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Ang I, Yousafzai MS, Yadav V, Mohler K, Rinehart J, Bouklas N, Murrell M. Elastocapillary effects determine early matrix deformation by glioblastoma cell spheroids. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:026109. [PMID: 38706957 PMCID: PMC11069407 DOI: 10.1063/5.0191765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
During cancer pathogenesis, cell-generated mechanical stresses lead to dramatic alterations in the mechanical and organizational properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM). To date, contraction of the ECM is largely attributed to local mechanical stresses generated during cell invasion, but the impact of "elastocapillary" effects from surface tension on the tumor periphery has not been examined. Here, we embed glioblastoma cell spheroids within collagen gels, as a model of tumors within the ECM. We then modulate the surface tension of the spheroids, such that the spheroid contracts or expands. Surprisingly, in both cases, at the far-field, the ECM is contracted toward the spheroids prior to cellular migration from the spheroid into the ECM. Through computational simulation, we demonstrate that contraction of the ECM arises from a balance of spheroid surface tension, cell-ECM interactions, and time-dependent, poroelastic effects of the gel. This leads to the accumulation of ECM near the periphery of the spheroid and the contraction of the ECM without regard to the expansion or contraction of the spheroid. These results highlight the role of tissue-level surface stresses and fluid flow within the ECM in the regulation of cell-ECM interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Ang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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2
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Smith EJ, Beaumont RE, Dudhia J, Guest DJ. Equine Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Tenocytes are Insensitive to a Combination of Inflammatory Cytokines and Have Distinct Molecular Responses Compared to Primary Tenocytes. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1040-1059. [PMID: 38396222 PMCID: PMC11087315 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10693-8] [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] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis following tendon injury is a major clinical problem due to the increased risk of re-injury and limited treatment options; however, its mechanism remains unclear. Evidence suggests that insufficient resolution of inflammation contributes to fibrotic healing by disrupting tenocyte activity, with the NF-κB pathway being identified as a potential mediator. Equine embryonic stem cell (ESC) derived tenocytes may offer a potential cell-based therapy to improve tendon regeneration, but how they respond to an inflammatory environment is largely unknown. Our findings reveal for the first time that, unlike adult tenocytes, ESC-tenocytes are unaffected by IFN-γ, TNFα, and IL-1β stimulation; producing minimal changes to tendon-associated gene expression and generating 3-D collagen gel constructs indistinguishable from unstimulated controls. Inflammatory pathway analysis found these inflammatory cytokines failed to activate NF-κB in the ESC-tenocytes. However, NF-κB could be activated to induce changes in gene expression following stimulation with NF-κB pharmaceutical activators. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differences between cytokine and NF-κB signalling components between adult and ESC-tenocytes, which may contribute to the mechanism by which ESC-tenocytes escape inflammatory stimuli. Further investigation of these molecular mechanisms will help guide novel therapies to reduce fibrosis and encourage superior tendon healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Smith
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK.
| | - Ross E Beaumont
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Jayesh Dudhia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Deborah J Guest
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK.
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3
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Watanabe-Asaka T, Hayashi M, Harada T, Uemura S, Takai J, Nakamura Y, Moriguchi T, Kawai Y. Perturbed collagen metabolism underlies lymphatic recanalization failure in Gata2 heterozygous deficient mice. J Biochem 2024; 175:551-560. [PMID: 38168819 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphedema has become a global health issue following the growing number of cancer surgeries. Curative or supportive therapeutics have long been awaited for this refractory condition. Transcription factor GATA2 is crucial in lymphatic development and maintenance, as GATA2 haploinsufficient disease often manifests as lymphedema. We recently demonstrated that Gata2 heterozygous deficient mice displayed delayed lymphatic recanalization upon lymph node resection. However, whether GATA2 contributes to lymphatic regeneration by functioning in the damaged lymph vessels' microenvironment remains explored. In this study, our integrated analysis demonstrated that dermal collagen fibers were more densely accumulated in the Gata2 heterozygous deficient mice. The collagen metabolism-related transcriptome was perturbed, and collagen matrix contractile activity was aberrantly increased in Gata2 heterozygous embryonic fibroblasts. Notably, soluble collagen placement ameliorated delayed lymphatic recanalization, presumably by modulating the stiffness of the extracellular matrix around the resection site of Gata2 heterozygous deficient mice. Our results provide valuable insights into mechanisms underlying GATA2-haploinsufficiency-mediated lymphedema and shed light on potential therapeutic avenues for this intractable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Watanabe-Asaka
- Division of Physiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, School of Medicine
| | - Moyuru Hayashi
- Division of Physiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, School of Medicine
| | - Takuya Harada
- Division of Physiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, School of Medicine
| | - Satoshi Uemura
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, School of Medicine
| | - Jun Takai
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, School of Medicine
| | - Yasuhiro Nakamura
- Division of Pathology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, School of Medicine 983-8536 Japan
| | - Takashi Moriguchi
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, School of Medicine
| | - Yoshiko Kawai
- Division of Physiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, School of Medicine
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4
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Knoblich C, Dunckelmann K, Krüger A, Küper T, Blatt T, Weise JM. N-acetyl-L-hydroxyproline - A potent skin anti-ageing active preventing advanced glycation end-product formation in vitro and ex vivo. Int J Cosmet Sci 2024; 46:297-306. [PMID: 38013225 DOI: 10.1111/ics.12930] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) represent a large group of compounds generated by a non-enzymatic reaction between reducing sugars and amino groups. The formation and accumulation of AGEs in the skin lead to protein crosslinking, dermal stiffening and yellowing, which ultimately contribute to cutaneous ageing. Amino acids have been described to exhibit anti-glycation effects. The objective of this study was to understand the inhibitory role of the amino acid derivative N-acetyl-L-hydroxyproline (NAHP) as an anti-glycation active for human skin. METHODS A cell-free assay investigating the inhibition of glycation of serum albumin by NAHP was used to determine the capability of NAHP to decrease AGE formation. Also, by assessing the amount of the AGE N-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) the anti-glycation abilities of NAHP were investigated utilizing dot blot analysis. The improvement of cell-matrix interaction by NAHP was determined in vitro using a glycated fibroblast-populated collagen lattice (FPCL) dermis model. In skin biopsies, AGE autofluorescence was determined after treatment with NAHP and/or glucose ex vivo. RESULTS NAHP significantly and dose-dependently inhibited levels of AGEs, which were induced by the glycation of a protein solution. This decrease could be visualized by showing that the brownish appearance as well as the AGE-specific fluorescence of glucose-treated samples were reduced after the application of increasing amounts of NAHP. Also, CML formation was dose-dependently inhibited by NAHP. In FPCLs, the contractile capacity of fibroblasts was significantly disturbed after glycation. This could be prevented by the addition of NAHP. Compared to glyoxal-treated samples, the co-application of NAHP significantly decreased the diameter as well as the weight of glycated FPCLs. Ex vivo application of glucose to skin explants showed a higher AGE fluorescence signal compared to control explants. Co-treatment with NAHP and glucose decreased the level of AGE fluorescence in comparison to glucose-treated explants. CONCLUSION These data provide clear evidence that under glycation stress conditions treatment with NAHP inhibited AGE formation in vitro and ex vivo and prevented the loss of cellular contractile forces in a glycated dermis model. Thus, NAHP obviously provides a beneficial treatment option to counteract AGE-related changes in human skin such as dermal stiffening and yellowish skin appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Krüger
- Research and Development, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Küper
- Research and Development, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Blatt
- Research and Development, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia M Weise
- Research and Development, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
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5
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Khader R, Whitehead-Clarke T, Mudera V, Kureshi A. Assessment of mesh shrinkage using fibroblast-populated collagen matrices: a proof of concept for in vitro hernia mesh testing. Hernia 2024; 28:495-505. [PMID: 38180627 PMCID: PMC10997730 DOI: 10.1007/s10029-023-02941-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study uses free-floating contractile fibroblast-populated collagen matrices (FPCMs) to test the shrinkage of different hernia mesh products. We hope to present this model as a proof of concept for the development of in vitro hernia mesh testing-a novel technology with interesting potential. METHODS FPCMs were formed by seeding Human Dermal Fibroblasts into collagen gels. FPCMs were seeded with three different cell densities and cast at a volume of 500 μl into 24-well plates. Five different mesh products were embedded within the collagen constructs. Gels were left to float freely within culture media and contract over 5 days. Photographs were taken daily and the area of the collagen gel and mesh were measured. Media samples were taken at days 2 and 4 for the purposes of measuring MMP-9 release. After 5 days, dehydrated FPCMs were also examined under light and fluorescence microscopy to assess cell morphology. RESULTS Two mesh products-the mosquito net and large pore lightweight mesh were found to shrink notably more than others. This pattern persisted across all three cell densities. There were no appreciable differences observed in MMP-9 release between products. CONCLUSIONS This study has successfully demonstrated that commercial mesh products can be successfully integrated into free-floating contractile FPCMs. Not only this, but FPCMs are capable of applying a contractile force upon those mesh products-eliciting different levels of contraction between mesh products. Such findings demonstrate this technique as a useful proof of concept for future development of in vitro hernia mesh testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Khader
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - T Whitehead-Clarke
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.
| | - V Mudera
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Kureshi
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
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Song X, Nihashi Y, Imai Y, Mori N, Kagaya N, Suenaga H, Shin-ya K, Yamamoto M, Setoyama D, Kunisaki Y, Kida YS. Collagen Lattice Model, Populated with Heterogeneous Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts, Facilitates Advanced Reconstruction of Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3740. [PMID: 38612551 PMCID: PMC11011612 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073740] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a solid-tumor malignancy. To enhance the treatment landscape of PDAC, a 3D model optimized for rigorous drug screening is essential. Within the PDAC tumor microenvironment, a dense stroma comprising a large extracellular matrix and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is well-known for its vital role in modulating tumor growth, cellular heterogeneity, bidirectional paracrine signaling, and chemoresistance. In this study, we employed a fibroblast-populated collagen lattice (FPCL) modeling approach that has the ability to replicate fibroblast contractility in the collagenous matrix to build dense stroma. This FPCL model allows CAF differentiation by facilitating multifaceted cell-cell interactions between cancer cells and CAFs, with the differentiation further influenced by mechanical forces and hypoxia carried within the 3D structure. Our FPCL models displayed hallmark features, including ductal gland structures and differentiated CAFs with spindle shapes. Through morphological explorations alongside in-depth transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling, we identified substantial molecular shifts from the nascent to mature model stages and potential metabolic biomarkers, such as proline. The initial pharmacological assays highlighted the effectiveness of our FPCL model in screening for improved therapeutic strategies. In conclusion, our PDAC modeling platform mirrors complex tumor microenvironmental dynamics and offers an unparalleled perspective for therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Song
- Tsukuba Life Science Innovation Program (T-LSI), School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan;
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Yuma Nihashi
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Yukiko Imai
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan;
| | - Nobuhito Mori
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Noritaka Kagaya
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Hikaru Suenaga
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Kazuo Shin-ya
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Masamichi Yamamoto
- Department of Research Promotion and Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Ki-shibe-Shimmachi, Suita 564-8565, Japan;
| | - Daiki Setoyama
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
| | - Yuya Kunisaki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
| | - Yasuyuki S. Kida
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
- School of Integrative & Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
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7
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Sarkar M, Burkel BM, Ponik SM, Notbohm J. Unexpected softening of a fibrous matrix by contracting inclusions. Acta Biomater 2024; 177:253-264. [PMID: 38272198 PMCID: PMC10948310 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Cells respond to the stiffness of their surrounding environment, but quantifying the stiffness of a fibrous matrix at the scale of a cell is complicated, due to the effects of nonlinearity and complex force transmission pathways resulting from randomness in fiber density and connections. While it is known that forces produced by individual contractile cells can stiffen the matrix, it remains unclear how simultaneous contraction of multiple cells in a fibrous matrix alters the stiffness at the scale of a cell. Here, we used computational modeling and experiments to quantify the stiffness of a random fibrous matrix embedded with multiple contracting inclusions, which mimicked the contractile forces of a cell. The results showed that when the matrix was free to contract as a result of the forces produced by the inclusions, the matrix softened rather than stiffened, which was surprising given that the contracting inclusions applied tensile forces to the matrix. Using the computational model, we identified that the underlying cause of the softening was that the majority of the fibers were under a local state of axial compression, causing buckling. We verified that this buckling-induced matrix softening was sufficient for cells to sense and respond by altering their morphology and force generation. Our findings reveal that the localized forces induced by cells do not always stiffen the matrix; rather, softening can occur in instances wherein the matrix can contract in response to the cell-generated forces. This study opens up new possibilities to investigate whether cell-induced softening contributes to maintenance of homeostatic conditions or progression of disease. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Mechanical interactions between cells and the surrounding matrix strongly influence cellular functions. Cell-induced forces can alter matrix properties, and much prior literature in this area focused on the influence of individual contracting cells. Cells in tissues are rarely solitary; rather, they are interspersed with neighboring cells throughout the matrix. As a result, the mechanics are complicated, leaving it unclear how the multiple contracting cells affect matrix stiffness. Here, we show that multiple contracting inclusions within a fibrous matrix can cause softening that in turn affects cell sensing and response. Our findings provide new directions to determine impacts of cell-induced softening on maintenance of tissue or progression of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mainak Sarkar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brian M Burkel
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Suzanne M Ponik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jacob Notbohm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA.
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Ye L, Ziesch A, Schneider JS, Ofner A, Nieß H, Denk G, Hohenester S, Mayr D, Mahajan UM, Munker S, Khaled NB, Wimmer R, Gerbes AL, Mayerle J, He Y, Geier A, Toni END, Zhang C, Reiter FP. The inhibition of YAP Signaling Prevents Chronic Biliary Fibrosis in the Abcb4 -/- Model by Modulation of Hepatic Stellate Cell and Bile Duct Epithelium Cell Pathophysiology. Aging Dis 2024; 15:338-356. [PMID: 37307826 PMCID: PMC10796084 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) represents a chronic liver disease characterized by poor prognosis and lacking causal treatment options. Yes-associated protein (YAP) functions as a critical mediator of fibrogenesis; however, its therapeutic potential in chronic biliary diseases such as PSC remains unestablished. The objective of this study is to elucidate the possible significance of YAP inhibition in biliary fibrosis by examining the pathophysiology of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and biliary epithelial cells (BEC). Human liver tissue samples from PSC patients were analyzed to assess the expression of YAP/connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) relative to non-fibrotic control samples. The pathophysiological relevance of YAP/CTGF in HSC and BEC was investigated in primary human HSC (phHSC), LX-2, H69, and TFK-1 cell lines through siRNA or pharmacological inhibition utilizing verteporfin (VP) and metformin (MF). The Abcb4-/- mouse model was employed to evaluate the protective effects of pharmacological YAP inhibition. Hanging droplet and 3D matrigel culture techniques were utilized to investigate YAP expression and activation status of phHSC under various physical conditions. YAP/CTGF upregulation was observed in PSC patients. Silencing YAP/CTGF led to inhibition of phHSC activation and reduced contractility of LX-2 cells, as well as suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in H69 cells and proliferation of TFK-1 cells. Pharmacological inhibition of YAP mitigated chronic liver fibrosis in vivo and diminished ductular reaction and EMT. YAP expression in phHSC was effectively modulated by altering extracellular stiffness, highlighting YAP's role as a mechanotransducer. In conclusion, YAP regulates the activation of HSC and EMT in BEC, thereby functioning as a checkpoint of fibrogenesis in chronic cholestasis. Both VP and MF demonstrate effectiveness as YAP inhibitors, capable of inhibiting biliary fibrosis. These findings suggest that VP and MF warrant further investigation as potential therapeutic options for the treatment of PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangtao Ye
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Andreas Ziesch
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | | | - Andrea Ofner
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Hanno Nieß
- Biobank of the Department of General, Visceral and Transplantion Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Gerald Denk
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Simon Hohenester
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Doris Mayr
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Ujjwal M. Mahajan
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Stefan Munker
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Najib Ben Khaled
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Ralf Wimmer
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | | | - Julia Mayerle
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Yulong He
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Andreas Geier
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Enrico N. De Toni
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Changhua Zhang
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Florian P. Reiter
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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9
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Hassani I, Anbiah B, Moore AL, Abraham PT, Odeniyi IA, Habbit NL, Greene MW, Lipke EA. Establishment of a tissue-engineered colon cancer model for comparative analysis of cancer cell lines. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:231-249. [PMID: 37927200 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
To overcome the limitations of in vitro two-dimensional (2D) cancer models in mimicking the complexities of the native tumor milieu, three-dimensional (3D) engineered cancer models using biomimetic materials have been introduced to more closely recapitulate the key attributes of the tumor microenvironment. Specifically, for colorectal cancer (CRC), a few studies have developed 3D engineered tumor models to investigate cell-cell interactions or efficacy of anti-cancer drugs. However, recapitulation of CRC cell line phenotypic differences within a 3D engineered matrix has not been systematically investigated. Here, we developed an in vitro 3D engineered CRC (3D-eCRC) tissue model using the natural-synthetic hybrid biomaterial PEG-fibrinogen and three CRC cell lines, HCT 116, HT-29, and SW480. To better recapitulate native tumor conditions, our 3D-eCRC model supported higher cell density encapsulation (20 × 106 cells/mL) and enabled longer term maintenance (29 days) as compared to previously reported in vitro CRC models. The 3D-eCRCs formed using each cell line demonstrated line-dependent differences in cellular and tissue properties, including cellular growth and morphology, cell subpopulations, cell size, cell granularity, migration patterns, tissue growth, gene expression, and tissue stiffness. Importantly, these differences were found to be most prominent from Day 22 to Day 29, thereby indicating the importance of long-term culture of engineered CRC tissues for recapitulation and investigation of mechanistic differences and drug response. Our 3D-eCRC tissue model showed high potential for supporting future in vitro comparative studies of disease progression, metastatic mechanisms, and anti-cancer drug candidate response in a CRC cell line-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Hassani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama, USA
| | - Benjamin Anbiah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Andrew L Moore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Peter T Abraham
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Ifeoluwa A Odeniyi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Nicole L Habbit
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael W Greene
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Lipke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
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10
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McKee JA, Olsen EA, Wills Kpeli G, Brooks MR, Beitollahpoor M, Pesika NS, Burow ME, Mondrinos MJ. Engineering dense tumor constructs via cellular contraction of extracellular matrix hydrogels. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:380-394. [PMID: 37822194 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Physical characteristics of solid tumors such as dense internal microarchitectures and pathological stiffness influence cancer progression and treatment. While it is routine to engineer culture substrates and scaffolds with elastic moduli that approximate tumors, these models often fail to capture characteristic internal microarchitectures such as densely compacted concentric ECM fibers at the stromal interface. Contractile mesenchymal cells can solve this engineering challenge by deforming, contracting, and compacting extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogels to decrease tissue volume and increase tissue density. Here we demonstrate that allowing human fibroblasts of varying origins to freely contract collagen type I-containing hydrogels co-seeded with carcinoma cell spheroids produces a tissue engineered construct with structural features that mimic dense solid tumors in vivo. Morphometry and mechanical testing were conducted in tandem with biochemical analysis of proliferation and viability to confirm that dense carcinoma constructs engineered using this approach capture relevant physical characteristics of solid carcinomas in a tractable format that preserves viability and is amenable to extended culture. The reported method is adaptable to the use of multiple mesenchymal cell types and the inclusion of fibrin in the ECM combined with seeding of endothelial cells to produce prevascularized constructs. The physical dense carcinoma constructs engineered using this approach may provide more clinically relevant venues for studying cancer pathophysiology and the challenges associated with the delivery of macromolecular drugs and cellular immunotherapies to solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae A McKee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Bioinnovation Program, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Elisabet A Olsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Bioinnovation Program, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Gideon Wills Kpeli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Moriah R Brooks
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | | | - Noshir S Pesika
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Matthew E Burow
- Bioinnovation Program, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Mark J Mondrinos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Physiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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11
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Petroff A. Studying Monocyte-Myofibroblast Immunomodulation in a 3D Co-culture System. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2782:97-112. [PMID: 38622395 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3754-8_7] [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: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Simple and reproducible 3D cell culture systems that mimic biological interactions within physiological tissues (biomimetics) can provide unique insight for scientific inquiries compared to 2D cell cultures. Fibroblast-populated collagen lattices (FPCLs) are commonly used for mimicking physiological collagen matrices, potentiating biomechanical stresses on embedded fibroblasts. Here, we describe a novel 3D co-culture model that incorporates human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts embedded in FPCLs co-cultured with THP-1 monocytes suspended in culture media. This method can be used for the assessment of cell-cell interactions in various stages of the wound healing process and can facilitate various types of immune cells in co-culture. This system can also be used to study pharmacological agents that may eventually improve clinical outcomes in patients affected by inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avi Petroff
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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12
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Polak J, Sachs D, Scherrer N, Süess A, Liu H, Levesque M, Werner S, Mazza E, Restivo G, Meboldt M, Giampietro C. Radial matrix constraint influences tissue contraction and promotes maturation of bi-layered skin equivalents. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 156:213702. [PMID: 37992477 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Human skin equivalents (HSEs) serve as important tools for mechanistic studies with human skin cells, drug discovery, pre-clinical applications in the field of tissue engineering and for skin transplantation on skin defects. Besides the cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) components used for HSEs, physical constraints applied on the scaffold during HSEs maturation influence tissue organization, functionality, and homogeneity. In this study, we introduce a 3D-printed culture insert that exposes bi-layered HSEs to a static radial constraint through matrix adhesion. We examine the effect of various diameters of the ring-shaped culture insert on the HSE's characteristics and compare them to state-of-the-art unconstrained and planar constrained HSEs. We show that radial matrix constraint of HSEs regulates tissue contraction, promotes fibroblast and matrix organization that is similar to human skin in vivo and improves keratinocyte differentiation, epidermal stratification, and basement membrane formation depending on the culture insert diameter. Together, these data demonstrate that the degree of HSE's contraction is an important design consideration in skin tissue engineering. Therefore, this study can help to mimic various in vivo skin conditions and to increase the control of relevant tissue properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Polak
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland.
| | - David Sachs
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Nino Scherrer
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Süess
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Huan Liu
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Mitchell Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Werner
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Edoardo Mazza
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland; Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), Dubendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Gaetana Restivo
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Mirko Meboldt
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Costanza Giampietro
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland; Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), Dubendorf 8600, Switzerland
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13
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Brunel LG, Christakopoulos F, Kilian D, Cai B, Hull SM, Myung D, Heilshorn SC. Embedded 3D Bioprinting of Collagen Inks into Microgel Baths to Control Hydrogel Microstructure and Cell Spreading. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2303325. [PMID: 38134346 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303325] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Microextrusion-based 3D bioprinting into support baths has emerged as a promising technique to pattern soft biomaterials into complex, macroscopic structures. It is hypothesized that interactions between inks and support baths, which are often composed of granular microgels, can be modulated to control the microscopic structure within these macroscopic-printed constructs. Using printed collagen bioinks crosslinked either through physical self-assembly or bioorthogonal covalent chemistry, it is demonstrated that microscopic porosity is introduced into collagen inks printed into microgel support baths but not bulk gel support baths. The overall porosity is governed by the ratio between the ink's shear viscosity and the microgel support bath's zero-shear viscosity. By adjusting the flow rate during extrusion, the ink's shear viscosity is modulated, thus controlling the extent of microscopic porosity independent of the ink composition. For covalently crosslinked collagen, printing into support baths comprised of gelatin microgels (15-50 µm) results in large pores (≈40 µm) that allow human corneal mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to readily spread, while control samples of cast collagen or collagen printed in non-granular support baths do not allow cell spreading. Taken together, these data demonstrate a new method to impart controlled microscale porosity into 3D printed hydrogels using granular microgel support baths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia G Brunel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Fotis Christakopoulos
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - David Kilian
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Betty Cai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Sarah M Hull
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - David Myung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, USA
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Sarah C Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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14
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Ahmed DW, Eiken MK, DePalma SJ, Helms AS, Zemans RL, Spence JR, Baker BM, Loebel C. Integrating mechanical cues with engineered platforms to explore cardiopulmonary development and disease. iScience 2023; 26:108472. [PMID: 38077130 PMCID: PMC10698280 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces provide critical biological signals to cells during healthy and aberrant organ development as well as during disease processes in adults. Within the cardiopulmonary system, mechanical forces, such as shear, compressive, and tensile forces, act across various length scales, and dysregulated forces are often a leading cause of disease initiation and progression such as in bronchopulmonary dysplasia and cardiomyopathies. Engineered in vitro models have supported studies of mechanical forces in a number of tissue and disease-specific contexts, thus enabling new mechanistic insights into cardiopulmonary development and disease. This review first provides fundamental examples where mechanical forces operate at multiple length scales to ensure precise lung and heart function. Next, we survey recent engineering platforms and tools that have provided new means to probe and modulate mechanical forces across in vitro and in vivo settings. Finally, the potential for interdisciplinary collaborations to inform novel therapeutic approaches for a number of cardiopulmonary diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donia W. Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Madeline K. Eiken
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Samuel J. DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Adam S. Helms
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rachel L. Zemans
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine – Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jason R. Spence
- Department of Internal Medicine – Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Claudia Loebel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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15
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Brown ME, Puetzer JL. Enthesis maturation in engineered ligaments is differentially driven by loads that mimic slow growth elongation and rapid cyclic muscle movement. Acta Biomater 2023; 172:106-122. [PMID: 37839633 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Entheses are complex attachments that translate load between elastic-ligaments and stiff-bone via organizational and compositional gradients. Neither natural healing, repair, nor engineered replacements restore these gradients, contributing to high re-tear rates. Previously, we developed a culture system which guides ligament fibroblasts in high-density collagen gels to develop early postnatal-like entheses, however further maturation is needed. Mechanical cues, including slow growth elongation and cyclic muscle activity, are critical to enthesis development in vivo but these cues have not been widely explored in engineered entheses and their individual contribution to maturation is largely unknown. Our objective here was to investigate how slow stretch, mimicking ACL growth rates, and intermittent cyclic loading, mimicking muscle activity, individually drive enthesis maturation in our system so to shed light on the cues governing enthesis development, while further developing our tissue engineered replacements. Interestingly, we found these loads differentially drive organizational maturation, with slow stretch driving improvements in the interface/enthesis region, and cyclic load improving the ligament region. However, despite differentially affecting organization, both loads produced improvements to interface mechanics and zonal composition. This study provides insight into how mechanical cues differentially affect enthesis development, while producing some of the most organized engineered enthesis to date. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Entheses attach ligaments to bone and are critical to load transfer; however, entheses do not regenerate with repair or replacement, contributing to high re-tear rates. Mechanical cues are critical to enthesis development in vivo but their individual contribution to maturation is largely unknown and they have not been widely explored in engineered replacements. Here, using a novel culture system, we provide new insight into how slow stretch, mimicking ACL growth rates, and intermittent cyclic loading, mimicking muscle activity, differentially affect enthesis maturation in engineered ligament-to-bone tissues, ultimately producing some of the most organized entheses to date. This system is a promising platform to explore cues regulating enthesis formation so to produce functional engineered replacements and better drive regeneration following repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ethan Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, United States
| | - Jennifer L Puetzer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, United States; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, United States.
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16
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Böhringer D, Bauer A, Moravec I, Bischof L, Kah D, Mark C, Grundy TJ, Görlach E, O'Neill GM, Budday S, Strissel PL, Strick R, Malandrino A, Gerum R, Mak M, Rausch M, Fabry B. Fiber alignment in 3D collagen networks as a biophysical marker for cell contractility. Matrix Biol 2023; 124:39-48. [PMID: 37967726 PMCID: PMC10872942 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.11.004] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Cells cultured in 3D fibrous biopolymer matrices exert traction forces on their environment that induce deformations and remodeling of the fiber network. By measuring these deformations, the traction forces can be reconstructed if the mechanical properties of the matrix and the force-free matrix configuration are known. These requirements limit the applicability of traction force reconstruction in practice. In this study, we test whether force-induced matrix remodeling can instead be used as a proxy for cellular traction forces. We measure the traction forces of hepatic stellate cells and different glioblastoma cell lines and quantify matrix remodeling by measuring the fiber orientation and fiber density around these cells. In agreement with simulated fiber networks, we demonstrate that changes in local fiber orientation and density are directly related to cell forces. By resolving Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor-induced changes of traction forces, fiber alignment, and fiber density in hepatic stellate cells, we show that the method is suitable for drug screening assays. We conclude that differences in local fiber orientation and density, which are easily measurable, can be used as a qualitative proxy for changes in traction forces. The method is available as an open-source Python package with a graphical user interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Böhringer
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas Bauer
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ivana Moravec
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lars Bischof
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Delf Kah
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Mark
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas J Grundy
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Geraldine M O'Neill
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Silvia Budday
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Pamela L Strissel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Department of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Reiner Strick
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea Malandrino
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Richard Gerum
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Department of Physics and Astronomy, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Mak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, USA.
| | - Martin Rausch
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ben Fabry
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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17
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Footner E, Firipis K, Liu E, Baker C, Foley P, Kapsa RMI, Pirogova E, O'Connell C, Quigley A. Layer-by-Layer Analysis of In Vitro Skin Models. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5933-5952. [PMID: 37791888 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00283] [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: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
In vitro human skin models are evolving into versatile platforms for the study of skin biology and disorders. These models have many potential applications in the fields of drug testing and safety assessment, as well as cosmetic and new treatment development. The development of in vitro skin models that accurately mimic native human skin can reduce reliance on animal models and also allow for more precise, clinically relevant testing. Recent advances in biofabrication techniques and biomaterials have led to the creation of increasingly complex, multilayered skin models that incorporate important functional components of skin, such as the skin barrier, mechanical properties, pigmentation, vasculature, hair follicles, glands, and subcutaneous layer. This improved ability to recapitulate the functional aspects of native skin enhances the ability to model the behavior and response of native human skin, as the complex interplay of cell-to-cell and cell-to-material interactions are incorporated. In this review, we summarize the recent developments in in vitro skin models, with a focus on their applications, limitations, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Footner
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Kate Firipis
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Emily Liu
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Chris Baker
- Department of Dermatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Skin Health Institute, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Peter Foley
- Department of Dermatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Skin Health Institute, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Robert M I Kapsa
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Neurosciences and Neurological Research, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Cathal O'Connell
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Anita Quigley
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Neurosciences and Neurological Research, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
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18
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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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19
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Wistner SC, Rashad L, Slaughter G. Advances in tissue engineering and biofabrication for in vitro skin modeling. BIOPRINTING (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 35:e00306. [PMID: 38645432 PMCID: PMC11031264 DOI: 10.1016/j.bprint.2023.e00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The global prevalence of skin disease and injury is continually increasing, yet conventional cell-based models used to study these conditions do not accurately reflect the complexity of human skin. The lack of inadequate in vitro modeling has resulted in reliance on animal-based models to test pharmaceuticals, biomedical devices, and industrial and environmental toxins to address clinical needs. These in vivo models are monetarily and morally expensive and are poor predictors of human tissue responses and clinical trial outcomes. The onset of three-dimensional (3D) culture techniques, such as cell-embedded and decellularized approaches, has offered accessible in vitro alternatives, using innovative scaffolds to improve cell-based models' structural and histological authenticity. However, these models lack adequate organizational control and complexity, resulting in variations between structures and the exclusion of physiologically relevant vascular and immunological features. Recently, biofabrication strategies, which combine biology, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities, have emerged as instrumental tools to recreate the heterogeneity of human skin precisely. Bioprinting uses computer-aided design (CAD) to yield robust and reproducible skin prototypes with unprecedented control over tissue design and assembly. As the interdisciplinary nature of biofabrication grows, we look to the promise of next-generation biofabrication technologies, such as organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) and 4D modeling, to simulate human tissue behaviors more reliably for research, pharmaceutical, and regenerative medicine purposes. This review aims to discuss the barriers to developing clinically relevant skin models, describe the evolution of skin-inspired in vitro structures, analyze the current approaches to biofabricating 3D human skin mimetics, and define the opportunities and challenges in biofabricating skin tissue for preclinical and clinical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Wistner
- Center for Bioelectronics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23508, USA
| | - Layla Rashad
- Center for Bioelectronics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23508, USA
| | - Gymama Slaughter
- Center for Bioelectronics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23508, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23508, USA
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20
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Nakano T, Yamanaka H, Sakamoto M, Tsuge I, Katayama Y, Saito S, Ono J, Yamaoka T, Morimoto N. Development of a Self-Assembled Dermal Substitute from Human Fibroblasts Using Long-term Three-Dimensional Culture. Tissue Eng Part A 2023; 29:569-578. [PMID: 37606914 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2023.0109] [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] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin substitutes have emerged as an alternative to autografts for the treatment of skin defects. Among them, scaffold-based dermal substitutes have been extensively studied; however, they have certain limitations, such as delayed vascularization, limited elasticity, and the inability to achieve permanent engraftment. Self-assembled, cell-based dermal substitutes are a promising alternative that may overcome these shortcomings but have not yet been developed. In this study, we successfully developed a cell-based dermal substitute (cultured dermis) through the long-term culture of human dermal fibroblasts using the net-mold method, which enables three-dimensional cell culture without the use of a scaffold. Spheroids prepared from human dermal fibroblasts were poured into a net-shaped mold and cultured for 2, 4, or 6 months. The dry weight, tensile strength, collagen and glycosaminoglycan levels, and cell proliferation capacity were assessed and compared among the 2-, 4-, and 6-month culture periods. We found that collagen and glycosaminoglycan levels decreased over time, while the dry weight remained unchanged. Tensile strength increased at 4 months, suggesting that remodeling had progressed. In addition, the cell proliferation capacity was maintained, even after a 6-month culture period. Unexpectedly, the internal part of the cultured dermis became fragile, resulting in the division of the cultured dermis into two collagen-rich tissues, each of which had a thickness of 400 μm and sufficient strength to be sutured during in vivo analysis. The divided 4-month cultured dermis was transplanted to skin defects of immunocompromised mice and its wound healing effects were compared to those of a clinically available collagen-based artificial dermis. The cultured dermis promoted epithelialization and angiogenesis more effectively than the collagen-based artificial dermis. Although further improvements are needed, such as the shortening of the culture period and increasing the size of the cultured dermis, we believe that the cultured dermis presented in this study has the potential to be an innovative material for permanent skin coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nakano
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yamanaka
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Michiharu Sakamoto
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Itaru Tsuge
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Katayama
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Susumu Saito
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jiro Ono
- Tissue By Net Corporation, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Yamaoka
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Naoki Morimoto
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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21
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Jackson R, Rajadhyaksha EV, Loeffler RS, Flores CE, Van Doorslaer K. Characterization of 3D organotypic epithelial tissues reveals tonsil-specific differences in tonic interferon signaling. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292368. [PMID: 37792852 PMCID: PMC10550192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292368] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) culturing techniques can recapitulate the stratified nature of multicellular epithelial tissues. Organotypic 3D epithelial tissue culture methods have several applications, including the study of tissue development and function, drug discovery and toxicity testing, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of tissue-engineered constructs for use in regenerative medicine. We grew 3D organotypic epithelial tissues from foreskin, cervix, and tonsil-derived primary cells and characterized the transcriptome of these in vitro tissue equivalents. Using the same 3D culturing method, all three tissues yielded stratified squamous epithelium, validated histologically using basal and superficial epithelial cell markers. The goal of this study was to use RNA-seq to compare gene expression patterns in these three types of epithelial tissues to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying their function and identify potential therapeutic targets for various diseases. Functional profiling by over-representation and gene set enrichment analysis revealed tissue-specific differences: i.e., cutaneous homeostasis and lipid metabolism in foreskin, extracellular matrix remodeling in cervix, and baseline innate immune differences in tonsil. Specifically, tonsillar epithelia may play an active role in shaping the immune microenvironment of the tonsil balancing inflammation and immune responses in the face of constant exposure to microbial insults. Overall, these data serve as a resource, with gene sets made available for the research community to explore, and as a foundation for understanding the epithelial heterogeneity and how it may impact their in vitro use. An online resource is available to investigate these data (https://viz.datascience.arizona.edu/3DEpiEx/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Jackson
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Esha V. Rajadhyaksha
- College of Medicine and College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Reid S. Loeffler
- Biosystems Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Caitlyn E. Flores
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Koenraad Van Doorslaer
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Immunobiology, Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, Genetics Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, and University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
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22
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Mason W, Levin AM, Buhl K, Ouchi T, Parker B, Tan J, Ashammakhi N, Jones LR. Translational Research Techniques for the Facial Plastic Surgeon: An Overview. Facial Plast Surg 2023; 39:466-473. [PMID: 37339663 DOI: 10.1055/a-2113-5023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS) is an incredibly diverse, multispecialty field that seeks innovative and novel solutions for the management of physical defects on the head and neck. To aid in the advancement of medical and surgical treatments for these defects, there has been a recent emphasis on the importance of translational research. With recent technological advancements, there are now a myriad of research techniques that are widely accessible for physician and scientist use in translational research. Such techniques include integrated multiomics, advanced cell culture and microfluidic tissue models, established animal models, and emerging computer models generated using bioinformatics. This study discusses these various research techniques and how they have and can be used for research in the context of various important diseases within the field of FPRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Mason
- Department of Otolaryngology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Albert M Levin
- Department of Public Health Science, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan
- Center for Bioinformatics, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Katherine Buhl
- Department of Otolaryngology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Takahiro Ouchi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Bianca Parker
- Department of Otolaryngology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Jessica Tan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Nureddin Ashammakhi
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, Michigan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, Michigan
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Michigan
| | - Lamont R Jones
- Department of Otolaryngology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
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23
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Malandain N, Sanz-Fraile H, Farré R, Otero J, Roig A, Laromaine A. Cell-Laden 3D Hydrogels of Type I Collagen Incorporating Bacterial Nanocellulose Fibers. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:3638-3647. [PMID: 37669535 PMCID: PMC10521014 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00126] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing interest in developing natural hydrogel-based scaffolds to culture cells in a three-dimensional (3D) millieu that better mimics the in vivo cells' microenvironment. A promising approach is to use hydrogels from animal tissues, such as decellularized extracellular matrices; however, they usually exhibit suboptimal mechanical properties compared to native tissue and their composition with hundreds of different protein complicates to elucidate which stimulus triggers cell's responses. As simpler scaffolds, type I collagen hydrogels are used to study cell behavior in mechanobiology even though they are also softer than native tissues. In this work, type I collagen is mixed with bacterial nanocellulose fibers (BCf) to develop reinforced scaffolds with mechanical properties suitable for 3D cell culture. BCf were produced from blended pellicles biosynthesized from Komagataeibacter xylinus. Then, BCf were mixed with concentrated collagen from rat-tail tendons to form composite hydrogels. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the homogeneous macro- and microdistribution of both natural polymers. Porosity analysis confirmed that BCf do not disrupt the scaffold structure. Tensile strength and rheology measurements demonstrated the reinforcement action of BCf (43% increased stiffness) compared to the collagen hydrogel while maintaining the same viscoelastic response. Additionally, this reinforcement of collagen hydrogels with BCf offers the possibility to mix cells before gelation and then proceed to the culture of the 3D cell scaffolds. We obtained scaffolds with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells or human fibroblasts within the composite hydrogels, allowing a homogeneous 3D viable culture for at least 7 days. A smaller surface shrinkage in the reinforced hydrogels compared to type I collagen hydrogels confirmed the strengthening of the composite hydrogels. These collagen hydrogels reinforced with BCf might emerge as a promising platform for 3D in vitro organ modeling, tissue-engineering applications, and suitable to conduct fundamental mechanobiology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanthilde Malandain
- Institut
de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Unitat
de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències
de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hector Sanz-Fraile
- Unitat
de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències
de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Farré
- Unitat
de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències
de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER
de Enfermedades Respiratorias, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut
d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Otero
- Unitat
de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències
de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER
de Enfermedades Respiratorias, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- The
Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Roig
- Institut
de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Anna Laromaine
- Institut
de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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24
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Mahutga RR, Barocas VH, Alford PW. The non-affine fiber network solver: A multiscale fiber network material model for finite-element analysis. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 144:105967. [PMID: 37329673 PMCID: PMC10330778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Multiscale mechanical models in biomaterials research have largely relied on simplifying the microstructure in order to make large-scale simulations tractable. The microscale simplifications often rely on approximations of the constituent distributions and assumptions on the deformation of the constituents. Of particular interest in biomechanics are fiber embedded materials, where simplified fiber distributions and assumed affinity in the fiber deformation greatly influence the mechanical behavior. The consequences of these assumptions are problematic when dealing with microscale mechanical phenomena such as cellular mechanotransduction in growth and remodeling, and fiber-level failure events during tissue failure. In this work, we propose a technique for coupling non-affine network models to finite element solvers, allowing for simulation of discrete microstructural phenomena within macroscopically complex geometries. The developed plugin is readily available as an open-source library for use with the bio-focused finite element software FEBio, and the description of the implementation allows for the adaptation to other finite element solvers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan R Mahutga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Victor H Barocas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Patrick W Alford
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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25
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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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26
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Rýglová Š, Braun M, Suchý T, Hříbal M, Žaloudková M, Vištějnová L. The investigation of batch-to-batch variabilities in the composition of isolates from fish and mammalian species using different protocols. Food Res Int 2023; 169:112798. [PMID: 37254382 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate batch-to-batch inconsistencies in the processing of pig and fish collagen isolates processed using two protocols that differed in terms of the acetic acid concentrations applied and the pre- and post-extraction steps, and which were previously tested in our laboratory with the intention of preserving the biological structures and functions of the collagen isolates for biomedical purposes. Both the major and minor components such as the amino acids, lipids, water, glycosaminoglycan and ash contents and elemental content, as well as the structure and morphology of the raw sources and the resulting batches of isolates were subsequently examined in detail applying standardized analytical methods including high perfomance liquid chromatography, ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectrometry, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, energy dispersive spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. All the fish isolates provided severalfold higher yields (8-45 wt%) than did the pig isolates (3-9 wt%). In addition, the variability of the fish isolate yields (the coefficient of variation for processing A: 16.4-32.9 % and B: 6.8-17.4 %) was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05, n = 5) than that of the pig isolates (A: 27.7-69.8 %; B: 35.3-87.9 %). In general, the fish skin batches had significantly higher protein contents (˃60 wt%) and lower lipid contents (<10 wt%) than the pig skin batches (<55 wt% protein and up to 66 wt% lipid). In addition, the fish skin batches did not differ significantly in terms of their composition applying the same processing method, whereas the pig skin batches exhibited considerable variations in terms of their compositions, particularly regarding the protein and lipid contents. It can be stated that, concerning the fish isolates, processing B was, in most cases, slightly more efficient and reproducible than processing A. However, concerning the pig isolates, although processing A appeared to be more efficient than processing B in terms of the yield, it resulted in the production of isolates that contained a certain level of contaminants. The study provides a comprehensive discussion on the suitability of the processing protocol in terms of producing batches of reproducible quality according to the specific type of biomaterial processed from different animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Šárka Rýglová
- Department of Composites and Carbon Materials, Institute of Rock Structure and Mechanics, Czech Academy of Sciences, V Holešovičkách 41, 182 09 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Braun
- Department of Composites and Carbon Materials, Institute of Rock Structure and Mechanics, Czech Academy of Sciences, V Holešovičkách 41, 182 09 Prague 8, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Suchý
- Department of Composites and Carbon Materials, Institute of Rock Structure and Mechanics, Czech Academy of Sciences, V Holešovičkách 41, 182 09 Prague 8, Czech Republic; Department of Mechanics, Biomechanics and Mechatronics, Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technická 4, 166 07 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Miloň Hříbal
- Department of Composites and Carbon Materials, Institute of Rock Structure and Mechanics, Czech Academy of Sciences, V Holešovičkách 41, 182 09 Prague 8, Czech Republic
| | - Margit Žaloudková
- Department of Composites and Carbon Materials, Institute of Rock Structure and Mechanics, Czech Academy of Sciences, V Holešovičkách 41, 182 09 Prague 8, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Vištějnová
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, 30100 Pilsen, Czech Republic
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27
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González-Lana S, Randelovic T, Ciriza J, López-Valdeolivas M, Monge R, Sánchez-Somolinos C, Ochoa I. Surface modifications of COP-based microfluidic devices for improved immobilisation of hydrogel proteins: long-term 3D culture with contractile cell types and ischaemia model. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2434-2446. [PMID: 37013698 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00075c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The tissue microenvironment plays a crucial role in tissue homeostasis and disease progression. However, the in vitro simulation has been limited by the lack of adequate biomimetic models in the last decades. Thanks to the advent of microfluidic technology for cell culture applications, these complex microenvironments can be recreated by combining hydrogels, cells and microfluidic devices. Nevertheless, this advance has several limitations. When cultured in three-dimensional (3D) hydrogels inside microfluidic devices, contractile cells may exert forces that eventually collapse the 3D structure. Disrupting the compartmentalisation creates an obstacle to long-term or highly cell-concentrated assays, which are extremely relevant for multiple applications such as fibrosis or ischaemia. Therefore, we tested surface treatments on cyclic-olefin polymer-based microfluidic devices (COP-MD) to promote the immobilisation of collagen as a 3D matrix protein. Thus, we compared three surface treatments in COP devices for culturing human cardiac fibroblasts (HCF) embedded in collagen hydrogels. We determined the immobilisation efficiency of collagen hydrogel by quantifying the hydrogel transversal area within the devices at the studied time points. Altogether, our results indicated that surface modification with polyacrylic acid photografting (PAA-PG) of COP-MD is the most effective treatment to avoid the quick collapse of collagen hydrogels. As a proof-of-concept experiment, and taking advantage of the low-gas permeability properties of COP-MD, we studied the application of PAA-PG pre-treatment to generate a self-induced ischaemia model. Different necrotic core sizes were developed depending on initial HCF density seeding with no noticeable gel collapse. We conclude that PAA-PG allows long-term culture, gradient generation and necrotic core formation of contractile cell types such as myofibroblasts. This novel approach will pave the way for new relevant in vitro co-culture models where fibroblasts play a key role such as wound healing, tumour microenvironment and ischaemia within microfluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra González-Lana
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab. Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, C/ Mariano Esquillor s/n, 500018 Zaragoza, Spain.
- BEONCHIP S.L., CEMINEM, Campus Río Ebro. C/ Mariano Esquillor Gómez s/n, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Teodora Randelovic
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab. Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, C/ Mariano Esquillor s/n, 500018 Zaragoza, Spain.
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Paseo de Isabel La Católica 1-3, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Ciriza
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab. Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, C/ Mariano Esquillor s/n, 500018 Zaragoza, Spain.
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Paseo de Isabel La Católica 1-3, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María López-Valdeolivas
- Aragón Institute of Nanoscience and Materials (INMA), Department of Condensed Matter Physics (Faculty of Science), CSIC-University of Zaragoza, C/ Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosa Monge
- BEONCHIP S.L., CEMINEM, Campus Río Ebro. C/ Mariano Esquillor Gómez s/n, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carlos Sánchez-Somolinos
- CIBER in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
- Aragón Institute of Nanoscience and Materials (INMA), Department of Condensed Matter Physics (Faculty of Science), CSIC-University of Zaragoza, C/ Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab. Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, C/ Mariano Esquillor s/n, 500018 Zaragoza, Spain.
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Paseo de Isabel La Católica 1-3, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
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28
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Fu S, Wen Y, Peng B, Tang M, Shi M, Liu J, Yang Y, Si W, Guo Y, Li X, Yan T, Kang J, Pei H, Chen L. Discovery of indoline-based derivatives as effective ROCK2 inhibitors for the potential new treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Bioorg Chem 2023; 137:106539. [PMID: 37163811 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106539] [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: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and devastating lung disease with a median survival of only 3-5 years. Due to the lack of effective therapy, IPF threatens human health. Recently, increasing reports have indicated that Rho-associated coiled-coil protein kinases (ROCKs) play important roles in the development of IPF and might represent a novel target for the treatment of IPF. Herein, a new series of selective ROCK2 inhibitors based on indoline were designed and synthesized. Structural modification resulted in optimized compound 9b with an IC50 value of 6 nM against ROCK2 and the inhibition of collagen gel contraction. Cellular assays demonstrated that 9b could significantly suppress the expression of collagen I and α-SMA, and inhibited ROCK signaling pathway. Oral administration of compound 9b (10 mg/kg) exerted more significant anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects than nintedanib (100 mg/kg) and KD025 (100 mg/kg) in a bleomycin-induced IPF rat model, suggesting that 9b could serve as a potential lead compound for the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhong Fu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi Wen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bin Peng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Minghai Tang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mingsong Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yingxue Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wenting Si
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiandeng Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Tingting Yan
- Sichuan Good Doctor Panxi Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd., Xichang 615000, China
| | - Jie Kang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory for Medicinal American Cockroach, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Heying Pei
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China..
| | - Lijuan Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.; Chengdu Zenitar Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd, Chengdu 610000, China.
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29
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Wan HY, Chen JCH, Xiao Q, Wong CW, Yang B, Cao B, Tuan RS, Nilsson SK, Ho YP, Raghunath M, Kamm RD, Blocki A. Stabilization and improved functionality of three-dimensional perfusable microvascular networks in microfluidic devices under macromolecular crowding. Biomater Res 2023; 27:32. [PMID: 37076899 PMCID: PMC10116810 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00375-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is great interest to engineer in vitro models that allow the study of complex biological processes of the microvasculature with high spatiotemporal resolution. Microfluidic systems are currently used to engineer microvasculature in vitro, which consists of perfusable microvascular networks (MVNs). These are formed through spontaneous vasculogenesis and exhibit the closest resemblance to physiological microvasculature. Unfortunately, under standard culture conditions and in the absence of co-culture with auxiliary cells as well as protease inhibitors, pure MVNs suffer from a short-lived stability. METHODS Herein, we introduce a strategy for stabilization of MVNs through macromolecular crowding (MMC) based on a previously established mixture of Ficoll macromolecules. The biophysical principle of MMC is based on macromolecules occupying space, thus increasing the effective concentration of other components and thereby accelerating various biological processes, such as extracellular matrix deposition. We thus hypothesized that MMC will promote the accumulation of vascular ECM (basement membrane) components and lead to a stabilization of MVN with improved functionality. RESULTS MMC promoted the enrichment of cellular junctions and basement membrane components, while reducing cellular contractility. The resulting advantageous balance of adhesive forces over cellular tension resulted in a significant stabilization of MVNs over time, as well as improved vascular barrier function, closely resembling that of in vivo microvasculature. CONCLUSION Application of MMC to MVNs in microfluidic devices provides a reliable, flexible and versatile approach to stabilize engineered microvessels under simulated physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Ying Wan
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jack Chun Hin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qinru Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Christy Wingtung Wong
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Boguang Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Benjamin Cao
- Biomedical Manufacturing Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rocky S Tuan
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine (CNRM), Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Susan K Nilsson
- Biomedical Manufacturing Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yi-Ping Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michael Raghunath
- Institute for Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biology and Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anna Blocki
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine (CNRM), Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Miyamoto Y. Cryopreservation of Cell Sheets for Regenerative Therapy: Application of Vitrified Hydrogel Membranes. Gels 2023; 9:gels9040321. [PMID: 37102933 PMCID: PMC10137452 DOI: 10.3390/gels9040321] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ transplantation is the first and most effective treatment for missing or damaged tissues or organs. However, there is a need to establish an alternative treatment method for organ transplantation due to the shortage of donors and viral infections. Rheinwald and Green et al. established epidermal cell culture technology and successfully transplanted human-cultured skin into severely diseased patients. Eventually, artificial cell sheets of cultured skin were created, targeting various tissues and organs, including epithelial sheets, chondrocyte sheets, and myoblast cell sheets. These sheets have been successfully used for clinical applications. Extracellular matrix hydrogels (collagen, elastin, fibronectin, and laminin), thermoresponsive polymers, and vitrified hydrogel membranes have been used as scaffold materials to prepare cell sheets. Collagen is a major structural component of basement membranes and tissue scaffold proteins. Collagen hydrogel membranes (collagen vitrigel), created from collagen hydrogels through a vitrification process, are composed of high-density collagen fibers and are expected to be used as carriers for transplantation. In this review, the essential technologies for cell sheet implantation are described, including cell sheets, vitrified hydrogel membranes, and their cryopreservation applications in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Miyamoto
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
- Graduate School of BASE, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan
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Mousavizadeh R, Waugh CM, DeBruin E, McCormack RG, Duronio V, Scott A. Exposure to oxLDL impairs TGF-β activity in human tendon cells. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023; 24:197. [PMID: 36927534 PMCID: PMC10018928 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06308-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that patients with hypercholesterolemia experience elevated levels of oxidized LDL (oxLDL), a molecule which triggers inflammation and collagenase activity. In this study we discovered novel mechanistic effects of oxLDL on tendon cells and the mediators regulating matrix remodeling by analyzing the expression and activity of related proteins and enzymes. These effects may contribute to tendon damage in patients with high cholesterol. METHODS Isolated human tendon cells (male and female donors age 28 ± 1.4 age 37 ± 5.7, respectively) were incubated in the presence or absence of oxLDL. The influence of oxLDL on the expression level of key mRNA and proteins was examined using real time quantitative PCR, ELISA and Western blots. The activities of enzymes relevant to collagen synthesis and breakdown (lysyl oxidase and matrix metalloproteinases) were quantified using fluorometry. Finally, the isolated human tendon cells in a 3D construct were exposed to combinations of oxLDL and TGF-β to examine their interacting effects on collagen matrix remodeling. RESULTS The one-way ANOVA of gene expression indicates that key mRNAs including TGFB, COL1A1, DCN, and LOX were significantly reduced in human tendon cells by oxLDL while MMPs were increased. The oxLDL reduced the activity of LOX at 50 µg/ml, whereas conversely MMP activities were induced at 25 µg/ml (P ≤ 0.01). COL1A1 synthesis and TGF-β secretion were also inhibited (P ≤ 0.05). Adding recombinant TGF-β reversed the effects of oxLDL on the expression of collagens and LOX. OxLDL also impaired collagen matrix remodeling (P ≤ 0.01), and adding TGF-β restored the native phenotype. CONCLUSION Exposure to oxLDL in patients with hypercholesterolemia may adversely affect the mechanical and structural properties of tendon tissue through a direct action of oxLDL on tendon cells, including impairment of TGF-β expression. This impairment leads to disturbed matrix remodeling and synthesis, thereby potentially leading to increased risk of acute or chronic tendon injury. Our discovery may provide an opportunity for developing effective treatments for tendon injury in hypercholesterolemia patients by targeting the TGF-β pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouhollah Mousavizadeh
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Charlie M Waugh
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Erin DeBruin
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Robert G McCormack
- Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Vincent Duronio
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Alex Scott
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Lee YH, Hsieh PL, Chao SC, Liao YW, Liu CM, Yu CC. α-Mangostin Inhibits the Activation of Myofibroblasts via Downregulation of Linc-ROR-Mediated TGFB1/Smad Signaling. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061321. [PMID: 36986051 PMCID: PMC10051815 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061321] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a premalignant disorder and persistent activation of myofibroblasts is implicated in this pathological progression. Increasing attention has been addressed towards non-coding RNA-regulated myofibroblasts activities and the effects of phytochemicals on non-coding RNA modulation are of great importance. In the present study, we examined the anti-fibrosis property of α-mangostin, a xanthone isolated from the pericarp of mangosteen. We found that α-mangostin exhibited inhibitory potency in myofibroblast activities and expression of fibrosis markers at the concentrations that caused neglectable damage to normal cells. Apart from the downregulation of TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling, we found that α-mangostin attenuated the expression of long non-coding RNA LincROR as well. Our results demonstrated that the effects of α-mangostin on myofibroblast activation were reverted when LincROR was overexpressed. Additionally, we showed the expression of LincROR in OSF specimens was elevated and silencing of LincROR successfully attenuated myofibroblast characteristics and TGF-β1/Smad2 activation. Taken together, these findings indicated that the anti-fibrosis effects of α-mangostin merit consideration and may be due to the attenuation of LincROR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsien Lee
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ling Hsieh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chi Chao
- Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Lo-Hsu Medical Foundation, Lotung Poh-Ai Hospital, Yilan 265, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Liao
- Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ming Liu
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-M.L.); (C.-C.Y.)
| | - Cheng-Chia Yu
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-M.L.); (C.-C.Y.)
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Neves LMG, Wilgus TA, Bayat A. In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and In Vivo Approaches for Investigation of Skin Scarring: Human and Animal Models. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2023; 12:97-116. [PMID: 34915768 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2021.0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Significance: The cutaneous repair process naturally results in different types of scarring that are classified as normal or pathological. Affected individuals are often affected from an esthetic, physical (functional), and psychosocial perspective. The distinct nature of scarring in humans, particularly the formation of pathological scars, makes the study of skin scarring a challenge for researchers in this area. Several established experimental models exist for studying scar formation. However, the increasing development and validation of newly emerging models have made it possible to carry out studies focused on different variables that influence this unique process. Recent Advances: Experimental models such as in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models have obtained different degrees of success in the reproduction of the scar formation in its native milieu and true environment. These models also differ in their ability to elucidate the molecular, cellular, and structural mechanisms involved in scarring, as well as for testing new agents and approaches for therapies. The models reviewed here, including cells derived from human skin and in vivo animal models, have contributed to the advancement of skin scarring research. Critical Issues and Future Directions: The absence of experimental models that faithfully reproduce the typical characteristics of the different types of human skin scars makes the improvement of validated models and the establishment of new ones a critical unmet need. The fields of wound healing research combined with tissue engineering have offered newer alternatives for experimental studies with the potential to provide clinically useful knowledge about scar formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia M G Neves
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Research, Centre for Dermatology Research, Wound Healing Theme, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, England, United Kingdom
| | - Traci A Wilgus
- Department of Pathology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ardeshir Bayat
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Research, Centre for Dermatology Research, Wound Healing Theme, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, England, United Kingdom.,Medical Research Council (MRC) Wound Healing Unit, Hair and Skin Research Laboratory, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Ferreira DA, Conde JP, Rothbauer M, Ertl P, Granja PL, Oliveira C. Bioinspired human stomach-on-a-chip with in vivo like function and architecture. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:495-510. [PMID: 36620939 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc01132h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The lack of biomimetic in vitro models capable of reproducing the complex architecture and the dynamic environment of the gastric mucosa, delay the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Recent advances in microengineering made possible the fabrication of bioinspired microdevices capable of replicating the physiological properties of an organ, inside a microfluidics chip. Herein, a bioinspired stomach-on-a-chip (SoC) device is described, supporting peristalsis-like motion and reconstituting organ-level epithelial architecture and function. The device simulates the upper epithelial interface, representing the three innermost layers of the gastric mucosa, namely the epithelial barrier, the basement membrane and the lamina propria. The dynamic environment imparted by mechanical actuation of the flexible on-chip cell culture substrate, was the main driver in the development of epithelial polarization and differentiation traits characteristic of the native gastric mucosa, and allowed partial recapitulation of gastric barrier function. These traits were not affected by the addition of a mesenchymal population to the system, which was able to remodel the surrounding extracellular matrix, nor by the potential epithelial-mesenchymal cross-talk. The engineered platform highlights the importance of addressing the mechanical microenvironment of the native organ, to potentiate an organ-level response of the artificial tissue. The proposed SoC represents an appealing tool in personalized medicine, with bio-relevance for the study of gastric diseases and an alternative to current animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Ferreira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - João P Conde
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores - Microsistemas e Nanotecnologia (INESC MN), Rua Alves Redol, 9, 1000-029 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mario Rothbauer
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Karl Chiari Lab for Orthopaedic Biology, Orthopedic Microsystems, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Cell Chip Group, Vienna University of Technology (TUW), Getreidmarkt, 9/163, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Ertl
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology (TUW), Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Pedro L Granja
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Oliveira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Ipatimup - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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Hashimoto A, Hirose T, Hashimoto K, Mizumoto S, Nitahara-Kasahara Y, Saka S, Yoshizawa T, Okada T, Yamada S, Kosho T, Watanabe T, Miyata S, Nomura Y. Collagen Network Formation in In Vitro Models of Musculocontractural Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020308. [PMID: 36833235 PMCID: PMC9957042 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in carbohydrate sulfotransferase 14 (CHST14) cause musculocontractural Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-CHST14 (mcEDS-CHST14), characterized by multiple congenital malformations and progressive connective tissue fragility-related manifestations in the cutaneous, skeletal, cardiovascular, visceral and ocular system. The replacement of dermatan sulfate chains on decorin proteoglycan with chondroitin sulfate chains is proposed to lead to the disorganization of collagen networks in the skin. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of mcEDS-CHST14 are not fully understood, partly due to the lack of in vitro models of this disease. In the present study, we established in vitro models of fibroblast-mediated collagen network formation that recapacitate mcEDS-CHST14 pathology. Electron microscopy analysis of mcEDS-CHST14-mimicking collagen gels revealed an impaired fibrillar organization that resulted in weaker mechanical strength of the gels. The addition of decorin isolated from patients with mcEDS-CHST14 and Chst14-/- mice disturbed the assembly of collagen fibrils in vitro compared to control decorin. Our study may provide useful in vitro models of mcEDS-CHST14 to elucidate the pathomechanism of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana Hashimoto
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwaicho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Takuya Hirose
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kohei Hashimoto
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwaicho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Shuji Mizumoto
- Department of Pathobiochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya 468-8503, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuko Nitahara-Kasahara
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Shota Saka
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwaicho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yoshizawa
- Division of Animal Research, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan
| | - Takashi Okada
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Shuhei Yamada
- Department of Pathobiochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya 468-8503, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tomoki Kosho
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan
- Center for Medical Genetics, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan
- Division of Clinical Sequencing, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan
- Research Center for Supports to Advanced Science, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan
| | - Takafumi Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Shinji Miyata
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwaicho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Yoshihiro Nomura
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwaicho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
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Jackson R, Rajadhyaksha EV, Loeffler RS, Flores CE, Van Doorslaer K. Characterization of 3D organotypic epithelial tissues reveals tonsil-specific differences in tonic interferon signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.19.524743. [PMID: 36711548 PMCID: PMC9882319 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.19.524743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) culturing techniques can recapitulate the stratified nature of multicellular epithelial tissues. Organotypic 3D epithelial tissue culture methods have several applications, including the study of tissue development and function, drug discovery and toxicity testing, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of tissue-engineered constructs for use in regenerative medicine. We grew 3D organotypic epithelial tissues from foreskin, cervix, and tonsil-derived primary cells and characterized the transcriptome of these in vitro tissue equivalents. Using the same 3D culturing method, all three tissues yielded stratified squamous epithelium, validated histologically using basal and superficial epithelial cell markers. The goal of this study was to use RNA-seq to compare gene expression patterns in these three types of epithelial tissues to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying their function and identify potential therapeutic targets for various diseases. Functional profiling by over-representation and gene set enrichment analysis revealed tissue-specific differences: i.e. , cutaneous homeostasis and lipid metabolism in foreskin, extracellular matrix remodeling in cervix, and baseline innate immune differences in tonsil. Specifically, tonsillar epithelia may play an active role in shaping the immune microenvironment of the tonsil balancing inflammation and immune responses in the face of constant exposure to microbial insults. Overall, these data serve as a resource, with gene sets made available for the research community to explore, and as a foundation for understanding the epithelial heterogeneity and how it may impact their in vitro use. An online resource is available to investigate these data ( https://viz.datascience.arizona.edu/3DEpiEx/ ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Jackson
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Esha V Rajadhyaksha
- College of Medicine and College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Reid S Loeffler
- Biosystems Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; College of Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Caitlyn E Flores
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Koenraad Van Doorslaer
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Immunobiology; Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program; Genetics Graduate Interdisciplinary Program; and University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USA
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Liu M, Samant S, Vasa CH, Pedrigi RM, Oguz UM, Ryu S, Wei T, Anderson DR, Agrawal DK, Chatzizisis YS. Co-culture models of endothelial cells, macrophages, and vascular smooth muscle cells for the study of the natural history of atherosclerosis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280385. [PMID: 36662769 PMCID: PMC9858056 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This work aims to present a fast, affordable, and reproducible three-cell co-culture system that could represent the different cellular mechanisms of atherosclerosis, extending from atherogenesis to pathological intimal thickening. METHODS AND RESULTS We built four culture models: (i) Culture model #1 (representing normal arterial intima), where human coronary artery endothelial cells were added on top of Matrigel-coated collagen type I matrix, (ii) Culture model #2 (representing atherogenesis), which demonstrated the subendothelial accumulation and oxidative modification of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), (iii) Culture model #3 (representing intimal xanthomas), which demonstrated the monocyte adhesion to the endothelial cell monolayer, transmigration into the subendothelial space, and transformation to lipid-laden macrophages, (iv) Culture model #4 (representing pathological intimal thickening), which incorporated multiple layers of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells within the matrix. Coupling this model with different shear stress conditions revealed the effect of low shear stress on the oxidative modification of LDL and the upregulation of pro-inflammatory molecules and matrix-degrading enzymes. Using electron microscopy, immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, protein and mRNA quantification assays, we showed that the behaviors exhibited by the endothelial cells, macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells in these models were very similar to those exhibited by these cell types in nascent and intermediate atherosclerotic plaques in humans. The preparation time of the cultures was 24 hours. CONCLUSION We present three-cell co-culture models of human atherosclerosis. These models have the potential to allow cost- and time-effective investigations of the mechanobiology of atherosclerosis and new anti-atherosclerotic drug therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Liu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Saurabhi Samant
- Cardiovascular Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Charu Hasini Vasa
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Cardiovascular Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Ryan M. Pedrigi
- Department of Biological System Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Usama M. Oguz
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Cardiovascular Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Sangjin Ryu
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Timothy Wei
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Daniel R. Anderson
- Cardiovascular Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Devendra K. Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Science, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Yiannis S. Chatzizisis
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Cardiovascular Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
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Finney TJ, Frank SL, Bull MR, Guy RD, Kuhl TL. Tracking Mechanical Stress and Cell Migration with Inexpensive Polymer Thin-Film Sensors. ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES 2023; 10:2201808. [PMID: 36817827 PMCID: PMC9937716 DOI: 10.1002/admi.202201808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Polydiacetylene (PDA) Langmuir films are well known for their blue to red chromatic transitions in response to a variety of stimuli, including UV light, heat, bio-molecule bindings and mechanical stress. In this work, we detail the ability to tune PDA Langmuir films to exhibit discrete chromatic transitions in response to applied mechanical stress. Normal and shear-induced transitions were quantified using the Surface Forces Apparatus and established to be binary and tunable as a function of film formation conditions. Both monomer alkyl tail length and metal cations were used to manipulate the chromatic transition force threshold to enable discrete force sensing from ~50 to ~500 nN μm-2 for normal loading and ~2 to ~40 nN μm-2 for shear-induced transitions, which are appropriate for biological cells. The utility of PDA thin-film sensors was demonstrated with the slime mold Physarum polycephalum. The fluorescence readout of the films enabled: the area explored by Physarum to be visualized, the forces involved in locomotion to be quantified, and revealed novel puncta formation potentially associated with Physarum sampling its environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanner J Finney
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Skye L Frank
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Michael R Bull
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Robert D Guy
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Tonya L Kuhl
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
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39
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De Decker I, Hoeksema H, Verbelen J, De Coninck P, Speeckaert M, De Schepper S, Blondeel P, Pirayesh A, Monstrey S, Claes KEY. A single-stage bilayered skin reconstruction using Glyaderm® as an acellular dermal regeneration template results in improved scar quality: an intra-individual randomized controlled trial. BURNS & TRAUMA 2023; 11:tkad015. [PMID: 37143955 PMCID: PMC10152996 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkad015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Absence of almost the entire reticular dermal layer is inherent to the use of autologous split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) to close full-thickness wounds, often resulting in hypertrophic scars and contractures. Many dermal substitutes have been developed, but unfortunately most have varying results in terms of cosmetic and/or functional improvement as well as patient satisfaction, in addition to high costs. Bilayered skin reconstruction using the human-derived glycerolized acellular dermis (Glyaderm®) has been reported to result in significantly improved scar quality using a two-step procedure. Unlike the necessary two-step procedure for most commercially available dermal substitutes, in this study we aimed to investigate the use of Glyaderm® in a more cost-effective single-stage engrafting. This is a method which, if autografts are available, is preferred by the majority of surgeons given the reduction in costs, hospitalization time and infection rate. Methods A prospective, randomized, controlled, intra-individual, single-blinded study was performed, investigating the simultaneous application of Glyaderm® and STSG vs. STSG alone in full-thickness burns or comparable deep skin defects. During the acute phase, bacterial load, graft take and time to wound closure were assessed and were the primary outcomes. Aesthetic and functional results (secondary outcomes) were evaluated at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months follow-up using subjective and objective scar measurement tools. Biopsies for histological analysis were taken at 3 and 12 months. Results A total of 66 patients representing 82 wound comparisons were included. Graft take (>95%), pain management and healing time were comparable in both groups. At 1 year follow-up, the overall Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale assessed by the patient was significantly in favour of sites where Glyaderm® was used. Not infrequently, patients attributed this difference to improved skin sensation. Histological analysis showed the presence of a well-formed neodermis, with donor elastin present for up to 12 months. Conclusions A single-stage bilayered reconstruction with Glyaderm® and STSG results in optimal graft take without loss of Glyaderm® nor the overlaying autografts due to infection. The presence of elastin in the neodermis was demonstrated during long-term follow-up in all but one patient, which is a crucial factor contributing to the significantly improved overall scar quality as evaluated by the blinded patients. Trial registration The trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov and received the following registration code: NCT01033604.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henk Hoeksema
- Burn Center, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jozef Verbelen
- Burn Center, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Coninck
- Burn Center, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marijn Speeckaert
- Department of Nephrology, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie De Schepper
- Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Phillip Blondeel
- Burn Center, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ali Pirayesh
- Plastic surgeon in private practice in Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Petroff A, Pena Diaz A, Armstrong JJ, Gonga-Cavé BC, Hutnik C, O'Gorman DB. Understanding Inflammation-associated Ophthalmic Pathologies: A Novel 3D Co-culture Model of Monocyte-myofibroblast Immunomodulation. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023; 31:65-76. [PMID: 34648419 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2021.1980816] [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] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inflammation is associated with, and may be causal of, a variety of ophthalmic pathologies. These pathologies are currently difficult to model in vitro because they involve complex interactions between the innate immune system, stromal cells, and other cells that normally maintain ocular tissue homeostasis. Using transscleral drainage channel fibrosis after glaucoma surgery as an example of inflammation-associated ocular fibrosis, we have assessed a simple but novel 3D cell culture system designed to reveal the immunomodulatory impacts of ocular connective tissue cells on monocytes, a major cellular component of the circulating immune system. METHODS Primary human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts derived from five unrelated patients were activated into myofibroblasts in 3D collagen matrices under isometric tension, with and without exposure to an inflammatory cytokine-enhanced milieu, and co-cultured with an immortalized human monocyte cell line (THP-1 cells). Quantitative PCR analyses were performed on 8 candidate genes to assess the impacts of inflammatory cytokines on the myofibroblasts and the monocytes in mono-cultures and compared to cells in co-culture to clearly distinguish any co-culture-induced impacts on gene expression. RESULTS Our data indicate that both Tenon's capsule myofibroblasts in 3D mono-culture and THP-1 monocytes in suspension mono-culture were responsive to inflammatory cytokine stimuli. Co-culture with Tenon's capsule myofibroblasts significantly modulated the gene expression responses of THP-1 monocytes to inflammatory cytokine stimulation, indicative of an immunomodulatory "feedback" system between these cell types. CONCLUSION Our findings provide proof of principle for the use of simple 3D co-culture systems as a means to enhance our understanding of ocular stromal cell interactions with cells of the innate immune system and to provide more informative in vitro models of inflammation-associated ophthalmic pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avi Petroff
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Canada
| | - Ana Pena Diaz
- Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Canada
| | - James J Armstrong
- Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Canada.,Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Ophthalmology, London, Canada.,Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London, Canada
| | | | - Cindy Hutnik
- Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Canada.,Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Ophthalmology, London, Canada.,Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London, Canada
| | - David B O'Gorman
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Western University, London, Canada
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Loerakker S, Humphrey JD. Computer Model-Driven Design in Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine. Ann Biomed Eng 2023; 51:45-57. [PMID: 35974236 PMCID: PMC9832109 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-022-03037-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Continuing advances in genomics, molecular and cellular mechanobiology and immunobiology, including transcriptomics and proteomics, and biomechanics increasingly reveal the complexity underlying native tissue and organ structure and function. Identifying methods to repair, regenerate, or replace vital tissues and organs remains one of the greatest challenges of modern biomedical engineering, one that deserves our very best effort. Notwithstanding the continuing need for improving standard methods of investigation, including cell, organoid, and tissue culture, biomaterials development and fabrication, animal models, and clinical research, it is increasingly evident that modern computational methods should play increasingly greater roles in advancing the basic science, bioengineering, and clinical application of regenerative medicine. This brief review focuses on the development and application of computational models of tissue and organ mechanobiology and mechanics for purposes of designing tissue engineered constructs and understanding their development in vitro and in situ. Although the basic approaches are general, for illustrative purposes we describe two recent examples from cardiovascular medicine-tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs) and tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs)-to highlight current methods of approach as well as continuing needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Loerakker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Vascular Biology & Therapeutics Program, Yale University and Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Simic V, Milosevic M, Milicevic V, Filipovic N, Kojic M. A novel composite smeared finite element for mechanics (CSFEM): Some applications. Technol Health Care 2023; 31:719-733. [PMID: 36314177 DOI: 10.3233/thc-220414] [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: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanical forces at the micro-scale level have been recognized as an important factor determining various biological functions. The study of cell or tissue mechanics is critical to understand problems in physiology and disease development. OBJECTIVE The complexity of computational models and efforts made for their development in the past required significant robustness and different approaches in the modeling process. METHOD For the purpose of modeling process simplifications, the smeared mechanics concept was introduced by M. Kojic as a general concept for modeling the deformation of composite continua. A composite smeared finite element for mechanics (CSFEM) was formulated which consists of the supporting medium and immersed subdomains of deformable continua with mutual interactions. Interaction is modeled using 1D contact elements (for both tangential and normal directions), where the interaction takes into account appropriate material parameters as well as the contact areas. RESULTS In this paper we have presented verification examples with applications of the CSFEMs that include the pancreatic tumor tissue, nano-indentation model and tumor growth model. CONCLUSION We have described CSFEM and contact elements between compartments that can interact. Accuracy and applicability are determined on two verification and tumor growth examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Simic
- Institute for Information Technologies, Department of Technological Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Bioengineering Research and Development Center BioIRC Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Miljan Milosevic
- Institute for Information Technologies, Department of Technological Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Bioengineering Research and Development Center BioIRC Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Belgrade Metropolitan University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Nenad Filipovic
- Bioengineering Research and Development Center BioIRC Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Faculty for Engineering Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milos Kojic
- Bioengineering Research and Development Center BioIRC Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Belgrade, Serbia
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Smith EJ, Beaumont RE, McClellan A, Sze C, Palomino Lago E, Hazelgrove L, Dudhia J, Smith RKW, Guest DJ. Tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta and interferon gamma have detrimental effects on equine tenocytes that cannot be rescued by IL-1RA or mesenchymal stromal cell-derived factors. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 391:523-544. [PMID: 36543895 PMCID: PMC9974687 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03726-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tendon injuries occur commonly in both human and equine athletes, and poor tendon regeneration leads to functionally deficient scar tissue and an increased frequency of re-injury. Despite evidence suggesting inadequate resolution of inflammation leads to fibrotic healing, our understanding of the inflammatory pathways implicated in tendinopathy remains poorly understood, meaning successful targeted treatments are lacking. Here, we demonstrate IL-1β, TNFα and IFN-γ work synergistically to induce greater detrimental consequences for equine tenocytes than when used individually. This includes altering tendon associated and matrix metalloproteinase gene expression and impairing the cells' ability to contract a 3-D collagen gel, a culture technique which more closely resembles the in vivo environment. Moreover, these adverse effects cannot be rescued by direct suppression of IL-1β using IL-1RA or factors produced by BM-MSCs. Furthermore, we provide evidence that NF-κB, but not JNK, P38 MAPK or STAT 1, is translocated to the nucleus and able to bind to DNA in tenocytes following TNFα and IL-1β stimulation, suggesting this signalling cascade may be responsible for the adverse downstream consequences of these inflammatory cytokines. We suggest a superior approach for treatment of tendinopathy may therefore be to target specific signalling pathways such as NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Smith
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK.
| | - Ross E Beaumont
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Alyce McClellan
- Centre for Preventative Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK
| | - Cheryl Sze
- Centre for Preventative Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK
| | - Esther Palomino Lago
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Liberty Hazelgrove
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
- Kingston University, River House, 53-57 High Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 1LQ, UK
| | - Jayesh Dudhia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Roger K W Smith
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Deborah J Guest
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK.
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Goren S, Levin M, Brand G, Lesman A, Sorkin R. Probing Local Force Propagation in Tensed Fibrous Gels. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2202573. [PMID: 36433830 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202202573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fibrous hydrogels are a key component of soft animal tissues. They support cellular functions and facilitate efficient mechanical communication between cells. Due to their nonlinear mechanical properties, fibrous materials display non-trivial force propagation at the microscale, that is enhanced compared to that of linear-elastic materials. In the body, tissues are constantly subjected to external loads that tense or compress them, modifying their micro-mechanical properties into an anisotropic state. However, it is unknown how force propagation is modified by this isotropic-to-anisotropic transition. Here, force propagation in tensed fibrin hydrogels is directly measured. Local perturbations are induced by oscillating microspheres using optical tweezers. 1-point and 2-point microrheology are combined to simultaneously measure the shear modulus and force propagation. A mathematical framework to quantify anisotropic force propagation trends is suggested. Results show that force propagation becomes anisotropic in tensed gels, with, surprisingly, stronger response to perturbations perpendicular to the axis of tension. Importantly, external tension can also increase the range of force transmission. Possible implications and future directions for research are discussed. These results suggest a mechanism for favored directions of mechanical communication between cells in a tissue under external loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahar Goren
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
- School of Mechanical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
- Center for Light-Matter Interactions, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Maayan Levin
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Guy Brand
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Ayelet Lesman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Raya Sorkin
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
- Center for Light-Matter Interactions, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
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Doha U, Aydin O, Joy MSH, Emon B, Drennan W, Saif MTA. Disorder to order transition in cell-ECM systems mediated by cell-cell collective interactions. Acta Biomater 2022; 154:290-301. [PMID: 36243372 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.10.012] [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: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cells in functional tissues execute various collective activities to achieve diverse ordered processes including wound healing, organogenesis, and tumor formation. How a group of individually operating cells initiate such complex collective processes is still not clear. Here, we report that cells in 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) initiate collective behavior by forming cell-ECM network when the cells are within a critical distance from each other. We employed compaction of free-floating (FF) 3D collagen gels with embedded fibroblasts as a model system to study collective behavior and found a sharp transition in the amount of compaction as a function of cell-cell distance, reminiscent of phase transition in materials. Within the critical distance, cells remodel the ECM irreversibly, and form dense collagen bridges between each other resulting in the formation of a network. Beyond the critical distance, cells exhibit Brownian dynamics and only deform the matrix reversibly in a transient manner with no memory of history, thus maintaining the disorder. Network formation seems to be a necessary and sufficient condition to trigger collective behavior and a disorder-to order transition. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Macroscopic compaction of in vitro collagen gels is mediated by collective mechanical interaction of cells. Previous studies on cell-induced ECM compaction suggest the existence of a critical cell density and phase transition associated with this phenomenon. Cell-mediated mechanical remodeling and global compaction of ECM has mostly been studied at steady state. Our study reveals a link between a transition in cell dynamics and material microstructure as cells collectively compact collagen gels. It underscores the significance of temporal evolution of these cell-ECM systems in understanding the mechanism of such collective action and provides insights on the process from a mechanistic viewpoint. These insights can be valuable in understanding dynamic pathological processes such as, cancer progression and wound healing, as well as engineering biomaterials and regenerative tissue mimics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umnia Doha
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, United States
| | - Onur Aydin
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, United States
| | - Md Saddam Hossain Joy
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, United States
| | - Bashar Emon
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, United States
| | - William Drennan
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, United States
| | - M Taher A Saif
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, United States.
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Preparation and Characterization of Nanofibrous Membranes Electro-Spun from Blended Poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) and Recombinant Spider Silk Protein as Potential Skin Regeneration Scaffold. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214055. [PMID: 36430534 PMCID: PMC9698895 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomaterial scaffolding serves as an important strategy in skin tissue engineering. In this research, recombinant spider silk protein (RSSP) and poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) were blended in different ratios to fabricate nanofibrous membranes as potential skin regeneration scaffolds with an electro-spinning process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angles measurement, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), tensile mechanical tests and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) were carried out to characterize the nanofibrous membranes. The results showed that the blending of RSSP greatly decreased the nanofibers' average diameter, enhanced the hydrophilicity, changed the microstructure and thermal properties, and could enable tailored mechanical properties of the nanofibrous membranes. Among the blended membranes, the PLCL/RSSP (75/25) membrane was chosen for further investigation on biocompatibility. The results of hemolysis assays and for proliferation of human foreskin fibroblast cells (hFFCs) confirmed the membranes potential use as skin-regeneration scaffolds. Subsequent culture of mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (NIH-3T3) demonstrated the feasibility of the blended membranes as a human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) delivery matrix. The PLCL/RSSP (75/25) membrane possessed good properties comparable to those of human skin with high biocompatibility and the ability of hEGF delivery. Further studies can be carried out on such membranes with chemical or genetic modifications to make better scaffolds for skin regeneration.
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Sugibayashi K. Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems: From the Dawn and Early Stage to the Development and Maturity Stage, and the Future. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2022; 142:1227-1253. [DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.22-00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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A Biomimetic Nonwoven-Reinforced Hydrogel for Spinal Cord Injury Repair. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14204376. [PMID: 36297954 PMCID: PMC9609830 DOI: 10.3390/polym14204376] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In clinical trials, new scaffolds for regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI) should reflect the importance of a mechanically optimised, hydrated environment. Composite scaffolds of nonwovens, self-assembling peptides (SAPs) and hydrogels offer the ability to mimic native spinal cord tissue, promote aligned tissue regeneration and tailor mechanical properties. This work studies the effects of an aligned electrospun nonwoven of P11-8—enriched poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fibres, integrated with a photo-crosslinked hydrogel of glycidylmethacrylated collagen (collagen-GMA), on neurite extension. Mechanical properties of collagen-GMA hydrogel in compression and shear were recorded, along with cell viability. Collagen-GMA hydrogels showed J-shaped stress–strain curves in compression, mimicking native spinal cord tissue. For hydrogels prepared with a 0.8-1.1 wt.% collagen-GMA concentration, strain at break values were 68 ± 1–81 ± 1% (±SE); maximum stress values were 128 ± 9–311 ± 18 kPa (±SE); and maximum force values were 1.0 ± 0.1–2.5 ± 0.1 N (±SE). These values closely mimicked the compression values for feline and porcine tissue in the literature, especially those for 0.8 wt.%. Complex shear modulus values fell in the range 345–2588 Pa, with the lower modulus hydrogels in the range optimal for neural cell survival and growth. Collagen-GMA hydrogel provided an environment for homogenous and three-dimensional cell encapsulation, and high cell viability of 84 ± 2%. Combination of the aligned PCL/P11-8 electrospun nonwoven and collagen-GMA hydrogel retained fibre alignment and pore structure, respectively, and promoted aligned neurite extension of PC12 cells. Thus, it is possible to conclude that scaffolds with mechanical properties that both closely mimic native spinal cord tissue and are optimal for neural cells can be produced, which also promote aligned tissue regeneration when the benefits of hydrogels and electrospun nonwovens are combined.
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Mechanoresponsive regulation of fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition in three-dimensional tissue analogues: mechanical strain amplitude dependency of fibrosis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16832. [PMID: 36207437 PMCID: PMC9547073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20383-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatiotemporal interaction and constant iterative feedback between fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, and environmental cues are central for investigating the fibroblast-induced musculoskeletal tissue regeneration and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT). In this study, we created a fibroblast-laden 3D tissue analogue to study (1) how mechanical loading exerted on three-dimensional (3D) tissues affected the residing fibroblast phenotype and (2) to identify the ideal mechanical strain amplitude for promoting tissue regeneration without initiating myofibroblast differentiation. We applied uniaxial tensile strain (0, 4, 8, and 12%) to the cell-laden 3D tissue analogues to understand the interrelation between the degree of applied mechanical loading amplitudes and FMT. Our data demonstrated that 4% mechanical strain created an anabolic effect toward tissue regeneration, but higher strain amplitudes over-stimulated the cells and initiated fibrotic tissue formation. Under increased mechanical strain amplitudes, fibroblasts were activated from a homeostatic state to a proto-myofibroblast state which resulted in increased cellularity accompanied by increased expressions of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, activation stressors (TGF-β1 and TGF-βR1), and profibrotic markers. This further transformed fibroblasts into α-smooth muscle actin expressing myofibroblasts. Understanding the interplay between the applied degree of mechanical loading exerted on 3D tissues and residing fibroblast phenotypic response is important to identify specific mechanomodulatory approaches for tissue regeneration and the informed mechanotherapy-guided tissue healing strategies.
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Imai Y, Mori N, Nihashi Y, Kumagai Y, Shibuya Y, Oshima J, Sasaki M, Sasaki K, Aihara Y, Sekido M, Kida YS. Therapeutic Potential of Adipose Stem Cell-Derived Conditioned Medium on Scar Contraction Model. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102388. [PMID: 36289649 PMCID: PMC9598573 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Scars are composed of stiff collagen fibers, which contract strongly owing to the action of myofibroblasts. To explore the substances that modulate scar contracture, the fibroblast-populated collagen lattice (FPCL) model has been used. However, the molecular signature of the patient-derived FPCL model has not been verified. Here, we examined whether the patient-derived keloid FPCL model reflects scar contraction, analyzing detailed gene expression changes using comprehensive RNA sequencing and histological morphology, and revealed that these models are consistent with the changes during human scar contracture. Moreover, we examined whether conditioned media derived from adipose stem cells (ASC-CM) suppress the scar contracture of the collagen disc. Detailed time-series measurements of changes in disc area showed that the addition of ASC-CM significantly inhibited the shrinkage of collagen discs. In addition, a deep sequencing data analysis revealed that ASC-CM suppressed inflammation-related gene expression in the early phase of contraction; in the later phase, this suppression was gradually replaced by extracellular matrix (ECM)-related gene expression. These lines of data suggested the effectiveness of ASC-CM in suppressing scar contractures. Therefore, the molecular analysis of the ASC-CM actions found in this study will contribute to solving medical problems regarding pathological scarring in wound prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Imai
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Nobuhito Mori
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuma Nihashi
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yutaro Kumagai
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Shibuya
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Junya Oshima
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masahiro Sasaki
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kaoru Sasaki
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yukiko Aihara
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Sekido
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki S. Kida
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Ibaraki, Japan
- School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-29-861-3000
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