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Sachs D, Jakob R, Thumm B, Bajka M, Ehret AE, Mazza E. Sustained Physiological Stretch Induces Abdominal Skin Growth in Pregnancy. Ann Biomed Eng 2024; 52:1576-1590. [PMID: 38424309 PMCID: PMC11081934 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03472-6] [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: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Supraphysiological stretches are exploited in skin expanders to induce tissue growth for autologous implants. As pregnancy is associated with large levels of sustained stretch, we investigated whether skin growth occurs in pregnancy. Therefore, we combined a mechanical model of skin and the observations from suction experiments on several body locations of five pregnant women at different gestational ages. The measurements show a continuous increase in stiffness, with the largest change observed during the last trimester. A comparison with numerical simulations indicates that the measured increase in skin stiffness is far below the level expected for the corresponding deformation of abdominal skin. A new set of simulations accounting for growth could rationalize all observations. The predicted amount of tissue growth corresponds to approximately 40% area increase before delivery. The results of the simulations also offered the opportunity to investigate the biophysical cues present in abdominal skin along gestation and to compare them with those arising in skin expanders. Alterations of the skin mechanome were quantified, including tissue stiffness, hydrostatic and osmotic pressure of the interstitial fluid, its flow velocity and electrical potential. The comparison between pregnancy and skin expansion highlights similarities as well as differences possibly influencing growth and remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sachs
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Raphael Jakob
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bettina Thumm
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Bajka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander E Ehret
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dubendorf, Switzerland
| | - Edoardo Mazza
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dubendorf, Switzerland
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2
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Xiang P, Luo ZP, Che YJ. Insights into the mechanical microenvironment within the cartilaginous endplate: An emerging role in maintaining disc homeostasis and normal function. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31162. [PMID: 38803964 PMCID: PMC11128916 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical factors are strongly linked with the emergence and development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The intervertebral disc (IVD), as a unique enclosed biomechanical structure, exhibits distinct mechanical properties within its substructures. Damage to the mechanical performance of any substructure can disrupt the overall mechanical function of the IVD. Endplate degeneration serves as a significant precursor to IVDD. The endplate (EP) structure, especially the cartilaginous endplate (CEP), serves as a conduit for nutrient and metabolite transport in the IVD. It is inevitably influenced by its nutritional environment, mechanical loading, cytokines and extracellular components. Currently, reports on strategies targeting the CEP for the prevention and treatment of IVDD are scarce. This is due to two primary reasons: first, limited knowledge of the biomechanical microenvironment surrounding the degenerated CEP cells; and second, innovative biological treatment strategies, such as implanting active cells (disc or mesenchymal stem cells) or modulating natural cell activity through the addition of therapeutic factors or genes to treat IVDD often overlook a critical aspect-the restoration of the nutrient supply function and mechanical microenvironment of the endplate. Therefore, restoring the healthy structure of the CEP and maintaining a stable mechanical microenvironment within the EP are crucial for the prevention of IVDD and the repair of degenerated IVDs. We present a comprehensive literature review on the mechanical microenvironment characteristics of cartilage endplates and their associated mechanical signaling pathways. Our aim is to provide valuable insights into the development and implementation of strategies to prevent IVDD by delaying or reversing CEP degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Xiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of SooChow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, PR China
| | - Zong-Ping Luo
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of SooChow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, PR China
| | - Yan-Jun Che
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242 Guangji Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, PR China
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3
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Lu Z, Tenjimbayashi M, Zhou J, Nakanishi J. Ultimately Adaptive Fluid Interfacial Phospholipid Membranes Unveiled Unanticipated High Cellular Mechanical Work. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2403396. [PMID: 38613213 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202403396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Living cells actively interact biochemically and mechanically with the surrounding extracellular matrices (ECMs) and undergo dramatic morphological and dimensional transitions, concomitantly remodeling ECMs. However, there is no suitable method to quantitatively discuss the contribution of mechanical interactions in such mutually adaptive processes. Herein, a highly deformable "living" cellular scaffold is developed to evaluate overall mechanical energy transfer between cell and ECMs. It is based on the water-perfluorocarbon interface decorated with phospholipids bearing a cell-adhesive ligand and fluorescent tag. The bioinert nature of the phospholipid membranes prevents the formation of solid-like protein nanofilms at the fluid interface, enabling to visualize and quantify cellular mechanical work against the ultimately adaptive model ECM. A new cellular wetting regime is identified, wherein interface deformation proceeds to cell flattening, followed by its eventual restoration. The cellular mechanical work during this adaptive wetting process is one order of magnitude higher than those reported with conventional elastic platforms. The behavior of viscous liquid drops at the air-water interface can simulate cellular adaptive wetting, suggesting that overall viscoelasticity of the cell body predominates the emergent wetting regime and regulates mechanical output. Cellular-force-driven high-energy states on the adaptive platform can be useful for cell fate manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Lu
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
| | - Mizuki Tenjimbayashi
- Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), NIMS, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
| | - Junhong Zhou
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Jun Nakanishi
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
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Anderson SM, Kelly M, Odde DJ. Glioblastoma Cells Use an Integrin- and CD44-Mediated Motor-Clutch Mode of Migration in Brain Tissue. Cell Mol Bioeng 2024; 17:121-135. [PMID: 38737451 PMCID: PMC11082118 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-024-00799-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive malignant brain tumor with 2 year survival rates of 6.7% (Stupp et al. in J Clin Oncol Off J Am Soc Clin Oncol 25:4127-4136, 2007; Mohammed et al. in Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 27:1026-1036, 2002). One key characteristic of the disease is the ability of glioblastoma cells to migrate rapidly and spread throughout healthy brain tissue (Lefranc et al. in J Clin Oncol Off J Am Soc Clin Oncol 23:2411-2422, 2005; Hoelzinger et al. in J Natl Cancer Inst 21:1583-1593, 2007). To develop treatments that effectively target cell migration, it is important to understand the fundamental mechanism driving cell migration in brain tissue. Several models of cell migration have been proposed, including the motor-clutch, bleb-based motility, and osmotic engine models. Methods Here we utilized confocal imaging to measure traction dynamics and migration speeds of glioblastoma cells in mouse organotypic brain slices to identify the mode of cell migration. Results We found that nearly all cell-vasculature interactions reflected pulling, rather than pushing, on vasculature at the cell leading edge, a finding consistent with a motor-clutch mode of migration, and inconsistent with an osmotic engine model or confined bleb-based migration. Reducing myosin motor activity, a key component in the motor-clutch model, was found to decrease migration speed at high doses for all cell types including U251 and 6 low-passage patient-derived xenograft lines (3 proneural and 3 mesenchymal subtypes). Variable responses were found at low doses, consistent with a motor-clutch mode of migration which predicts a biphasic relationship between migration speed and motor-to-clutch ratio. Targeting of molecular clutches including integrins and CD44 slowed migration of U251 cells. Conclusions Overall we find that glioblastoma cell migration is most consistent with a motor-clutch mechanism to migrate through brain tissue ex vivo, and that both integrins and CD44, as well as myosin motors, play an important role in constituting the adhesive clutch. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-024-00799-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Anderson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| | - Marcus Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| | - David J. Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
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Walker M, Pringle EW, Ciccone G, Oliver-Cervelló L, Tassieri M, Gourdon D, Cantini M. Mind the Viscous Modulus: The Mechanotransductive Response to the Viscous Nature of Isoelastic Matrices Regulates Stem Cell Chondrogenesis. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302571. [PMID: 38014647 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302571] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The design of hydrogels as mimetics of tissues' matrices typically disregards the viscous nature of native tissues and focuses only on their elastic properties. In the case of stem cell chondrogenesis, this has led to contradictory results, likely due to unreported changes in the matrices' viscous modulus. Here, by employing isoelastic matrices with Young's modulus of ≈12 kPa, variations in viscous properties alone (i.e., loss tangent between 0.1 and 0.25) are demonstrated to be sufficient to drive efficient growth factor-free chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells, both in 2D and 3D cultures. The increase of the viscous component of RGD-functionalized polyacrylamide or polyethylene glycol maleimide hydrogels promotes a phenotype with reduced adhesion, alters mechanosensitive signaling, and boosts cell-cell contacts. In turn, this upregulates the chondrogenic transcription factor SOX9 and supports neocartilage formation, demonstrating that the mechanotransductive response to the viscous nature of the matrix can be harnessed to direct cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Walker
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Eonan William Pringle
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Giuseppe Ciccone
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Lluís Oliver-Cervelló
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Manlio Tassieri
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Delphine Gourdon
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Marco Cantini
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
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Jeffreys N, Brockman JM, Zhai Y, Ingber DE, Mooney DJ. Mechanical forces amplify TCR mechanotransduction in T cell activation and function. APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 11:011304. [PMID: 38434676 PMCID: PMC10848667 DOI: 10.1063/5.0166848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell immunotherapies, including engineered T cell receptor (eTCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapies, have shown efficacy in treating a subset of hematologic malignancies, exhibit promise in solid tumors, and have many other potential applications, such as in fibrosis, autoimmunity, and regenerative medicine. While immunoengineering has focused on designing biomaterials to present biochemical cues to manipulate T cells ex vivo and in vivo, mechanical cues that regulate their biology have been largely underappreciated. This review highlights the contributions of mechanical force to several receptor-ligand interactions critical to T cell function, with central focus on the TCR-peptide-loaded major histocompatibility complex (pMHC). We then emphasize the role of mechanical forces in (i) allosteric strengthening of the TCR-pMHC interaction in amplifying ligand discrimination during T cell antigen recognition prior to activation and (ii) T cell interactions with the extracellular matrix. We then describe approaches to design eTCRs, CARs, and biomaterials to exploit TCR mechanosensitivity in order to potentiate T cell manufacturing and function in adoptive T cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yunhao Zhai
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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Sacco JL, Vaneman ZT, Gomez EW. Extracellular matrix viscoelasticity regulates TGFβ1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and apoptosis via integrin linked kinase. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31165. [PMID: 38149820 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is a multifunctional cytokine that plays important roles in health and disease. Previous studies have revealed that TGFβ1 activation, signaling, and downstream cell responses including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis are regulated by the elasticity or stiffness of the extracellular matrix. However, tissues within the body are not purely elastic, rather they are viscoelastic. How matrix viscoelasticity impacts cell fate decisions downstream of TGFβ1 remains unknown. Here, we synthesized polyacrylamide hydrogels that mimic the viscoelastic properties of breast tumor tissue. We found that increasing matrix viscous dissipation reduces TGFβ1-induced cell spreading, F-actin stress fiber formation, and EMT-associated gene expression changes, and promotes TGFβ1-induced apoptosis in mammary epithelial cells. Furthermore, TGFβ1-induced expression of integrin linked kinase (ILK) and colocalization of ILK with vinculin at cell adhesions is attenuated in mammary epithelial cells cultured on viscoelastic substrata in comparison to cells cultured on nearly elastic substrata. Overexpression of ILK promotes TGFβ1-induced EMT and reduces apoptosis in cells cultured on viscoelastic substrata, suggesting that ILK plays an important role in regulating cell fate downstream of TGFβ1 in response to matrix viscoelasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Sacco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zachary T Vaneman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Esther W Gomez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Mierke CT. Extracellular Matrix Cues Regulate Mechanosensing and Mechanotransduction of Cancer Cells. Cells 2024; 13:96. [PMID: 38201302 PMCID: PMC10777970 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular biophysical properties have particular implications for a wide spectrum of cellular behaviors and functions, including growth, motility, differentiation, apoptosis, gene expression, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion, and signal transduction including mechanotransduction. Cells not only react to unambiguously mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM), but can occasionally manipulate the mechanical features of the matrix in parallel with biological characteristics, thus interfering with downstream matrix-based cues in both physiological and pathological processes. Bidirectional interactions between cells and (bio)materials in vitro can alter cell phenotype and mechanotransduction, as well as ECM structure, intentionally or unintentionally. Interactions between cell and matrix mechanics in vivo are of particular importance in a variety of diseases, including primarily cancer. Stiffness values between normal and cancerous tissue can range between 500 Pa (soft) and 48 kPa (stiff), respectively. Even the shear flow can increase from 0.1-1 dyn/cm2 (normal tissue) to 1-10 dyn/cm2 (cancerous tissue). There are currently many new areas of activity in tumor research on various biological length scales, which are highlighted in this review. Moreover, the complexity of interactions between ECM and cancer cells is reduced to common features of different tumors and the characteristics are highlighted to identify the main pathways of interaction. This all contributes to the standardization of mechanotransduction models and approaches, which, ultimately, increases the understanding of the complex interaction. Finally, both the in vitro and in vivo effects of this mechanics-biology pairing have key insights and implications for clinical practice in tumor treatment and, consequently, clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Biological Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Parmentier L, D'Haese S, Duquesne J, Bray F, Van der Meeren L, Skirtach AG, Rolando C, Dmitriev RI, Van Vlierberghe S. 2D fibrillar osteoid niche mimicry through inclusion of visco-elastic and topographical cues in gelatin-based networks. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127619. [PMID: 37898251 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127619] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Given the clinical need for osteoregenerative materials incorporating controlled biomimetic and biophysical cues, a novel highly-substituted norbornene-modified gelatin was developed enabling thiol-ene crosslinking exploiting thiolated gelatin as cell-interactive crosslinker. Comparing the number of physical crosslinks, the degree of hydrolytic degradation upon modification, the network density and the chemical crosslinking type, the osteogenic effect of visco-elastic and topographical properties was evaluated. This novel network outperformed conventional gelatin-based networks in terms of osteogenesis induction, as evidenced in 2D dental pulp stem cell seeding assays, resulting from the presentation of both a local (substrate elasticity, 25-40 kPa) and a bulk (compressive modulus, 25-45 kPa) osteogenic substrate modulus in combination with adequate fibrillar cell adhesion spacing to optimally transfer traction forces from the fibrillar ECM (as evidenced by mesh size determination with the rubber elasticity theory) and resulting in a 1.7-fold increase in calcium production (compared to the gold standard gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens Parmentier
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group (PBM), Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sophie D'Haese
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group (PBM), Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jessie Duquesne
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group (PBM), Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fabrice Bray
- Miniaturisation pour la synthèse, l'analyse et la protéomique (MSAP), CNRS, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Louis Van der Meeren
- Nano-biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent university, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andre G Skirtach
- Nano-biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent university, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian Rolando
- Miniaturisation pour la synthèse, l'analyse et la protéomique (MSAP), CNRS, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Ruslan I Dmitriev
- Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Group, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Ghent university, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group (PBM), Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Abeyaratne R, Purohit PK. A continuum mechanical model of cell motion driven by a biphasic traction stress. J R Soc Interface 2024; 21:20230543. [PMID: 38228181 PMCID: PMC10791542 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to place the cell locomotion problem within the general framework of classical continuum mechanics, and while doing so, to account for the deformation of the actin network in the cytoskeleton; the myosin activity on the lamellum including its effect on depolymerization at the trailing edge; model the stress-dependent driving forces and kinetic laws controlling polymerization at the leading edge, depolymerization at the trailing edge and ATP hydrolysis consistently with the dissipation inequality; and, based on the observations in Gardel et al. (Gardel et al. 2008 J. Cell Biol. 183, 999-1005 (doi:10.1083/jcb.200810060)), include a biphasic velocity-dependent traction stress acting on the actin network. While we chose certain specific models for each of these, in part to allow for an analytical solution, the generality of the framework allows one to readily introduce different constitutive laws to describe these phenomena as might be needed, for example, to study some different type of cells. As described in §5, the predictions of the model compare well with observations such as the magnitude of the very different actin retrograde speeds in the lamellum and lamellipodium including their jump at the interface, the magnitude of the cell speed, and the relative lengths of the lamellipodium and lamellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Abeyaratne
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Prashant K. Purohit
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Pereira M, Pinto J, Arteaga B, Guerra A, Jorge RN, Monteiro FJ, Salgado CL. A Comprehensive Look at In Vitro Angiogenesis Image Analysis Software. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17625. [PMID: 38139453 PMCID: PMC10743557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417625] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the complex challenges faced presently by tissue engineering (TE) is the development of vascularized constructs that accurately mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) of native tissue in which they are inserted to promote vessel growth and, consequently, wound healing and tissue regeneration. TE technique is characterized by several stages, starting from the choice of cell culture and the more appropriate scaffold material that can adequately support and supply them with the necessary biological cues for microvessel development. The next step is to analyze the attained microvasculature, which is reliant on the available labeling and microscopy techniques to visualize the network, as well as metrics employed to characterize it. These are usually attained with the use of software, which has been cited in several works, although no clear standard procedure has been observed to promote the reproduction of the cell response analysis. The present review analyzes not only the various steps previously described in terms of the current standards for evaluation, but also surveys some of the available metrics and software used to quantify networks, along with the detection of analysis limitations and future improvements that could lead to considerable progress for angiogenesis evaluation and application in TE research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Pereira
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.P.); (J.P.); (B.A.); (F.J.M.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jéssica Pinto
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.P.); (J.P.); (B.A.); (F.J.M.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Belén Arteaga
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.P.); (J.P.); (B.A.); (F.J.M.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Parque Tecnológico de la Salud, Av. de la Investigación 11, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Guerra
- INEGI—Instituto de Ciência e Inovação em Engenharia Mecânica e Engenharia Industrial, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (R.N.J.)
| | - Renato Natal Jorge
- INEGI—Instituto de Ciência e Inovação em Engenharia Mecânica e Engenharia Industrial, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (R.N.J.)
- LAETA—Laboratório Associado de Energia, Transportes e Aeronáutica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-165 Porto, Portugal
- FEUP—Faculdade de Engenharia, Departamento de Engenharia Metalúrgica e de Materiais, Universidade do Porto, 4200-165 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Jorge Monteiro
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.P.); (J.P.); (B.A.); (F.J.M.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- FEUP—Faculdade de Engenharia, Departamento de Engenharia Metalúrgica e de Materiais, Universidade do Porto, 4200-165 Porto, Portugal
- PCCC—Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Christiane Laranjo Salgado
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.P.); (J.P.); (B.A.); (F.J.M.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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12
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Shu W, Kaplan CN. A multiscale theory for spreading and migration of adhesion-reinforced mesenchymal cells. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20230317. [PMID: 38086406 PMCID: PMC10715917 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a chemomechanical whole-cell theory for the spreading and migration dynamics of mesenchymal cells that can actively reinforce their adhesion to an underlying viscoelastic substrate as a function of its stiffness. Our multiscale model couples the adhesion reinforcement effect at the subcellular scale with the nonlinear mechanics of the nucleus-cytoskeletal network complex at the cellular scale to explain the concurrent monotonic area-stiffness and non-monotonic speed-stiffness relationships observed in experiments: we consider that large cell spreading on stiff substrates flattens the nucleus, increasing the viscous drag force on it. The resulting force balance dictates a reduction in the migration speed on stiff substrates. We also reproduce the experimental influence of the substrate viscosity on the cell spreading area and migration speed by elucidating how the viscosity may either maintain adhesion reinforcement or prevent it depending on the substrate stiffness. Additionally, our model captures the experimental directed migration behaviour of the adhesion-reinforced cells along a stiffness gradient, known as durotaxis, as well as up or down a viscosity gradient (viscotaxis or anti-viscotaxis), the cell moving towards an optimal viscosity in either case. Overall, our theory explains the intertwined mechanics of the cell spreading, migration speed and direction in the presence of the molecular adhesion reinforcement mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenya Shu
- Department of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - C. Nadir Kaplan
- Department of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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13
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Anderson SM, Kelly M, Odde DJ. Glioblastoma cells use an integrin- and CD44-mediated motor-clutch mode of migration in brain tissue. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.23.563458. [PMID: 37961475 PMCID: PMC10634749 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.23.563458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive malignant brain tumor with 2-year survival rates of 6.7% [1], [2]. One key characteristic of the disease is the ability of glioblastoma cells to migrate rapidly and spread throughout healthy brain tissue[3], [4]. To develop treatments that effectively target cell migration, it is important to understand the fundamental mechanism driving cell migration in brain tissue. Here we utilized confocal imaging to measure traction dynamics and migration speeds of glioblastoma cells in mouse organotypic brain slices to identify the mode of cell migration. Through imaging cell-vasculature interactions and utilizing drugs, antibodies, and genetic modifications to target motors and clutches, we find that glioblastoma cell migration is most consistent with a motor-clutch mechanism to migrate through brain tissue ex vivo, and that both integrins and CD44, as well as myosin motors, play an important role in constituting the adhesive clutch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Anderson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Marcus Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David J. Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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14
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Zhang ZM, Yu P, Zhou K, Yu FY, Bao RY, Yang MB, Qian ZY, Yang W. Hierarchically Porous Implants Orchestrating a Physiological Viscoelastic and Piezoelectric Microenvironment for Bone Regeneration. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300713. [PMID: 37498795 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300713] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix microenvironment of bone tissue comprises several physiological cues. Thus, artificial bone substitute materials with a single cue are insufficient to meet the demands for bone defect repair. Regeneration of critical-size bone defects remains challenging in orthopedic surgery. Intrinsic viscoelastic and piezoelectric cues from collagen fibers play crucial roles in accelerating bone regeneration, but scaffolds or implants providing integrated cues have seldom been reported. In this study, it is aimed to design and prepare hierarchically porous poly(methylmethacrylate)/polyethyleneimine/poly(vinylidenefluoride) composite implants presenting a similar viscoelastic and piezoelectric microenvironment to bone tissue via anti-solvent vapor-induced phase separation. The viscoelastic and piezoelectric cues of the composite implants for human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell line stimulate and activate Piezo1 proteins associated with mechanotransduction signaling pathways. Cortical and spongy bone exhibit excellent regeneration and integration in models of critical-size bone defects on the knee joint and femur in vivo. This study demonstrates that implants with integrated physiological cues are promising artificial bone substitute materials for regenerating critical-size bone defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Min Zhang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Peng Yu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Fan-Yuan Yu
- Department of Endodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rui-Ying Bao
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Ming-Bo Yang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Wei Yang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
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15
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Alonso-Matilla R, Provenzano PP, Odde DJ. Optimal cell traction forces in a generalized motor-clutch model. Biophys J 2023; 122:3369-3385. [PMID: 37475213 PMCID: PMC10465728 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells exert forces on mechanically compliant environments to sense stiffness, migrate, and remodel tissue. Cells can sense environmental stiffness via myosin-generated pulling forces acting on F-actin, which is in turn mechanically coupled to the environment via adhesive proteins, akin to a clutch in a drivetrain. In this "motor-clutch" framework, the force transmitted depends on the complex interplay of motor, clutch, and environmental properties. Previous mean-field analysis of the motor-clutch model identified the conditions for optimal stiffness for maximal force transmission via a dimensionless number that combines motor-clutch parameters. However, in this and other previous mean-field analyses, the motor-clutch system is assumed to have balanced motors and clutches and did not consider force-dependent clutch reinforcement and catch bond behavior. Here, we generalize the motor-clutch analytical framework to include imbalanced motor-clutch regimes, with clutch reinforcement and catch bonding, and investigate optimality with respect to all parameters. We found that traction force is strongly influenced by clutch stiffness, and we discovered an optimal clutch stiffness that maximizes traction force, suggesting that cells could tune their clutch mechanical properties to perform a specific function. The results provide guidance for maximizing the accuracy of cell-generated force measurements via molecular tension sensors by designing their mechanosensitive linker peptide to be as stiff as possible. In addition, we found that, on rigid substrates, the mean-field analysis identifies optimal motor properties, suggesting that cells could regulate their myosin repertoire and activity to maximize force transmission. Finally, we found that clutch reinforcement shifts the optimum substrate stiffness to larger values, whereas the optimum substrate stiffness is insensitive to clutch catch bond properties. Overall, our work reveals novel features of the motor-clutch model that can affect the design of molecular tension sensors and provide a generalized analytical framework for predicting and controlling cell adhesion and migration in immunotherapy and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Alonso-Matilla
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Paolo P Provenzano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - David J Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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16
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Song J, Gerecht S. Hydrogels to Recapture Extracellular Matrix Cues That Regulate Vascularization. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:e291-e302. [PMID: 37317849 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.318235] [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: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The ECM (extracellular matrix) is a 3-dimensional network that supports cellular responses and maintains structural tissue integrity in healthy and pathological conditions. The interactions between ECM and cells trigger signaling cascades that lead to phenotypic changes and structural and compositional turnover of the ECM, which in turn regulates vascular cell behavior. Hydrogel biomaterials are a powerful platform for basic and translational studies and clinical applications due to their high swelling capacity and exceptional versatility in compositions and properties. This review highlights recent developments and uses of engineered natural hydrogel platforms that mimic the ECM and present defined biochemical and mechanical cues for vascularization. Specifically, we focus on modulating vascular cell stimulation and cell-ECM/cell-cell interactions in the microvasculature that are the established biomimetic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC
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17
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Saraswathibhatla A, Indana D, Chaudhuri O. Cell-extracellular matrix mechanotransduction in 3D. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:495-516. [PMID: 36849594 PMCID: PMC10656994 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00583-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECMs) regulate essential cell behaviours, including differentiation, migration and proliferation, through mechanotransduction. Studies of cell-ECM mechanotransduction have largely focused on cells cultured in 2D, on top of elastic substrates with a range of stiffnesses. However, cells often interact with ECMs in vivo in a 3D context, and cell-ECM interactions and mechanisms of mechanotransduction in 3D can differ from those in 2D. The ECM exhibits various structural features as well as complex mechanical properties. In 3D, mechanical confinement by the surrounding ECM restricts changes in cell volume and cell shape but allows cells to generate force on the matrix by extending protrusions and regulating cell volume as well as through actomyosin-based contractility. Furthermore, cell-matrix interactions are dynamic owing to matrix remodelling. Accordingly, ECM stiffness, viscoelasticity and degradability often play a critical role in regulating cell behaviours in 3D. Mechanisms of 3D mechanotransduction include traditional integrin-mediated pathways that sense mechanical properties and more recently described mechanosensitive ion channel-mediated pathways that sense 3D confinement, with both converging on the nucleus for downstream control of transcription and phenotype. Mechanotransduction is involved in tissues from development to cancer and is being increasingly harnessed towards mechanotherapy. Here we discuss recent progress in our understanding of cell-ECM mechanotransduction in 3D.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhiraj Indana
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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18
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Mendonca T, Lis-Slimak K, Matheson AB, Smith MG, Anane-Adjei AB, Ashworth JC, Cavanagh R, Paterson L, Dalgarno PA, Alexander C, Tassieri M, Merry CLR, Wright AJ. OptoRheo: Simultaneous in situ micro-mechanical sensing and imaging of live 3D biological systems. Commun Biol 2023; 6:463. [PMID: 37117487 PMCID: PMC10147656 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04780-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) are essential for directing many cellular processes, from normal development and repair, to disease progression. To better understand cell-matrix interactions, we have developed a new instrument named 'OptoRheo' that combines light sheet fluorescence microscopy with particle tracking microrheology. OptoRheo lets us image cells in 3D as they proliferate over several days while simultaneously sensing the mechanical properties of the surrounding extracellular and pericellular matrix at a sub-cellular length scale. OptoRheo can be used in two operational modalities (with and without an optical trap) to extend the dynamic range of microrheology measurements. We corroborated this by characterising the ECM surrounding live breast cancer cells in two distinct culture systems, cell clusters in 3D hydrogels and spheroids in suspension culture. This cutting-edge instrument will transform the exploration of drug transport through complex cell culture matrices and optimise the design of the next-generation of disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Mendonca
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Katarzyna Lis-Slimak
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew B Matheson
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matthew G Smith
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Jennifer C Ashworth
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Robert Cavanagh
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lynn Paterson
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul A Dalgarno
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Manlio Tassieri
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Catherine L R Merry
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Amanda J Wright
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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19
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Kalashnikov N, Moraes C. Substrate viscoelasticity affects human macrophage morphology and phagocytosis. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:2438-2445. [PMID: 36930245 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01683d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Viscoelasticity is an inherent characteristic of many living tissues and, in an attempt to better recapitulate this aspect in cell culture, hydrogel biomaterials have been engineered to exhibit time-dependent energy-dissipative mechanical behavior. Viscoelastic hydrogel culture platforms have been instrumental in understanding the biological effects of viscoelasticity. Although viscoelasticity has been shown to regulate fundamental cell processes such as spreading and differentiation in adherent cells, the influence of viscoelasticity on macrophage behavior has not been explored. Here, we use a tunable viscoelastic polyacrylamide hydrogel culture system to demonstrate that viscoelasticity is an important biophysical regulator of macrophage function. After biologically validating our system with HS-5 fibroblasts to show behavior consistent with existing reports, we seed human THP-1 monocytes on these viscoelastic substrates and differentiate them into macrophages. THP-1 macrophages become smaller and rounder, and less efficient at phagocytosis on more viscous polyacrylamide hydrogel substrates. Since macrophages play key roles in mounting responses such as inflammation and fibrosis, these results indicate that viscoelasticity is an important parameter in the design of immunomodulatory biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Kalashnikov
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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20
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Sharick JT, Atieh AJ, Gooch KJ, Leight JL. Click chemistry functionalization of self-assembling peptide hydrogels. J Biomed Mater Res A 2023; 111:389-403. [PMID: 36210776 PMCID: PMC10092743 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembling peptide (SAP) hydrogels provide a fibrous microenvironment to cells while also giving users control of biochemical and mechanical cues. Previously, biochemical cues were introduced by physically mixing them with SAPs prior to hydrogel assembly, or by incorporating them into the SAP sequence during peptide synthesis, which limited flexibility and increased costs. To circumvent these limitations, we developed "Click SAPs," a novel formulation that can be easily functionalized via click chemistry thiol-ene reaction. Due to its high cytocompatibility, the thiol-ene click reaction is currently used to crosslink and functionalize other types of polymeric hydrogels. In this study, we developed a click chemistry compatible SAP platform by addition of a modified lysine (lysine-alloc) to the SAP sequence, enabling effective coupling of thiol-containing molecules to the SAP hydrogel network. We demonstrate the flexibility of this approach by incorporating a fluorescent dye, a cellular adhesion peptide, and a matrix metalloproteinase-sensitive biosensor using the thiol-ene reaction in 3D Click SAPs. Using atomic force microscopy, we demonstrate that Click SAPs retain the ability to self-assemble into fibers, similar to previous systems. Additionally, a range of physiologically relevant stiffnesses can be achieved by adjusting SAP concentration. Encapsulated cells maintain high viability in Click SAPs and can interact with adhesion peptides and a matrix metalloproteinase biosensor, demonstrating that incorporated molecules retain their biological activity. The Click SAP platform supports easier functionalization with a wider array of bioactive molecules and enables new investigations with temporal and spatial control of the cellular microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe T Sharick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Center for Cancer Engineering, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Angelina J Atieh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Center for Cancer Engineering, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Keith J Gooch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer L Leight
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Center for Cancer Engineering, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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21
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Xie W, Wei X, Kang H, Jiang H, Chu Z, Lin Y, Hou Y, Wei Q. Static and Dynamic: Evolving Biomaterial Mechanical Properties to Control Cellular Mechanotransduction. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2204594. [PMID: 36658771 PMCID: PMC10037983 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic system that constantly offers physical, biological, and chemical signals to embraced cells. Increasing evidence suggests that mechanical signals derived from the dynamic cellular microenvironment are essential controllers of cell behaviors. Conventional cell culture biomaterials, with static mechanical properties such as chemistry, topography, and stiffness, have offered a fundamental understanding of various vital biochemical and biophysical processes, such as cell adhesion, spreading, migration, growth, and differentiation. At present, novel biomaterials that can spatiotemporally impart biophysical cues to manipulate cell fate are emerging. The dynamic properties and adaptive traits of new materials endow them with the ability to adapt to cell requirements and enhance cell functions. In this review, an introductory overview of the key players essential to mechanobiology is provided. A biophysical perspective on the state-of-the-art manipulation techniques and novel materials in designing static and dynamic ECM-mimicking biomaterials is taken. In particular, different static and dynamic mechanical cues in regulating cellular mechanosensing and functions are compared. This review to benefit the development of engineering biomechanical systems regulating cell functions is expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Xie
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610065China
| | - Xi Wei
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Heemin Kang
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringKorea UniversitySeoul02841South Korea
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610065China
| | - Zhiqin Chu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Joint Appointment with School of Biomedical Sciences)The University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Yong Hou
- Department of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Institut für Chemie und BiochemieFreie Universität BerlinTakustrasse 314195BerlinGermany
| | - Qiang Wei
- College of Polymer Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065China
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22
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Sun M, Li H, Hou Y, Huang N, Xia X, Zhu H, Xu Q, Lin Y, Xu L. Multifunctional tendon-mimetic hydrogels. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade6973. [PMID: 36800416 PMCID: PMC9937573 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade6973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
We report multifunctional tendon-mimetic hydrogels constructed from anisotropic assembly of aramid nanofiber composites. The stiff nanofibers and soft polyvinyl alcohol in these anisotropic composite hydrogels (ACHs) mimic the structural interplay between aligned collagen fibers and proteoglycans in tendons. The ACHs exhibit a high modulus of ~1.1 GPa, strength of ~72 MPa, fracture toughness of 7333 J/m2, and many additional characteristics matching those of natural tendons, which was not achieved with previous synthetic hydrogels. The surfaces of ACHs were functionalized with bioactive molecules to present biophysical cues for the modulation of morphology, phenotypes, and other behaviors of attached cells. Moreover, soft bioelectronic components can be integrated on ACHs, enabling in situ sensing of various physiological parameters. The outstanding mechanics and functionality of these tendon mimetics suggest their further applications in advanced tissue engineering, implantable prosthetics, human-machine interactions, and other technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingze Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hegeng Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yong Hou
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nan Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xingyu Xia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hengjia Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qin Xu
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre Limited, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lizhi Xu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre Limited, Hong Kong SAR, China
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23
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Shu W, Kaplan CN. A multiscale whole-cell theory for mechanosensitive migration on viscoelastic substrates. Biophys J 2023; 122:114-129. [PMID: 36493781 PMCID: PMC9822805 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing experimental evidence validates that both the elastic stiffness and viscosity of the extracellular matrix regulate mesenchymal cell behavior, such as the rational switch between durotaxis (cell migration to stiffer regions), anti-durotaxis (migration to softer regions), and adurotaxis (stiffness-insensitive migration). To reveal the mechanisms underlying the crossover between these motility regimes, we have developed a multiscale chemomechanical whole-cell theory for mesenchymal migration. Our framework couples the subcellular focal adhesion dynamics at the cell-substrate interface with the cellular cytoskeletal mechanics and the chemical signaling pathways involving Rho GTPase proteins. Upon polarization by the Rho GTPase gradients, our simulated cell migrates by concerted peripheral protrusions and contractions, a hallmark of the mesenchymal mode. The resulting cell dynamics quantitatively reproduces the experimental migration speed as a function of the uniform substrate stiffness and explains the influence of viscosity on the migration efficiency. In the presence of stiffness gradients and absence of chemical polarization, our simulated cell can exhibit durotaxis, anti-durotaxis, and adurotaxis respectively with increasing substrate stiffness or viscosity. The cell moves toward an optimally stiff region from softer regions during durotaxis and from stiffer regions during anti-durotaxis. We show that cell polarization through steep Rho GTPase gradients can reverse the migration direction dictated by the mechanical cues. Overall, our theory demonstrates that opposing durotactic behaviors emerge via the interplay between intracellular signaling and cell-medium mechanical interactions in agreement with experiments, thereby elucidating complex mechanosensing at the single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenya Shu
- Department of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia; Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - C Nadir Kaplan
- Department of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia; Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia.
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24
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Cheng B, Li M, Wan W, Guo H, Genin GM, Lin M, Xu F. Predicting YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation in response to ECM mechanosensing. Biophys J 2023; 122:43-53. [PMID: 36451545 PMCID: PMC9822792 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.11.2943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells translate mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) into signaling that can affect the nucleus. One pathway by which such nuclear mechanotransduction occurs is a signaling axis that begins with integrin-ECM bonds and continues through a cascade of chemical reactions and structural changes that lead to nuclear translocation of YAP/TAZ. This signaling axis is self-reinforcing, with stiff ECM promoting integrin binding and thus facilitating polymerization and tension in the cytoskeletal contractile apparatus, which can compress nuclei, open nuclear pore channels, and enhance nuclear accumulation of YAP/TAZ. We previously developed a computational model of this mechanosensing axis for the linear elastic ECM by assuming that there is a linear relationship between the nucleocytoplasmic ratio of YAP/TAZ and nuclear flattening. Here, we extended our previous model to more general ECM behaviors (e.g., viscosity, viscoelasticity, and viscoplasticity) and included detailed YAP/TAZ translocation dynamics based on nuclear deformation. This model was predictive of diverse mechanosensing responses in a broad range of cells. Results support the hypothesis that diverse mechanosensing phenomena across many cell types arise from a simple, unified set of mechanosensing pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Moxiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China.
| | - Wanting Wan
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Guy M Genin
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China; NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Min Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China.
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25
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Zhang M, Zhang S, Shi J, Hu Y, Wu S, Zan Z, Zhao P, Gao C, Du Y, Wang Y, Lin F, Fu X, Li D, Qin P, Fan Z. Cell mechanical responses to subcellular perturbations generated by ultrasound and targeted microbubbles. Acta Biomater 2023; 155:471-481. [PMID: 36400351 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.11.017] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The inherently dynamic and anisotropic microenvironment of cells imposes not only global and slow physical stimulations on cells but also acute and local perturbations. However, cell mechanical responses to transient subcellular physical signals remain unclear. In this study, acoustically activated targeted microbubbles were used to exert mechanical perturbations to single cells. The cellular contractile force was sensed by elastic micropillar arrays, while the pillar deformations were imaged using brightfield high-speed video microscopy at a frame rate of 1k frames per second for the first 10s and then confocal fluorescence microscopy. Cell mechanical responses are accompanied by cell membrane integrity changes. Both processes are determined by the perturbation strength generated by microbubble volumetric oscillations. The instantaneous cellular traction force relaxation exhibits two distinct patterns, correlated with two cell fates (survival or permanent damage). The mathematical modeling unveils that force-induced actomyosin disassembly leads to gradual traction force relaxation in the first few seconds. The perturbation may also influence the far end subcellular regions from the microbubbles and may propagate into connected cells with attenuations and delays. This study carefully characterizes the cell mechanical responses to local perturbations induced by ultrasound and microbubbles, advancing our understanding of the fundamentals of cell mechano-sensing, -responsiveness, and -transduction. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Subcellular physical perturbations commonly exist but haven't been fully explored yet. The subcellular perturbation generated by ultrasound and targeted microbubbles covers a wide range of strength, from mild, intermediate to intense, providing a broad biomedical relevance. With µm2 spatial sensing ability and up to 1ms temporal resolution, we present spatiotemporal details of the instantaneous cellular contractile force changes followed by attenuated and delayed global responses. The correlation between the cell mechanical responses and cell fates highlights the important role of the instantaneous mechanical responses in the entire cellular reactive processes. Supported by mathematical modeling, our work provides new insights into the dynamics and mechanisms of cell mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiru Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Suyan Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jianmin Shi
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Shuying Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zhaoguang Zan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Pu Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Changkai Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yanyao Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yulin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Feng Lin
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Xing Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Dachao Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Peng Qin
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhenzhen Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; State Key Laboratory of Acoustics, Institute of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
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26
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Stolarska MA, Rammohan AR. On the significance of membrane unfolding in mechanosensitive cell spreading: Its individual and synergistic effects. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:2408-2438. [PMID: 36899540 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensitivity of cell spread area to substrate stiffness has been established both through experiments and different types of mathematical models of varying complexity including both the mechanics and biochemical reactions in the cell. What has not been addressed in previous mathematical models is the role of cell membrane dynamics on cell spreading, and an investigation of this issue is the goal of this work. We start with a simple mechanical model of cell spreading on a deformable substrate and progressively layer mechanisms to account for the traction dependent growth of focal adhesions, focal adhesion induced actin polymerization, membrane unfolding/exocytosis and contractility. This layering approach is intended to progressively help in understanding the role each mechanism plays in reproducing experimentally observed cell spread areas. To model membrane unfolding we introduce a novel approach based on defining an active rate of membrane deformation that is dependent on membrane tension. Our modeling approach allows us to show that tension-dependent membrane unfolding plays a critical role in achieving the large cell spread areas experimentally observed on stiff substrates. We also demonstrate that coupling between membrane unfolding and focal adhesion induced polymerization works synergistically to further enhance cell spread area sensitivity to substrate stiffness. This enhancement has to do with the fact that the peripheral velocity of spreading cells is associated with contributions from the different mechanisms by either enhancing the polymerization velocity at the leading edge or slowing down of the retrograde flow of actin within the cell. The temporal evolution of this balance in the model corresponds to the three-phase behavior observed experimentally during spreading. In the initial phase membrane unfolding is found to be particularly important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena A Stolarska
- Department of Mathematics, 2115 Summit Ave., University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA
| | - Aravind R Rammohan
- Corning Life Sciences, Corning Inc., 836 North St, Tewksbury, MA 01876, USA
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27
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Yamada KM, Doyle AD, Lu J. Cell-3D matrix interactions: recent advances and opportunities. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 32:883-895. [PMID: 35410820 PMCID: PMC9464680 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Tissues consist of cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Cell-ECM interactions play crucial roles in embryonic development, differentiation, tissue remodeling, and diseases including fibrosis and cancer. Recent research advances in characterizing cell-matrix interactions include detailed descriptions of hundreds of ECM and associated molecules, their complex intermolecular interactions in development and disease, identification of distinctive modes of cell migration in different 3D ECMs, and new insights into mechanisms of organ formation. Exploring the roles of the physical features of different ECM microenvironments and the bidirectional regulation of cell signaling and matrix organization emphasize the dynamic nature of these interactions, which can include feedback loops that exacerbate disease. Understanding mechanisms of cell-matrix interactions can potentially lead to targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth M Yamada
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Andrew D Doyle
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jiaoyang Lu
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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28
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Vasudevan J, Jiang K, Fernandez J, Lim CT. Extracellular matrix mechanobiology in cancer cell migration. Acta Biomater 2022; 163:351-364. [PMID: 36243367 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is pivotal in modulating tumor progression. Besides chemically stimulating tumor cells, it also offers physical support that orchestrates the sequence of events in the metastatic cascade upon dynamically modulating cell mechanosensation. Understanding this translation between matrix biophysical cues and intracellular signaling has led to rapid growth in the interdisciplinary field of cancer mechanobiology in the last decade. Substantial efforts have been made to develop novel in vitro tumor mimicking platforms to visualize and quantify the mechanical forces within the tissue that dictate tumor cell invasion and metastatic growth. This review highlights recent findings on tumor matrix biophysical cues such as fibrillar arrangement, crosslinking density, confinement, rigidity, topography, and non-linear mechanics and their implications on tumor cell behavior. We also emphasize how perturbations in these cues alter cellular mechanisms of mechanotransduction, consequently enhancing malignancy. Finally, we elucidate engineering techniques to individually emulate the mechanical properties of tumors that could help serve as toolkits for developing and testing ECM-targeted therapeutics on novel bioengineered tumor platforms. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Disrupted ECM mechanics is a driving force for transitioning incipient cells to life-threatening malignant variants. Understanding these ECM changes can be crucial as they may aid in developing several efficacious drugs that not only focus on inducing cytotoxic effects but also target specific matrix mechanical cues that support and enhance tumor invasiveness. Designing and implementing an optimal tumor mimic can allow us to predictively map biophysical cue-modulated cell behaviors and facilitate the design of improved lab-grown tumor models with accurately controlled structural features. This review focuses on the abnormal changes within the ECM during tumorigenesis and its implications on tumor cell-matrix mechanoreciprocity. Additionally, it accentuates engineering approaches to produce ECM features of varying levels of complexity which is critical for improving the efficiency of current engineered tumor tissue models.
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29
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Chen PC, Feng XQ, Li B. Unified multiscale theory of cellular mechanical adaptations to substrate stiffness. Biophys J 2022; 121:3474-3485. [PMID: 35978549 PMCID: PMC9515123 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rigidity of the extracellular matrix markedly regulates many cellular processes. However, how cells detect and respond to matrix rigidity remains incompletely understood. Here, we propose a unified two-dimensional multiscale framework accounting for the chemomechanical feedback to explore the interrelated cellular mechanosensing, polarization, and migration, which constitute the dynamic cascade in cellular response to matrix stiffness but are often modeled separately in previous theories. By combining integrin dynamics and intracellular force transduction, we show that substrate stiffness can act as a switch to activate or deactivate cell polarization. Our theory quantitatively reproduces rich stiffness-dependent cellular dynamics, including spreading, polarity selection, migration pattern, durotaxis, and even negative durotaxis, reported in a wide spectrum of cell types, and reconciles some inconsistent experimental observations. We find that a specific bipolarized mode can determine the optimal substrate stiffness, which enables the fastest cell migration rather than the largest traction forces that cells apply on the substrate. We identify that such a mechanical adaptation stems from the force balance across the whole cell. These findings could yield universal insights into various stiffness-mediated cellular processes within the context of tissue morphogenesis, wound healing, and cancer invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Cheng Chen
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xi-Qiao Feng
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bo Li
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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30
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Bermudez A, Gonzalez Z, Zhao B, Salter E, Liu X, Ma L, Jawed MK, Hsieh CJ, Lin NYC. Supracellular measurement of spatially varying mechanical heterogeneities in live monolayers. Biophys J 2022; 121:3358-3369. [PMID: 36028999 PMCID: PMC9515370 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of tissues have profound impacts on a wide range of biological processes such as embryo development (1,2), wound healing (3-6), and disease progression (7). Specifically, the spatially varying moduli of cells largely influence the local tissue deformation and intercellular interaction. Despite the importance of characterizing such a heterogeneous mechanical property, it has remained difficult to measure the supracellular modulus field in live cell layers with a high-throughput and minimal perturbation. In this work, we developed a monolayer effective modulus measurement by integrating a custom cell stretcher, light microscopy, and AI-based inference. Our approach first quantifies the heterogeneous deformation of a slightly stretched cell layer and converts the measured strain fields into an effective modulus field using an AI inference. This method allowed us to directly visualize the effective modulus distribution of thousands of cells virtually instantly. We characterized the mean value, SD, and correlation length of the effective cell modulus for epithelial cells and fibroblasts, which are in agreement with previous results. We also observed a mild correlation between cell area and stiffness in jammed epithelia, suggesting the influence of cell modulus on packing. Overall, our reported experimental platform provides a valuable alternative cell mechanics measurement tool that can be integrated with microscopy-based characterizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Bermudez
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Zachary Gonzalez
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bao Zhao
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Ethan Salter
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Xuanqing Liu
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Leixin Ma
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Mohammad Khalid Jawed
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Cho-Jui Hsieh
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Neil Y C Lin
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California; Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
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31
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Guo Y, Mofrad MRK, Tepole AB. On modeling the multiscale mechanobiology of soft tissues: Challenges and progress. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 3:031303. [PMID: 38505274 PMCID: PMC10903412 DOI: 10.1063/5.0085025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Tissues grow and remodel in response to mechanical cues, extracellular and intracellular signals experienced through various biological events, from the developing embryo to disease and aging. The macroscale response of soft tissues is typically nonlinear, viscoelastic anisotropic, and often emerges from the hierarchical structure of tissues, primarily their biopolymer fiber networks at the microscale. The adaptation to mechanical cues is likewise a multiscale phenomenon. Cell mechanobiology, the ability of cells to transform mechanical inputs into chemical signaling inside the cell, and subsequent regulation of cellular behavior through intra- and inter-cellular signaling networks, is the key coupling at the microscale between the mechanical cues and the mechanical adaptation seen macroscopically. To fully understand mechanics of tissues in growth and remodeling as observed at the tissue level, multiscale models of tissue mechanobiology are essential. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the art modeling tools of soft tissues at both scales, the tissue level response, and the cell scale mechanobiology models. To help the interested reader become more familiar with these modeling frameworks, we also show representative examples. Our aim here is to bring together scientists from different disciplines and enable the future leap in multiscale modeling of tissue mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Guo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Mohammad R. K. Mofrad
- Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Adrian Buganza Tepole
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
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32
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Senthilkumar I, Howley E, McEvoy E. Thermodynamically-motivated chemo-mechanical models and multicellular simulation to provide new insight into active cell and tumour remodelling. Exp Cell Res 2022; 419:113317. [PMID: 36028058 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113317] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Computational models can shape our understanding of cell and tissue remodelling, from cell spreading, to active force generation, adhesion, and growth. In this mini-review, we discuss recent progress in modelling of chemo-mechanical cell behaviour and the evolution of multicellular systems. In particular, we highlight recent advances in (i) free-energy based single cell models that can provide new fundamental insight into cell spreading, cancer cell invasion, stem cell differentiation, and remodelling in disease, and (ii) mechanical agent-based models to simulate large numbers of discrete interacting cells in proliferative tumours. We describe how new biological understanding has emerged from such theoretical models, and the trade-offs and constraints associated with current approaches. Ultimately, we aim to make a case for why theory should be integrated with an experimental workflow to optimise new in-vitro studies, to predict feedback between cells and their microenvironment, and to deepen understanding of active cell behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irish Senthilkumar
- School of Computer Science, College of Science and Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland; Biomedical Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - Enda Howley
- School of Computer Science, College of Science and Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - Eoin McEvoy
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
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33
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Optimization of Mechanosensitive Cross-Talk between Matrix Stiffness and Protein Density: Independent Matrix Properties Regulate Spreading Dynamics of Myocytes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132122. [PMID: 35805206 PMCID: PMC9265304 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells actively sense differences in topology, matrix elasticity and protein composition of the extracellular microenvironment and adapt their function and morphology. In this study, we focus on the cross-talk between matrix stiffness and protein coating density that regulates morphology and proliferation dynamics of single myocytes. For this, C2C12 myocytes were monitored on L-DOPA functionalized hydrogels of 22 different elasticity and fibronectin density compositions. Static images were recorded and statistically analyzed to determine morphological differences and to identify the optimized extracellular matrix (ECM). Using that information, selected ECMs were used to study the dynamics before and after cell proliferation by statistical comparison of distinct cell states. We observed a fibronectin-density-independent increase of the projected cell area until 12 kPa. Additionally, changes in fibronectin density led to an area that was optimum at about 2.6 μg/cm2, which was confirmed by independent F-actin analysis, revealing a maximum actin-filament-to-cell-area ratio of 7.5%. Proliferation evaluation showed an opposite correlation between cell spreading duration and speed to matrix elasticity and protein density, which did not affect cell-cycle duration. In summary, we identified an optimized ECM composition and found that independent matrix properties regulate distinct cell characteristics.
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34
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El Hamoui O, Saydé T, Svahn I, Gudin A, Gontier E, Le Coustumer P, Verget J, Barthélémy P, Gaudin K, Battu S, Lespes G, Alies B. Nucleoside-Derived Low-Molecular-Weight Gelators as a Synthetic Microenvironment for 3D Cell Culture. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:3387-3398. [PMID: 35772731 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00308] [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: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
For the last few decades, many efforts have been made in developing cell culture methods in order to overcome the biological limitations of the conventional two-dimensional culture. This paradigm shift is driven by a large amount of new hydrogel-based systems for three-dimensional culture, among other systems, since they are known to mimic some living tissue properties. One class of hydrogel precursors has received interest in the field of biomaterials, low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs). In comparison to polymer gels, LMWG gels are formed by weak interactions upon an external trigger between the molecular subunits, giving them the ability to reverse the gelation, thus showing potential for many applications of practical interest. This study presents the use of the nucleoside derivative subclass of LMWGs, which are glyco-nucleo-bola-amphiphiles, as a proof of concept of a 3D cell culture scaffold. Physicochemical characterization was performed in order to reach the optimal features to fulfill the requirements of the cell culture microenvironment, in terms of the mechanical properties, architecture, molecular diffusion, porosity, and experimental practicality. The retained conditions were tested by culturing glioblastoma cells for over a month. The cell viability, proliferation, and spatial organization showed during the experiments demonstrate the proof of concept of nucleoside-derived LMWGs as a soft 3D cell culture scaffold. One of the hydrogels tested permits cell proliferation and spheroidal organization over the entire culture time. These systems offer many advantages as they consume very few matters within the optimal range of viscoelasticity for cell culture, and the thermoreversibility of these hydrogels permits their use with few instruments. The LMWG-based scaffold for the 3D cell culture presented in this study unlocked the ability to grow spheroids from patient cells to reach personalized therapies by dramatically reducing the variability of the lattice used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar El Hamoui
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, UMR CNRS 5320, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.,Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux (IPREM), Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour (E2S/UPPA) CNRS UMR 5254, 2 Avenue Pierre Angot, 64053 Pau Cedex, France
| | - Tarek Saydé
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, UMR CNRS 5320, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.,Université de Limoges, UMR INSERM 1308 CAPTuR, Faculté de Médecine, 87025 Limoges, France
| | - Isabelle Svahn
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, Bordeaux Imaging Center, BIC, UMS 3420, US 4, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Antoine Gudin
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, UMR CNRS 5320, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Etienne Gontier
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, Bordeaux Imaging Center, BIC, UMS 3420, US 4, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Philippe Le Coustumer
- Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux (IPREM), Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour (E2S/UPPA) CNRS UMR 5254, 2 Avenue Pierre Angot, 64053 Pau Cedex, France.,Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, Bordeaux Imaging Center, BIC, UMS 3420, US 4, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Julien Verget
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, UMR CNRS 5320, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Philippe Barthélémy
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, UMR CNRS 5320, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Karen Gaudin
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, UMR CNRS 5320, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Serge Battu
- Université de Limoges, UMR INSERM 1308 CAPTuR, Faculté de Médecine, 87025 Limoges, France
| | - Gaëtane Lespes
- Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux (IPREM), Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour (E2S/UPPA) CNRS UMR 5254, 2 Avenue Pierre Angot, 64053 Pau Cedex, France
| | - Bruno Alies
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, UMR CNRS 5320, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
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35
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Hou Y, Jing J, Luo Y, Xu F, Xie W, Ma L, Xia X, Wei Q, Lin Y, Li KH, Chu Z. A Versatile, Incubator-Compatible, Monolithic GaN Photonic Chipscope for Label-Free Monitoring of Live Cell Activities. ADVANCED SCIENCE 2022; 9:e2200910. [PMID: 35404518 PMCID: PMC9189681 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202200910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The ability to quantitatively monitor various cellular activities is critical for understanding their biological functions and the therapeutic response of cells to drugs. Unfortunately, existing approaches such as fluorescent staining and impedance-based methods are often hindered by their multiple time-consuming preparation steps, sophisticated labeling procedures, and complicated apparatus. The cost-effective, monolithic gallium nitride (GaN) photonic chip has been demonstrated as an ultrasensitive and ultracompact optical refractometer in a previous work, but it has never been applied to cell studies. Here, for the first time, the so-called GaN chipscope is proposed to quantitatively monitor the progression of different intracellular processes in a label-free manner. Specifically, the GaN-based monolithic chip enables not only a photoelectric readout of cellular/subcellular refractive index changes but also the direct imaging of cellular/subcellular ultrastructural features using a customized differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope. The miniaturized chipscope adopts an ultracompact design, which can be readily mounted with conventional cell culture dishes and placed inside standard cell incubators for real-time observation of cell activities. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, its applications are explored in 1) cell adhesion dynamics monitoring, 2) drug screening, and 3) cell differentiation studies, highlighting its potential in broad fundamental cell biology studies as well as in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Hou
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
| | - Jixiang Jing
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
| | - Yumeng Luo
- School of Microelectronics Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen 518055 China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
| | - Wenyan Xie
- Department of Biotherapy State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 China
| | - Linjie Ma
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
| | - Xingyu Xia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
| | - Qiang Wei
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre Hong Kong Science Park Shatin New Territories Hong Kong
| | - Kwai Hei Li
- School of Microelectronics Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen 518055 China
| | - Zhiqin Chu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
- School of Biomedical Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
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36
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Kao SH, Liang SY, Cheng PL, Tu HL. Surface Viscosity-Dependent Neurite Initiation in Cortical Neurons. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2101325. [PMID: 35362269 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101325] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic extracellular environments profoundly affect the behavior and function of cells both biochemically and mechanically. Neurite initiation is the first step for neurons to establish intricate neuronal networks. How such a process is modulated by mechanical factors is not fully understood. Particularly, it is unknown whether the molecular clutch model, which has been used to explain cell responses to matrix rigidity, also holds for neurite initiation. To study how mechanical properties modulate neurite initiation, substrates with various well-defined surface viscosities using supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) are synthesized. The results show that ligands with intermediate viscosity greatly maximize neurite initiation in primary neurons, while neurite initiation is drastically limited on substrates with higher or lower viscosity. Importantly, biochemical characterizations reveal altered focal adhesion and calpain activity are associated with distinct neurite initiation patterns. Collectively, these results indicate that neurite initiation is surface viscosity-dependent; there is an optimal range of surface viscosities to drive neurite initiation. Upon binding to ligands of varying viscosities, calpain activity is differentially triggered and leads to distinct levels of neurite outgrowth. These findings not only enhance the understanding of how extracellular environments regulate neurons, but also demonstrate the potential utility of SLBs for neural tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Han Kao
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yang Liang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lin Cheng
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Hsiung-Lin Tu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
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37
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Tuning the viscoelastic response of hydrogel scaffolds with covalent and dynamic bonds. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 130:105179. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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38
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Wu DT, Jeffreys N, Diba M, Mooney DJ. Viscoelastic Biomaterials for Tissue Regeneration. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2022; 28:289-300. [PMID: 35442107 PMCID: PMC9347380 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2022.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanical properties regulate key cellular processes in tissue development and regeneration. The majority of scientific investigation has focused on ECM elasticity as the primary mechanical regulator of cell and tissue behavior. However, all living tissues are viscoelastic, exhibiting both solid- and liquid-like mechanical behavior. Despite increasing evidence regarding the role of ECM viscoelasticity in directing cellular behavior, this aspect is still largely overlooked in the design of biomaterials for tissue regeneration. Recently, with the emergence of various bottom-up material design strategies, new approaches can deliver unprecedented control over biomaterial properties at multiple length scales, thus enabling the design of viscoelastic biomaterials that mimic various aspect of the native tissue ECM microenvironment. This review describes key considerations for the design of viscoelastic biomaterials for tissue regeneration. We provide an overview of the role of matrix viscoelasticity in directing cell behavior towards regenerative outcomes, highlight recent strategies utilizing viscoelastic hydrogels for regenerative therapies, and outline remaining challenges, potential solutions, and emerging applications for viscoelastic biomaterials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Tiansui Wu
- Harvard University John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 124077, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.,Harvard University Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, 465574, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.,Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 124048, Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity, Boston, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - Nicholas Jeffreys
- Harvard University John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 124077, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.,Harvard University Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, 465574, Boston, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - Mani Diba
- Harvard University John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 124077, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - David J Mooney
- Harvard University John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 124077, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.,Harvard University Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, 465574, Boston, Massachusetts, United States;
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39
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Carvalho EM, Kumar S. Lose the stress: Viscoelastic materials for cell engineering. Acta Biomater 2022; 163:146-157. [PMID: 35405329 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.03.058] [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: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Biomaterials are widely used to study and control a variety of cell behaviors, including stem cell differentiation, organogenesis, and tumor invasion. While considerable attention has historically been paid to biomaterial elastic (storage) properties, it has recently become clear that viscous (loss) properties can also powerfully influence cell behavior. Here we review advances in viscoelastic materials for cell engineering. We begin by discussing collagen, an abundant naturally occurring biomaterial that derives its viscoelastic properties from its fibrillar architecture, which enables dissipation of applied stresses. We then turn to two other naturally occurring biomaterials that are more frequently modified for engineering applications, alginate and hyaluronic acid, whose viscoelastic properties may be tuned by modulating network composition and crosslinking. We also discuss the potential of exploiting engineered fibrous materials, particularly electrospun fiber-based materials, to control viscoelastic properties. Finally, we review mechanisms through which cells process viscous and viscoelastic cues as they move along and within these materials. The ability of viscoelastic materials to relax cell-imposed stresses can dramatically alter migration on two-dimensional surfaces and confinement-imposed barriers to engraftment and infiltration in three-dimensional scaffolds. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Most tissues and many biomaterials exhibit some viscous character, a property that is increasingly understood to influence cell behavior in profound ways. This review discusses the origin and significance of viscoelastic properties of common biomaterials, as well as how these cues are processed by cells to influence migration. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of viscoelastic behavior in biomaterials and how cells interpret these inputs should aid the design and selection of biomaterials for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Carvalho
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; San Francisco Graduate, Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley-University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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40
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Zhou Y, Wu Y. Substrate Viscoelasticity Amplifies Distinctions between Transient and Persistent LPS-Induced Signals. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102271. [PMID: 34855279 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102271] [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: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages settle in heterogeneous microenvironments rendered by other cells and extracellular matrices. It is well known that chemical stimuli direct macrophage behavior; however, the contributions of viscosity, which increases in inflammatory tissues but not in tumors, are ignored in immune responses including effective activation and timely attenuation. This paper demonstrates that transient lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophages benefit from elastic substrates, whereas viscoelastic substrates with similar storage moduli support the inflammatory responses of macrophages under persistent stimulations and consequently amplify the distinctions between the transient and persistent LPS-induced transcriptional programs. Actin filaments (F-actin) fluctuate in line with transcriptional profiles and can be mathematically predicted by a clutch-like model. Moreover, viscosity modifies immune responses through transcription factors NF-κB and C/EBPδ, which act as switches discriminating transient and persistent infections. Interestingly, enhanced immune responses, consistent with the lower activated states, are attenuated promptly by the actin nucleation-related translocation of ATF3 to nuclei. These findings suggest that the substrate viscoelasticity induces more intense inflammation only in the case of persistent infection and promotes more sensitively perceiving the duration of infection through the F-actin correlated transcription factors. In addition, it may facilitate the cognition of immune response in inflammatory and cancerous microenvironments and have a wide range of applications in inflammatory regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu‐Wei Zhou
- Department of Engineering Mechanics School of Aeronautics and Astronautics Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 China
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of Engineering Mechanics School of Aeronautics and Astronautics Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 China
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 China
- Soft Matter Research Center Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 China
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 China
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41
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Wu D, Hou Y, Chu Z, Wei Q, Hong W, Lin Y. Ligand Mobility-Mediated Cell Adhesion and Spreading. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:12976-12983. [PMID: 35282676 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cells live in a highly dynamic environment where their physical connection and communication with the outside are achieved through receptor-ligands binding. Therefore, a precise knowledge of the interaction between receptors and ligands is critical for our understanding of how cells execute different biological duties. Interestingly, recent evidence has shown that the mobility of ligands at the cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interface significantly affects the adhesion and spreading of cells, while the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we present a modeling investigation to address this critical issue. Specifically, by adopting the Langevin dynamics, the random movement of ligands was captured by assigning a stochastic force along with a viscous drag on them. After that, the evolution of adhesion and subsequent spreading of cells were analyzed by considering the force-regulated binding/breakage of individual molecular bonds connecting polymerizing actin bundles inside the cell to the ECM. Interestingly, a biphasic relationship between adhesion and ligand diffusivity was predicted, resulting in maximized cell spreading at intermediate mobility of ligand molecules. In addition, this peak position was found to be dictated by the aggregation of ligands, effectively reducing their diffusivity, and how fast bond association/dissociation can occur. These predictions are in excellent agreement with our experimental observations where distinct ligand mobility was introduced by tuning the interactions between the self-assembly polymer coating and the surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 000000, China
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Yong Hou
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 000000, China
| | - Zhiqin Chu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 000000, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Wei Hong
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 000000, China
- HKU-Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong 000000, China
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42
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Phase field model for cell spreading dynamics. J Math Biol 2022; 84:32. [PMID: 35301603 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-022-01732-4] [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: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We suggest a 3D phase field model to describe 3D cell spreading on a flat substrate. The model is a simplified version of a minimal model that was developed in Winkler (Commun Phys 2:82, 2019). Our model couples the order parameter u with 3D polarization (orientation) vector field [Formula: see text] of the actin network. We derive a closed integro-differential equation governing the 3D cell spreading dynamics on a flat substrate, which includes the normal velocity of the membrane, curvature, volume relaxation rate, a function determined by the molecular effects of the subcell level, and the adhesion effect. This equation is easily solved numerically. The results are in agreement with the early fast phase observed experimentally in Dobereiner (Phys Rev Lett 93:108105, 2004). Also we find agreement with the universal power law (Cuvelier in Curr Biol 17:694-699, 2007) which suggest that cell adhesion or contact area versus time behave as [Formula: see text] in the early stage of cell spreading dynamics, and slow down at the next stages.
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43
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Narkar AR, Tong Z, Soman P, Henderson JH. Smart biomaterial platforms: Controlling and being controlled by cells. Biomaterials 2022; 283:121450. [PMID: 35247636 PMCID: PMC8977253 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Across diverse research and application areas, dynamic functionality-such as programmable changes in biochemical property, in mechanical property, or in microscopic or macroscopic architecture-is an increasingly common biomaterials design criterion, joining long-studied criteria such as cytocompatibility and biocompatibility, drug release kinetics, and controlled degradability or long-term stability in vivo. Despite tremendous effort, achieving dynamic functionality while simultaneously maintaining other desired design criteria remains a significant challenge. Reversible dynamic functionality, rather than one-time or one-way dynamic functionality, is of particular interest but has proven especially challenging. Such reversible functionality could enable studies that address the current gap between the dynamic nature of in vivo biological and biomechanical processes, such as cell traction, cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, and cell-mediated ECM remodeling, and the static nature of the substrates and ECM constructs used to study the processes. This review assesses dynamic materials that have traditionally been used to control cell activity and static biomaterial constructs, experimental and computational techniques, with features that may inform continued advances in reversible dynamic materials. Taken together, this review presents a perspective on combining the reversibility of smart materials and the in-depth dynamic cell behavior probed by static polymers to design smart bi-directional ECM platforms that can reversibly and repeatedly communicate with cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya R Narkar
- BioInspired Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States; Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States.
| | - Zhuoqi Tong
- BioInspired Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States; Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States.
| | - Pranav Soman
- BioInspired Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States; Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States.
| | - James H Henderson
- BioInspired Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States; Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States.
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44
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Guo Y, Calve S, Tepole AB. Multiscale mechanobiology: Coupling models of adhesion kinetics and nonlinear tissue mechanics. Biophys J 2022; 121:525-539. [PMID: 35074393 PMCID: PMC8874030 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanical behavior of tissues at the macroscale is tightly coupled to cellular activity at the microscale. Dermal wound healing is a prominent example of a complex system in which multiscale mechanics regulate restoration of tissue form and function. In cutaneous wound healing, a fibrin matrix is populated by fibroblasts migrating in from a surrounding tissue made mostly out of collagen. Fibroblasts both respond to mechanical cues, such as fiber alignment and stiffness, as well as exert active stresses needed for wound closure. Here, we develop a multiscale model with a two-way coupling between a microscale cell adhesion model and a macroscale tissue mechanics model. Starting from the well-known model of adhesion kinetics proposed by Bell, we extend the formulation to account for nonlinear mechanics of fibrin and collagen and show how this nonlinear response naturally captures stretch-driven mechanosensing. We then embed the new nonlinear adhesion model into a custom finite element implementation of tissue mechanical equilibrium. Strains and stresses at the tissue level are coupled with the solution of the microscale adhesion model at each integration point of the finite element mesh. In addition, solution of the adhesion model is coupled with the active contractile stress of the cell population. The multiscale model successfully captures the mechanical response of biopolymer fibers and gels, contractile stresses generated by fibroblasts, and stress-strain contours observed during wound healing. We anticipate that this framework will not only increase our understanding of how mechanical cues guide cellular behavior in cutaneous wound healing, but will also be helpful in the study of mechanobiology, growth, and remodeling in other tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Guo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette
| | - Sarah Calve
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette,Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, Boulder
| | - Adrian Buganza Tepole
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette.
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45
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Doyle AD, Nazari SS, Yamada KM. Cell-extracellular matrix dynamics. Phys Biol 2022; 19:10.1088/1478-3975/ac4390. [PMID: 34911051 PMCID: PMC8855216 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac4390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The sites of interaction between a cell and its surrounding microenvironment serve as dynamic signaling hubs that regulate cellular adaptations during developmental processes, immune functions, wound healing, cell migration, cancer invasion and metastasis, as well as in many other disease states. For most cell types, these interactions are established by integrin receptors binding directly to extracellular matrix proteins, such as the numerous collagens or fibronectin. For the cell, these points of contact provide vital cues by sampling environmental conditions, both chemical and physical. The overall regulation of this dynamic interaction involves both extracellular and intracellular components and can be highly variable. In this review, we highlight recent advances and hypotheses about the mechanisms and regulation of cell-ECM interactions, from the molecular to the tissue level, with a particular focus on cell migration. We then explore how cancer cell invasion and metastasis are deeply rooted in altered regulation of this vital interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Doyle
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA,Correspondence:
| | - Shayan S. Nazari
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kenneth M. Yamada
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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46
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Swoger M, Gupta S, Charrier EE, Bates M, Hehnly H, Patteson AE. Vimentin Intermediate Filaments Mediate Cell Morphology on Viscoelastic Substrates. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:552-561. [PMID: 34995457 PMCID: PMC8864613 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c01046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The ability of cells to take and
change shape is a fundamental
feature underlying development, wound repair, and tissue maintenance.
Central to this process is physical and signaling interactions between
the three cytoskeletal polymeric networks: F-actin, microtubules,
and intermediate filaments (IFs). Vimentin is an IF protein that is
essential to the mechanical resilience of cells and regulates cross-talk
among the cytoskeleton, but its role in how cells sense and respond
to the surrounding extracellular matrix is largely unclear. To investigate
vimentin’s role in substrate sensing, we designed polyacrylamide
hydrogels that mimic the elastic and viscoelastic nature of in vivo tissues. Using wild-type and vimentin-null mouse
embryonic fibroblasts, we show that vimentin enhances cell spreading
on viscoelastic substrates, even though it has little effect in the
limit of purely elastic substrates. Our results provide compelling
evidence that vimentin modulates how cells sense and respond to their
environment and thus plays a key role in cell mechanosensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxx Swoger
- Physics Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States.,BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Sarthak Gupta
- Physics Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States.,BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Elisabeth E Charrier
- Institute of Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 13210, United States
| | - Michael Bates
- Biology Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Heidi Hehnly
- Biology Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Alison E Patteson
- Physics Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States.,BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
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47
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Morgan FLC, Fernández‐Pérez J, Moroni L, Baker MB. Tuning Hydrogels by Mixing Dynamic Cross-Linkers: Enabling Cell-Instructive Hydrogels and Advanced Bioinks. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101576. [PMID: 34614297 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Rational design of hydrogels that balance processability and extracellular matrix (ECM) biomimicry remains a challenge for tissue engineering and biofabrication. Hydrogels suitable for biofabrication techniques, yet tuneable to match the mechanical (static and dynamic) properties of native tissues remain elusive. Dynamic covalent hydrogels possessing shear-thinning/self-healing (processability) and time-dependent cross-links (mechanical properties) provide a potential solution, yet can be difficult to rationally control. Here, the straightforward modular mixing of dynamic cross-links with different timescales (hydrazone and oxime) is explored using rheology, self-healing tests, extrusion printing, and culture of primary human dermal fibroblasts. Maintaining a constant polymer content and cross-linker concentration, the stiffness and stress relaxation can be tuned across two orders of magnitude. All formulations demonstrate a similar flow profile after network rupture, allowing the separation of initial mechanical properties from flow behavior during printing. Furthermore, the self-healing nature of hydrogels with high hydrazone content enables recyclability of printed structures. Last, a distinct threshold for cell spreading and morphology is observed within this hydrogel series, even in multi-material constructs. Simple cross-linker mixing enables fine control and is of general interest for bioink development, targeting viscoelastic properties of specific cellular niches, and as an accessible and flexible platform for designing dynamic networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis L. C. Morgan
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration MERLN Institute Maastricht University Maastricht 6229 ER The Netherlands
| | - Julia Fernández‐Pérez
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration MERLN Institute Maastricht University Maastricht 6229 ER The Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration MERLN Institute Maastricht University Maastricht 6229 ER The Netherlands
| | - Matthew B. Baker
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration MERLN Institute Maastricht University Maastricht 6229 ER The Netherlands
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48
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Sun Q, Hou Y, Chu Z, Wei Q. Soft overcomes the hard: Flexible materials adapt to cell adhesion to promote cell mechanotransduction. Bioact Mater 2021; 10:397-404. [PMID: 34901555 PMCID: PMC8636665 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell behaviors and functions show distinct contrast in different mechanical microenvironment. Numerous materials with varied rigidity have been developed to mimic the interactions between cells and their surroundings. However, the conventional static materials cannot fully capture the dynamic alterations at the bio-interface, especially for the molecular motion and the local mechanical changes in nanoscale. As an alternative, flexible materials have great potential to sense and adapt to mechanical changes in such complex microenvironment. The flexible materials could promote the cellular mechanosensing by dynamically adjusting their local mechanics, topography and ligand presentation to adapt to intracellular force generation. This process enables the cells to exhibit comparable or even higher level of mechanotransduction and the downstream 'hard' phenotypes compared to the conventional stiff or rigid ones. Here, we highlight the relevant studies regarding the development of such adaptive materials to mediate cell behaviors across the rigidity limitation on soft substrates. The concept of 'soft overcomes the hard' will guide the future development and application of biological materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Sun
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yong Hou
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhiqin Chu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Joint Appointment with School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.,College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
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Pathare SJ, Eng W, Lee SJJ, Ramasubramanian AK. Fibrin prestress due to platelet aggregation and contraction increases clot stiffness. BIOPHYSICAL REPORTS 2021; 1:100022. [PMID: 36425457 PMCID: PMC9680775 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpr.2021.100022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Efficient hemorrhagic control is attained through the formation of strong and stable blood clots at the site of injury. Although it is known that platelet-driven contraction can dramatically influence clot stiffness, the underlying mechanisms by which platelets assist fibrin in resisting external loads are not understood. In this study, we delineate the contribution of platelet-fibrin interactions to clot tensile mechanics using a combination of new mechanical measurements, image analysis, and structural mechanics simulation. Based on uniaxial tensile test data using custom-made microtensometer and fluorescence microscopy of platelet aggregation and platelet-fibrin interactions, we show that integrin-mediated platelet aggregation and actomyosin-driven platelet contraction synergistically increase the elastic modulus of the clots. We demonstrate that the mechanical and geometric response of an active contraction model of platelet aggregates compacting vicinal fibrin is consistent with the experimental data. The model suggests that platelet contraction induces prestress in fibrin fibers and increases the effective stiffness in both cross-linked and noncross-linked clots. Our results provide evidence for fibrin compaction at discrete nodes as a major determinant of mechanical response to applied loads.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wilson Eng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San José State University, San José, California
| | - Sang-Joon J. Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San José State University, San José, California
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Mierke CT. Viscoelasticity Acts as a Marker for Tumor Extracellular Matrix Characteristics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:785138. [PMID: 34950661 PMCID: PMC8691700 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.785138] [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: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological materials such as extracellular matrix scaffolds, cancer cells, and tissues are often assumed to respond elastically for simplicity; the viscoelastic response is quite commonly ignored. Extracellular matrix mechanics including the viscoelasticity has turned out to be a key feature of cellular behavior and the entire shape and function of healthy and diseased tissues, such as cancer. The interference of cells with their local microenvironment and the interaction among different cell types relies both on the mechanical phenotype of each involved element. However, there is still not yet clearly understood how viscoelasticity alters the functional phenotype of the tumor extracellular matrix environment. Especially the biophysical technologies are still under ongoing improvement and further development. In addition, the effect of matrix mechanics in the progression of cancer is the subject of discussion. Hence, the topic of this review is especially attractive to collect the existing endeavors to characterize the viscoelastic features of tumor extracellular matrices and to briefly highlight the present frontiers in cancer progression and escape of cancers from therapy. Finally, this review article illustrates the importance of the tumor extracellular matrix mechano-phenotype, including the phenomenon viscoelasticity in identifying, characterizing, and treating specific cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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