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Meli V, Rowley AT, Veerasubramanian PK, Heedy SE, Liu WF, Wang SW. Modulation of Stiffness-Dependent Macrophage Inflammatory Responses by Collagen Deposition. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:2212-2223. [PMID: 38467019 PMCID: PMC11005009 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages are innate immune cells that interact with complex extracellular matrix environments, which have varied stiffness, composition, and structure, and such interactions can lead to the modulation of cellular activity. Collagen is often used in the culture of immune cells, but the effects of substrate functionalization conditions are not typically considered. Here, we show that the solvent system used to attach collagen onto a hydrogel surface affects its surface distribution and organization, and this can modulate the responses of macrophages subsequently cultured on these surfaces in terms of their inflammatory activation and expression of adhesion and mechanosensitive molecules. Collagen was solubilized in either acetic acid (Col-AA) or N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N'-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) (Col-HEP) solutions and conjugated onto soft and stiff polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogel surfaces. Bone marrow-derived macrophages cultured under standard conditions (pH 7.4) on the Col-HEP-derived surfaces exhibited stiffness-dependent inflammatory activation; in contrast, the macrophages cultured on Col-AA-derived surfaces expressed high levels of inflammatory cytokines and genes, irrespective of the hydrogel stiffness. Among the collagen receptors that were examined, leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) was the most highly expressed, and knockdown of the Lair-1 gene enhanced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. We found that the collagen distribution was more homogeneous on Col-AA surfaces but formed aggregates on Col-HEP surfaces. The macrophages cultured on Col-AA PA hydrogels were more evenly spread, expressed higher levels of vinculin, and exerted higher traction forces compared to those of cells on Col-HEP. These macrophages on Col-AA also had higher nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratios of yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), key molecules that control inflammation and sense substrate stiffness. Our results highlight that seemingly slight variations in substrate deposition for immunobiology studies can alter critical immune responses, and this is important to elucidate in the broader context of immunomodulatory biomaterial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaykumar
S. Meli
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- UCI
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research
Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Andrew T. Rowley
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Praveen K. Veerasubramanian
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- UCI
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research
Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Sara E. Heedy
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Wendy F. Liu
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- UCI
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research
Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department
of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University
of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Institute
for Immunology, University of California
Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Szu-Wen Wang
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Institute
for Immunology, University of California
Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Chao Family
Comprehensive Cancer Center, University
of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
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2
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Sun AR, Hengst RM, Young JL. All the small things: Nanoscale matrix alterations in aging tissues. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 87:102322. [PMID: 38277866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Cellular aging stems from multifaceted intra- and extracellular molecular changes that lead to the gradual deterioration of biological function. Altered extracellular matrix (ECM) properties that include biochemical, structural, and mechanical perturbations direct cellular- and tissue-level dysfunction. With recent advancements in high-resolution imaging modalities and nanomaterial strategies, the importance of nanoscale ECM features has come into focus. Here, we provide an updated window into micro- to nano-scale ECM properties that are altered with age and in age-related disease, and the impact these altered small-scale ECM properties have on cellular function. We anticipate future impactful research will incorporate nanoscale ECM features in the design of new biomaterials and call on the tissue biology field to work collaboratively with the nanomaterials community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery Rui Sun
- Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, 117583, Singapore
| | - Ranmadusha M Hengst
- Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore
| | - Jennifer L Young
- Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, 117583, Singapore.
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3
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Joshi IM, Mansouri M, Ahmed A, De Silva D, Simon RA, Esmaili P, Desa DE, Elias TM, Brown EB, Abhyankar VV. Microengineering 3D Collagen Matrices with Tumor-Mimetic Gradients in Fiber Alignment. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2024; 34:2308071. [PMID: 38706986 PMCID: PMC11067715 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202308071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Collagen fibers in the 3D tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibit complex alignment landscapes that are critical in directing cell migration through a process called contact guidance. Previous in vitro work studying this phenomenon has focused on quantifying cell responses in uniformly aligned environments. However, the TME also features short-range gradients in fiber alignment that result from cell-induced traction forces. Although the influence of graded biophysical taxis cues is well established, cell responses to physiological alignment gradients remain largely unexplored. In this work, fiber alignment gradients in biopsy samples are characterized and recreated using a new microfluidic biofabrication technique to achieve tunable sub-millimeter to millimeter scale gradients. This study represents the first successful engineering of continuous alignment gradients in soft, natural biomaterials. Migration experiments on graded alignment show that HUVECs exhibit increased directionality, persistence, and speed compared to uniform and unaligned fiber architectures. Similarly, patterned MDA-MB-231 aggregates exhibit biased migration toward increasing fiber alignment, suggesting a role for alignment gradients as a taxis cue. This user-friendly approach, requiring no specialized equipment, is anticipated to offer new insights into the biophysical cues that cells interpret as they traverse the extracellular matrix, with broad applicability in healthy and diseased tissue environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil M. Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Mehran Mansouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Adeel Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Dinindu De Silva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Richard A. Simon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Poorya Esmaili
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Danielle E. Desa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Tresa M. Elias
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Edward B. Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Vinay V. Abhyankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
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4
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Bosmans C, Ginés Rodriguez N, Karperien M, Malda J, Moreira Teixeira L, Levato R, Leijten J. Towards single-cell bioprinting: micropatterning tools for organ-on-chip development. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(23)00336-0. [PMID: 38310021 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.11.014] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Organs-on-chips (OoCs) hold promise to engineer progressively more human-relevant in vitro models for pharmaceutical purposes. Recent developments have delivered increasingly sophisticated designs, yet OoCs still lack in reproducing the inner tissue physiology required to fully resemble the native human body. This review emphasizes the need to include microarchitectural and microstructural features, and discusses promising avenues to incorporate well-defined microarchitectures down to the single-cell level. We highlight how their integration will significantly contribute to the advancement of the field towards highly organized structural and hierarchical tissues-on-chip. We discuss the combination of state-of-the-art micropatterning technologies to achieve OoCs resembling human-intrinsic complexity. It is anticipated that these innovations will yield significant advances in realization of the next generation of OoC models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Bosmans
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Núria Ginés Rodriguez
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Malda
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Liliana Moreira Teixeira
- Department of Advanced Organ bioengineering and Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Riccardo Levato
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jeroen Leijten
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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5
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Yang F, Hu Y, Shi Z, Liu M, Hu K, Ye G, Pang Q, Hou R, Tang K, Zhu Y. The occurrence and development mechanisms of esophageal stricture: state of the art review. J Transl Med 2024; 22:123. [PMID: 38297325 PMCID: PMC10832115 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04932-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal strictures significantly impair patient quality of life and present a therapeutic challenge, particularly due to the high recurrence post-ESD/EMR. Current treatments manage symptoms rather than addressing the disease's etiology. This review concentrates on the mechanisms of esophageal stricture formation and recurrence, seeking to highlight areas for potential therapeutic intervention. METHODS A literature search was conducted through PUBMED using search terms: esophageal stricture, mucosal resection, submucosal dissection. Relevant articles were identified through manual review with reference lists reviewed for additional articles. RESULTS Preclinical studies and data from animal studies suggest that the mechanisms that may lead to esophageal stricture include overdifferentiation of fibroblasts, inflammatory response that is not healed in time, impaired epithelial barrier function, and multimethod factors leading to it. Dysfunction of the epithelial barrier may be the initiating mechanism for esophageal stricture. Achieving perfect in-epithelialization by tissue-engineered fabrication of cell patches has been shown to be effective in the treatment and prevention of esophageal strictures. CONCLUSION The development of esophageal stricture involves three stages: structural damage to the esophageal epithelial barrier (EEB), chronic inflammation, and severe fibrosis, in which dysfunction or damage to the EEB is the initiating mechanism leading to esophageal stricture. Re-epithelialization is essential for the treatment and prevention of esophageal stricture. This information will help clinicians or scientists to develop effective techniques to treat esophageal stricture in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiwei Hu
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Zewen Shi
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China
- Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Ningbo, 315001, People's Republic of China
| | - Mujie Liu
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Kefeng Hu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315000, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoliang Ye
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Pang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruixia Hou
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Keqi Tang
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, School of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yabin Zhu
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Ten Brink T, Damanik F, Rotmans JI, Moroni L. Unraveling and Harnessing the Immune Response at the Cell-Biomaterial Interface for Tissue Engineering Purposes. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2301939. [PMID: 38217464 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Biomaterials are defined as "engineered materials" and include a range of natural and synthetic products, designed for their introduction into and interaction with living tissues. Biomaterials are considered prominent tools in regenerative medicine that support the restoration of tissue defects and retain physiologic functionality. Although commonly used in the medical field, these constructs are inherently foreign toward the host and induce an immune response at the material-tissue interface, defined as the foreign body response (FBR). A strong connection between the foreign body response and tissue regeneration is suggested, in which an appropriate amount of immune response and macrophage polarization is necessary to trigger autologous tissue formation. Recent developments in this field have led to the characterization of immunomodulatory traits that optimizes bioactivity, the integration of biomaterials and determines the fate of tissue regeneration. This review addresses a variety of aspects that are involved in steering the inflammatory response, including immune cell interactions, physical characteristics, biochemical cues, and metabolomics. Harnessing the advancing knowledge of the FBR allows for the optimization of biomaterial-based implants, aiming to prevent damage of the implant, improve natural regeneration, and provide the tools for an efficient and successful in vivo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Ten Brink
- Complex Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229ER, The Netherlands
| | - Febriyani Damanik
- Complex Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229ER, The Netherlands
| | - Joris I Rotmans
- Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, 2333ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Complex Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229ER, The Netherlands
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7
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Kang K, Ye S, Jeong C, Jeong J, Ye YS, Jeong JY, Kim YJ, Lim S, Kim TH, Kim KY, Kim JU, Kim GI, Chun DH, Kim K, Park J, Hong JH, Park B, Kim K, Jung S, Baek K, Cho D, Yoo J, Lee K, Cheng H, Min BW, Kim HJ, Jeon H, Yi H, Kim TI, Yu KJ, Jung Y. Bionic artificial skin with a fully implantable wireless tactile sensory system for wound healing and restoring skin tactile function. Nat Commun 2024; 15:10. [PMID: 38169465 PMCID: PMC10762199 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44064-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Tactile function is essential for human life as it enables us to recognize texture and respond to external stimuli, including potential threats with sharp objects that may result in punctures or lacerations. Severe skin damage caused by severe burns, skin cancer, chemical accidents, and industrial accidents damage the structure of the skin tissue as well as the nerve system, resulting in permanent tactile sensory dysfunction, which significantly impacts an individual's daily life. Here, we introduce a fully-implantable wireless powered tactile sensory system embedded artificial skin (WTSA), with stable operation, to restore permanently damaged tactile function and promote wound healing for regenerating severely damaged skin. The fabricated WTSA facilitates (i) replacement of severely damaged tactile sensory with broad biocompatibility, (ii) promoting of skin wound healing and regeneration through collagen and fibrin-based artificial skin (CFAS), and (iii) minimization of foreign body reaction via hydrogel coating on neural interface electrodes. Furthermore, the WTSA shows a stable operation as a sensory system as evidenced by the quantitative analysis of leg movement angle and electromyogram (EMG) signals in response to varying intensities of applied pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyowon Kang
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Seongryeol Ye
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Korea
- Department of Applied Bioengineering, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Chanho Jeong
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinmo Jeong
- Post-Silicon Semiconductor Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Yeong-Sinn Ye
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Young Jeong
- Post-Silicon Semiconductor Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Kim
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Korea
| | - Selin Lim
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, YU-KIST Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hee Kim
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Korea
- Department of Fusion Research and Collaboration, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Yeun Kim
- Biomaterials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Uk Kim
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Gwan In Kim
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Do Hoon Chun
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Kiho Kim
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Jaejin Park
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Hong
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Byeonghak Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kyubeen Kim
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Sujin Jung
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Kyeongrim Baek
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Dongjun Cho
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Jin Yoo
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Korea
| | - Kangwon Lee
- Department of Applied Bioengineering, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
- Research Institute for Convergence Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Huanyu Cheng
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Byung-Wook Min
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Hyun Jae Kim
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Hojeong Jeon
- Biomaterials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjung Yi
- Post-Silicon Semiconductor Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, YU-KIST Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tae-Il Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ki Jun Yu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea.
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, YU-KIST Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Youngmee Jung
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Korea.
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, YU-KIST Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Werner MP, Kučikas V, Voß K, Abel D, Jockenhoevel S, van Zandvoort MAMJ, Schmitz-Rode T. Multiphoton Imaging of Maturation in Tissue Engineering. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2024; 30:38-48. [PMID: 38115629 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2023.0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Donor cell-specific tissue-engineered (TE) implants are a promising therapy for personalized treatment of cardiovascular diseases, but current development protocols lack a stable longitudinal assessment of tissue development at subcellular resolution. As a first step toward such an assessment approach, in this study we establish a generalized labeling and imaging protocol to obtain quantified maturation parameters of TE constructs in three dimensions (3D) without the need of histological slicing, thus leaving the tissue intact. Focusing on intracellular matrix (ICM) and extracellular matrix (ECM) networks, multiphoton laser scanning microscopy (MPLSM) was used to investigate TE patches of different conditioning durations of up to 21 days. We show here that with a straightforward labeling procedure of whole-mount samples (so without slicing into thin histological sections), followed by an easy-to-use multiphoton imaging process, we obtained high-quality images of the tissue in 3D at various time points during development. The stacks of images could then be further analyzed to visualize and quantify the volume of cell coverage as well as the volume fraction and network of structural proteins. We showed that collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) volume fractions increased as normalized to full tissue volume and proportional to the cell count, with a converging trend to the final density of (4.0% ± 0.6%) and (7.6% ± 0.7%), respectively. The image analysis of ICM and ECM revealed a developing and widely branched interconnected matrix. We are currently working on the second step, that is, to integrate MPLSM endoscopy into a dynamic bioreactor system to monitor the maturation of intact TE constructs over time, thus without the need to take them out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian P Werner
- Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles (BioTex), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME), Helmholtz Institute, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Aachen-Maastricht-Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Maastricht University, Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Vytautas Kučikas
- Institute of Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kirsten Voß
- Institute of Automatic Control (IRT), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dirk Abel
- Institute of Automatic Control (IRT), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Jockenhoevel
- Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles (BioTex), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME), Helmholtz Institute, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Aachen-Maastricht-Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Maastricht University, Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Marc A M J van Zandvoort
- Institute of Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Schmitz-Rode
- Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles (BioTex), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME), Helmholtz Institute, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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9
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Prince E, Morozova S, Chen Z, Adibnia V, Yakavets I, Panyukov S, Rubinstein M, Kumacheva E. Nanocolloidal hydrogel mimics the structure and nonlinear mechanical properties of biological fibrous networks. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220755120. [PMID: 38091296 PMCID: PMC10743449 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220755120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrous networks formed by biological polymers such as collagen or fibrin exhibit nonlinear mechanical behavior. They undergo strong stiffening in response to weak shear and elongational strains, but soften under compressional strain, in striking difference with the response to the deformation of flexible-strand networks formed by molecules. The nonlinear properties of fibrous networks are attributed to the mechanical asymmetry of the constituent filaments, for which a stretching modulus is significantly larger than the bending modulus. Studies of the nonlinear mechanical behavior are generally performed on hydrogels formed by biological polymers, which offers limited control over network architecture. Here, we report an engineered covalently cross-linked nanofibrillar hydrogel derived from cellulose nanocrystals and gelatin. The variation in hydrogel composition provided a broad-range change in its shear modulus. The hydrogel exhibited both shear-stiffening and compression-induced softening, in agreement with the predictions of the affine model. The threshold nonlinear stress and strain were universal for the hydrogels with different compositions, which suggested that nonlinear mechanical properties are general for networks formed by rigid filaments. The experimental results were in agreement with an affine model describing deformation of the network formed by rigid filaments. Our results lend insight into the structural features that govern the nonlinear biomechanics of fibrous networks and provide a platform for future studies of the biological impact of nonlinear mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Prince
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3H6, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ONN2L3G1, Canada
- Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ONN2L3G1, Canada
| | - Sofia Morozova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3H6, Canada
- N. E. Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow105005, Russia
| | - Zhengkun Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3H6, Canada
| | - Vahid Adibnia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3H6, Canada
- Department of Applied Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NSB3H4R2, Canada
| | - Ilya Yakavets
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3H6, Canada
| | - Sergey Panyukov
- Center of Soft Matter and Physics of Fluids, P. N. Lebedev Physics Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow117924, Russia
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow 141700, Russia
| | - Michael Rubinstein
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Physics, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo001-0021, Japan
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3H6, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3G9, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3E5, Canada
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10
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Olivero E, Gawronska E, Manimuda P, Jivani D, Chaggan FZ, Corey Z, de Almeida TS, Kaplan-Bie J, McIntyre G, Wodo O, Nalam PC. Gradient porous structures of mycelium: a quantitative structure-mechanical property analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19285. [PMID: 37935723 PMCID: PMC10630317 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45842-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Gradient porous structures (GPS) are characterized by structural variations along a specific direction, leading to enhanced mechanical and functional properties compared to homogeneous structures. This study explores the potential of mycelium, the root part of a fungus, as a biomaterial for generating GPS. During the intentional growth of mycelium, the filamentous network undergoes structural changes as the hyphae grow away from the feed substrate. Through microstructural analysis of sections obtained from the mycelium tissue, systematic variations in fiber characteristics (such as fiber radii distribution, crosslink density, network density, segment length) and pore characteristics (including pore size, number, porosity) are observed. Furthermore, the mesoscale mechanical moduli of the mycelium networks exhibit a gradual variation in local elastic modulus, with a significant change of approximately 50% across a 30 mm thick mycelium tissue. The structure-property analysis reveals a direct correlation between the local mechanical moduli and the network crosslink density of the mycelium. This study presents the potential of controlling growth conditions to generate mycelium-based GPS with desired functional properties. This approach, which is both sustainable and economically viable, expands the applications of mycelium-based GPS to include filtration membranes, bio-scaffolds, tissue regeneration platforms, and more.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Olivero
- Department of Materials Design and Innovation, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14226, USA
| | - Elzbieta Gawronska
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, Czestochowa University of Technology, 42201, Czestochowa, Poland
| | | | - Devyani Jivani
- Department of Materials Design and Innovation, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14226, USA
| | | | - Zachary Corey
- Department of Materials Design and Innovation, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14226, USA
| | | | | | - Gavin McIntyre
- Ecovative Design LLC, 60 Cohoes Ave, Green Island, NY, 12183, USA
| | - Olga Wodo
- Department of Materials Design and Innovation, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14226, USA.
| | - Prathima C Nalam
- Department of Materials Design and Innovation, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14226, USA.
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11
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Dalbosco M, Terzano M, Carniel TA, Fancello EA, Holzapfel GA. A two-scale numerical study on the mechanobiology of abdominal aortic aneurysms. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20230472. [PMID: 37907092 PMCID: PMC10618057 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a serious condition whose pathophysiology is related to phenomena occurring at different length scales. To gain a better understanding of the disease, this work presents a multi-scale computational study that correlates AAA progression with microstructural and mechanical alterations in the tissue. Macro-scale geometries of a healthy aorta and idealized aneurysms with increasing diameter are developed on the basis of existing experimental data and subjected to physiological boundary conditions. Subsequently, microscopic representative volume elements of the abluminal side of each macro-model are employed to analyse the local kinematics at the cellular scale. The results suggest that the formation of the aneurysm disrupts the micromechanics of healthy tissue, which could trigger collagen growth and remodelling by mechanosensing cells. The resulting changes to the macro-mechanics and microstructure of the tissue seem to establish a new homeostatic state at the cellular scale, at least for the diameter range investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misael Dalbosco
- Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- GRANTE—Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Michele Terzano
- Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Thiago A. Carniel
- Polytechnic School, Community University of Chapecó Region, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Community University of Chapecó Region, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A. Fancello
- GRANTE—Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- LEBm—University Hospital, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Gerhard A. Holzapfel
- Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- Department of Structural Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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12
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Qian M, Li S, Xi K, Tang J, Shen X, Liu Y, Guo R, Zhang N, Gu Y, Xu Y, Cui W, Chen L. ECM-engineered electrospun fibers with an immune cascade effect for inhibiting tissue fibrosis. Acta Biomater 2023; 171:308-326. [PMID: 37673231 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.058] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Tissue regeneration/fibrosis after injury is intricately regulated by the immune cascade reaction and extracellular matrix (ECM). Dysregulated cascade signal could jeopardize tissue homeostasis leading to fibrosis. Bioactive scaffolds mimicking natural ECM microstructure and chemistry could regulate the cascade reaction to achieve tissue regeneration. The current study constructed an ECM-engineered micro/nanofibrous scaffold using self-assembled nanofibrous collagen and decorin (DCN)-loaded microfibers to regulate the immune cascade reaction. The ECM-engineered scaffold promoted anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative effects, M2 polarization of macrophages, by nanofibrous collagen. The ECM-engineered scaffold could release DCN to inhibit inflammation-associated fibrous angiogenesis. Yet, to prevent excessive M2 activity leading to tissue fibrosis, controlled release of DCN was expected to elicit M1 activity and achieve M1/M2 balance in the repair process. Regulated cascade reaction guided favorable crosstalk between macrophages, endothelial cells and fibroblasts by proximity. Additionally, decorin could also antagonize TGF-β1 via TGF-β/Smad3 pathway to suppress fibrotic activity of fibroblasts. Hence, ECM-engineered scaffolds could exert effective regulation of the immune cascade reaction by microstructure and DCN release and achieve the balance between tissue fibrosis and regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: With the incidence of up to 74.6%, failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) has been a lingering issue in spine surgery, which poses a heavy socio-economic burden to society. Epidural fibrosis is believed to be responsible for the onset of FBSS. Current biomaterial-based strategies treating epidural fibrosis mainly rely on physical barriers and unidirectional suppression of inflammation. Regulation of the immune cascade reaction for inhibiting fibrosis has not been widely studied. Based on the simultaneous regulation of M1/M2 polarization and intercellular crosstalk, the ECM-engineered micro/nanofibrous scaffolds constructed in the current study could exert an immune cascade effect to coordinate tissue regeneration and inhibit fibrosis. This finding makes a significant contribution in the development of a treatment for epidural fibrosis and FBSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Qian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006 PR China
| | - Shun Li
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pain Management, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China
| | - Kun Xi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006 PR China
| | - Jincheng Tang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006 PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Shen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 889 Wuzhong West Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, PR China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 215600, PR China
| | - Ran Guo
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pain Management, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China
| | - Nannan Zhang
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pain Management, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China
| | - Yong Gu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006 PR China.
| | - Yun Xu
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pain Management, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China.
| | - Wenguo Cui
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai 200025, PR China.
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006 PR China.
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13
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Peng X, Huang Y, Genin GM. The fibrous character of pericellular matrix mediates cell mechanotransduction. JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS 2023; 180:105423. [PMID: 38559448 PMCID: PMC10978028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2023.105423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cells in solid tissues sense and respond to mechanical signals that are transmitted through extracellular matrix (ECM) over distances that are many times their size. This long-range force transmission is known to arise from strain-stiffening and buckling in the collagen fiber ECM network, but must also pass through the denser pericellular matrix (PCM) that cells form by secreting and compacting nearby collagen. However, the role of the PCM in the transmission of mechanical signals is still unclear. We therefore studied an idealized computational model of cells embedded within fibrous collagen ECM and PCM. Our results suggest that the smaller network pore sizes associated with PCM attenuates tension-driven collagen-fiber alignment, undermining long-range force transmission and shielding cells from mechanical stress. However, elongation of the cell body or anisotropic cell contraction can compensate for these effects to enable long distance force transmission. Results are consistent with recent experiments that highlight an effect of PCM on shielding cells from high stresses. Results have implications for the transmission of mechanical signaling in development, wound healing, and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun Peng
- U.S. National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130 United States
| | - Yuxuan Huang
- U.S. National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130 United States
| | - Guy M. Genin
- U.S. National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130 United States
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14
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Choi S, Whitman MA, Shimpi AA, Sempertegui ND, Chiou AE, Druso JE, Verma A, Lux SC, Cheng Z, Paszek M, Elemento O, Estroff LA, Fischbach C. Bone-matrix mineralization dampens integrin-mediated mechanosignalling and metastatic progression in breast cancer. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1455-1472. [PMID: 37550422 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01077-3] [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: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
In patients with breast cancer, lower bone mineral density increases the risk of bone metastasis. Although the relationship between bone-matrix mineralization and tumour-cell phenotype in breast cancer is not well understood, mineralization-induced rigidity is thought to drive metastatic progression via increased cell-adhesion forces. Here, by using collagen-based matrices with adjustable intrafibrillar mineralization, we show that, unexpectedly, matrix mineralization dampens integrin-mediated mechanosignalling and induces a less proliferative stem-cell-like phenotype in breast cancer cells. In mice with xenografted decellularized physiological bone matrices seeded with human breast tumour cells, the presence of bone mineral reduced tumour growth and upregulated a gene-expression signature that is associated with longer metastasis-free survival in patients with breast cancer. Our findings suggest that bone-matrix changes in osteogenic niches regulate metastatic progression in breast cancer and that in vitro models of bone metastasis should integrate organic and inorganic matrix components to mimic physiological and pathologic mineralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyoung Choi
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Matthew A Whitman
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Adrian A Shimpi
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Nicole D Sempertegui
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Aaron E Chiou
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Joseph E Druso
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Akanksha Verma
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie C Lux
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Zhu Cheng
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Matthew Paszek
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lara A Estroff
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Claudia Fischbach
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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15
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Gong X, Wen Z, Liang Z, Xiao H, Lee S, Wright T, Nguyen RY, Rossello A, Mak M. Instant Assembly of Collagen for Scaffolding, Tissue Engineering, and Bioprinting. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.08.561456. [PMID: 37873099 PMCID: PMC10592672 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.08.561456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Controllable assembly of cells and tissues offers potential for advancing disease and development modeling and regenerative medicine. The body's natural scaffolding material is the extracellular matrix, composed largely of collagen I. However, challenges in precisely controlling collagen assembly limit collagen's applicability as a primary bioink or glue for biofabrication. Here, we introduce a set of biopatterning methods, termed Tunable Rapid Assembly of Collagenous Elements (TRACE), that enables instant gelation and rapid patterning of collagen I solutions with wide range of concentrations. Our methods are based on accelerating the gelation of collagen solutions to instantaneous speeds via macromolecular crowding, allowing versatile patterning of both cell-free and cell-laden collagen-based bioinks. We demonstrate notable applications, including macroscopic organoid engineering, rapid free-form 3D bioprinting, contractile cardiac ventricle model, and patterning of high-resolution (below 5 (m) collagen filament. Our findings enable more controllable and versatile applications for multi-scale collagen-based biofabrication.
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16
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Castro-Abril H, Heras J, Del Barrio J, Paz L, Alcaine C, Aliácar MP, Garzón-Alvarado D, Doblaré M, Ochoa I. The Role of Mechanical Properties and Structure of Type I Collagen Hydrogels on Colorectal Cancer Cell Migration. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300108. [PMID: 37269065 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical interactions between cells and their microenvironment play an important role in determining cell fate, which is particularly relevant in metastasis, a process where cells invade tissue matrices with different mechanical properties. In vitro, type I collagen hydrogels have been commonly used for modeling the microenvironment due to its ubiquity in the human body. In this work, the combined influence of the stiffness of these hydrogels and their ultrastructure on the migration patterns of HCT-116 and HT-29 spheroids are analyzed. For this, six different types of pure type I collagen hydrogels by changing the collagen concentration and the gelation temperature are prepared. The stiffness of each sample is measured and its ultrastructure is characterized. Cell migration studies are then performed by seeding the spheroids in three different spatial conditions. It is shown that changes in the aforementioned parameters lead to differences in the mechanical stiffness of the matrices as well as the ultrastructure. These differences, in turn, lead to distinct cell migration patterns of HCT-116 and HT-29 spheroids in either of the spatial conditions tested. Based on these results, it is concluded that the stiffness and the ultrastructural organization of the matrix can actively modulate cell migration behavior in colorectal cancer spheroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Castro-Abril
- Tissue Microenvironment lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Biomimetics Lab, National University of Colombia, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Jónathan Heras
- Grupo de Informática, University of La Rioja, La Rioja, 26006, Spain
| | - Jesús Del Barrio
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), Department of Organic Chemistry, CSIC-University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Laura Paz
- Tissue Microenvironment lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Clara Alcaine
- Tissue Microenvironment lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Marina Pérez Aliácar
- Tissue Microenvironment lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | | | - Manuel Doblaré
- Tissue Microenvironment lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 50018, China
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 50018, China
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17
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Verma BK, Chatterjee A, Kondaiah P, Gundiah N. Substrate Stiffness Modulates TGF-β Activation and ECM-Associated Gene Expression in Fibroblasts. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:998. [PMID: 37760100 PMCID: PMC10525202 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10090998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates the expression of ECM-associated genes during early injury. Tissue fibrosis development is driven by synergistic cues between the evolving biochemical and mechanical milieu. Few studies have addressed the role of substrate stiffness on TGF-β activity and extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated genes. We used a commercial formulation of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to fabricate substrates of 40 kPa, 300 kPa, and 1.5 MPa stiffness, and cultured the HMF3S fibroblasts on substrates. We quantified TGF-β protein secreted by HMF3S cells on different substrates using a TGF-β responsive promoter reporter assay. We also tested for variations in gene expression levels on the substrates using RT-PCR and Western blotting and determined the MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities with gelatin zymography. The results showed that TGF-β protein activation was significantly compromised at lower stiffnesses. The expression of integrin α5 decreased on lower stiffness substrates and correlated with inefficient TGF-β protein activation. Collagen I, collagen III, and MMP-2 expression levels were lower on softer substrates; there was little MMP-9 activity on all substrates. Cell and nuclear morphologies were more rounded on compliant substrates, correlating with increased tubulin expression. Proliferations were higher on stiffer substrates, whereas cells on softer substrates showed cell cycle arrest. These results demonstrated critical feedback mechanisms between substrate stiffness and ECM regulation by fibroblasts, relevant in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brijesh Kumar Verma
- Centre for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
| | - Aritra Chatterjee
- Centre for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
| | - Paturu Kondaiah
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
| | - Namrata Gundiah
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
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18
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Han X, Xu L, Dou T, Du R, Deng L, Wang X. Inhibitory Effects of Epithelial Cells on Fibrosis Mechanics of Microtissue and Their Spatiotemporal Dependence on the Epithelial-Fibroblast Interaction. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:4846-4854. [PMID: 37418666 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Cell-generated contraction force is the primary physical drive for fibrotic densification of biological tissues. Previous studies using two-dimensional culture models have shown that epithelial cells inhibit the myofibroblast-derived contraction force via the regulation of the fibroblast/myofibroblast transition (FMT). However, it remains unclear how epithelial cells interact with fibroblasts and myofibroblasts to determine the mechanical consequences and spatiotemporal regulation of fibrosis development. In this study, we established a three-dimensional microtissue model using an NIH/3T3 fibroblast-laden collagen hydrogel, incorporated with a microstring-based force sensor, to assess fibrosis mechanics. When Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells were cocultured on the microtissue's surface, the densification, stiffness, and contraction force of the microtissue greatly decreased compared to the monocultured microtissue without epithelial cells. The key fibrotic features, such as enhanced protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and collagen indicating FMT and matrix deposition, respectively, were also significantly reduced. The antifibrotic effects of epithelial cells on the microtissue were dependent on the intercellular signaling molecule prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) with an effective concentration of 10 μM and their proximity to the fibroblasts, indicating paracrine cellular signaling between the two types of cells during tissue fibrosis. The effect of PGE2 on microtissue contraction was also dependent on the time point when PGE2 was delivered or blocked, suggesting that the presence of epithelial cells at an early stage is critical for preventing or treating advanced fibrosis. Taken together, this study provides insights into the spatiotemporal regulation of mechanical properties of fibrosis by epithelial cells, and the cocultured microtissue model incorporated with a real-time and sensitive force sensor will be a suitable system for evaluating fibrosis and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Han
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
- School of Medical and Health Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lele Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Dou
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Du
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linhong Deng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
- School of Medical and Health Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
- School of Medical and Health Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
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19
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Lorenc E, Varinelli L, Chighizola M, Brich S, Pisati F, Guaglio M, Baratti D, Deraco M, Gariboldi M, Podestà A. Correlation between biological and mechanical properties of extracellular matrix from colorectal peritoneal metastases in human tissues. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12175. [PMID: 37500685 PMCID: PMC10374531 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38763-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal metastases (PM) are common routes of dissemination for colorectal cancer (CRC) and remain a lethal disease with a poor prognosis. The properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are important in cancer development; studying their changes is crucial to understand CRC-PM development. We studied the elastic properties of ECMs derived from human samples of normal and neoplastic PM by atomic force microscopy (AFM); results were correlated with patient clinical data and expression of ECM components related to metastatic spread. We show that PM progression is accompanied by stiffening of the ECM, increased cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) activity and increased deposition and crosslinking in neoplastic matrices; on the other hand, softer regions are also found in neoplastic ECMs on the same scales. Our results support the hypothesis that local changes in the normal ECM can create the ground for growth and spread from the tumour of invading metastatic cells. We have found correlations between the mechanical properties (relative stiffening between normal and neoplastic ECM) of the ECM and patients' clinical data, like age, sex, presence of protein activating mutations in BRAF and KRAS genes and tumour grade. Our findings suggest that the mechanical phenotyping of PM-ECM has the potential to predict tumour development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Lorenc
- Dipartimento di Fisica "Aldo Pontremoli" and CIMaINa, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria 16, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Varinelli
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, via G. Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Chighizola
- Dipartimento di Fisica "Aldo Pontremoli" and CIMaINa, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria 16, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Brich
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, via G. Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Pisati
- Histopathology Unit, Cogentech Ltd. Benefit Corporation with a Sole Shareholder, via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcello Guaglio
- Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Unit, Colon and Rectal Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, via G. Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Baratti
- Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Unit, Colon and Rectal Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, via G. Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcello Deraco
- Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Unit, Colon and Rectal Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, via G. Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Gariboldi
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, via G. Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Podestà
- Dipartimento di Fisica "Aldo Pontremoli" and CIMaINa, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria 16, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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20
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Wu R, Fu M, Tao HM, Dong T, Fan WT, Zhao LL, Fan ZN, Liu L. Benign esophageal stricture model construction and mechanism exploration. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11769. [PMID: 37474710 PMCID: PMC10359281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38575-y] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal stricture is a debilitating condition that negatively impacts patients' quality of life after undergoing endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Despite its significance, this disease remains underexplored due to the lack of a stable animal model. Under direct visualization with choledochoscopy, we retrogradely damaged the esophageal mucosal layer through the gastrostomy to create a rat model of esophageal stricture. The development of histological defects in the mucosal layer was assessed over a 2-week period after model induction. Then the models were evaluated using X-ray barium radiography, Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson's trichrome, Sirius red, and Victoria blue staining, multiphoton microscopic imaging. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms of esophageal stricture were explored by conducting RNA transcriptome sequencing, PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. We successfully established fifteen rat models of esophageal stricture by injuring the mucosal layer. In the model group, the mucosal defect initially occurs and subsequently repaired. The epithelium was absent and was plastically remodeled by collagen during the acute inflammatory phase (Day 1), proliferation phase (Day 7), anaphase of proliferation (Day 10), and plastic remodeling phase (Day 14). We observed increased expression of COL1A1, acta2, FGF, IL-1, and TGF-β1 pathway in the model group. We established a highly repeatable rat model of esophageal stricture, and our results suggest that the mucosal defect of the esophagus is a critical factor in esophageal stricture development, rather than damage to the muscularis layer. We identified Atp4b, cyp1a2, and gstk1 as potential targets for treating esophageal stricture, while the TGF-β pathway was found to play an important role in its development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wu
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210031, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210010, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Fu
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui-Min Tao
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Dong
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen-Tao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210031, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li-Li Zhao
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhi-Ning Fan
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210031, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210031, Jiangsu, China.
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21
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Joshi IM, Mansouri M, Ahmed A, Simon RA, Bambizi PE, Desa DE, Elias TM, Brown EB, Abhyankar VV. Microengineering 3D Collagen Matrices with Tumor-Mimetic Gradients in Fiber Alignment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.09.548253. [PMID: 37502844 PMCID: PMC10369918 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.09.548253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment (TME), collagen fibers facilitate tumor cell migration through the extracellular matrix. Previous studies have focused on studying the responses of cells on uniformly aligned or randomly aligned collagen fibers. However, the in vivo environment also features spatial gradients in alignment, which arise from the local reorganization of the matrix architecture due to cell-induced traction forces. Although there has been extensive research on how cells respond to graded biophysical cues, such as stiffness, porosity, and ligand density, the cellular responses to physiological fiber alignment gradients have been largely unexplored. This is due, in part, to a lack of robust experimental techniques to create controlled alignment gradients in natural materials. In this study, we image tumor biopsy samples and characterize the alignment gradients present in the TME. To replicate physiological gradients, we introduce a first-of-its-kind biofabrication technique that utilizes a microfluidic channel with constricting and expanding geometry to engineer 3D collagen hydrogels with tunable fiber alignment gradients that range from sub-millimeter to millimeter length scales. Our modular approach allows easy access to the microengineered gradient gels, and we demonstrate that HUVECs migrate in response to the fiber architecture. We provide preliminary evidence suggesting that MDA-MB-231 cell aggregates, patterned onto a specific location on the alignment gradient, exhibit preferential migration towards increasing alignment. This finding suggests that alignment gradients could serve as an additional taxis cue in the ECM. Importantly, our study represents the first successful engineering of continuous gradients of fiber alignment in soft, natural materials. We anticipate that our user-friendly platform, which needs no specialized equipment, will offer new experimental capabilities to study the impact of fiber-based contact guidance on directed cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil M. Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Mehran Mansouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Adeel Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Richard A. Simon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | | | - Danielle E. Desa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Tresa M. Elias
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Edward B. Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Vinay V. Abhyankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
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22
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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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23
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Stashko C, Hayward MK, Northey JJ, Pearson N, Ironside AJ, Lakins JN, Oria R, Goyette MA, Mayo L, Russnes HG, Hwang ES, Kutys ML, Polyak K, Weaver VM. A convolutional neural network STIFMap reveals associations between stromal stiffness and EMT in breast cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3561. [PMID: 37322009 PMCID: PMC10272194 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39085-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Intratumor heterogeneity associates with poor patient outcome. Stromal stiffening also accompanies cancer. Whether cancers demonstrate stiffness heterogeneity, and if this is linked to tumor cell heterogeneity remains unclear. We developed a method to measure the stiffness heterogeneity in human breast tumors that quantifies the stromal stiffness each cell experiences and permits visual registration with biomarkers of tumor progression. We present Spatially Transformed Inferential Force Map (STIFMap) which exploits computer vision to precisely automate atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation combined with a trained convolutional neural network to predict stromal elasticity with micron-resolution using collagen morphological features and ground truth AFM data. We registered high-elasticity regions within human breast tumors colocalizing with markers of mechanical activation and an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The findings highlight the utility of STIFMap to assess mechanical heterogeneity of human tumors across length scales from single cells to whole tissues and implicates stromal stiffness in tumor cell heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Stashko
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mary-Kate Hayward
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jason J Northey
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Alastair J Ironside
- Department of Pathology, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Johnathon N Lakins
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Roger Oria
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marie-Anne Goyette
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lakyn Mayo
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hege G Russnes
- Department of Pathology and Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - E Shelley Hwang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Matthew L Kutys
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kornelia Polyak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Valerie M Weaver
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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24
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Almeida JA, Mathur J, Lee YL, Sarker B, Pathak A. Mechanically primed cells transfer memory to fibrous matrices for invasion across environments of distinct stiffness and dimensionality. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar54. [PMID: 36696158 PMCID: PMC10208097 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-10-0469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells sense and migrate across mechanically dissimilar environments throughout development and disease progression. However, it remains unclear whether mechanical memory of past environments empowers cells to navigate new, three-dimensional extracellular matrices. Here, we show that cells previously primed on stiff, compared with soft, matrices generate a higher level of forces to remodel collagen fibers and promote invasion. This priming advantage persists in dense or stiffened collagen. We explain this memory-dependent, cross-environment cell invasion through a lattice-based model wherein stiff-primed cellular forces remodel collagen and minimize energy required for future cell invasion. According to our model, cells transfer their mechanical memory to the matrix via collagen alignment and tension, and this remodeled matrix informs future cell invasion. Thus, memory-laden cells overcome mechanosensing of softer or challenging future environments via a cell-matrix transfer of memory. Consistent with model predictions, depletion of yes-associated protein destabilizes the cellular memory required for collagen remodeling before invasion. We release tension in collagen fibers via laser ablation and disable fiber remodeling by lysyl-oxidase inhibition, both of which disrupt cell-to-matrix transfer of memory and hamper cross-environment invasion. These results have implications for cancer, fibrosis, and aging, where a potential cell-to-matrix transfer of mechanical memory of cells may generate a prolonged cellular response.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A. Almeida
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Jairaj Mathur
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Ye Lim Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Bapi Sarker
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Amit Pathak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130
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25
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Walter C, Mathur J, Pathak A. Reciprocal intra- and extra-cellular polarity enables deep mechanosensing through layered matrices. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112362. [PMID: 37027304 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112362] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adherent cells migrate on layered tissue interfaces to drive morphogenesis, wound healing, and tumor invasion. Although stiffer surfaces are known to enhance cell migration, it remains unclear whether cells sense basal stiff environments buried under softer, fibrous matrix. Using layered collagen-polyacrylamide gel systems, we unveil a migration phenotype driven by cell-matrix polarity. Here, cancer (but not normal) cells with stiff base matrix generate stable protrusions, faster migration, and greater collagen deformation because of "depth mechanosensing" through the top collagen layer. Cancer cell protrusions with front-rear polarity produce polarized collagen stiffening and deformations. Disruption of either extracellular or intracellular polarity via collagen crosslinking, laser ablation, or Arp2/3 inhibition independently abrogates depth-mechanosensitive migration of cancer cells. Our experimental findings, validated by lattice-based energy minimization modeling, present a cell migration mechanism whereby polarized cellular protrusions and contractility are reciprocated by mechanical extracellular polarity, culminating in a cell-type-dependent ability to mechanosense through matrix layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Walter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jairaj Mathur
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Amit Pathak
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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26
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Nguyen RY, Cabral AT, Rossello-Martinez A, Zulli A, Gong X, Zhang Q, Yan J, Mak M. Tunable Mesoscopic Collagen Island Architectures Modulate Stem Cell Behavior. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2207882. [PMID: 36895051 PMCID: PMC10166061 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is the biophysical environment that scaffolds mammalian cells in the body. The main constituent is collagen. In physiological tissues, collagen network topology is diverse with complex mesoscopic features. While studies have explored the roles of collagen density and stiffness, the impact of complex architectures remains not well-understood. Developing in vitro systems that recapitulate these diverse collagen architectures is critical for understanding physiologically relevant cell behaviors. Here, methods are developed to induce the formation of heterogeneous mesoscopic architectures, referred to as collagen islands, in collagen hydrogels. These island-containing gels have highly tunable inclusions and mechanical properties. Although these gels are globally soft, there is regional enrichment in the collagen concentration at the cell-scale. Collagen-island architectures are utilized to study mesenchymal stem cell behavior, and it is demonstrated that cell migration and osteogenic differentiation are altered. Finally, induced pluripotent stem cells are cultured in island-containing gels, and it is shown that the architecture is sufficient to induce mesodermal differentiation. Overall, this work highlights complex mesoscopic tissue architectures as bioactive cues in regulating cell behavior and presents a novel collagen-based hydrogel that captures these features for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Y. Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aidan T. Cabral
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Alessandro Zulli
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiangyu Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Qiuting Zhang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jing Yan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael Mak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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27
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Wang Z, Lauko J, Kijas AW, Gilbert EP, Turunen P, Yegappan R, Zou D, Mata J, Rowan AE. Snake venom-defined fibrin architecture dictates fibroblast survival and differentiation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1029. [PMID: 36823141 PMCID: PMC9950370 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36437-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrin is the provisional matrix formed after injury, setting the trajectory for the subsequent stages of wound healing. It is commonly used as a wound sealant and a natural hydrogel for three-dimensional (3D) biophysical studies. However, the traditional thrombin-driven fibrin systems are poorly controlled. Therefore, the precise roles of fibrin's biophysical properties on fibroblast functions, which underlie healing outcomes, are unknown. Here, we establish a snake venom-controlled fibrin system with precisely and independently tuned architectural and mechanical properties. Employing this defined system, we show that fibrin architecture influences fibroblast survival, spreading phenotype, and differentiation. A fine fibrin architecture is a key prerequisite for fibroblast differentiation, while a coarse architecture induces cell loss and disengages fibroblast's sensitivity towards TGF-β1. Our results demonstrate that snake venom-controlled fibrin can precisely control fibroblast differentiation. Applying these biophysical principles to fibrin sealants has translational significance in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Wang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jan Lauko
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Amanda W Kijas
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Elliot P Gilbert
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Petri Turunen
- Microscopy Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Ramanathan Yegappan
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Dongxiu Zou
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jitendra Mata
- Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Alan E Rowan
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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28
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Wang M, Sun S, Dong G, Long F, Butcher JT. Soft, strong, tough, and durable protein-based fiber hydrogels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2213030120. [PMID: 36791112 PMCID: PMC9974439 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2213030120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Load-bearing soft tissues normally show J-shaped stress-strain behaviors with high compliance at low strains yet high strength at high strains. They have high water content but are still tough and durable. By contrast, naturally derived hydrogels are weak and brittle. Although hydrogels prepared from synthetic polymers can be strong and tough, they do not have the desired bioactivity for emerging biomedical applications. Here, we present a thermomechanical approach to replicate the combinational properties of soft tissues in protein-based photocrosslinkable hydrogels. As a demonstration, we create a gelatin methacryloyl fiber hydrogel with soft tissue-like mechanical properties, such as low Young's modulus (0.1 to 0.3 MPa), high strength (1.1 ± 0.2 MPa), high toughness (9,100 ± 2,200 J/m3), and high fatigue resistance (2,300 ± 500 J/m2). This hydrogel also resembles the biochemical and architectural properties of native extracellular matrix, which enables a fast formation of 3D interconnected cell meshwork inside hydrogels. The fiber architecture also regulates cellular mechanoresponse and supports cell remodeling inside hydrogels. The integration of tissue-like mechanical properties and bioactivity is highly desirable for the next-generation biomaterials and could advance emerging fields such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingkun Wang
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Shuofei Sun
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Gening Dong
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Feifei Long
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Jonathan T. Butcher
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
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29
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Shou Y, Teo XY, Li X, Zhicheng L, Liu L, Sun X, Jonhson W, Ding J, Lim CT, Tay A. Dynamic Magneto-Softening of 3D Hydrogel Reverses Malignant Transformation of Cancer Cells and Enhances Drug Efficacy. ACS NANO 2023; 17:2851-2867. [PMID: 36633150 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c11278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
High extracellular matrix stiffness is a prominent feature of malignant tumors associated with poor clinical prognosis. To elucidate mechanistic connections between increased matrix stiffness and tumor progression, a variety of hydrogel scaffolds with dynamic changes in stiffness have been developed. These approaches, however, are not biocompatible at high temperature, strong irradiation, and acidic/basic pH, often lack reversibility (can only stiffen and not soften), and do not allow study on the same cell population longitudinally. In this work, we develop a dynamic 3D magnetic hydrogel whose matrix stiffness can be wirelessly and reversibly stiffened and softened multiple times with different rates of change using an external magnet. With this platform, we found that matrix stiffness increased tumor malignancy including denser cell organization, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and hypoxia. More interestingly, these malignant transformations could be halted or reversed with matrix softening (i.e., mechanical rescue), to potentiate drug efficacy attributing to reduced solid stress from matrix and downregulation of cell mechano-transductors including YAP1. We propose that our platform can be used to deepen understanding of the impact of matrix softening on cancer biology, an important but rarely studied phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Shou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Xin Yong Teo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Xianlei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Le Zhicheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Ling Liu
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, 117510, Singapore
| | - Xinhong Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Win Jonhson
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Jun Ding
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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Watanabe T, Sassi S, Ulziibayar A, Hama R, Kitsuka T, Shinoka T. The Application of Porous Scaffolds for Cardiovascular Tissues. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10020236. [PMID: 36829730 PMCID: PMC9952004 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
As the number of arteriosclerotic diseases continues to increase, much improvement is still needed with treatments for cardiovascular diseases. This is mainly due to the limitations of currently existing treatment options, including the limited number of donor organs available or the long-term durability of the artificial organs. Therefore, tissue engineering has attracted significant attention as a tissue regeneration therapy in this area. Porous scaffolds are one of the effective methods for tissue engineering. However, it could be better, and its effectiveness varies depending on the tissue application. This paper will address the challenges presented by various materials and their combinations. We will also describe some of the latest methods for tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Watanabe
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Salha Sassi
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Anudari Ulziibayar
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Rikako Hama
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Takahiro Kitsuka
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Toshiharu Shinoka
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Surgery, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-614-355-5732
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31
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Graça AL, Domingues RMA, Gomez-Florit M, Gomes ME. Platelet-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Promote Tenogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells on Bioengineered Living Fibers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043516. [PMID: 36834925 PMCID: PMC9959969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tendon mimetic scaffolds that recreate the tendon hierarchical structure and niche have increasing potential to fully restore tendon functionality. However, most scaffolds lack biofunctionality to boost the tenogenic differentiation of stem cells. In this study, we assessed the role of platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in stem cells' tenogenic commitment using a 3D bioengineered in vitro tendon model. First, we relied on fibrous scaffolds coated with collagen hydrogels encapsulating human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) to bioengineer our composite living fibers. We found that the hASCs in our fibers showed high elongation and cytoskeleton anisotropic organization, typical of tenocytes. Moreover, acting as biological cues, platelet-derived EVs boosted the hASCs' tenogenic commitment, prevented phenotypic drift, enhanced the deposition of the tendon-like extracellular matrix, and induced lower collagen matrix contraction. In conclusion, our living fibers provided an in vitro system for tendon tissue engineering, allowing us to study not only the tendon microenvironment but also the influence of biochemical cues on stem cell behavior. More importantly, we showed that platelet-derived EVs are a promising biochemical tool for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications that are worthy of further exploration, as paracrine signaling might potentiate tendon repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L. Graça
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s–PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui M. A. Domingues
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s–PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Manuel Gomez-Florit
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07010 Palma, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.G.-F.); (M.E.G.)
| | - Manuela E. Gomes
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s–PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- Correspondence: (M.G.-F.); (M.E.G.)
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32
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Tuning the pea protein gel network to mimic the heterogenous microstructure of animal protein. Food Hydrocoll 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2023.108611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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33
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Peyton SR, Platt MO, Cukierman E. Challenges and Opportunities Modeling the Dynamic Tumor Matrisome. BME FRONTIERS 2023; 4:0006. [PMID: 37849664 PMCID: PMC10521682 DOI: 10.34133/bmef.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We need novel strategies to target the complexity of cancer and, particularly, of metastatic disease. As an example of this complexity, certain tissues are particularly hospitable environments for metastases, whereas others do not contain fertile microenvironments to support cancer cell growth. Continuing evidence that the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues is one of a host of factors necessary to support cancer cell growth at both primary and secondary tissue sites is emerging. Research on cancer metastasis has largely been focused on the molecular adaptations of tumor cells in various cytokine and growth factor environments on 2-dimensional tissue culture polystyrene plates. Intravital imaging, conversely, has transformed our ability to watch, in real time, tumor cell invasion, intravasation, extravasation, and growth. Because the interstitial ECM that supports all cells in the tumor microenvironment changes over time scales outside the possible window of typical intravital imaging, bioengineers are continuously developing both simple and sophisticated in vitro controlled environments to study tumor (and other) cell interactions with this matrix. In this perspective, we focus on the cellular unit responsible for upholding the pathologic homeostasis of tumor-bearing organs, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and their self-generated ECM. The latter, together with tumoral and other cell secreted factors, constitute the "tumor matrisome". We share the challenges and opportunities for modeling this dynamic CAF/ECM unit, the tools and techniques available, and how the tumor matrisome is remodeled (e.g., via ECM proteases). We posit that increasing information on tumor matrisome dynamics may lead the field to alternative strategies for personalized medicine outside genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly R. Peyton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Manu O. Platt
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Signaling & Microenvironment Program, Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Staab-Weijnitz CA, Onursal C, Nambiar D, Vanacore R. Assessment of Collagen in Translational Models of Lung Research. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1413:213-244. [PMID: 37195533 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-26625-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in lung health and disease. Collagen is the main component of the lung ECM, widely used for the establishment of in vitro and organotypic models of lung disease, and as scaffold material of general interest for the field of lung bioengineering. Collagen also is the main readout for fibrotic lung disease, where collagen composition and molecular properties are drastically changed and ultimately result in dysfunctional "scarred" tissue. Because of the central role of collagen in lung disease, quantification, determination of molecular properties, and three-dimensional visualization of collagen is important for both development and characterization of translational models of lung research. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive overview on the various methodologies currently available for quantification and characterization of collagen including their detection principles, advantages, and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A Staab-Weijnitz
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity and Comprehensive Pneumology Center with the CPC-M BioArchive, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Ceylan Onursal
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity and Comprehensive Pneumology Center with the CPC-M BioArchive, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Deepika Nambiar
- Center for Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Roberto Vanacore
- Center for Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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35
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Liu C, Nguyen RY, Pizzurro GA, Zhang X, Gong X, Martinez AR, Mak M. Self-assembly of mesoscale collagen architectures and applications in 3D cell migration. Acta Biomater 2023; 155:167-181. [PMID: 36371004 PMCID: PMC9805527 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
3D in vitro tumor models have recently been investigated as they can recapitulate key features in the tumor microenvironment. Reconstruction of a biomimetic scaffold is critical in these models. However, most current methods focus on modulating local properties, e.g. micro- and nano-scaled topographies, without capturing the global millimeter or intermediate mesoscale features. Here we introduced a method for modulating the collagen I-based extracellular matrix structure by disruption of fibrillogenesis and the gelation process through mechanical agitation. With this method, we generated collagen scaffolds that are thickened and wavy at a larger scale while featuring global softness. Thickened collagen patches were interconnected with loose collagen networks, highly resembling collagen architecture in the tumor stroma. This thickened collagen network promoted tumor cell dissemination. In addition, this novel modified scaffold triggered differences in morphology and migratory behaviors of tumor cells. Altogether, our method for altered collagen architecture paves new ways for studying in detail cell behavior in physiologically relevant biological processes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Tumor progression usually involves chronic tissue damage and repair processes. Hallmarks of tumors are highly overlapped with those of wound healing. To mimic the tumor milieu, collagen-based scaffolds are widely used. These scaffolds focus on modulating microscale topographies and mechanics, lacking global architecture similarity compared with in vivo architecture. Here we introduced one type of thick collagen bundles that mimics ECM architecture in human skin scars. These thickened collagen bundles are long and wavy while featuring global softness. This collagen architecture imposes fewer steric restraints and promotes tumor cell dissemination. Our findings demonstrate a distinct picture of cell behaviors and intercellular interactions, highlighting the importance of collagen architecture and spatial heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | - Ryan Y Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | - Gabriela A Pizzurro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | - Xingjian Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | - Xiangyu Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | | | - Michael Mak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States.
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36
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Leartprapun N, Adie SG. Recent advances in optical elastography and emerging opportunities in the basic sciences and translational medicine [Invited]. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 14:208-248. [PMID: 36698669 PMCID: PMC9842001 DOI: 10.1364/boe.468932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Optical elastography offers a rich body of imaging capabilities that can serve as a bridge between organ-level medical elastography and single-molecule biophysics. We review the methodologies and recent developments in optical coherence elastography, Brillouin microscopy, optical microrheology, and photoacoustic elastography. With an outlook toward maximizing the basic science and translational clinical impact of optical elastography technologies, we discuss potential ways that these techniques can integrate not only with each other, but also with supporting technologies and capabilities in other biomedical fields. By embracing cross-modality and cross-disciplinary interactions with these parallel fields, optical elastography can greatly increase its potential to drive new discoveries in the biomedical sciences as well as the development of novel biomechanics-based clinical diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichaluk Leartprapun
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Present affiliation: Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Steven G. Adie
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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37
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Chen G, Deng Y, Xia B, Lv Y. In Situ Regulation and Mechanisms of 3D Matrix Stiffness on the Activation and Reversion of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 12:e2202560. [PMID: 36519640 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202560] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key event in the progression of liver fibrosis. HSCs transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts and secrete large amounts of extracellular matrix, resulting in increased liver stiffness. It is difficult for platforms constructed in vitro to simulate the structure, composition, and stiffness of the 3D microenvironment of HSCs in vivo. Here, 3D scaffolds with different stiffness are constructed by decellularizing rat livers at different stages of fibrosis. The effects of matrix stiffness on the proliferation, activation, and reversion of HSCs are studied. The results demonstrate these scaffolds have good cytocompatibility. It is also found that the high stiffness can significantly promote the activation of HSCs, and this process is accompanied by the activation of integrin β1 as well as the nucleation and activation of Yes-associated protein (YAP). Moreover, the low stiffness of the scaffold can promote the reversion of activated HSCs, which is associated with cell apoptosis and accompanied by the inactivation of integrin β1 and YAP. These results suggest that YAP may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis and the theoretical feasibility of inducing activated HSCs reversion to the resting state by regulating matrix stiffness of liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobao Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, P. R. China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Yaxin Deng
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, P. R. China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, P. R. China
| | - Bin Xia
- Engineering Research Center for Waste Oil Recovery Technology and Equipment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, 400067, P. R. China
| | - Yonggang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, P. R. China
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Yang L, Rong GC, Wu QN. Diabetic foot ulcer: Challenges and future. World J Diabetes 2022; 13:1014-1034. [PMID: 36578870 PMCID: PMC9791573 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v13.i12.1014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) have become one of the important causes of mortality and morbidity in patients with diabetes, and they are also a common cause of hospitalization, which places a heavy burden on patients and society. The prevention and treatment of DFUs requires multidisciplinary management. By controlling various risk factors, such as blood glucose levels, blood pressure, lipid levels and smoking cessation, local management of DFUs should be strengthened, such as debridement, dressing, revascularization, stem cell decompression and oxygen therapy. If necessary, systemic anti-infection treatment should be administered. We reviewed the progress in the clinical practice of treating DFUs in recent years, such as revascularization, wound repair, offloading, stem cell transplantation, and anti-infection treatment. We also summarized and prospectively analyzed some new technologies and measurements used in the treatment of DFUs and noted the future challenges and directions for the development of DFU treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Dazu Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, The People's Hospital of Dazu, Chongqing 402360, China
| | - Gui-Chuan Rong
- Department of Gynaecology, Dazu Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, The People's Hospital of Dazu, Chongqing 402360, China
| | - Qi-Nan Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Dazu Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, The People's Hospital of Dazu, Chongqing 402360, China
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Song J, Gao H, Zhang H, George OJ, Hillman AS, Fox JM, Jia X. Matrix Adhesiveness Regulates Myofibroblast Differentiation from Vocal Fold Fibroblasts in a Bio-orthogonally Cross-linked Hydrogel. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:51669-51682. [PMID: 36367478 PMCID: PMC10350853 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c13852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Repeated mechanical and chemical insults cause an irreversible alteration of extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and properties, giving rise to vocal fold scarring that is refractory to treatment. Although it is well known that fibroblast activation to myofibroblast is the key to the development of the pathology, the lack of a physiologically relevant in vitro model of vocal folds impedes mechanistic investigations on how ECM cues promote myofibroblast differentiation. Herein, we describe a bio-orthogonally cross-linked hydrogel platform that recapitulates the alteration of matrix adhesiveness due to enhanced fibronectin deposition when vocal fold wound healing is initiated. The synthetic ECM (sECM) was established via the cycloaddition reaction of tetrazine (Tz) with slow (norbornene, Nb)- and fast (trans-cyclooctene, TCO)-reacting dienophiles. The relatively slow Tz-Nb ligation allowed the establishment of the covalent hydrogel network for 3D cell encapsulation, while the rapid and efficient Tz-TCO reaction enabled precise conjugation of the cell-adhesive RGDSP peptide in the hydrogel network. To mimic the dynamic changes of ECM composition during wound healing, RGDSP was conjugated to cell-laden hydrogel constructs via a diffusion-controlled bioorthognal ligation method 3 days post encapsulation. At a low RGDSP concentration (0.2 mM), fibroblasts residing in the hydrogel remained quiescent when maintained in transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-conditioned media. However, at a high concentration (2 mM), RGDSP potentiated TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation, as evidenced by the formation of an actin cytoskeleton network, including F-actin and alpha-smooth muscle actin. The RGDSP-driven fibroblast activation to myofibroblast was accompanied with an increase in the expression of wound healing-related genes, the secretion of profibrotic cytokines, and matrix contraction required for tissue remodeling. This work represents the first step toward the establishment of a 3D hydrogel-based cellular model for studying myofibroblast differentiation in a defined niche associated with vocal fold scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Song
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Hanyuan Gao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - He Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Olivia J. George
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Ashlyn S. Hillman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Joseph. M. Fox
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Xinqiao Jia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, Delaware, USA
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40
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Obesity-Associated ECM Remodeling in Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225684. [PMID: 36428776 PMCID: PMC9688387 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue, an energy storage and endocrine organ, is emerging as an essential player for ECM remodeling. Fibrosis is one of the hallmarks of obese adipose tissue, featuring excessive ECM deposition and enhanced collagen alignment. A variety of ECM components and ECM-related enzymes are produced by adipocytes and myofibroblasts in obese adipose tissue. Data from lineage-tracing models and a single-cell analysis indicate that adipocytes can transform or de-differentiate into myofibroblast/fibroblast-like cells. This de-differentiation process has been observed under normal tissue development and pathological conditions such as cutaneous fibrosis, wound healing, and cancer development. Accumulated evidence has demonstrated that adipocyte de-differentiation and myofibroblasts/fibroblasts play crucial roles in obesity-associated ECM remodeling and cancer progression. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in obesity-related ECM remodeling, the mechanism underlying adipocyte de-differentiation, and the function of obesity-associated ECM remodeling in cancer progression.
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41
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Sonzini G, Granados-Aparici S, Sanegre S, Diaz-Lagares A, Diaz-Martin J, de Andrea C, Eritja N, Bao-Caamano A, Costa-Fraga N, García-Ros D, Salguero-Aranda C, Davidson B, López-López R, Melero I, Navarro S, Ramon y Cajal S, de Alava E, Matias-Guiu X, Noguera R. Integrating digital pathology with transcriptomic and epigenomic tools for predicting metastatic uterine tumor aggressiveness. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1052098. [DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1052098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of new cancer cases is expected to increase significantly in the future, posing a worldwide problem. In this regard, precision oncology and its diagnostic tools are essential for developing personalized cancer treatments. Digital pathology (DP) is a particularly key strategy to study the interactions of tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which play a crucial role in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. The purpose of this study was to integrate data on the digital patterns of reticulin fiber scaffolding and the immune cell infiltrate, transcriptomic and epigenetic profiles in aggressive uterine adenocarcinoma (uADC), uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) and their respective lung metastases, with the aim of obtaining key TME biomarkers that can help improve metastatic prediction and shed light on potential therapeutic targets. Automatized algorithms were used to analyze reticulin fiber architecture and immune infiltration in colocalized regions of interest (ROIs) of 133 invasive tumor front (ITF), 89 tumor niches and 70 target tissues in a total of six paired samples of uADC and nine of uLMS. Microdissected tissue from the ITF was employed for transcriptomic and epigenetic studies in primary and metastatic tumors. Reticulin fiber scaffolding was characterized by a large and loose reticular fiber network in uADC, while dense bundles were found in uLMS. Notably, more similarities between reticulin fibers were observed in paired uLMS then paired uADCs. Transcriptomic and multiplex immunofluorescence-based immune profiling showed a higher abundance of T and B cells in primary tumor and in metastatic uADC than uLMS. Moreover, the epigenetic signature of paired samples in uADCs showed more differences than paired samples in uLMS. Some epigenetic variation was also found between the ITF of metastatic uADC and uLMS. Altogether, our data suggest a correlation between morphological and molecular changes at the ITF and the degree of aggressiveness. The use of DP tools for characterizing reticulin scaffolding and immune cell infiltration at the ITF in paired samples together with information provided by omics analyses in a large cohort will hopefully help validate novel biomarkers of tumor aggressiveness, develop new drugs and improve patient quality of life in a much more efficient way.
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Liu Y, Lu F, Li X, Yang Y, Yang J. The silencing of lnc-NONHSAT071210 suppresses the proliferation, fibrosis, migration, and invasion of TGFβ1-treated lung epithelial cells. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1239. [PMID: 36544683 PMCID: PMC9761174 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-5223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Pulmonary fibrosis, which is a frequent manifestation of connective tissue disease (CTD), is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. However, the role of long non-coding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) in CTD-associated pulmonary fibrosis requires clarification. This study sought to examine the effects of lnc-NONHSAT071210 on the phenotypes of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)-treated lung epithelial cells. Methods The GeneChip was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs in CTD-associated pulmonary fibrosis patients. After lnc-NONHSAT071210 was knocked down in the TGFβ1-challenged lung epithelial cells, cell viability, cell cycle, migration, and invasion were estimated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, a flow cytometry analysis, wound-healing assays, and transwell assays, respectively. The expression and levels of the fibrosis-associated factors were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, RT-qPCR, and western blots. Results The expression of the top 7 most significantly upregulated lncRNAs in the CTD-associated pulmonary fibrosis patients was depicted in a heat map and examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The results showed that the expression of lnc-NONHSAT071210 was significantly increased in the tissues of the CTD-associated pulmonary fibrosis patients (P<0.001). The silencing of Lnc-NONHSAT071210 suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion in the TGFβ1-exposed alveolar epithelial cells (P<0.001). Conclusions Thus, lnc-NONHSAT071210 expression was increased in the tissues of the CTD-associated pulmonary fibrosis patients and TGFβ1-treated lung epithelial cells, and TGFβ1-induced lung epithelial cell injury was alleviated by impeding the expression of lnc-NONHSAT071210.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China;,Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Fuai Lu
- Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Xiaofen Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Youguo Yang
- Department of Rheumatology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Jianqing Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Liuzhou People’s Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
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43
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Liu H, Fan P, Jin F, Huang G, Guo X, Xu F. Dynamic and static biomechanical traits of cardiac fibrosis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1042030. [PMID: 36394025 PMCID: PMC9659743 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1042030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathology in cardiovascular diseases which are reported as the leading cause of death globally. In recent decades, accumulating evidence has shown that the biomechanical traits of fibrosis play important roles in cardiac fibrosis initiation, progression and treatment. In this review, we summarize the four main distinct biomechanical traits (i.e., stretch, fluid shear stress, ECM microarchitecture, and ECM stiffness) and categorize them into two different types (i.e., static and dynamic), mainly consulting the unique characteristic of the heart. Moreover, we also provide a comprehensive overview of the effect of different biomechanical traits on cardiac fibrosis, their transduction mechanisms, and in-vitro engineered models targeting biomechanical traits that will aid the identification and prediction of mechano-based therapeutic targets to ameliorate cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengbei Fan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fanli Jin
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guoyou Huang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Guoyou Huang, ; Xiaogang Guo, ; Feng Xu,
| | - Xiaogang Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guoyou Huang, ; Xiaogang Guo, ; Feng Xu,
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Guoyou Huang, ; Xiaogang Guo, ; Feng Xu,
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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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45
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Kim M, Lee C, Park J. Extracellular matrix remodeling facilitates obesity-associated cancer progression. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 32:825-834. [PMID: 35307288 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Obesity, a global public health concern, is an important risk factor for metabolic diseases and several cancers. Fibro-inflammation in adipose tissues (ATs) is tightly associated with the pathologies of obesity; excessive or uncontrolled extracellular matrix (ECM) production in AT has a crucial role in this pathogenesis. The ECM is a critical and functional component of various tissues, providing a mechanical and chemical network of proteins that controls cell survival, development, and tissue repair. The ECM is tightly regulated and dynamically remodeled; this is an important factor for AT expansion and can result in modifications to the physical shape and biological function of AT. Here, we focus on ECM remodeling in AT and how it affects obesity-related cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Changhu Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
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Sousa T, Kajave N, Dong P, Gu L, Florczyk S, Kishore V. Optimization of Freeze-FRESH Methodology for 3D Printing of Microporous Collagen Constructs. 3D PRINTING AND ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING 2022; 9:411-424. [PMID: 36660295 PMCID: PMC9590344 DOI: 10.1089/3dp.2020.0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Freeform reversible embedding of suspended hydrogels (FRESH) is a layer-by-layer extrusion-based technique to enable three-dimensional (3D) printing of soft tissue constructs by using a thermo-reversible gelatin support bath. Suboptimal resolution of extrusion-based printing limits its use for the creation of microscopic features in the 3D construct. These microscopic features (e.g., pore size) are known to have a profound effect on cell migration, cell-cell interaction, proliferation, and differentiation. In a recent study, FRESH-based 3D printing was combined with freeze-casting in the Freeze-FRESH (FF) method, which yielded alginate constructs with hierarchical porosity. However, use of the FF approach allowed little control of micropore size in the printed alginate constructs. Herein, the FF methodology was optimized for 3D printing of collagen constructs with greater control of microporosity. Modifications to the FF method entailed melting of the FRESH bath before freezing to allow more efficient heat transport, achieve greater control on microporosity, and permit polymerization of collagen molecules to enable 3D printing of stable microporous collagen constructs. The effects of different freezing temperatures on microporosity and physical properties of the 3D-printed collagen constructs were assessed. In addition, finite element (FE) models were generated to predict the mechanical properties of the microporous constructs. Further, the impact of different micropore sizes on cellular response was evaluated. Results showed that the microporosity of 3D-printed collagen constructs can be tailored by customizing the FF approach. Compressive modulus of microporous constructs was significantly lower than the non-porous control, and the FE model verified these findings. Constructs with larger micropore size were more stable and showed significantly greater cell infiltration and metabolic activity. Together, these results suggest that the FF method can be customized to guide the design of 3D-printed microporous collagen constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Sousa
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, USA
| | - Nilabh Kajave
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, USA
| | - Pengfei Dong
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, USA
| | - Linxia Gu
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, USA
| | - Stephanie Florczyk
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Vipuil Kishore
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, USA
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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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Gonzalez‐Molina J, Kirchhof KM, Rathod B, Moyano‐Galceran L, Calvo‐Noriega M, Kokaraki G, Bjørkøy A, Ehnman M, Carlson JW, Lehti K. Mechanical Confinement and DDR1 Signaling Synergize to Regulate Collagen-Induced Apoptosis in Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202552. [PMID: 35957513 PMCID: PMC9534977 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fibrillar collagens promote cell proliferation, migration, and survival in various epithelial cancers and are generally associated with tumor aggressiveness. However, the impact of fibrillar collagens on soft tissue sarcoma behavior remains poorly understood. Unexpectedly, this study finds that fibrillar collagen-related gene expression is associated with favorable patient prognosis in rhabdomyosarcoma. By developing and using collagen matrices with distinct stiffness and in vivo-like microarchitectures, this study uncovers that the activation of DDR1 has pro-apoptotic and of integrin β1 pro-survival function, specifically in 3D rhabdomyosarcoma cell cultures. It demonstrates that rhabdomyosarcoma cell-intrinsic or extrinsic matrix remodeling promotes cell survival. Mechanistically, the 3D-specific collagen-induced apoptosis results from a dual DDR1-independent and a synergistic DDR1-dependent TRPV4-mediated response to mechanical confinement. Altogether, these results indicate that dense microfibrillar collagen-rich microenvironments are detrimental to rhabdomyosarcoma cells through an apoptotic response orchestrated by the induction of DDR1 signaling and mechanical confinement. This mechanism helps to explain the preference of rhabdomyosarcoma cells to grow in and metastasize to low fibrillar collagen microenvironments such as the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Gonzalez‐Molina
- Department of MicrobiologyTumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetSolnavägen 9Solna17165Sweden
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska InstitutetKarolinskavägenSolna17164Sweden
| | - Katharina Miria Kirchhof
- Department of MicrobiologyTumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetSolnavägen 9Solna17165Sweden
| | - Bhavik Rathod
- Department of MicrobiologyTumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetSolnavägen 9Solna17165Sweden
- Department of Laboratory MedicineDivision of PathologyKarolinska InstitutetAlfred Nobels Allé 8Stockholm14152Sweden
| | - Lidia Moyano‐Galceran
- Department of MicrobiologyTumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetSolnavägen 9Solna17165Sweden
| | - Maria Calvo‐Noriega
- Department of MicrobiologyTumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetSolnavägen 9Solna17165Sweden
| | - Georgia Kokaraki
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska InstitutetKarolinskavägenSolna17164Sweden
- Keck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern California1975 Zonal AveLos AngelesCA90033USA
| | - Astrid Bjørkøy
- Department of PhysicsNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyHøgskoleringen 5TrondheimNO‐7491Norway
| | - Monika Ehnman
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska InstitutetKarolinskavägenSolna17164Sweden
| | - Joseph W. Carlson
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska InstitutetKarolinskavägenSolna17164Sweden
- Keck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern California1975 Zonal AveLos AngelesCA90033USA
| | - Kaisa Lehti
- Department of MicrobiologyTumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetSolnavägen 9Solna17165Sweden
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory ScienceNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyErling Skjalgssons gate 1TrondheimNO‐7491Norway
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Zuela-Sopilniak N, Lammerding J. Can't handle the stress? Mechanobiology and disease. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:710-725. [PMID: 35717527 PMCID: PMC9420767 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mechanobiology is a rapidly growing research area focused on how mechanical forces and properties influence biological systems at the cell, molecular, and tissue level, and how those biological systems, in turn, control mechanical parameters. Recently, it has become apparent that disrupted mechanobiology has a significant role in many diseases, from cardiovascular disease to muscular dystrophy and cancer. An improved understanding of this intricate process could be harnessed toward developing alternative and more targeted treatment strategies, and to advance the fields of regenerative and personalized medicine. Modulating the mechanical properties of the cellular microenvironment has already been used successfully to boost antitumor immune responses and to induce cardiac and spinal regeneration, providing inspiration for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam Zuela-Sopilniak
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jan Lammerding
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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50
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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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