracellular matrix adhesions. Although the C-terminal actin-binding domain ABS3 of talin is required for function, it binds weakly to actin in solution. We show that ABS3 binds actin strongly only when subjected to mechanical forces comparable to those generated by the cytoskeleton. Moreover, the interaction between ABS3 and actin depends strongly on the direction of force in a manner predicted to organize actin to facilitate adhesion growth and efficient cytoskeletal force generation. These characteristics can explain how force sensing by talin helps to nucleate adhesions precisely when and where they are required to transmit force between the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. Focal adhesions (FAs) are large, integrin-based protein complexes that link cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM). FAs form only when and where they are necessary to transmit force between the cellular cytoskeleton and the ECM, but how this occurs remains poorly understood. Talin is a 270-kDa adaptor protein that links integrins to filamentous (F)-actin and recruits additional components during FA assembly in a force-dependent manner. Cell biological and developmental data demonstrate that the third and C-terminal F-actin–binding site (ABS3) of talin is required for normal FA formation. However, purified ABS3 binds F-actin only weakly in solution. We used a single molecule optical trap assay to examine how and whether ABS3 binds F-actin under physiologically relevant mechanical loads. We find that ABS3 forms a catch bond with F-actin when force is applied toward the pointed end of the actin filament, with binding lifetimes >100-fold longer than when force is applied toward the barbed end. Long-lived bonds to F-actin under load require the ABS3 C-terminal dimerization domain, whose cleavage has been reported to regulate FA turnover. Our results support a mechanism in which talin ABS3 preferentially binds to and orients actin filaments with barbed ends facing the cell periphery, thus nucleating long-range order in the actin cytoskeleton. We suggest that talin ABS3 may function as a molecular AND gate that allows FA growth only when sufficient integrin density, F-actin polarization, and mechanical tension are simultaneously present.
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29
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Ma VPY, Hu Y, Kellner AV, Brockman JM, Velusamy A, Blanchard AT, Evavold BD, Alon R, Salaita K. The magnitude of LFA-1/ICAM-1 forces fine-tune TCR-triggered T cell activation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabg4485. [PMID: 35213231 PMCID: PMC8880789 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg4485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
T cells defend against cancer and viral infections by rapidly scanning the surface of target cells seeking specific peptide antigens. This key process in adaptive immunity is sparked upon T cell receptor (TCR) binding of antigens within cell-cell junctions stabilized by integrin (LFA-1)/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) complexes. A long-standing question in this area is whether the forces transmitted through the LFA-1/ICAM-1 complex tune T cell signaling. Here, we use spectrally encoded DNA tension probes to reveal the first maps of LFA-1 and TCR forces generated by the T cell cytoskeleton upon antigen recognition. DNA probes that control the magnitude of LFA-1 force show that F>12 pN potentiates antigen-dependent T cell activation by enhancing T cell-substrate engagement. LFA-1/ICAM-1 mechanical events with F>12 pN also enhance the discriminatory power of the TCR when presented with near cognate antigens. Overall, our results show that T cells integrate multiple channels of mechanical information through different ligand-receptor pairs to tune function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuesong Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Anna V. Kellner
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Joshua M. Brockman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Arventh Velusamy
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Aaron T. Blanchard
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Brian D. Evavold
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Ronen Alon
- Department of Immunology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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30
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Pan J, Kmieciak T, Liu YT, Wildenradt M, Chen YS, Zhao Y. Quantifying molecular- to cellular-level forces in living cells. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D: APPLIED PHYSICS 2021; 54:483001. [PMID: 34866655 PMCID: PMC8635116 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/ac2170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical cues have been suggested to play an important role in cell functions and cell fate determination, however, such physical quantities are challenging to directly measure in living cells with single molecule sensitivity and resolution. In this review, we focus on two main technologies that are promising in probing forces at the single molecule level. We review their theoretical fundamentals, recent technical advancements, and future directions, tailored specifically for interrogating mechanosensitive molecules in live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Pan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America
| | - Tommy Kmieciak
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America
| | - Yen-Ting Liu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America
| | - Matthew Wildenradt
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America
| | - Yun-Sheng Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 208 N. Wright Street, Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America
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31
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Freitag M, Kamp D, Synakewicz M, Stigler J. Identification and correction of miscalibration artifacts based on force noise for optical tweezers experiments. J Chem Phys 2021; 155:175101. [PMID: 34742205 DOI: 10.1063/5.0063690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-molecule force spectroscopy using optical tweezers continues to provide detailed insights into the behavior of nanoscale systems. Obtaining precise measurements of their mechanical properties is highly dependent on accurate instrument calibration. Therefore, instrumental drift or inaccurate calibration may prevent reaching an accuracy at the theoretical limit and may lead to incorrect conclusions. Commonly encountered sources of error include inaccuracies in the detector sensitivity and trap stiffness and neglecting the non-harmonicity of an optical trap at higher forces. Here, we first quantify the impact of these artifacts on force-extension data and find that a small deviation of the calibration parameters can already have a significant downstream effect. We then develop a method to identify and remove said artifacts based on differences in the theoretical and measured noise of bead fluctuations. By applying our procedure to both simulated and experimental data, we can show how effects due to miscalibration and trap non-linearities can be successfully removed. Most importantly, this correction can be performed post-measurement and could be adapted for data acquired using any force spectroscopy technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Freitag
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Dieter Kamp
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Marie Synakewicz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PD, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Stigler
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich 81377, Germany
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32
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Dong Y, Ramey-Ward AN, Salaita K. Programmable Mechanically Active Hydrogel-Based Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2006600. [PMID: 34309076 PMCID: PMC8595730 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202006600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Programmable mechanically active materials (MAMs) are defined as materials that can sense and transduce external stimuli into mechanical outputs or conversely that can detect mechanical stimuli and respond through an optical change or other change in the appearance of the material. Programmable MAMs are a subset of responsive materials and offer potential in next generation robotics and smart systems. This review specifically focuses on hydrogel-based MAMs because of their mechanical compliance, programmability, biocompatibility, and cost-efficiency. First, the composition of hydrogel MAMs along with the top-down and bottom-up approaches used for programming these materials are discussed. Next, the fundamental principles for engineering responsivity in MAMS, which includes optical, thermal, magnetic, electrical, chemical, and mechanical stimuli, are considered. Some advantages and disadvantages of different responsivities are compared. Then, to conclude, the emerging applications of hydrogel-based MAMs from recently published literature, as well as the future outlook of MAM studies, are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiao Dong
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States, 30322
| | - Allison N. Ramey-Ward
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States, 30322
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33
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Motz CT, Kabat V, Saxena T, Bellamkonda RV, Zhu C. Neuromechanobiology: An Expanding Field Driven by the Force of Greater Focus. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100102. [PMID: 34342167 PMCID: PMC8497434 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The brain processes information by transmitting signals through highly connected and dynamic networks of neurons. Neurons use specific cellular structures, including axons, dendrites and synapses, and specific molecules, including cell adhesion molecules, ion channels and chemical receptors to form, maintain and communicate among cells in the networks. These cellular and molecular processes take place in environments rich of mechanical cues, thus offering ample opportunities for mechanical regulation of neural development and function. Recent studies have suggested the importance of mechanical cues and their potential regulatory roles in the development and maintenance of these neuronal structures. Also suggested are the importance of mechanical cues and their potential regulatory roles in the interaction and function of molecules mediating the interneuronal communications. In this review, the current understanding is integrated and promising future directions of neuromechanobiology are suggested at the cellular and molecular levels. Several neuronal processes where mechanics likely plays a role are examined and how forces affect ligand binding, conformational change, and signal induction of molecules key to these neuronal processes are indicated, especially at the synapse. The disease relevance of neuromechanobiology as well as therapies and engineering solutions to neurological disorders stemmed from this emergent field of study are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara T Motz
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| | - Victoria Kabat
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| | - Tarun Saxena
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Ravi V Bellamkonda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
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34
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Fischer LS, Schlichthaerle T, Chrostek‐Grashoff A, Grashoff C. Peptide-PAINT Enables Investigation of Endogenous Talin with Molecular Scale Resolution in Cells and Tissues. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2872-2879. [PMID: 34286903 PMCID: PMC8518977 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Talin is a cell adhesion molecule that is indispensable for the development and function of multicellular organisms. Despite its central role for many cell biological processes, suitable methods to investigate the nanoscale organization of talin in its native environment are missing. Here, we overcome this limitation by combining single-molecule resolved PAINT (points accumulation in nanoscale topography) imaging with the IRIS (image reconstruction by integrating exchangeable single-molecule localization) approach, enabling the quantitative analysis of genetically unmodified talin molecules in cells. We demonstrate that a previously reported peptide can be utilized to specifically label the two major talin isoforms expressed in mammalian tissues with a localization precision of <10 nm. Our experiments show that the methodology performs equally well as state-of-the-art single-molecule localization techniques, and the first applications reveal a thus far undescribed cell adhesion structure in differentiating stem cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate the applicability of this peptide-PAINT technique to mouse tissues paving the way to single-protein imaging of endogenous talin proteins under physiologically relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S. Fischer
- Department of Quantitative Cell BiologyInstitute of Molecular Cell BiologyUniversity of MünsterSchlossplatz 5Münster48149Germany
| | - Thomas Schlichthaerle
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA 98195USA
- Institute for Protein DesignUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA 98195USA
| | - Anna Chrostek‐Grashoff
- Department of Quantitative Cell BiologyInstitute of Molecular Cell BiologyUniversity of MünsterSchlossplatz 5Münster48149Germany
| | - Carsten Grashoff
- Department of Quantitative Cell BiologyInstitute of Molecular Cell BiologyUniversity of MünsterSchlossplatz 5Münster48149Germany
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35
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Kim J. A possible molecular mechanism for mechanotransduction at cellular focal adhesion complexes. BIOPHYSICAL REPORTS 2021; 1:100006. [PMID: 36425310 PMCID: PMC9680735 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpr.2021.100006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction at focal adhesion complexes is key for various cellular events. Theoretical analyses were performed to predict a potential role of lipid membranes in modulating mechanotransduction at focal adhesions. Calculations suggested that the size of nanostructural constraints and mechanical pulling applied on lipid membranes affect the generation of cellular traction forces and signaling transduction at focal adhesions. This work provides predictions on how lipid membranes contribute to mechanotransduction at cellular focal adhesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichul Kim
- Independent Researcher, Changwon, Republic of Korea
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36
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Hobson CM, Aaron JS, Heddleston JM, Chew TL. Visualizing the Invisible: Advanced Optical Microscopy as a Tool to Measure Biomechanical Forces. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:706126. [PMID: 34552926 PMCID: PMC8450411 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.706126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of mechanical force in biology is evident across diverse length scales, ranging from tissue morphogenesis during embryo development to mechanotransduction across single adhesion proteins at the cell surface. Consequently, many force measurement techniques rely on optical microscopy to measure forces being applied by cells on their environment, to visualize specimen deformations due to external forces, or even to directly apply a physical perturbation to the sample via photoablation or optogenetic tools. Recent developments in advanced microscopy offer improved approaches to enhance spatiotemporal resolution, imaging depth, and sample viability. These advances can be coupled with already existing force measurement methods to improve sensitivity, duration and speed, amongst other parameters. However, gaining access to advanced microscopy instrumentation and the expertise necessary to extract meaningful insights from these techniques is an unavoidable hurdle. In this Live Cell Imaging special issue Review, we survey common microscopy-based force measurement techniques and examine how they can be bolstered by emerging microscopy methods. We further explore challenges related to the accompanying data analysis in biomechanical studies and discuss the various resources available to tackle the global issue of technology dissemination, an important avenue for biologists to gain access to pre-commercial instruments that can be leveraged for biomechanical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad M. Hobson
- Advanced Imaging Center, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | - Jesse S. Aaron
- Advanced Imaging Center, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | - John M. Heddleston
- Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center, Port St. Lucie, FL, United States
| | - Teng-Leong Chew
- Advanced Imaging Center, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
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37
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Yu M, Lu JH, Le S, Yan J. Unexpected Low Mechanical Stability of Titin I27 Domain at Physiologically Relevant Temperature. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:7914-7920. [PMID: 34384021 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c01309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The extensively studied immunoglobulin (Ig) domain I27 of the giant force-bearing protein titin has provided a basis for our current understanding of the structural stability, dynamics, and function of the numerous mechanically stretched Ig domains in the force-bearing I-band of titin. The current consensus is that titin I27 has a high mechanical stability characterized by very low unfolding rate (<10-3 s-1) in physiological force range and high unfolding forces (>100 pN) at typical physiological force loading rates from experiments at typical laboratory temperatures. Here, we report that when the temperature is increased from 23 to 37 °C, the unfolding rate of I27 drastically increases by ∼100-fold at the physiological level of forces, indicating a low mechanical stability of I27 at physiological conditions. The result provides new insights into the structural states and the associated functions of I27 and other similar titin I-band Ig domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Yu
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Jung-Hsuan Lu
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Shimin Le
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore
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38
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Beltrán SM, Slepian MJ, Taylor RE. Extending the Capabilities of Molecular Force Sensors via DNA Nanotechnology. Crit Rev Biomed Eng 2021; 48:1-16. [PMID: 32749116 DOI: 10.1615/critrevbiomedeng.2020033450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
At the nanoscale, pushing, pulling, and shearing forces drive biochemical processes in development and remodeling as well as in wound healing and disease progression. Research in the field of mechanobiology investigates not only how these loads affect biochemical signaling pathways but also how signaling pathways respond to local loading by triggering mechanical changes such as regional stiffening of a tissue. This feedback between mechanical and biochemical signaling is increasingly recognized as fundamental in embryonic development, tissue morphogenesis, cell signaling, and disease pathogenesis. Historically, the interdisciplinary field of mechanobiology has been driven by the development of technologies for measuring and manipulating cellular and molecular forces, with each new tool enabling vast new lines of inquiry. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the manufacturing and capabilities of molecular-scale force and strain sensors. We also demonstrate how DNA nanotechnology has been critical to the enhancement of existing techniques and to the development of unique capabilities for future mechanosensor assembly. DNA is a responsive and programmable building material for sensor fabrication. It enables the systematic interrogation of molecular biomechanics with forces at the 1- to 200-pN scale that are needed to elucidate the fundamental means by which cells and proteins transduce mechanical signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana M Beltrán
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marvin J Slepian
- Department of Medicine and Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona, Tucson; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson
| | - Rebecca E Taylor
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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39
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Höhfeld J, Benzing T, Bloch W, Fürst DO, Gehlert S, Hesse M, Hoffmann B, Hoppe T, Huesgen PF, Köhn M, Kolanus W, Merkel R, Niessen CM, Pokrzywa W, Rinschen MM, Wachten D, Warscheid B. Maintaining proteostasis under mechanical stress. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52507. [PMID: 34309183 PMCID: PMC8339670 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202152507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell survival, tissue integrity and organismal health depend on the ability to maintain functional protein networks even under conditions that threaten protein integrity. Protection against such stress conditions involves the adaptation of folding and degradation machineries, which help to preserve the protein network by facilitating the refolding or disposal of damaged proteins. In multicellular organisms, cells are permanently exposed to stress resulting from mechanical forces. Yet, for long time mechanical stress was not recognized as a primary stressor that perturbs protein structure and threatens proteome integrity. The identification and characterization of protein folding and degradation systems, which handle force-unfolded proteins, marks a turning point in this regard. It has become apparent that mechanical stress protection operates during cell differentiation, adhesion and migration and is essential for maintaining tissues such as skeletal muscle, heart and kidney as well as the immune system. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of mechanical stress protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Höhfeld
- Institute for Cell BiologyRheinische Friedrich‐Wilhelms University BonnBonnGermany
| | - Thomas Benzing
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC)University of CologneCologneGermany
| | - Wilhelm Bloch
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports MedicineGerman Sport UniversityCologneGermany
| | - Dieter O Fürst
- Institute for Cell BiologyRheinische Friedrich‐Wilhelms University BonnBonnGermany
| | - Sebastian Gehlert
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports MedicineGerman Sport UniversityCologneGermany
- Department for the Biosciences of SportsInstitute of Sports ScienceUniversity of HildesheimHildesheimGermany
| | - Michael Hesse
- Institute of Physiology I, Life & Brain CenterMedical FacultyRheinische Friedrich‐Wilhelms UniversityBonnGermany
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, IBI‐2: MechanobiologyForschungszentrum JülichJülichGermany
| | - Thorsten Hoppe
- Institute for GeneticsCologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging‐Associated Diseases (CECAD) and CMMCUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
| | - Pitter F Huesgen
- Central Institute for Engineering, Electronics and Analytics, ZEA3Forschungszentrum JülichJülichGermany
- CECADUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
| | - Maja Köhn
- Institute of Biology IIIFaculty of Biology, and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSSAlbert‐Ludwigs‐University FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Waldemar Kolanus
- LIMES‐InstituteRheinische Friedrich‐Wilhelms University BonnBonnGermany
| | - Rudolf Merkel
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, IBI‐2: MechanobiologyForschungszentrum JülichJülichGermany
| | - Carien M Niessen
- Department of Dermatology and CECADUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
| | | | - Markus M Rinschen
- Department of Biomedicine and Aarhus Institute of Advanced StudiesAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Department of MedicineUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate ImmunityUniversity Hospital BonnBonnGermany
| | - Bettina Warscheid
- Institute of Biology IIFaculty of Biology, and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSSAlbert‐Ludwigs‐University FreiburgFreiburgGermany
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40
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SenGupta S, Parent CA, Bear JE. The principles of directed cell migration. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:529-547. [PMID: 33990789 PMCID: PMC8663916 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00366-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cells have the ability to respond to various types of environmental cues, and in many cases these cues induce directed cell migration towards or away from these signals. How cells sense these cues and how they transmit that information to the cytoskeletal machinery governing cell translocation is one of the oldest and most challenging problems in biology. Chemotaxis, or migration towards diffusible chemical cues, has been studied for more than a century, but information is just now beginning to emerge about how cells respond to other cues, such as substrate-associated cues during haptotaxis (chemical cues on the surface), durotaxis (mechanical substrate compliance) and topotaxis (geometric features of substrate). Here we propose four common principles, or pillars, that underlie all forms of directed migration. First, a signal must be generated, a process that in physiological environments is much more nuanced than early studies suggested. Second, the signal must be sensed, sometimes by cell surface receptors, but also in ways that are not entirely clear, such as in the case of mechanical cues. Third, the signal has to be transmitted from the sensing modules to the machinery that executes the actual movement, a step that often requires amplification. Fourth, the signal has to be converted into the application of asymmetric force relative to the substrate, which involves mostly the cytoskeleton, but perhaps other players as well. Use of these four pillars has allowed us to compare some of the similarities between different types of directed migration, but also to highlight the remarkable diversity in the mechanisms that cells use to respond to different cues provided by their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuvasree SenGupta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carole A Parent
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - James E Bear
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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41
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Eichinger JF, Grill MJ, Kermani ID, Aydin RC, Wall WA, Humphrey JD, Cyron CJ. A computational framework for modeling cell-matrix interactions in soft biological tissues. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2021; 20:1851-1870. [PMID: 34173132 PMCID: PMC8450219 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-021-01480-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Living soft tissues appear to promote the development and maintenance of a preferred mechanical state within a defined tolerance around a so-called set point. This phenomenon is often referred to as mechanical homeostasis. In contradiction to the prominent role of mechanical homeostasis in various (patho)physiological processes, its underlying micromechanical mechanisms acting on the level of individual cells and fibers remain poorly understood, especially how these mechanisms on the microscale lead to what we macroscopically call mechanical homeostasis. Here, we present a novel computational framework based on the finite element method that is constructed bottom up, that is, it models key mechanobiological mechanisms such as actin cytoskeleton contraction and molecular clutch behavior of individual cells interacting with a reconstructed three-dimensional extracellular fiber matrix. The framework reproduces many experimental observations regarding mechanical homeostasis on short time scales (hours), in which the deposition and degradation of extracellular matrix can largely be neglected. This model can serve as a systematic tool for future in silico studies of the origin of the numerous still unexplained experimental observations about mechanical homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas F Eichinger
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany.,Institute for Continuum and Materials Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, 21073, Germany
| | - Maximilian J Grill
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Iman Davoodi Kermani
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Roland C Aydin
- Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, 21502, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Wall
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Christian J Cyron
- Institute for Continuum and Materials Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, 21073, Germany. .,Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, 21502, Germany.
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42
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Phng LK, Belting HG. Endothelial cell mechanics and blood flow forces in vascular morphogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 120:32-43. [PMID: 34154883 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate cardiovascular system is made up by a hierarchically structured network of highly specialised blood vessels. This network emerges during early embryogenesis and evolves in size and complexity concomitant with embryonic growth and organ formation. Underlying this plasticity are actin-driven endothelial cell behaviours, which allow endothelial cells to change their shape and move within the vascular network. In this review, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in vascular network formation and how these intrinsic mechanisms are influenced by haemodynamic forces provided by pressurized blood flow. While most of this review focusses on in vivo evidence from zebrafish embryos, we also mention complementary findings obtained in other experimental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Kun Phng
- Laboratory for Vascular Morphogenesis, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Heinz-Georg Belting
- Department of Cell Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel 4056, Switzerland.
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43
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Mishra YG, Manavathi B. Focal adhesion dynamics in cellular function and disease. Cell Signal 2021; 85:110046. [PMID: 34004332 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acting as a bridge between the cytoskeleton of the cell and the extra cellular matrix (ECM), the cell-ECM adhesions with integrins at their core, play a major role in cell signalling to direct mechanotransduction, cell migration, cell cycle progression, proliferation, differentiation, growth and repair. Biochemically, these adhesions are composed of diverse, yet an organised group of structural proteins, receptors, adaptors, various enzymes including protein kinases, phosphatases, GTPases, proteases, etc. as well as scaffolding molecules. The major integrin adhesion complexes (IACs) characterised are focal adhesions (FAs), invadosomes (podosomes and invadopodia), hemidesmosomes (HDs) and reticular adhesions (RAs). The varied composition and regulation of the IACs and their signalling, apart from being an integral part of normal cell survival, has been shown to be of paramount importance in various developmental and pathological processes. This review per-illustrates the recent advancements in the research of IACs, their crucial roles in normal as well as diseased states. We have also touched on few of the various methods that have been developed over the years to visualise IACs, measure the forces they exert and study their signalling and molecular composition. Having such pertinent roles in the context of various pathologies, these IACs need to be understood and studied to develop therapeutical targets. We have given an update to the studies done in recent years and described various techniques which have been applied to study these structures, thereby, providing context in furthering research with respect to IAC targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaswi Gayatri Mishra
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Bramanandam Manavathi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India.
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44
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Arif N, Zinnhardt M, Nyamay’Antu A, Teber D, Brückner R, Schaefer K, Li Y, Trappmann B, Grashoff C, Vestweber D. PECAM-1 supports leukocyte diapedesis by tension-dependent dephosphorylation of VE-cadherin. EMBO J 2021; 40:e106113. [PMID: 33604918 PMCID: PMC8090850 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020106113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukocyte extravasation is an essential step during the immune response and requires the destabilization of endothelial junctions. We have shown previously that this process depends in vivo on the dephosphorylation of VE-cadherin-Y731. Here, we reveal the underlying mechanism. Leukocyte-induced stimulation of PECAM-1 triggers dissociation of the phosphatase SHP2 which then directly targets VE-cadherin-Y731. The binding site of PECAM-1 for SHP2 is needed for VE-cadherin dephosphorylation and subsequent endocytosis. Importantly, the contribution of PECAM-1 to leukocyte diapedesis in vitro and in vivo was strictly dependent on the presence of Y731 of VE-cadherin. In addition to SHP2, dephosphorylation of Y731 required Ca2+ -signaling, non-muscle myosin II activation, and endothelial cell tension. Since we found that β-catenin/plakoglobin mask VE-cadherin-Y731 and leukocyte docking to endothelial cells exert force on the VE-cadherin-catenin complex, we propose that leukocytes destabilize junctions by PECAM-1-SHP2-triggered dephosphorylation of VE-cadherin-Y731 which becomes accessible by actomyosin-mediated mechanical force exerted on the VE-cadherin-catenin complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Arif
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineMünsterGermany
| | - Maren Zinnhardt
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineMünsterGermany
| | | | - Denise Teber
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineMünsterGermany
| | - Randy Brückner
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineMünsterGermany
| | | | - Yu‐Tung Li
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineMünsterGermany
| | | | - Carsten Grashoff
- Institute for Molecular Cell BiologyUniversity of MünsterMünsterGermany
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45
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Dmitriev RI, Intes X, Barroso MM. Luminescence lifetime imaging of three-dimensional biological objects. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:1-17. [PMID: 33961054 PMCID: PMC8126452 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.254763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A major focus of current biological studies is to fill the knowledge gaps between cell, tissue and organism scales. To this end, a wide array of contemporary optical analytical tools enable multiparameter quantitative imaging of live and fixed cells, three-dimensional (3D) systems, tissues, organs and organisms in the context of their complex spatiotemporal biological and molecular features. In particular, the modalities of luminescence lifetime imaging, comprising fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLI) and phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (PLIM), in synergy with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays, provide a wealth of information. On the application side, the luminescence lifetime of endogenous molecules inside cells and tissues, overexpressed fluorescent protein fusion biosensor constructs or probes delivered externally provide molecular insights at multiple scales into protein-protein interaction networks, cellular metabolism, dynamics of molecular oxygen and hypoxia, physiologically important ions, and other physical and physiological parameters. Luminescence lifetime imaging offers a unique window into the physiological and structural environment of cells and tissues, enabling a new level of functional and molecular analysis in addition to providing 3D spatially resolved and longitudinal measurements that can range from microscopic to macroscopic scale. We provide an overview of luminescence lifetime imaging and summarize key biological applications from cells and tissues to organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruslan I. Dmitriev
- Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Group, Department of
Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Ghent University, Ghent 9000,
Belgium
| | - Xavier Intes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for
Modeling, Simulation and Imaging for Medicine (CeMSIM),
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
12180-3590, USA
| | - Margarida M. Barroso
- Department of Molecular and Cellular
Physiology, Albany Medical College,
Albany, NY 12208, USA
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46
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Fischer LS, Rangarajan S, Sadhanasatish T, Grashoff C. Molecular Force Measurement with Tension Sensors. Annu Rev Biophys 2021; 50:595-616. [PMID: 33710908 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-101920-064756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The ability of cells to generate mechanical forces, but also to sense, adapt to, and respond to mechanical signals, is crucial for many developmental, postnatal homeostatic, and pathophysiological processes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular mechanotransduction have remained elusive for many decades, as techniques to visualize and quantify molecular forces across individual proteins in cells were missing. The development of genetically encoded molecular tension sensors now allows the quantification of piconewton-scale forces that act upon distinct molecules in living cells and even whole organisms. In this review, we discuss the physical principles, advantages, and limitations of this increasingly popular method. By highlighting current examples from the literature, we demonstrate how molecular tension sensors can be utilized to obtain access to previously unappreciated biophysical parameters that define the propagation of mechanical forces on molecular scales. We discuss how the methodology can be further developed and provide a perspective on how the technique could be applied to uncover entirely novel aspects of mechanobiology in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S Fischer
- Department of Quantitative Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster D-48149, Germany;
| | - Srishti Rangarajan
- Department of Quantitative Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster D-48149, Germany;
| | - Tanmay Sadhanasatish
- Department of Quantitative Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster D-48149, Germany;
| | - Carsten Grashoff
- Department of Quantitative Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster D-48149, Germany;
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47
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Goult BT. The Mechanical Basis of Memory - the MeshCODE Theory. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:592951. [PMID: 33716664 PMCID: PMC7947202 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.592951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major unsolved mysteries of biological science concerns the question of where and in what form information is stored in the brain. I propose that memory is stored in the brain in a mechanically encoded binary format written into the conformations of proteins found in the cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesions that organise each and every synapse. The MeshCODE framework outlined here represents a unifying theory of data storage in animals, providing read-write storage of both dynamic and persistent information in a binary format. Mechanosensitive proteins that contain force-dependent switches can store information persistently, which can be written or updated using small changes in mechanical force. These mechanosensitive proteins, such as talin, scaffold each synapse, creating a meshwork of switches that together form a code, the so-called MeshCODE. Large signalling complexes assemble on these scaffolds as a function of the switch patterns and these complexes would both stabilise the patterns and coordinate synaptic regulators to dynamically tune synaptic activity. Synaptic transmission and action potential spike trains would operate the cytoskeletal machinery to write and update the synaptic MeshCODEs, thereby propagating this coding throughout the organism. Based on established biophysical principles, such a mechanical basis for memory would provide a physical location for data storage in the brain, with the binary patterns, encoded in the information-storing mechanosensitive molecules in the synaptic scaffolds, and the complexes that form on them, representing the physical location of engrams. Furthermore, the conversion and storage of sensory and temporal inputs into a binary format would constitute an addressable read-write memory system, supporting the view of the mind as an organic supercomputer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin T. Goult
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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48
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Martins B, Sorrentino S, Chung WL, Tatli M, Medalia O, Eibauer M. Unveiling the polarity of actin filaments by cryo-electron tomography. Structure 2021; 29:488-498.e4. [PMID: 33476550 PMCID: PMC8111420 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton plays a fundamental role in numerous cellular processes, such as cell motility, cytokinesis, and adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Revealing the polarity of individual actin filaments in intact cells would foster an unprecedented understanding of cytoskeletal processes and their associated mechanical forces. Cryo-electron tomography provides the means for high-resolution structural imaging of cells. However, the low signal-to-noise ratio of cryo-tomograms obscures the high frequencies, and therefore the polarity of actin filaments cannot be directly measured. Here, we developed a method that enables us to determine the polarity of actin filaments in cellular cryo-tomograms. We applied it to reveal the actin polarity distribution in focal adhesions, and show a linear relation between actin polarity and distance from the apical boundary of the adhesion site. Determining the polarity of individual actin filaments inside cells Reconstruction of actin networks from cryo-tomograms The polarity of actin changes from mixed to uniform along focal adhesions
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Martins
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simona Sorrentino
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wen-Lu Chung
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Meltem Tatli
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ohad Medalia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Matthias Eibauer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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49
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Hofemeier AD, Limon T, Muenker TM, Wallmeyer B, Jurado A, Afshar ME, Ebrahimi M, Tsukanov R, Oleksiievets N, Enderlein J, Gilbert PM, Betz T. Global and local tension measurements in biomimetic skeletal muscle tissues reveals early mechanical homeostasis. eLife 2021; 10:60145. [PMID: 33459593 PMCID: PMC7906603 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tension and mechanical properties of muscle tissue are tightly related to proper skeletal muscle function, which makes experimental access to the biomechanics of muscle tissue formation a key requirement to advance our understanding of muscle function and development. Recently developed elastic in vitro culture chambers allow for raising 3D muscle tissue under controlled conditions and to measure global tissue force generation. However, these chambers are inherently incompatible with high-resolution microscopy limiting their usability to global force measurements, and preventing the exploitation of modern fluorescence based investigation methods for live and dynamic measurements. Here, we present a new chamber design pairing global force measurements, quantified from post-deflection, with local tension measurements obtained from elastic hydrogel beads embedded in muscle tissue. High-resolution 3D video microscopy of engineered muscle formation, enabled by the new chamber, shows an early mechanical tissue homeostasis that remains stable in spite of continued myotube maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne D Hofemeier
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tamara Limon
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Alejandro Jurado
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mohammad Ebrahim Afshar
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Majid Ebrahimi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Roman Tsukanov
- 3rd Institute of Physics-Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nazar Oleksiievets
- 3rd Institute of Physics-Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Enderlein
- 3rd Institute of Physics-Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Penney M Gilbert
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Timo Betz
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,3rd Institute of Physics-Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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50
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Canever H, Carollo PS, Fleurisson R, Girard PP, Borghi N. Molecular Tension Microscopy of E-Cadherin During Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2179:289-299. [PMID: 32939728 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0779-4_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Molecular Tension Microscopy has been increasingly used in the last years to investigate mechanical forces acting in cells at the molecular scale. Here, we describe a protocol to image the tension of the junctional protein E-cadherin in cultured epithelial cells undergoing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). We report how to prepare cells and induce EMT, and how to acquire, analyze, and quantitatively interpret FRET data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Canever
- Institut Jacques Monod, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Philippe P Girard
- Institut Jacques Monod, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, France
- Faculty of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Borghi
- Institut Jacques Monod, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, France.
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