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Heyn JCJ, Rädler JO, Falcke M. Mesenchymal cell migration on one-dimensional micropatterns. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1352279. [PMID: 38694822 PMCID: PMC11062138 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1352279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Quantitative studies of mesenchymal cell motion are important to elucidate cytoskeleton function and mechanisms of cell migration. To this end, confinement of cell motion to one dimension (1D) significantly simplifies the problem of cell shape in experimental and theoretical investigations. Here we review 1D migration assays employing micro-fabricated lanes and reflect on the advantages of such platforms. Data are analyzed using biophysical models of cell migration that reproduce the rich scenario of morphodynamic behavior found in 1D. We describe basic model assumptions and model behavior. It appears that mechanical models explain the occurrence of universal relations conserved across different cell lines such as the adhesion-velocity relation and the universal correlation between speed and persistence (UCSP). We highlight the unique opportunity of reproducible and standardized 1D assays to validate theory based on statistical measures from large data of trajectories and discuss the potential of experimental settings embedding controlled perturbations to probe response in migratory behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes C. J. Heyn
- Fakultät für Physik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim O. Rädler
- Fakultät für Physik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Falcke
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Physics, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
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2
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Xing H, Huang Y, Kunkemoeller BH, Dahl PJ, Muraleetharan O, Malvankar NS, Murrell MP, Kyriakides TR. Dysregulation of TSP2-Rac1-WAVE2 axis in diabetic cells leads to cytoskeletal disorganization, increased cell stiffness, and dysfunction. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22474. [PMID: 36577792 PMCID: PMC9797577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26337-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are a major cell population that perform critical functions in the wound healing process. In response to injury, they proliferate and migrate into the wound space, engaging in extracellular matrix (ECM) production, remodeling, and contraction. However, there is limited knowledge of how fibroblast functions are altered in diabetes. To address this gap, several state-of-the-art microscopy techniques were employed to investigate morphology, migration, ECM production, 2D traction, 3D contraction, and cell stiffness. Analysis of cell-derived matrix (CDM) revealed that diabetic fibroblasts produce thickened and less porous ECM that hindered migration of normal fibroblasts. In addition, diabetic fibroblasts were found to lose spindle-like shape, migrate slower, generate less traction force, exert limited 3D contractility, and have increased cell stiffness. These changes were due, in part, to a decreased level of active Rac1 and a lack of co-localization between F-actin and Waskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family verprolin homologous protein 2 (WAVE2). Interestingly, deletion of thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) in diabetic fibroblasts rescued these phenotypes and restored normal levels of active Rac1 and WAVE2-F-actin co-localization. These results provide a comprehensive view of the extent of diabetic fibroblast dysfunction, highlighting the regulatory role of the TSP2-Rac1-WAVE2-actin axis, and describing a new function of TSP2 in regulating cytoskeleton organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, USA.,Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - Yaqing Huang
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, USA.,Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - Britta H Kunkemoeller
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, USA.,Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - Peter J Dahl
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, USA.,Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | | | - Nikhil S Malvankar
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, USA.,Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - Michael P Murrell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, USA.,Department of Physics, Yale University, New Haven, USA.,Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - Themis R Kyriakides
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, USA. .,Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University, New Haven, USA.
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3
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Durotaxis Index of 3T3 Fibroblast Cells Scales with Stiff-to-Soft Membrane Tension Polarity. Biophys J 2020; 119:1427-1438. [PMID: 32898477 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell durotaxis is an essential process in tissue development. Although the role of cytoskeleton in cell durotaxis has been widely studied, whether cell volume and membrane tension are implicated in cell durotaxis remains unclear. By quantifying the volume distribution during cell durotaxis, we show that the volume of 3T3 fibroblast cells decreases by almost 40% as cells migrate toward stiffer regions of gradient gels. Inhibiting ion transporters that can reduce the amplitude of cell volume decrease significantly suppresses cell durotaxis. However, from the correlation analysis, we find that durotaxis index does not correlate with the cell volume decrease. It scales with the membrane tension difference in the direction of stiffness gradient. Because of the tight coupling between cell volume and membrane tension, inhibition of Na+/K+ ATPase and Na+/H+ exchanger results in smaller volume decrease and membrane tension difference. Collectively, our findings indicate that the polarization of membrane tension is a central regulator of cell durotaxis, and Na+/K+ ATPase and Na+/H+ exchanger can help to maintain the membrane tension polarity.
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4
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Obenaus AM, Mollica MY, Sniadecki NJ. (De)form and Function: Measuring Cellular Forces with Deformable Materials and Deformable Structures. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901454. [PMID: 31951099 PMCID: PMC7274881 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The ability for biological cells to produce mechanical forces is important for the development, function, and homeostasis of tissue. The measurement of cellular forces is not a straightforward task because individual cells are microscopic in size and the forces they produce are at the nanonewton scale. Consequently, studies in cell mechanics rely on advanced biomaterials or flexible structures that permit one to infer these forces by the deformation they impart on the material or structure. Herein, the scientific progression on the use of deformable materials and deformable structures to measure cellular forces are reviewed. The findings and insights made possible with these approaches in the field of cell mechanics are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava M Obenaus
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Molly Y Mollica
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Nathan J Sniadecki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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5
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Li X, He S, Xu J, Li P, Ji B. Cooperative Contraction Behaviors of a One-Dimensional Cell Chain. Biophys J 2019; 115:554-564. [PMID: 30089244 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Collective behaviors of multiple cells play important roles in various physiological and pathological processes, but the mechanisms of coordination among cells are highly unknown. Here, we build a one-dimensional cell-chain model to quantitatively study cell cooperativity. Combining experimental and theoretical approaches, we showed that the matrix stiffness, intercellular adhesion strength, and cell-chain length have a significant effect on the cooperative contraction of the cell chains. Cells have strong cooperativity, i.e., exhibiting a united contraction mode, in shorter cell chains or on softer matrix or with higher intercellular adhesion strength. In contrast, cells would exhibit a divided contraction when the cell chain was long or on stiffer matrix or with weaker adhesion strength. In addition, our quantitative results indicated that the cooperativity of cells is regulated by the coupling between matrix stiffness and intercellular adhesion, which can be quantified by an explicit parameter group. These results may provide guidelines for regulating the cooperativity of cells in their collective behaviors in tissue morphogenesis and tissue engineering in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Li
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials Laboratory, School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shijie He
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials Laboratory, School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayi Xu
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials Laboratory, School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Peiliu Li
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials Laboratory, School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Baohua Ji
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Eftekharjoo M, Palmer D, McCoy B, Maruthamuthu V. Fibrillar force generation by fibroblasts depends on formin. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 510:72-77. [PMID: 30660364 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts in the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) often adopt a predominantly one-dimensional fibrillar geometry by virtue of their adhesion to the fibrils in the ECM. How much forces such fibrillar fibroblasts exert and how they respond to the extended stiffness of their micro-environment comprising of other ECM components and cells are not clear. We use fibroblasts adherent on fibronectin lines micropatterned onto soft polyacrylamide gels as an in vitro experimental model that maintains fibrillar cell morphology while still letting the cell mechanically interact with a continuous micro-environment of specified stiffness. We find that the exerted traction, quantified as the strain energy or the maximum exerted traction stress, is not a function of cell length. Both the strain energy and the maximum traction stress exerted by fibrillar cells are similar for low (13 kPa) or high (45 kPa) micro-environmental stiffness. Furthermore, we find that fibrillar fibroblasts exhibit prominent linear actin structures. Accordingly, inhibition of the formin family of nucleators strongly decreases the exerted traction forces. Interestingly, fibrillar cell migration is, however, not affected under formin inhibition. Our results suggest that fibrillar cell migration in such soft microenvironments is not dependent on high cellular force exertion in the absence of other topological constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Eftekharjoo
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
| | - Dakota Palmer
- Department of Biological Sciences and Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
| | - Breanna McCoy
- Department of Engineering Technology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
| | - Venkat Maruthamuthu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA.
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Woychek A, Jones JCR. Nesprin-2G knockout fibroblasts exhibit reduced migration, changes in focal adhesion composition, and reduced ability to generate traction forces. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2019; 76:200-208. [PMID: 30667166 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear envelope protein nesprin-2G is a component of the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex and is responsible for mechanical and signaling crosstalk between the nucleus and cytoskeleton. A prior study has demonstrated that nesprin-2G knockout mice show delayed wound healing. The goal was to elucidate the mechanism underlying the delayed wound closure in this mouse model. Primary fibroblasts from wild-type and knockout neonatal mice were isolated. Knockout cells exhibited decreased focal adhesion (FA) size, number, and intensity. Consistent with this result, FA protein expression levels were decreased in knockout cells. Additionally, knockout fibroblasts displayed an abnormal actin cytoskeleton, as evidenced by loss of TAN line formation and both cytoplasmic and peri-nuclear actin staining. Using collective and single cell motility assays, it was found that knockout cells exhibited a reduction in both speed and directed migration. Traction force microscopy revealed that knockout fibroblasts generated fewer traction forces compared with WT fibroblasts. In summary, the data indicated that changes in actin organization and defects in FAs result in a reduced ability of knockout fibroblasts to generate traction forces needed for efficient motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Woychek
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, United States of America
| | - Jonathan C R Jones
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, United States of America
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