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Zhou WH, Qiao LR, Xie SJ, Chang Z, Yin X, Xu GK. Mechanical guidance to self-organization and pattern formation of stem cells. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:3448-3457. [PMID: 38567443 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00172a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The self-organization of stem cells (SCs) constitutes the fundamental basis of the development of biological organs and structures. SC-driven patterns are essential for tissue engineering, yet unguided SCs tend to form chaotic patterns, impeding progress in biomedical engineering. Here, we show that simple geometric constraints can be used as an effective mechanical modulation approach that promotes the development of controlled self-organization and pattern formation of SCs. Using the applied SC guidance with geometric constraints, we experimentally uncover a remarkable deviation in cell aggregate orientation from a random direction to a specific orientation. Subsequently, we propose a dynamic mechanical framework, including cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the culture environment, to characterize the specific orientation deflection of guided cell aggregates relative to initial geometric constraints, which agrees well with experimental observation. Based on this framework, we further devise various theoretical strategies to realize complex biological patterns, such as radial and concentric structures. Our study highlights the key role of mechanical factors and geometric constraints in governing SCs' self-organization. These findings yield critical insights into the regulation of SC-driven pattern formation and hold great promise for advancements in tissue engineering and bioactive material design for regenerative application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hua Zhou
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Lin-Ru Qiao
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - She-Juan Xie
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Zhuo Chang
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Xu Yin
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Guang-Kui Xu
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
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2
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Harbin Z, Sohutskay D, Vanderlaan E, Fontaine M, Mendenhall C, Fisher C, Voytik-Harbin S, Tepole AB. Computational mechanobiology model evaluating healing of postoperative cavities following breast-conserving surgery. Comput Biol Med 2023; 165:107342. [PMID: 37647782 PMCID: PMC10581740 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107342] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer type worldwide. Given high survivorship, increased focus has been placed on long-term treatment outcomes and patient quality of life. While breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is the preferred treatment strategy for early-stage breast cancer, anticipated healing and breast deformation (cosmetic) outcomes weigh heavily on surgeon and patient selection between BCS and more aggressive mastectomy procedures. Unfortunately, surgical outcomes following BCS are difficult to predict, owing to the complexity of the tissue repair process and significant patient-to-patient variability. To overcome this challenge, we developed a predictive computational mechanobiological model that simulates breast healing and deformation following BCS. The coupled biochemical-biomechanical model incorporates multi-scale cell and tissue mechanics, including collagen deposition and remodeling, collagen-dependent cell migration and contractility, and tissue plastic deformation. Available human clinical data evaluating cavity contraction and histopathological data from an experimental porcine lumpectomy study were used for model calibration. The computational model was successfully fit to data by optimizing biochemical and mechanobiological parameters through Gaussian process surrogates. The calibrated model was then applied to define key mechanobiological parameters and relationships influencing healing and breast deformation outcomes. Variability in patient characteristics including cavity-to-breast volume percentage and breast composition were further evaluated to determine effects on cavity contraction and breast cosmetic outcomes, with simulation outcomes aligning well with previously reported human studies. The proposed model has the potential to assist surgeons and their patients in developing and discussing individualized treatment plans that lead to more satisfying post-surgical outcomes and improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Harbin
- School of Mechanical Engineering Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - David Sohutskay
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Emma Vanderlaan
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Muira Fontaine
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Carly Mendenhall
- School of Mechanical Engineering Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Carla Fisher
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sherry Voytik-Harbin
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Department of Basic Medical Sciences Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Adrian Buganza Tepole
- School of Mechanical Engineering Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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3
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Wang C, Ramahdita G, Genin G, Huebsch N, Ma Z. Dynamic mechanobiology of cardiac cells and tissues: Current status and future perspective. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:011314. [PMID: 37008887 PMCID: PMC10062054 DOI: 10.1063/5.0141269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces impact cardiac cells and tissues over their entire lifespan, from development to growth and eventually to pathophysiology. However, the mechanobiological pathways that drive cell and tissue responses to mechanical forces are only now beginning to be understood, due in part to the challenges in replicating the evolving dynamic microenvironments of cardiac cells and tissues in a laboratory setting. Although many in vitro cardiac models have been established to provide specific stiffness, topography, or viscoelasticity to cardiac cells and tissues via biomaterial scaffolds or external stimuli, technologies for presenting time-evolving mechanical microenvironments have only recently been developed. In this review, we summarize the range of in vitro platforms that have been used for cardiac mechanobiological studies. We provide a comprehensive review on phenotypic and molecular changes of cardiomyocytes in response to these environments, with a focus on how dynamic mechanical cues are transduced and deciphered. We conclude with our vision of how these findings will help to define the baseline of heart pathology and of how these in vitro systems will potentially serve to improve the development of therapies for heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ghiska Ramahdita
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | | | | | - Zhen Ma
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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4
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Berry CE, Downer M, Morgan AG, Griffin M, Liang NE, Kameni L, Laufey Parker JB, Guo J, Longaker MT, Wan DC. The effects of mechanical force on fibroblast behavior in cutaneous injury. Front Surg 2023; 10:1167067. [PMID: 37143767 PMCID: PMC10151708 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1167067] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Wound healing results in the formation of scar tissue which can be associated with functional impairment, psychological stress, and significant socioeconomic cost which exceeds 20 billion dollars annually in the United States alone. Pathologic scarring is often associated with exaggerated action of fibroblasts and subsequent excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins which results in fibrotic thickening of the dermis. In skin wounds, fibroblasts transition to myofibroblasts which contract the wound and contribute to remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Mechanical stress on wounds has long been clinically observed to result in increased pathologic scar formation, and studies over the past decade have begun to uncover the cellular mechanisms that underly this phenomenon. In this article, we will review the investigations which have identified proteins involved in mechano-sensing, such as focal adhesion kinase, as well as other important pathway components that relay the transcriptional effects of mechanical forces, such as RhoA/ROCK, the hippo pathway, YAP/TAZ, and Piezo1. Additionally, we will discuss findings in animal models which show the inhibition of these pathways to promote wound healing, reduce contracture, mitigate scar formation, and restore normal extracellular matrix architecture. Recent advances in single cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics and the resulting ability to further characterize mechanoresponsive fibroblast subpopulations and the genes that define them will be summarized. Given the importance of mechanical signaling in scar formation, several clinical treatments focused on reducing tension on the wound have been developed and are described here. Finally, we will look toward future research which may reveal novel cellular pathways and deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of pathologic scarring. The past decade of scientific inquiry has drawn many lines connecting these cellular mechanisms that may lead to a map for the development of transitional treatments for patients on the path to scarless healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E. Berry
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Mauricio Downer
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Annah G. Morgan
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Michelle Griffin
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Norah E. Liang
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Lionel Kameni
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer B. Laufey Parker
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jason Guo
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Michael T. Longaker
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Derrick C. Wan
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Correspondence: Derrick C. Wan
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Scholp AJ, Jensen J, Chinnathambi S, Atluri K, Mendenhall A, Fowler T, Salem AK, Martin JA, Sander EA. Force-Bioreactor for Assessing Pharmacological Therapies for Mechanobiological Targets. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:907611. [PMID: 35928948 PMCID: PMC9343955 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.907611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis is a major health issue that impacts millions of people and is costly to treat. However, few effective anti-fibrotic treatments are available. Due to their central role in fibrotic tissue deposition, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are the target of many therapeutic strategies centered primarily on either inducing apoptosis or blocking mechanical or biochemical stimulation that leads to excessive collagen production. Part of the development of these drugs for clinical use involves in vitro prescreening. 2D screens, however, are not ideal for discovering mechanobiologically significant compounds that impact functions like force generation and other cell activities related to tissue remodeling that are highly dependent on the conditions of the microenvironment. Thus, higher fidelity models are needed to better simulate in vivo conditions and relate drug activity to quantifiable functional outcomes. To provide guidance on effective drug dosing strategies for mechanoresponsive drugs, we describe a custom force-bioreactor that uses a fibroblast-seeded fibrin gels as a relatively simple mimic of the provisional matrix of a healing wound. As cells generate traction forces, the volume of the gel reduces, and a calibrated and embedded Nitinol wire deflects in proportion to the generated forces over the course of 6 days while overhead images of the gel are acquired hourly. This system is a useful in vitro tool for quantifying myofibroblast dose-dependent responses to candidate biomolecules, such as blebbistatin. Administration of 50 μM blebbistatin reliably reduced fibroblast force generation approximately 40% and lasted at least 40 h, which in turn resulted in qualitatively less collagen production as determined via fluorescent labeling of collagen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin J. Scholp
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jordan Jensen
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Sathivel Chinnathambi
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Keerthi Atluri
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Translational Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Alyssa Mendenhall
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Timothy Fowler
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Aliasger K. Salem
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Translational Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - James A. Martin
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Edward A. Sander
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Edward A. Sander,
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Chen X, Zhang H, Hao H, Zhang X, Song H, He B, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Zhu Z, Hu Y, Wang Y. Thrombin induces morphological and inflammatory astrocytic responses via activation of PAR1 receptor. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:189. [PMID: 35399122 PMCID: PMC8995373 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-00997-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) will result in the significant elevation of thrombin production at lesion site via either breakage of blood-spinal cord barrier or upregulated expression within nerve cells. Thrombin-induced activation of the protease activated receptors (PARs) evokes various pathological effects that deteriorate the functional outcomes of the injured cord. The cellular consequences of thrombin action on the astrocytes, as well as the underlying mechanism are not fully elucidated by far. In the present study, SCI model of rats was established by contusion, and primary astrocytes were isolated for culture from newborn rats. The expression levels of thrombin and PAR1 receptor at lesion sites of the spinal cord were determined. The primary astrocytes cultured in vitro were stimulated with different concentration of thrombin, and the resultant morphological changes, inflammatory astrocytic responses, as well as PAR1-activated signal pathway of astrocytes were accordingly examined using various agonists or antagonists of the receptor. Thrombin was found to reverse astrocytic stellation, promote proliferation but inhibit migration of astrocytes. Furthermore, the serine protease was shown to facilitate inflammatory response of astrocytes through regulation of MAPKs/NFκB pathway. Our results have provided the morphological evidence of astrocytic reactivity in response to thrombin stimulation and its neuroinflammatory effects following SCI, which will be indicative for the fundamental insights of thrombin-induced neuropathology.
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7
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Hobson CM, Aaron JS, Heddleston JM, Chew TL. Visualizing the Invisible: Advanced Optical Microscopy as a Tool to Measure Biomechanical Forces. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:706126. [PMID: 34552926 PMCID: PMC8450411 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.706126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of mechanical force in biology is evident across diverse length scales, ranging from tissue morphogenesis during embryo development to mechanotransduction across single adhesion proteins at the cell surface. Consequently, many force measurement techniques rely on optical microscopy to measure forces being applied by cells on their environment, to visualize specimen deformations due to external forces, or even to directly apply a physical perturbation to the sample via photoablation or optogenetic tools. Recent developments in advanced microscopy offer improved approaches to enhance spatiotemporal resolution, imaging depth, and sample viability. These advances can be coupled with already existing force measurement methods to improve sensitivity, duration and speed, amongst other parameters. However, gaining access to advanced microscopy instrumentation and the expertise necessary to extract meaningful insights from these techniques is an unavoidable hurdle. In this Live Cell Imaging special issue Review, we survey common microscopy-based force measurement techniques and examine how they can be bolstered by emerging microscopy methods. We further explore challenges related to the accompanying data analysis in biomechanical studies and discuss the various resources available to tackle the global issue of technology dissemination, an important avenue for biologists to gain access to pre-commercial instruments that can be leveraged for biomechanical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad M. Hobson
- Advanced Imaging Center, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | - Jesse S. Aaron
- Advanced Imaging Center, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | - John M. Heddleston
- Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center, Port St. Lucie, FL, United States
| | - Teng-Leong Chew
- Advanced Imaging Center, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
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Yu Z, Liu KK. Soft Polymer-Based Technique for Cellular Force Sensing. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:2672. [PMID: 34451211 PMCID: PMC8399510 DOI: 10.3390/polym13162672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft polymers have emerged as a vital type of material adopted in biomedical engineering to perform various biomechanical characterisations such as sensing cellular forces. Distinct advantages of these materials used in cellular force sensing include maintaining normal functions of cells, resembling in vivo mechanical characteristics, and adapting to the customised functionality demanded in individual applications. A wide range of techniques has been developed with various designs and fabrication processes for the desired soft polymeric structures, as well as measurement methodologies in sensing cellular forces. This review highlights the merits and demerits of these soft polymer-based techniques for measuring cellular contraction force with emphasis on their quantitativeness and cell-friendliness. Moreover, how the viscoelastic properties of soft polymers influence the force measurement is addressed. More importantly, the future trends and advancements of soft polymer-based techniques, such as new designs and fabrication processes for cellular force sensing, are also addressed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kuo-Kang Liu
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK;
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Collagen denaturation in the infarcted myocardium involves temporally distinct effects of MT1-MMP-dependent proteolysis and mechanical tension. Matrix Biol 2021; 99:18-42. [PMID: 34048934 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tissue injury results in profound alterations in the collagen network, associated with unfolding of the collagen triple helix, proteolytic degradation and generation of fragments. In the infarcted myocardium, changes in the collagen network are critically involved in the pathogenesis of left ventricular rupture, adverse remodeling and chronic dysfunction. We hypothesized that myocardial infarction is associated with temporally and spatially restricted patterns of collagen denaturation that may reflect distinct molecular mechanisms of collagen unfolding. We used a mouse model of non-reperfused myocardial infarction, and in vitro assays in fibroblast-populated collagen lattices. In healing infarcts, labeling with collagen hybridizing peptide (CHP) revealed two distinct patterns of collagen denaturation. During the inflammatory and proliferative phases of infarct healing, collagen denaturation was pericellular, localized in close proximity to macrophages and myofibroblasts. qPCR array analysis of genes associated with matrix remodeling showed that Membrane Type 1-Matrix Metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is markedly upregulated in infarct macrophages and fibroblasts, suggesting its involvement in pericellular collagen denaturation. In vitro, MT1-MMP-mediated pericellular collagen denaturation is involved in cardiac fibroblast migration. The effects of MT1-MMP on collagen denaturation and fibroblast migration involve the catalytic site, and require hemopexin domain-mediated actions. In contrast, during the maturation phase of infarct healing, extensive collagen denaturation was noted in the hypocellular infarct, in the infarct border zone and in the mitral valve annulus, in the absence of MT1-MMP. In vitro, mechanical tension in attached collagen lattices was sufficient to induce peripheral collagen denaturation. Our study suggests that in healing infarcts, early pericellular collagen denaturation may be important for migration of macrophages and reparative myofibroblasts in the infarct. Extensive denaturation of collagen fibers is noted in mature scars, likely reflecting mechanical tension. Chronic collagen denaturation may increase susceptibility of the matrix to proteolysis, thus contributing to progressive cardiac dilation and post-infarction heart failure.
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Murtada SI, Kawamura Y, Li G, Schwartz MA, Tellides G, Humphrey JD. Developmental origins of mechanical homeostasis in the aorta. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:629-639. [PMID: 33341996 PMCID: PMC8089041 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanical homeostasis promotes proper aortic structure and function. Pathological conditions may arise, in part, from compromised or lost homeostasis. There is thus a need to quantify the homeostatic state and when it emerges. Here we quantify changes in mechanical loading, geometry, structure, and function of the murine aorta from the late prenatal period into maturity. RESULTS Our data suggest that a homeostatic set-point is established by postnatal day P2 for the flow-induced shear stress experienced by endothelial cells; this value deviates from its set-point from P10 to P21 due to asynchronous changes in mechanical loading (flow, pressure) and geometry (radius, wall thickness), but is restored thereafter consistent with homeostasis. Smooth muscle contractility also decreases during this period of heightened matrix deposition but is also restored in maturity. The pressure-induced mechanical stress experienced by intramural cells initially remains low despite increasing blood pressure, and then increases while extracellular matrix accumulates. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that cell-level mechanical homeostasis emerges soon after birth to allow mechanosensitive cells to guide aortic development, with deposition of matrix after P2 increasingly stress shielding intramural cells. The associated tissue-level set-points that emerge for intramural stress can be used to assess and model the aorta that matures biomechanically by P56.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae-Il Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yuki Kawamura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Guangxin Li
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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11
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Malek S, Köster DV. The Role of Cell Adhesion and Cytoskeleton Dynamics in the Pathogenesis of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:649082. [PMID: 33968931 PMCID: PMC8097055 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.649082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of 13 disorders, clinically defined through features of joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. Most subtypes are caused by mutations in genes affecting the structure or processing of the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein collagen. The Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSDs) are clinically indistinguishable disorders, but are considered to lack a genetic basis. The pathogenesis of all these disorders, however, remains poorly understood. Genotype-phenotype correlations are limited, and findings of aberrant collagen fibrils are inconsistent and associate poorly with the subtype and severity of the disorder. The defective ECM, however, also has consequences for cellular processes. EDS/HSD fibroblasts exhibit a dysfunctional phenotype including impairments in cell adhesion and cytoskeleton organization, though the pathological significance of this has remained unclear. Recent advances in our understanding of fibroblast mechanobiology suggest these changes may actually reflect features of a pathomechanism we herein define. This review departs from the traditional view of EDS/HSD, where pathogenesis is mediated by the structurally defective ECM. Instead, we propose EDS/HSD may be a disorder of membrane-bound collagen, and consider how aberrations in cell adhesion and cytoskeleton dynamics could drive the abnormal properties of the connective tissue, and be responsible for the pathogenesis of EDS/HSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabeeha Malek
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Darius V Köster
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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12
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Gracioso Martins AM, Wilkins MD, Ligler FS, Daniele MA, Freytes DO. Microphysiological System for High-Throughput Computer Vision Measurement of Microtissue Contraction. ACS Sens 2021; 6:985-994. [PMID: 33656335 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.0c02172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The ability to measure microtissue contraction in vitro can provide important information when modeling cardiac, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, dermal, and skeletal tissues. However, measuring tissue contraction in vitro often requires the use of high number of cells per tissue construct along with time-consuming microscopy and image analysis. Here, we present an inexpensive, versatile, high-throughput platform to measure microtissue contraction in a 96-well plate configuration using one-step batch imaging. More specifically, optical fiber microprobes are embedded in microtissues, and contraction is measured as a function of the deflection of optical signals emitted from the end of the fibers. Signals can be measured from all the filled wells on the plate simultaneously using a digital camera. An algorithm uses pixel-based image analysis and computer vision techniques for the accurate multiwell quantification of positional changes in the optical microprobes caused by the contraction of the microtissues. Microtissue constructs containing 20,000-100,000 human ventricular cardiac fibroblasts (NHCF-V) in 6 mg/mL collagen type I showed contractile displacements ranging from 20-200 μm. This highly sensitive and versatile platform can be used for the high-throughput screening of microtissues in disease modeling, drug screening for therapeutics, physiology research, and safety pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Gracioso Martins
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill/North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695, North Carolina, United States
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695, North Carolina, United States
| | - Michael D. Wilkins
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695, North Carolina, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695, North Carolina, United States
| | - Frances S. Ligler
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill/North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695, North Carolina, United States
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695, North Carolina, United States
| | - Michael A. Daniele
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill/North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695, North Carolina, United States
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695, North Carolina, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695, North Carolina, United States
| | - Donald O. Freytes
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill/North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695, North Carolina, United States
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695, North Carolina, United States
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13
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Eichinger JF, Haeusel LJ, Paukner D, Aydin RC, Humphrey JD, Cyron CJ. Mechanical homeostasis in tissue equivalents: a review. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2021; 20:833-850. [PMID: 33683513 PMCID: PMC8154823 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-021-01433-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There is substantial evidence that growth and remodeling of load bearing soft biological tissues is to a large extent controlled by mechanical factors. Mechanical homeostasis, which describes the natural tendency of such tissues to establish, maintain, or restore a preferred mechanical state, is thought to be one mechanism by which such control is achieved across multiple scales. Yet, many questions remain regarding what promotes or prevents homeostasis. Tissue equivalents, such as collagen gels seeded with living cells, have become an important tool to address these open questions under well-defined, though limited, conditions. This article briefly reviews the current state of research in this area. It summarizes, categorizes, and compares experimental observations from the literature that focus on the development of tension in tissue equivalents. It focuses primarily on uniaxial and biaxial experimental studies, which are well-suited for quantifying interactions between mechanics and biology. The article concludes with a brief discussion of key questions for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas F Eichinger
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Continuum and Materials Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, 21073, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lea J Haeusel
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Paukner
- Institute of Continuum and Materials Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, 21073, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Roland C Aydin
- Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Christian J Cyron
- Institute of Continuum and Materials Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, 21073, Hamburg, Germany. .,Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany.
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14
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Park Y, Huh KM, Kang SW. Applications of Biomaterials in 3D Cell Culture and Contributions of 3D Cell Culture to Drug Development and Basic Biomedical Research. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2491. [PMID: 33801273 PMCID: PMC7958286 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of drugs is important in the production of new drugs to treat diseases. Testing in humans is the most accurate method, but there are technical and ethical limitations. To overcome these limitations, various models have been developed in which responses to various external stimuli can be observed to help guide future trials. In particular, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture has a great advantage in simulating the physical and biological functions of tissues in the human body. This article reviews the biomaterials currently used to improve cellular functions in 3D culture and the contributions of 3D culture to cancer research, stem cell culture and drug and toxicity screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Park
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering & Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea;
- Predictive Model Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Kang Moo Huh
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering & Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea;
| | - Sun-Woong Kang
- Predictive Model Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Korea
- Human and Environmental Toxicology Program, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea
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15
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Eichinger JF, Paukner D, Szafron JM, Aydin RC, Humphrey JD, Cyron CJ. Computer-Controlled Biaxial Bioreactor for Investigating Cell-Mediated Homeostasis in Tissue Equivalents. J Biomech Eng 2020; 142:1074127. [PMID: 32005993 DOI: 10.1115/1.4046201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Soft biological tissues consist of cells and extracellular matrix (ECM), a network of diverse proteins, glycoproteins, and glycosaminoglycans that surround the cells. The cells actively sense the surrounding ECM and regulate its mechanical state. Cell-seeded collagen or fibrin gels, so-called tissue equivalents, are simple but powerful model systems to study this phenomenon. Nevertheless, few quantitative studies document the stresses that cells establish and maintain in such gels; moreover, most prior data were collected via uniaxial experiments whereas soft tissues are mainly subject to multiaxial loading in vivo. To begin to close this gap between existing experimental data and in vivo conditions, we describe here a computer-controlled bioreactor that enables accurate measurements of the evolution of mechanical tension and deformation of tissue equivalents under well-controlled biaxial loads. This device allows diverse studies, including how cells establish a homeostatic state of biaxial stress and if they maintain it in response to mechanical perturbations. It similarly allows, for example, studies of the impact of cell and matrix density, exogenous growth factors and cytokines, and different types of loading conditions (uniaxial, strip-biaxial, and biaxial) on these processes. As illustrative results, we show that NIH/3T3 fibroblasts establish a homeostatic mechanical state that depends on cell density and collagen concentration. Following perturbations from this homeostatic state, the cells were able to recover biaxial loading similar to homeostatic. Depending on the precise loads, however, they were not always able to fully maintain that state.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Eichinger
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstrasse 15, Garching 85748, Germany; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Continuum and Materials Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Eissendorfer Strasse 42, Hamburg 21073, Germany
| | - D Paukner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, 55 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - J M Szafron
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, 55 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - R C Aydin
- Department for Simulation of Solids and Structures, Materials Mechanics, Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, Geesthacht 21502, Germany
| | - J D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, 55 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - C J Cyron
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Continuum and Materials Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Eissendorfer Strasse 42, Hamburg 21073, Germany; Department for Simulation of Solids and Structures, Materials Mechanics, Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, Geesthacht 21502, Germany
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16
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Zhang K, Ding SS, Gong YN, Zhao X, Li K. Initiation mechanisms of acupuncture effect: a literature review of basic studies. JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE AND TUINA SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11726-019-1149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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17
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Sawadkar P, Player D, Bozec L, Mudera V. The mechanobiology of tendon fibroblasts under static and uniaxial cyclic load in a 3D tissue engineered model mimicking native extracellular matrix. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2019; 14:135-146. [PMID: 31622052 DOI: 10.1002/term.2975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Tendon mechanobiology plays a vital role in tendon repair and regeneration; however, this mechanism is currently poorly understood. We tested the role of different mechanical loads on extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling gene expression and the morphology of tendon fibroblasts in collagen hydrogels, designed to mimic native tissue. Hydrogels were subjected to precise static or uniaxial loading patterns of known magnitudes and sampled to analyse gene expression of known mechano-responsive ECM-associated genes (Collagen I, Collagen III, Tenomodulin, and TGF-β). Tendon fibroblast cytomechanics was studied under load by using a tension culture force monitor, with immunofluorescence and immunohistological staining used to examine cell morphology. Tendon fibroblasts subjected to cyclic load showed that endogenous matrix tension was maintained, with significant concomitant upregulation of ECM remodelling genes, Collagen I, Collagen III, Tenomodulin, and TGF-β when compared with static load and control samples. These data indicate that tendon fibroblasts acutely adapt to the mechanical forces placed upon them, transmitting forces across the ECM without losing mechanical dynamism. This model demonstrates cell-material (ECM) interaction and remodelling in preclinical a platform, which can be used as a screening tool to understand tendon regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad Sawadkar
- Division of Surgery and interventional Science, UCL Stanmore campus, London, UK
| | - Darren Player
- Division of Surgery and interventional Science, UCL Stanmore campus, London, UK
| | - Laurent Bozec
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London, UK
| | - Vivek Mudera
- Division of Surgery and interventional Science, UCL Stanmore campus, London, UK
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18
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Abstract
Stem cell therapy is a promising alternative approach to the treatment of a number of incurable degenerative diseases. However, low cell retention and survival after transplantation limit the therapeutic efficacy of stem cells for clinical translational applications. The utilization of biomaterials has been progressively successful in controlling the fate of transplanted cells by imitating the cellular microenvironment for optimal tissue repair and regeneration. This review mainly focuses on the engineered microenvironments with synthetic biomaterials in modification of stem cell behaviors. Moreover, the possible advancements in translational therapy by using biomaterials with stem cells are prospected and the challenges of the current restriction in clinical applications are highlighted.
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19
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Greuter T, Shah VH. Too Stiff, Too Late . . . Timing Is Everything in Antiangiogenic Treatment of Liver Fibrosis. Hepatology 2019; 69:449-451. [PMID: 30070720 PMCID: PMC6325014 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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20
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Giannopoulos A, Svensson RB, Heinemeier KM, Schjerling P, Kadler KE, Holmes DF, Kjaer M, Magnusson SP. Cellular homeostatic tension and force transmission measured in human engineered tendon. J Biomech 2018; 78:161-165. [PMID: 30100218 PMCID: PMC6135935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tendons transmit contractile muscular force to bone to produce movement, and it is believed cells can generate endogenous forces on the extracellular matrix to maintain tissue homeostasis. However, little is known about the direct mechanical measurement of cell-matrix interaction in cell-generated human tendon constructs. In this study we examined if cell-generated force could be detected and quantified in engineered human tendon constructs, and if glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) contribute to tendon force transmission. Following de-tensioning of the tendon constructs it was possible to quantify an endogenous re-tensioning. Further, it was demonstrated that the endogenous re-tensioning response was markedly blunted after interference with the cytoskeleton (inhibiting non-muscle myosin-dependent cell contraction by blebbistatin), which confirmed that re-tensioning was cell generated. When the constructs were elongated and held at a constant length a stress relaxation response was quantified, and removing 27% of the GAG content of tendon did not alter the relaxation behavior, which indicates that GAGs do not play a meaningful role in force transmission within this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Giannopoulos
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rene B Svensson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katja M Heinemeier
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Schjerling
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karl E Kadler
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - David F Holmes
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Michael Kjaer
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Peter Magnusson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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21
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Taylor DA, Sampaio LC, Ferdous Z, Gobin AS, Taite LJ. Decellularized matrices in regenerative medicine. Acta Biomater 2018; 74:74-89. [PMID: 29702289 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Of all biologic matrices, decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) has emerged as a promising tool used either alone or when combined with other biologics in the fields of tissue engineering or regenerative medicine - both preclinically and clinically. dECM provides a native cellular environment that combines its unique composition and architecture. It can be widely obtained from native organs of different species after being decellularized and is entitled to provide necessary cues to cells homing. In this review, the superiority of the macro- and micro-architecture of dECM is described as are methods by which these unique characteristics are being harnessed to aid in the repair and regeneration of organs and tissues. Finally, an overview of the state of research regarding the clinical use of different matrices and the common challenges faced in using dECM are provided, with possible solutions to help translate naturally derived dECM matrices into more robust clinical use. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Ideal scaffolds mimic nature and provide an environment recognized by cells as proper. Biologically derived matrices can provide biological cues, such as sites for cell adhesion, in addition to the mechanical support provided by synthetic matrices. Decellularized extracellular matrix is the closest scaffold to nature, combining unique micro- and macro-architectural characteristics with an equally unique complex composition. The decellularization process preserves structural integrity, ensuring an intact vasculature. As this multifunctional structure can also induce cell differentiation and maturation, it could become the gold standard for scaffolds.
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22
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23
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Hu S, Chen TH, Zhao Y, Wang Z, Lam RHW. Protein-Substrate Adhesion in Microcontact Printing Regulates Cell Behavior. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:1750-1759. [PMID: 29304548 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b02935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Microcontact printing (μCP) is widely used to create patterns of biomolecules essential for studies of cell mechanics, migration, and tissue engineering. However, different types of μCPs may create micropatterns with varied protein-substrate adhesion, which may change cell behaviors and pose uncertainty in result interpretation. Here, we characterize two μCP methods for coating extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (stamp-off and covalent bond) and demonstrate for the first time the important role of protein-substrate adhesion in determining cell behavior. We found that, as compared to cells with weaker traction force (e.g., endothelial cells), cells with strong traction force (e.g., vascular smooth muscle cells) may delaminate the ECM patterns, which reduced cell viability as a result. Importantly, such ECM delamination was observed on patterns by stamp-off but not on the patterns by covalent bonds. Further comparisons of the displacement of the ECM patterns between the normal VSMCs and the force-reduced VSMCs suggested that the cell traction force plays an essential role in this ECM delamination. Together, our results indicated that μCPs with insufficient adhesion may lead to ECM delamination and cause cell death, providing new insight for micropatterning in cell-biomaterial interaction on biointerfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhuan Hu
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Ting-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Research Institute , Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanhua Zhao
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Zuankai Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Research Institute , Shenzhen, China
| | - Raymond H W Lam
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Research Institute , Shenzhen, China
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24
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Mohammadalipour A, Burdick MM, Tees DFJ. Deformability of breast cancer cells in correlation with surface markers and cell rolling. FASEB J 2018; 32:1806-1817. [PMID: 29162703 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700762r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Although the cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis has been around for many years, the reliability of cell-surface markers to classify CSCs has remained debatable. The finding that cancerous cells are significantly more deformable than healthy ones has provided motivation to consider mechanical properties as a possible biomarker for stemness. In this study, using the micropipette aspiration technique, mechanical properties of multiple breast cancer cell lines were investigated and correlated with breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) marker, CD44+/CD24-/ALDH1+. The results indicated that Hs578T and MDA-MB-231 cell lines with CD44+/CD24-/ALDH1+ phenotype were significantly more deformable than the MDA-MB-468 cell line, which did not express the BCSC marker. The BT-20 cell line with intermediate deformability did not express any CD44+/CD24- phenotype, but it expressed aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 activity. In addition, more-deformable cell lines were found to roll with shear-independent velocities on E-selectin-coated substrates in a parallel-plate flow chamber, which might be a mediating factor for firm adhesion of CSCs to endothelium during metastasis. Our results indicate that rheological properties can be considered as a biomechanical marker in addition to, or as a complement of, surface markers to find more-definitive evidence of CSC characteristics within tumors.-Mohammadalipour, A., Burdick, M. M., Tees, D. F. J. Deformability of breast cancer cells in correlation with surface markers and cell rolling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Mohammadalipour
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA; and.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Monica M Burdick
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - David F J Tees
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA; and
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25
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Puzzi L, Borin D, Martinelli V, Mestroni L, Kelsell DP, Sbaizero O. Cellular biomechanics impairment in keratinocytes is associated with a C-terminal truncated desmoplakin: An atomic force microscopy investigation. Micron 2017; 106:27-33. [PMID: 29291530 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In a tissue continuously challenged by mechanical stresses, such as the skin or the heart, cells perceive information about their microenvironment through several adhesive protein complexes and activate cell-signaling events to maintain tissue cohesion. Consequently, alteration of cell adhesion components leads to aberrant assembly of the associated cytoplasmic scaffolding and signaling pathways, which may reflect changes to the tissue physiology and mechanical resistance. Desmoplakin is an essential component of the cell-cell junction, anchoring the desmosomal protein complex to the intermediate filaments (IFs). Inherited mutations in desmoplakin are associated with both heart and skin disease (cardiocutaneous syndrome). In this study, we investigated the mechanical properties of human keratinocytes harboring a cardiocutaneous-associated homozygous C-terminal truncation in desmoplakin (JD-1) compared to a control keratinocyte line (K1). Using Single Cell Force Spectroscopy (SCFS) AFM-based measurements, JD-1 keratinocytes displayed an overall alteration in morphology, elasticity, adhesion capabilities and viscoelastic properties, highlighting the profound interconnection between the adhesome pathways and the IF scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Puzzi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniele Borin
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Valentina Martinelli
- Molecular Medicine, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luisa Mestroni
- Cardiovascular Institute & Adult Medical Genetics, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Avenue, 80045 Aurora, CO, United States
| | - David P Kelsell
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Turner Street, Whitechapel, E1 2AD London, United Kingdom
| | - Orfeo Sbaizero
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
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26
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Liu L, You Z, Yu H, Zhou L, Zhao H, Yan X, Li D, Wang B, Zhu L, Xu Y, Xia T, Shi Y, Huang C, Hou W, Du Y. Mechanotransduction-modulated fibrotic microniches reveal the contribution of angiogenesis in liver fibrosis. NATURE MATERIALS 2017; 16:1252-1261. [PMID: 29170554 DOI: 10.1038/nmat5024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The role of pathological angiogenesis on liver fibrogenesis is still unknown. Here, we developed fibrotic microniches (FμNs) that recapitulate the interaction of liver sinusoid endothelial cells (LSECs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We investigated how the mechanical properties of their substrates affect the formation of capillary-like structures and how they relate to the progression of angiogenesis during liver fibrosis. Differences in cell response in the FμNs were synonymous of the early and late stages of liver fibrosis. The stiffness of the early-stage FμNs was significantly elevated due to condensation of collagen fibrils induced by angiogenesis, and led to activation of HSCs by LSECs. We utilized these FμNs to understand the response to anti-angiogenic drugs, and it was evident that these drugs were effective only for early-stage liver fibrosis in vitro and in an in vivo mouse model of liver fibrosis. Late-stage liver fibrosis was not reversed following treatment with anti-angiogenic drugs but rather with inhibitors of collagen condensation. Our work reveals stage-specific angiogenesis-induced liver fibrogenesis via a previously unrevealed mechanotransduction mechanism which may offer precise intervention strategies targeting stage-specific disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longwei Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhifeng You
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hongsheng Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lyu Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaojun Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Dulei Li
- Institute for Immunology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bingjie Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lu Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuzhou Xu
- Sequencing core facility, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tie Xia
- Institute for Immunology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Institute for Immunology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chenyu Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Wei Hou
- Tianjin Second People's Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Hepatology, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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27
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Könnig D, Herrera A, Duda GN, Petersen A. Mechanosensation across borders: fibroblasts inside a macroporous scaffold sense and respond to the mechanical environment beyond the scaffold walls. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:265-275. [PMID: 28084698 DOI: 10.1002/term.2410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In tissue defects, cells face distinct mechanical boundary conditions, but how this influences early stages of tissue regeneration remains largely unknown. Biomaterials are used to fill defects but also to provide specific mechanical or geometrical signals. However, they might at the same time shield mechanical information from surrounding tissues that is relevant for tissue functionalisation. This study investigated how fibroblasts in a soft macroporous biomaterial scaffold respond to distinct mechanical environments while they form microtissues. Different boundary stiffnesses counteracting scaffold contraction were provided via a newly developed in vitro setup. Online monitoring over 14 days revealed 3.0 times lower microtissue contraction but 1.6 times higher contraction force for high vs. low stiffness. This difference was significant already after 48 h, a very early stage of microtissue growth. The microtissue's mechanical and geometrical adaptation indicated a collective cellular behaviour and mechanical communication across scaffold pore walls. Surprisingly, the stiffness of the environment influenced cell behaviour even inside macroporous scaffolds where direct cell-cell contacts are hindered. Mechanical communication between cells via traction forces is essential for tissue adaptation to the environment and should not be blocked by rigid biomaterials. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Könnig
- Julius Wolff Institute, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Herrera
- Julius Wolff Institute, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
| | - G N Duda
- Julius Wolff Institute, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany.,Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Petersen
- Julius Wolff Institute, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
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28
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Menon SN, Hall CL, McCue SW, McElwain DLS. A model for one-dimensional morphoelasticity and its application to fibroblast-populated collagen lattices. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2017; 16:1743-1763. [PMID: 28523375 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-017-0917-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical behaviour of solid biological tissues has long been described using models based on classical continuum mechanics. However, the classical continuum theories of elasticity and viscoelasticity cannot easily capture the continual remodelling and associated structural changes in biological tissues. Furthermore, models drawn from plasticity theory are difficult to apply and interpret in this context, where there is no equivalent of a yield stress or flow rule. In this work, we describe a novel one-dimensional mathematical model of tissue remodelling based on the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient. We express the mechanical effects of remodelling as an evolution equation for the effective strain, a measure of the difference between the current state and a hypothetical mechanically relaxed state of the tissue. This morphoelastic model combines the simplicity and interpretability of classical viscoelastic models with the versatility of plasticity theory. A novel feature of our model is that while most models describe growth as a continuous quantity, here we begin with discrete cells and develop a continuum representation of lattice remodelling based on an appropriate limit of the behaviour of discrete cells. To demonstrate the utility of our approach, we use this framework to capture qualitative aspects of the continual remodelling observed in fibroblast-populated collagen lattices, in particular its contraction and its subsequent sudden re-expansion when remodelling is interrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakti N Menon
- The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, CIT Campus, Taramani, Chennai, 600113, India
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
| | - Cameron L Hall
- Mathematics Applications Consortium with Science and Industry, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Oxford Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, 24-29 St Giles', Oxford, OX1 3LB, UK
| | - Scott W McCue
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia.
| | - D L Sean McElwain
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
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29
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Sandbo N, Smolyaninova LV, Orlov SN, Dulin NO. Control of Myofibroblast Differentiation and Function by Cytoskeletal Signaling. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2017; 81:1698-1708. [PMID: 28260491 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297916130071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The cytoskeleton consists of three distinct types of protein polymer structures - microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules; each serves distinct roles in controlling cell shape, division, contraction, migration, and other processes. In addition to mechanical functions, the cytoskeleton accepts signals from outside the cell and triggers additional signals to extracellular matrix, thus playing a key role in signal transduction from extracellular stimuli through dynamic recruitment of diverse intermediates of the intracellular signaling machinery. This review summarizes current knowledge about the role of cytoskeleton in the signaling mechanism of fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation - a process characterized by accumulation of contractile proteins and secretion of extracellular matrix proteins, and being critical for normal wound healing in response to tissue injury as well as for aberrant tissue remodeling in fibrotic disorders. Specifically, we discuss control of serum response factor and Hippo signaling pathways by actin and microtubule dynamics as well as regulation of collagen synthesis by intermediate filaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Sandbo
- University of Wisconsin, Department of Medicine, Madison, WI, USA
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30
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Three-dimensional (3D) cell motility underlies essential processes, such as embryonic development, tissue repair and immune surveillance, and is involved in cancer progression. Although the cytoskeleton is a well-studied regulator of cell migration, most of what we know about its functions originates from studies conducted in two-dimensional (2D) cultures. This research established that the microtubule network mediates polarized trafficking and signaling that are crucial for cell shape and movement in 2D. In parallel, developments in light microscopy and 3D cell culture systems progressively allowed to investigate cytoskeletal functions in more physiologically relevant settings. Interestingly, several studies have demonstrated that microtubule involvement in cell morphogenesis and motility can differ in 2D and 3D environments. In this Commentary, we discuss these differences and their relevance for the understanding the role of microtubules in cell migration in vivo. We also provide an overview of microtubule functions that were shown to control cell shape and motility in 3D matrices and discuss how they can be investigated further by using physiologically relevant models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin P. Bouchet
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
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31
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Stolwijk JA, Zhang X, Gueguinou M, Zhang W, Matrougui K, Renken C, Trebak M. Calcium Signaling Is Dispensable for Receptor Regulation of Endothelial Barrier Function. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:22894-22912. [PMID: 27624938 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.756114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial barrier function is tightly regulated by plasma membrane receptors and is crucial for tissue fluid homeostasis; its dysfunction causes disease, including sepsis and inflammation. The ubiquitous activation of Ca2+ signaling upon phospholipase C-coupled receptor ligation leads quite naturally to the assumption that Ca2+ signaling is required for receptor-regulated endothelial barrier function. This widespread hypothesis draws analogy from smooth muscle and proposes the requirement of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-generated Ca2+ signaling in activating the endothelial contractile apparatus and generating interendothelial gaps. Notwithstanding endothelia being non-excitable in nature, the hypothesis of Ca2+-induced endothelial contraction has been invoked to explain actions of GPCR agonists that either disrupt or stabilize endothelial barrier function. Here, we challenge this correlative hypothesis by showing a lack of causal link between GPCR-generated Ca2+ signaling and changes in human microvascular endothelial barrier function. We used three endogenous GPCR agonists: thrombin and histamine, which disrupt endothelial barrier function, and sphingosine-1-phosphate, which stabilizes barrier function. The qualitatively different effects of these three agonists on endothelial barrier function occur independently of Ca2+ entry through the ubiquitous store-operated Ca2+ entry channel Orai1, global Ca2+ entry across the plasma membrane, and Ca2+ release from internal stores. However, disruption of endothelial barrier function by thrombin and histamine requires the Ca2+ sensor stromal interacting molecule-1 (STIM1), whereas sphingosine-1-phosphate-mediated enhancement of endothelial barrier function occurs independently of STIM1. We conclude that although STIM1 is required for GPCR-mediated disruption of barrier function, a causal link between GPCR-induced cytoplasmic Ca2+ increases and acute changes in barrier function is missing. Thus, the cytosolic Ca2+-induced endothelial contraction is a cum hoc fallacy that should be abandoned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Stolwijk
- From the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033.,the Applied Biophysics Inc., Troy, New York 12180
| | - Xuexin Zhang
- From the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
| | - Maxime Gueguinou
- From the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
| | - Wei Zhang
- From the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
| | - Khalid Matrougui
- the Department of Physiological Sciences, East Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507, and
| | | | - Mohamed Trebak
- From the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033,
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32
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Chen Z, Wang Q, Asmani M, Li Y, Liu C, Li C, Lippmann JM, Wu Y, Zhao R. Lung Microtissue Array to Screen the Fibrogenic Potential of Carbon Nanotubes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31304. [PMID: 27510174 PMCID: PMC4980669 DOI: 10.1038/srep31304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their excellent physical and chemical characteristics, multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) have the potential to be used in structural composites, conductive materials, sensors, drug delivery and medical imaging. However, because of their small-size and light-weight, the applications of MWCNT also raise health concerns. In vivo animal studies have shown that MWCNT cause biomechanical and genetic alterations in the lung tissue which lead to lung fibrosis. To screen the fibrogenic risk factor of specific types of MWCNT, we developed a human lung microtissue array device that allows real-time and in-situ readout of the biomechanical properties of the engineered lung microtissue upon MWCNT insult. We showed that the higher the MWCNT concentration, the more severe cytotoxicity was observed. More importantly, short type MWCNT at low concentration of 50 ng/ml stimulated microtissue formation and contraction force generation, and caused substantial increase in the fibrogenic marker miR-21 expression, indicating the high fibrogenic potential of this specific carbon nanotube type and concentration. The presented microtissue array system provides a powerful tool for high-throughput examination of the therapeutic and toxicological effects of target compounds in realistic tissue environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Chen
- State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Buffalo, New York, 14260, USA
| | - Qixin Wang
- State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Buffalo, New York, 14260, USA
| | - Mohammadnabi Asmani
- State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Buffalo, New York, 14260, USA
| | - Yan Li
- State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Buffalo, New York, 14260, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Buffalo, New York, 14260, USA
| | - Changning Li
- State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Buffalo, New York, 14260, USA.,State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Buffalo, New York, 14260, USA
| | - Julian M Lippmann
- State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Buffalo, New York, 14260, USA
| | - Yun Wu
- State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Buffalo, New York, 14260, USA
| | - Ruogang Zhao
- State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Buffalo, New York, 14260, USA
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33
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Jin T, Li L, Siow RCM, Liu KK. Collagen matrix stiffness influences fibroblast contraction force. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2016. [DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/2/4/047002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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34
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Jin T, Li L, Siow RCM, Liu KK. A novel collagen gel-based measurement technique for quantitation of cell contraction force. J R Soc Interface 2016; 12. [PMID: 25977960 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.1365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell contraction force plays an important role in wound healing, inflammation,angiogenesis and metastasis. This study describes a novel method to quantify single cell contraction force in vitro using human aortic adventitial fibroblasts embedded in a collagen gel. The technique is based on a depth sensing nano-indentation tester to measure the thickness and elasticity of collagen gels containing stimulated fibroblasts and a microscopy imaging system to estimate the gel area. In parallel, a simple theoretical model has been developed to calculate cell contraction force based on the measured parameters. Histamine (100 mM) was used to stimulate fibroblast contraction while the myosin light chain kinase inhibitor ML-7 (25 mM) was used to inhibit cell contraction. The collagen matrix used in the model provides a physiological environment for fibroblast contraction studies. Measurement of changes in collagen gel elasticity and thickness arising from histamine treatments provides a novel convenient technique to measure cell contraction force within a collagen matrix. This study demonstrates that histamine can elicit a significant increase in contraction force of fibroblasts embedded in collagen,while the Young's modulus of the gel decreases due to the gel degradation.
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35
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Elson EL, Genin GM. Tissue constructs: platforms for basic research and drug discovery. Interface Focus 2016; 6:20150095. [PMID: 26855763 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2015.0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions, form and mechanical properties of cells are inextricably linked to their extracellular environment. Cells from solid tissues change fundamentally when, isolated from this environment, they are cultured on rigid two-dimensional substrata. These changes limit the significance of mechanical measurements on cells in two-dimensional culture and motivate the development of constructs with cells embedded in three-dimensional matrices that mimic the natural tissue. While measurements of cell mechanics are difficult in natural tissues, they have proven effective in engineered tissue constructs, especially constructs that emphasize specific cell types and their functions, e.g. engineered heart tissues. Tissue constructs developed as models of disease also have been useful as platforms for drug discovery. Underlying the use of tissue constructs as platforms for basic research and drug discovery is integration of multiscale biomaterials measurement and computational modelling to dissect the distinguishable mechanical responses separately of cells and extracellular matrix from measurements on tissue constructs and to quantify the effects of drug treatment on these responses. These methods and their application are the main subjects of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot L Elson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics , Washington University School of Medicine , St Louis, MO 63110 , USA
| | - Guy M Genin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science , Washington University , St Louis, MO 63130 , USA
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36
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Swierczewski R, Hedley J, Redfern CPF. High-resolution micromechanical measurement in real time of forces exerted by living cells. Cell Adh Migr 2015; 10:322-30. [PMID: 26645140 PMCID: PMC4951163 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2015.1120398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare uniaxial traction forces exerted by different cell types using a novel sensor design and to test the dependence of measured forces on cytoskeletal integrity. The sensor design detects forces generated between 2 contact points by cells spanning a gap. The magnitude of these forces varied according to cell type and were dependent on cytoskeletal integrity. The response time for drug-induced cytoskeletal disruption also varied between cell types: dermal fibroblasts exerted the greatest forces and had the slowest drug response times; EBV-transformed epithelial cells also had slow cytoskeletal depolymerisation times but exerted the lowest forces overall. Conversely, lung epithelial tumor cells exerted low forces but had the fastest depolymerisation drug response. These results provide proof of principle for a new design of force-measurement sensor based on optical interferometry, an approach that can be used to study cytoskeletal dynamics in real time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Swierczewski
- a School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering, Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , United Kingdom.,b Northern Institute for Cancer Research , Newcastle upon Tyne , United Kingdom
| | - John Hedley
- a School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering, Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , United Kingdom
| | - Chris P F Redfern
- b Northern Institute for Cancer Research , Newcastle upon Tyne , United Kingdom
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37
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Sun W, Lim CT, Kurniawan NA. Mechanistic adaptability of cancer cells strongly affects anti-migratory drug efficacy. J R Soc Interface 2015; 11:rsif.2014.0638. [PMID: 25100319 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.0638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis involves the dissemination of cancer cells from the primary tumour site and is responsible for the majority of solid tumour-related mortality. Screening of anti-metastasis drugs often includes functional assays that examine cancer cell invasion inside a three-dimensional hydrogel that mimics the extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we built a mechanically tuneable collagen hydrogel model to recapitulate cancer spreading into heterogeneous tumour stroma and monitored the three-dimensional invasion of highly malignant breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231. Migration assays were carried out in the presence and the absence of drugs affecting four typical molecular mechanisms involved in cell migration, as well as under five ECMs with different biophysical properties. Strikingly, the effects of the drugs were observed to vary strongly with matrix mechanics and microarchitecture, despite the little dependence of the inherent cancer cell migration on the ECM condition. Specifically, cytoskeletal contractility-targeting drugs reduced migration speed in sparse gels, whereas migration in dense gels was retarded effectively by inhibiting proteolysis. The results corroborate the ability of cancer cells to switch their multiple invasion mechanisms depending on ECM condition, thus suggesting the importance of factoring in the biophysical properties of the ECM in anti-metastasis drug screenings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, Singapore 117456, Republic of Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Republic of Singapore Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Republic of Singapore Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Republic of Singapore
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38
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Hindman B, Goeckeler Z, Sierros K, Wysolmerski R. Non-Muscle Myosin II Isoforms Have Different Functions in Matrix Rearrangement by MDA-MB-231 Cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131920. [PMID: 26136073 PMCID: PMC4489869 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of a stiffening extra-cellular matrix (ECM) in cancer progression is documented but poorly understood. Here we use a conditioning protocol to test the role of nonmuscle myosin II isoforms in cell mediated ECM arrangement using collagen constructs seeded with breast cancer cells expressing shRNA targeted to either the IIA or IIB heavy chain isoform. While there are several methods available to measure changes in the biophysical characteristics of the ECM, we wanted to use a method which allows for the measurement of global stiffness changes as well as a dynamic response from the sample over time. The conditioning protocol used allows the direct measurement of ECM stiffness. Using various treatments, it is possible to determine the contribution of various construct and cellular components to the overall construct stiffness. Using this assay, we show that both the IIA and IIB isoforms are necessary for efficient matrix remodeling by MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, as loss of either isoform changes the stiffness of the collagen constructs as measured using our conditioning protocol. Constructs containing only collagen had an elastic modulus of 0.40 Pascals (Pa), parental MDA-MB-231 constructs had an elastic modulus of 9.22 Pa, while IIA and IIB KD constructs had moduli of 3.42 and 7.20 Pa, respectively. We also calculated the cell and matrix contributions to the overall sample elastic modulus. Loss of either myosin isoform resulted in decreased cell stiffness, as well as a decrease in the stiffness of the cell-altered collagen matrices. While the total construct modulus for the IIB KD cells was lower than that of the parental cells, the IIB KD cell-altered matrices actually had a higher elastic modulus than the parental cell-altered matrices (4.73 versus 4.38 Pa). These results indicate that the IIA and IIB heavy chains play distinct and non-redundant roles in matrix remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Hindman
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Zoe Goeckeler
- Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases, West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Kostas Sierros
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Robert Wysolmerski
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases, West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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39
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Petroll WM, Lakshman N. Fibroblastic Transformation of Corneal Keratocytes by Rac Inhibition is Modulated by Extracellular Matrix Structure and Stiffness. J Funct Biomater 2015; 6:222-40. [PMID: 25874856 PMCID: PMC4493509 DOI: 10.3390/jfb6020222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study was to investigate how alterations in extracellular matrix (ECM) biophysical properties modulate corneal keratocyte phenotypes in response to specific wound healing cytokines and Rho GTPases. Rabbit corneal keratocytes were plated within standard collagen matrices (2.5 mg/mL) or compressed collagen matrices (~100 mg/mL) and cultured in serum-free media, PDGF BB, IGF, FGF2 or TGFβ1, with or without the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 and/or the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632. After 1 to 4 days, cells were labeled for F-actin and imaged using confocal microscopy. Keratocytes within standard collagen matrices (which are highly compliant) maintained a dendritic phenotype following culture in serum-free media, PDGF, IGF and FGF, but developed stress fibers in TGFβ1. Keratocytes within compressed collagen (which has high stiffness and low porosity) maintained a dendritic phenotype following culture in serum-free media, PDGF and IGF, but developed stress fibers in both FGF and TGFβ1. The Rac inhibitor had no significant impact on growth factor responses in compliant matrices. Within compressed collagen matrices however, the Rac inhibitor induced fibroblastic transformation in serum-free media, PDGF and IGF. Fibroblast and myofibroblast transformation was blocked by Rho kinase inhibition. Overall, keratocyte growth factor responses appear to be regulated by both the interplay between Rho and Rac signaling, and the structural and mechanical properties of the ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Matthew Petroll
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9057, USA.
| | - Neema Lakshman
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9057, USA.
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40
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Humphrey JD, Schwartz MA, Tellides G, Milewicz DM. Role of mechanotransduction in vascular biology: focus on thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. Circ Res 2015; 116:1448-61. [PMID: 25858068 PMCID: PMC4420625 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.114.304936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Thoracic aortic diseases that involve progressive enlargement, acute dissection, or rupture are influenced by the hemodynamic loads and mechanical properties of the wall. We have only limited understanding, however, of the mechanobiological processes that lead to these potentially lethal conditions. Homeostasis requires that intramural cells sense their local chemomechanical environment and establish, maintain, remodel, or repair the extracellular matrix to provide suitable compliance and yet sufficient strength. Proper sensing, in turn, necessitates both receptors that connect the extracellular matrix to intracellular actomyosin filaments and signaling molecules that transmit the related information to the nucleus. Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections are associated with poorly controlled hypertension and mutations in genes for extracellular matrix constituents, membrane receptors, contractile proteins, and associated signaling molecules. This grouping of factors suggests that these thoracic diseases result, in part, from dysfunctional mechanosensing and mechanoregulation of the extracellular matrix by the intramural cells, which leads to a compromised structural integrity of the wall. Thus, improved understanding of the mechanobiology of aortic cells could lead to new therapeutic strategies for thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections.
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MESH Headings
- Aortic Dissection/genetics
- Aortic Dissection/metabolism
- Aortic Dissection/pathology
- Aortic Dissection/physiopathology
- Aortic Dissection/therapy
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aorta, Thoracic/pathology
- Aorta, Thoracic/physiopathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/physiopathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/therapy
- Aortic Rupture/genetics
- Aortic Rupture/metabolism
- Aortic Rupture/pathology
- Aortic Rupture/physiopathology
- Aortic Rupture/therapy
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Disease Progression
- Extracellular Matrix Proteins/genetics
- Extracellular Matrix Proteins/metabolism
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Hemodynamics
- Humans
- Mechanotransduction, Cellular
- Phenotype
- Stress, Mechanical
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay D Humphrey
- From the Departments of Biomedical Engineering (J.D.H., M.A.S.), Medicine (Cardiology) (M.A.S.), Cell Biology (M.A.S.), and Surgery (G.T.), Yale University, New Haven, CT; and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston (D.M.M.)
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- From the Departments of Biomedical Engineering (J.D.H., M.A.S.), Medicine (Cardiology) (M.A.S.), Cell Biology (M.A.S.), and Surgery (G.T.), Yale University, New Haven, CT; and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston (D.M.M.)
| | - George Tellides
- From the Departments of Biomedical Engineering (J.D.H., M.A.S.), Medicine (Cardiology) (M.A.S.), Cell Biology (M.A.S.), and Surgery (G.T.), Yale University, New Haven, CT; and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston (D.M.M.)
| | - Dianna M Milewicz
- From the Departments of Biomedical Engineering (J.D.H., M.A.S.), Medicine (Cardiology) (M.A.S.), Cell Biology (M.A.S.), and Surgery (G.T.), Yale University, New Haven, CT; and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston (D.M.M.).
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41
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Petroll WM, Miron-Mendoza M. Mechanical interactions and crosstalk between corneal keratocytes and the extracellular matrix. Exp Eye Res 2015; 133:49-57. [PMID: 25819454 PMCID: PMC4379425 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The generation of cellular forces and the application of these physical forces to the ECM play a central role in mediating matrix patterning and remodeling during fundamental processes such as developmental morphogenesis and wound healing. In addition to growth factors and other biochemical factors that can modulate the keratocyte mechanical phenotype, another key player in the regulation of cell-induced ECM patterning is the mechanical state of the ECM itself. In this review we provide an overview of the biochemical and biophysical factors regulating the mechanical interactions between corneal keratocytes and the stromal ECM at the cellular level. We first provide an overview of how Rho GTPases regulate the sub-cellular pattern of force generation by corneal keratocytes, and the impact these forces have on the surrounding ECM. We next review how feedback from local matrix structural and mechanical properties can modulate keratocyte phenotype and mechanical activity. Throughout this review, we provide examples of how these biophysical interactions may contribute to clinical outcomes, with a focus on corneal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Matthew Petroll
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9057, USA.
| | - Miguel Miron-Mendoza
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9057, USA
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Miron-Mendoza M, Graham E, Kivanany P, Quiring J, Petroll WM. The Role of Thrombin and Cell Contractility in Regulating Clustering and Collective Migration of Corneal Fibroblasts in Different ECM Environments. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2015; 56:2079-90. [PMID: 25736789 PMCID: PMC4373543 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-16388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We previously reported that extracellular matrix composition (fibrin versus collagen) modulates the pattern of corneal fibroblast spreading and migration in 3-D culture. In this study, we investigate the role of thrombin and cell contractility in mediating these differences in cell behavior. METHODS To assess cell spreading, corneal fibroblasts were plated on top of fibrillar collagen and fibrin matrices. To assess 3-dimensional cell migration, compacted collagen matrices seeded with corneal fibroblasts were embedded inside acellular collagen or fibrin matrices. Constructs were cultured in serum-free media containing platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), with or without thrombin, the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632, and/or the myosin II inhibitor blebbistatin. We used 3-dimensional and 4-dimensional imaging to assess cell mechanical behavior, connectivity and cytoskeletal organization. RESULTS Thrombin stimulated increased contractility of corneal fibroblasts. Thrombin also induced Rho kinase-dependent clustering of cells plated on top of compliant collagen matrices, but not on rigid substrates. In contrast, cells on fibrin matrices coalesced into clusters even when Rho kinase was inhibited. In nested matrices, cells always migrated independently through collagen, even in the presence of thrombin. In contrast, cells migrating into fibrin formed an interconnected network. Both Y-27632 and blebbistatin reduced the migration rate in fibrin, but cells continued to migrate collectively. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that while thrombin-induced actomyosin contraction can induce clustering of fibroblasts plated on top of compliant collagen matrices, it does not induce collective cell migration inside 3-D collagen constructs. Furthermore, increased contractility is not required for clustering or collective migration of corneal fibroblasts interacting with fibin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Miron-Mendoza
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Eric Graham
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Pouriska Kivanany
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Jonathan Quiring
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - W Matthew Petroll
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
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Sukriti S, Tauseef M, Yazbeck P, Mehta D. Mechanisms regulating endothelial permeability. Pulm Circ 2015; 4:535-51. [PMID: 25610592 DOI: 10.1086/677356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelial monolayer partitioning underlying tissue from blood components in the vessel wall maintains tissue fluid balance and host defense through dynamically opening intercellular junctions. Edemagenic agonists disrupt endothelial barrier function by signaling the opening of the intercellular junctions leading to the formation of protein-rich edema in the interstitial tissue, a hallmark of tissue inflammation that, if left untreated, causes fatal diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome. In this review, we discuss how intercellular junctions are maintained under normal conditions and after stimulation of endothelium with edemagenic agonists. We have focused on reviewing the new concepts dealing with the alteration of adherens junctions after inflammatory stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukriti Sukriti
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mohammad Tauseef
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Pascal Yazbeck
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Dolly Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Ibrahim MM, Bond J, Bergeron A, Miller KJ, Ehanire T, Quiles C, Lorden ER, Medina MA, Fisher M, Klitzman B, Selim MA, Leong KW, Levinson H. A novel immune competent murine hypertrophic scar contracture model: a tool to elucidate disease mechanism and develop new therapies. Wound Repair Regen 2015; 22:755-64. [PMID: 25327261 PMCID: PMC4304906 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hypertrophic scar (HSc) contraction following burn injury causes contractures. Contractures are painful and disfiguring. Current therapies are marginally effective. To study pathogenesis and develop new therapies, a murine model is needed. We have created a validated immune-competent murine HSc model. A third-degree burn was created on dorsum of C57BL/6 mice. Three days postburn, tissue was excised and grafted with ear skin. Graft contraction was analyzed and tissue harvested on different time points. Outcomes were compared with human condition to validate the model. To confirm graft survival, green fluorescent protein (GFP) mice were used, and histologic analysis was performed to differentiate between ear and back skin. Role of panniculus carnosus in contraction was analyzed. Cellularity was assessed with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole. Collagen maturation was assessed with Picro-sirius red. Mast cells were stained with Toluidine blue. Macrophages were detected with F4/80 immune. Vascularity was assessed with CD31 immune. RNA for contractile proteins was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Elastic moduli of skin and scar tissue were analyzed using a microstrain analyzer. Grafts contracted to ∼45% of their original size by day 14 and maintained their size. Grafting of GFP mouse skin onto wild-type mice, and analysis of dermal thickness and hair follicle density, confirmed graft survival. Interestingly, hair follicles disappeared after grafting and regenerated in ear skin configuration by day 30. Radiological analysis revealed that panniculus carnosus doesn't contribute to contraction. Microscopic analyses showed that grafts show increase in cellularity. Granulation tissue formed after day 3. Collagen analysis revealed increases in collagen maturation over time. CD31 stain revealed increased vascularity. Macrophages and mast cells were increased. qRT-PCR showed up-regulation of transforming growth factor beta, alpha smooth muscle actin, and rho-associated protein kinase 2 in HSc. Tensile testing revealed that human skin and scar tissues are tougher than mouse skin and scar tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Magdy Ibrahim
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Kang Y, Mochizuki N, Khademhosseini A, Fukuda J, Yang Y. Engineering a vascularized collagen-β-tricalcium phosphate graft using an electrochemical approach. Acta Biomater 2015; 11:449-58. [PMID: 25263031 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2014.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Vascularization of three-dimensional large synthetic grafts for tissue regeneration remains a significant challenge. Here we demonstrate an electrochemical approach, named the cell electrochemical detachment (CED) technique, to form an integral endothelium and use it to prevascularize a collagen-β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) graft. The CED technique electrochemically detached an integral endothelium from a gold-coated glass rod to a collagen-infiltrated, channeled, macroporous β-TCP scaffold, forming an endothelium-lined microchannel containing graft upon removal of the rod. The in vitro results from static and perfusion culture showed that the endothelium robustly emanated microvascular sprouting and prevascularized the entire collagen/β-TCP integrated graft. The in vivo subcutaneous implantation studies showed that the prevascularized collagen/β-TCP grafts established blood flow originating from the endothelium-lined microchannel within a week, and the blood flow covered more areas in the graft over time. In addition, many blood vessels invaded the prevascularized collagen/β-TCP graft and the in vitro preformed microvascular networks anastomosed with the host vasculature, while collagen alone without the support of rigid ceramic scaffold showed less blood vessel invasion and anastomosis. These results suggest a promising strategy for effectively vascularizing large tissue-engineered grafts by integrating multiple hydrogel-based CED-engineered endothelium-lined microchannels into a rigid channeled macroporous scaffold.
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Simon DD, Murtada SI, Humphrey JD. Computational model of matrix remodeling and entrenchment in the free-floating fibroblast-populated collagen lattice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2014; 30:1506-1529. [PMID: 25178626 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.2669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Tissue equivalents represent excellent model systems for elucidating principles of mechanobiology and for exploring methods to improve the functionality of tissue-engineered constructs. The simplest tissue equivalent is the free-floating fibroblast-populated collagen lattice. Although introduced over 30 years ago, the associated mechanics of the cell-mediated compaction of this lattice was only recently analyzed in detail. The goal of this paper was to build on this recent stress analysis by developing a computational model of the evolving geometry, regionally varying material properties and cell stresses, and overall residual stress fields during the first two days of compaction. Baseline results were found to agree well with most experimental observations, namely evolving changes in radius, thickness, and material symmetry, yet hypothesis testing revealed aspects of the mechanobiology that require more experimental attention. Given the generality of the proposed framework, we submit that modifications and refinements can be used to study many similar systems and thereby help guide future experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- D D Simon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Humphrey JD, Dufresne ER, Schwartz MA. Mechanotransduction and extracellular matrix homeostasis. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2014; 15:802-12. [PMID: 25355505 PMCID: PMC4513363 DOI: 10.1038/nrm3896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1256] [Impact Index Per Article: 125.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Soft connective tissues at steady state are dynamic; resident cells continually read environmental cues and respond to them to promote homeostasis, including maintenance of the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that are fundamental to cellular and tissue health. The mechanosensing process involves assessment of the mechanics of the ECM by the cells through integrins and the actomyosin cytoskeleton, and is followed by a mechanoregulation process, which includes the deposition, rearrangement or removal of the ECM to maintain overall form and function. Progress towards understanding the molecular, cellular and tissue-level effects that promote mechanical homeostasis has helped to identify key questions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric R Dufresne
- 1] Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yale University. [2] Department of Cell Biology, Yale University
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- 1] Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University. [2] Department of Cell Biology, Yale University. [3] Department of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520 USA
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Mechanical boundary conditions bias fibroblast invasion in a collagen-fibrin wound model. Biophys J 2014; 106:932-43. [PMID: 24559996 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Revised: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Because fibroblasts deposit the collagen matrix that determines the mechanical integrity of scar tissue, altering fibroblast invasion could alter wound healing outcomes. Anisotropic mechanical boundary conditions (restraint, stretch, or tension) could affect the rate of fibroblast invasion, but their importance relative to the prototypical drivers of fibroblast infiltration during wound healing--cell and chemokine concentration gradients--is unknown. We tested whether anisotropic mechanical boundary conditions affected the directionality and speed of fibroblasts migrating into a three-dimensional model wound, which could simultaneously expose fibroblasts to mechanical, structural, steric, and chemical guidance cues. We created fibrin-filled slits in fibroblast-populated collagen gels and applied uniaxial mechanical restraint along the short or long axis of the fibrin wounds. Anisotropic mechanical conditions increased the efficiency of fibroblast invasion by guiding fibroblasts without increasing their migration speed. The migration behavior could be modeled as a biased random walk, where the bias due to multiple guidance cues was accounted for in the shape of a displacement orientation probability distribution. Taken together, modeling and experiments suggested an effect of strain anisotropy, rather than strain-induced fiber alignment, on fibroblast invasion.
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Feng Z, Wagatsuma Y, Kikuchi M, Kosawada T, Nakamura T, Sato D, Shirasawa N, Kitajima T, Umezu M. The mechanisms of fibroblast-mediated compaction of collagen gels and the mechanical niche around individual fibroblasts. Biomaterials 2014; 35:8078-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.05.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Bowden LG, Maini PK, Moulton DE, Tang JB, Wang XT, Liu PY, Byrne HM. An ordinary differential equation model for full thickness wounds and the effects of diabetes. J Theor Biol 2014; 361:87-100. [PMID: 25017724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Wound healing is a complex process in which a sequence of interrelated phases contributes to a reduction in wound size. For diabetic patients, many of these processes are compromised, so that wound healing slows down. In this paper we present a simple ordinary differential equation model for wound healing in which attention focusses on the dominant processes that contribute to closure of a full thickness wound. Asymptotic analysis of the resulting model reveals that normal healing occurs in stages: the initial and rapid elastic recoil of the wound is followed by a longer proliferative phase during which growth in the dermis dominates healing. At longer times, fibroblasts exert contractile forces on the dermal tissue, the resulting tension stimulating further dermal tissue growth and enhancing wound closure. By fitting the model to experimental data we find that the major difference between normal and diabetic healing is a marked reduction in the rate of dermal tissue growth for diabetic patients. The model is used to estimate the breakdown of dermal healing into two processes: tissue growth and contraction, the proportions of which provide information about the quality of the healed wound. We show further that increasing dermal tissue growth in the diabetic wound produces closure times similar to those associated with normal healing and we discuss the clinical implications of this hypothesised treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L G Bowden
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - P K Maini
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - D E Moulton
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - J B Tang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - X T Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - P Y Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - H M Byrne
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Wolfson Building, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QD, UK
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