1
|
Palma C, Piazza S, Visone R, Ringom R, Björklund U, Bermejo Gómez A, Rasponi M, Occhetta P. An Advanced Mechanically Active Osteoarthritis-on-Chip Model to Test Injectable Therapeutic Formulations: The SYN321 Case Study. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2401187. [PMID: 39318108 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Current treatments for osteoarthritis (OA) often fail to address the underlying pathophysiology and may have systemic side effects, particularly associated with long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Thus, researchers are currently directing their efforts toward innovative polymer-drug combinations, such as mixtures of hyaluronic acid viscoelastic hydrogels and NSAIDs like diclofenac, to ensure sustained release of the NSAID within the joint following intra-articular injection. However, the progress of novel injectable therapies for OA is hindered by the absence of preclinical models that accurately represent the pathology of the disease. The uBeat® MultiCompress platform is here presented as a novel approach for studying anti-OA injectable therapeutics on human mechanically-damaged OA cartilage microtissues, in a physiologically relevant environment. This platform can accommodate injectable therapeutic formulations and is successfully tested with SYN321, a novel diclofenac-sodium hyaluronate conjugate under development as a treatment for knee OA. Results indicate the platform's effectiveness in evaluating therapeutic potential, showing downregulation of inflammatory markers and reduction in matrix degradation in OA cartilage micro-tissues treated with SYN321. The uBeat® MultiCompress platform thus represents a valuable tool for OA research, offering a bridge between traditional in vitro studies and potential clinical applications, with implications for future drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Palma
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 34/5, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Stefano Piazza
- BiomimX Srl, Viale Decumano 41, MIND - Milano Innovation District, Milan, 20157, Italy
| | - Roberta Visone
- BiomimX Srl, Viale Decumano 41, MIND - Milano Innovation District, Milan, 20157, Italy
| | - Rune Ringom
- Recipharm OT Chemistry AB, Virdings allé 18, Uppsala, 754 50, Sweden
| | - Ulf Björklund
- UB-consulting AB, Trädgårdsgatan 7A, Uppsala, 753 09, Sweden
| | | | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 34/5, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Paola Occhetta
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 34/5, Milan, 20133, Italy
- BiomimX Srl, Viale Decumano 41, MIND - Milano Innovation District, Milan, 20157, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hu J, Anderson W, Hayes E, Strauss EA, Lang J, Bacos J, Simacek N, Vu HH, McCarty OJ, Kim H, Kang Y(A. The development, use, and challenges of electromechanical tissue stimulation systems. Artif Organs 2024; 48:943-960. [PMID: 38887912 PMCID: PMC11321926 DOI: 10.1111/aor.14808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tissue stimulations greatly affect cell growth, phenotype, and function, and they play an important role in modeling tissue physiology. With the goal of understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying the response of tissues to external stimulations, in vitro models of tissue stimulation have been developed in hopes of recapitulating in vivo tissue function. METHODS Herein we review the efforts to create and validate tissue stimulators responsive to electrical or mechanical stimulation including tensile, compression, torsion, and shear. RESULTS Engineered tissue platforms have been designed to allow tissues to be subjected to selected types of mechanical stimulation from simple uniaxial to humanoid robotic stain through equal-biaxial strain. Similarly, electrical stimulators have been developed to apply selected electrical signal shapes, amplitudes, and load cycles to tissues, lending to usage in stem cell-derived tissue development, tissue maturation, and tissue functional regeneration. Some stimulators also allow for the observation of tissue morphology in real-time while cells undergo stimulation. Discussion on the challenges and limitations of tissue simulator development is provided. CONCLUSIONS Despite advances in the development of useful tissue stimulators, opportunities for improvement remain to better reproduce physiological functions by accounting for complex loading cycles, electrical and mechanical induction coupled with biological stimuli, and changes in strain affected by applied inputs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; University of Massachusetts; Lowell, MA 01854 USA
| | - William Anderson
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering; George Fox University; Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Emily Hayes
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering; George Fox University; Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Ellie Annah Strauss
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering; George Fox University; Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Jordan Lang
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering; George Fox University; Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Josh Bacos
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering; George Fox University; Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Noah Simacek
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering; George Fox University; Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Helen H. Vu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Oregon Health & Science University; Portland, OR 97239 USA
| | - Owen J.T. McCarty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Oregon Health & Science University; Portland, OR 97239 USA
- Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology; Oregon Health & Science University; Portland, OR 97201 USA
| | - Hoyeon Kim
- Department of Engineering; Loyola University Maryland; Baltimore, MD 21210 USA
| | - Youngbok (Abraham) Kang
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering; George Fox University; Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Youssef AS, Petrescu A, Salaets T, Bézy S, Wouters L, Orlowska M, Caenen A, Duchenne J, Puvrez A, Cools B, Heying R, D'hooge J, Gewillig M, Voigt JU. Evolution of Natural Myocardial Shear Wave Behavior in Young Hearts: Determinant Factors and Reproducibility Analysis. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2024:S0894-7317(24)00352-3. [PMID: 39002706 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2024.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myocardial diastolic function assessment in children by conventional echocardiography is challenging. High-frame rate echocardiography facilitates the assessment of myocardial stiffness, a key factor in diastolic function, by measuring the propagation velocities of myocardial shear waves (SWs). However, normal values of natural SWs in children are currently lacking. The aim of this study was to explore the behavior of natural SWs among children and adolescents, their reproducibility, and the factors affecting SW velocities from childhood into adulthood. METHODS One hundred six healthy children (2-18 years of age) and 62 adults (19-80 years of age) were recruited. High-frame rate images were acquired using a modified commercial scanner. An anatomic M-mode line was drawn along the ventricular septum, and propagation velocities of natural SWs after mitral valve closure were measured in the tissue acceleration-coded M-mode display. RESULTS Throughout life, SW velocities after mitral valve closure exhibited pronounced age dependency (r = 0.73; P < .001). Among the pediatric population, SW velocities correlated significantly with measures of cardiac geometry (septal thickness and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension), local hemodynamics (systolic blood pressure), and echocardiographic parameters of systolic and diastolic function (global longitudinal strain, mitral E/e' ratio, isovolumic relaxation time, and mitral deceleration time) (P < .001). In a multivariate analysis including all these factors, the predictors of SW velocities were age, mitral E/e', and global longitudinal strain (r = 0.81). CONCLUSIONS Natural myocardial SW velocities in children can be detected and measured. SW velocities showed significant dependence on age and diastolic function. Natural SWs could be a promising additive tool for the assessment of diastolic function among children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S Youssef
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Aniela Petrescu
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenber-Universitat Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Salaets
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Bézy
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurine Wouters
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marta Orlowska
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annette Caenen
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jürgen Duchenne
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexis Puvrez
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bjorn Cools
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ruth Heying
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan D'hooge
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Gewillig
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jens-Uwe Voigt
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Min K, Karuppannan SK, Tae G. The impact of matrix stiffness on hepatic cell function, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma-Based on quantitative data. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 5:021306. [PMID: 38846007 PMCID: PMC11151446 DOI: 10.1063/5.0197875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, extensive research has explored the development of supportive scaffold materials for in vitro hepatic cell culture, to effectively mimic in vivo microenvironments. It is crucial for hepatic disease modeling, drug screening, and therapeutic evaluations, considering the ethical concerns and practical challenges associated with in vivo experiments. This review offers a comprehensive perspective on hepatic cell culture using bioscaffolds by encompassing all stages of hepatic diseases-from a healthy liver to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-with a specific focus on matrix stiffness. This review begins by providing physiological and functional overviews of the liver. Subsequently, it explores hepatic cellular behaviors dependent on matrix stiffness from previous reports. For hepatic cell activities, softer matrices showed significant advantages over stiffer ones in terms of cell proliferation, migration, and hepatic functions. Conversely, stiffer matrices induced myofibroblastic activation of hepatic stellate cells, contributing to the further progression of fibrosis. Elevated matrix stiffness also correlates with HCC by increasing proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and drug resistance of HCC cells. In addition, we provide quantitative information on available data to offer valuable perspectives for refining the preparation and development of matrices for hepatic tissue engineering. We also suggest directions for further research on this topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoon Min
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Sathish Kumar Karuppannan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Giyoong Tae
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Casarella S, Ferla F, Di Francesco D, Canciani E, Rizzi M, Boccafoschi F. Focal Adhesion's Role in Cardiomyocytes Function: From Cardiomyogenesis to Mechanotransduction. Cells 2024; 13:664. [PMID: 38667279 PMCID: PMC11049660 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanotransduction refers to the ability of cells to sense mechanical stimuli and convert them into biochemical signals. In this context, the key players are focal adhesions (FAs): multiprotein complexes that link intracellular actin bundles and the extracellular matrix (ECM). FAs are involved in cellular adhesion, growth, differentiation, gene expression, migration, communication, force transmission, and contractility. Focal adhesion signaling molecules, including Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), integrins, vinculin, and paxillin, also play pivotal roles in cardiomyogenesis, impacting cell proliferation and heart tube looping. In fact, cardiomyocytes sense ECM stiffness through integrins, modulating signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin. Moreover, FAK/Src complex activation mediates cardiac hypertrophic growth and survival signaling in response to mechanical loads. This review provides an overview of the molecular and mechanical mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between FAs and cardiac differentiation, as well as the role of FA-mediated mechanotransduction in guiding cardiac muscle responses to mechanical stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Casarella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.C.); (D.D.F.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Federica Ferla
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.C.); (D.D.F.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Dalila Di Francesco
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.C.); (D.D.F.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, CRC-I, Department of Min-Met-Materials Engineering, University Hospital Research Center, Regenerative Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Elena Canciani
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.C.); (D.D.F.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Manuela Rizzi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.C.); (D.D.F.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Francesca Boccafoschi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.C.); (D.D.F.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Butler D, Reyes DR. Heart-on-a-chip systems: disease modeling and drug screening applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1494-1528. [PMID: 38318723 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00829k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, casting a substantial economic footprint and burdening the global healthcare system. Historically, pre-clinical CVD modeling and therapeutic screening have been performed using animal models. Unfortunately, animal models oftentimes fail to adequately mimic human physiology, leading to a poor translation of therapeutics from pre-clinical trials to consumers. Even those that make it to market can be removed due to unforeseen side effects. As such, there exists a clinical, technological, and economical need for systems that faithfully capture human (patho)physiology for modeling CVD, assessing cardiotoxicity, and evaluating drug efficacy. Heart-on-a-chip (HoC) systems are a part of the broader organ-on-a-chip paradigm that leverages microfluidics, tissue engineering, microfabrication, electronics, and gene editing to create human-relevant models for studying disease, drug-induced side effects, and therapeutic efficacy. These compact systems can be capable of real-time measurements and on-demand characterization of tissue behavior and could revolutionize the drug development process. In this review, we highlight the key components that comprise a HoC system followed by a review of contemporary reports of their use in disease modeling, drug toxicity and efficacy assessment, and as part of multi-organ-on-a-chip platforms. We also discuss future perspectives and challenges facing the field, including a discussion on the role that standardization is expected to play in accelerating the widespread adoption of these platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derrick Butler
- Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
| | - Darwin R Reyes
- Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen YW, Cheng PP, Yin YF, Cai H, Chen JZ, Feng MH, Guo W, Zhao P, Zhang C, Shan XL, Chen HH, Guo S, Lu Y, Xu M. Integrin αV mediated activation of myofibroblast via mechanoparacrine of transforming growth factor β1 in promoting fibrous scar formation after myocardial infarction. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 692:149360. [PMID: 38081108 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myocardial infarction (MI) dramatically changes the mechanical stress, which is intensified by the fibrotic remodeling. Integrins, especially the αV subunit, mediate mechanical signal and mechanoparacrine of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in various organ fibrosis by activating CFs into myofibroblasts (MFBs). We investigated a possible role of integrin αV mediated mechanoparacrine of TGF-β1 in MFBs activation for fibrous reparation in mice with MI. METHODS Heart samples from MI, sham, or MI plus cilengitide (14 mg/kg, specific integrin αV inhibitor) treated mice, underwent functional and morphological assessments by echocardiography, and histochemistry on 7, 14 and 28 days post-surgery. The mechanical and ultrastructural changes of the fibrous scar were further evaluated by atomic mechanics microscope (AFM), immunofluorescence, second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging, polarized light and scanning electron microscope, respectively. Hydroxyproline assay was used for total collagen content, and western blot for protein expression profile examination. Fibroblast bioactivities, including cell shape, number, Smad2/3 signal and expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) related proteins, were further evaluated by microscopic observation and immunofluorescence in polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogel with adjustable stiffness, which was re-explored in fibroblast cultured on stiff matrix after silencing of integrin αV. The content of total and free TGF-β1 was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in both infarcted tissue and cell samples. RESULT Increased stiffness with heterogeneity synchronized with integrin αV and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) positive MFBs accumulation in those less mature fibrous areas. Cilengitide abruptly reduced collagen content and disrupted collagen alignment, which also decreased TGF-β1 bioavailability, Smad2/3 phosphorylation, and α-SMA expression in the fibrous area. Accordingly, fibroblast on stiff but not soft matrix exhibited obvious MFB phenotype, as evidenced by enlarged cell, hyperproliferation, well-developed α-SMA fibers, and elevated ECM related proteins, while silencing of integrin αV almost abolished this switch via attenuating paracrine of TGF-β1 and nuclear translocation of Smad2/3. CONCLUSION This study illustrated that increased tissue stiffness activates CFs into MFBs by integrin αV mediated mechanoparacrine of TGF-β1, especially in immature scar area, which ultimately promotes fibrous scar maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Chen
- School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei-Pei Cheng
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Feng Yin
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Cai
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Zhi Chen
- School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Hui Feng
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Guo
- School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Li Shan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Hua Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuo Guo
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Minhang Hospital, Fu Dan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ming Xu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Osten F, Weber N, Wendland M, Holler T, Piep B, Kröhn S, Teske J, Bodenschatz AK, Devadas SB, Menge KS, Chatterjee S, Schwanke K, Kosanke M, Montag J, Thum T, Zweigerdt R, Kraft T, Iorga B, Meissner JD. Myosin expression and contractile function are altered by replating stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. J Gen Physiol 2023; 155:e202313377. [PMID: 37656049 PMCID: PMC10473967 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202313377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Myosin heavy chain (MyHC) is the main determinant of contractile function. Human ventricular cardiomyocytes (CMs) predominantly express the β-isoform. We previously demonstrated that ∼80% of human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs) express exclusively β-MyHC after long-term culture on laminin-coated glass coverslips. Here, we investigated the impact of enzymatically detaching hESC-CMs after long-term culture and subsequently replating them for characterization of cellular function. We observed that force-related kinetic parameters, as measured in a micromechanical setup, resembled α- rather than β-MyHC-expressing myofibrils, as well as changes in calcium transients. Single-cell immunofluorescence analysis revealed that replating hESC-CMs led to rapid upregulation of α-MyHC, as indicated by increases in exclusively α-MyHC- and in mixed α/β-MyHC-expressing hESC-CMs. A comparable increase in heterogeneity of MyHC isoform expression was also found among individual human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived CMs after replating. Changes in MyHC isoform expression and cardiomyocyte function induced by replating were reversible in the course of the second week after replating. Gene enrichment analysis based on RNA-sequencing data revealed changes in the expression profile of mechanosensation/-transduction-related genes and pathways, especially integrin-associated signaling. Accordingly, the integrin downstream mediator focal adhesion kinase (FAK) promoted β-MyHC expression on a stiff matrix, further validating gene enrichment analysis. To conclude, detachment and replating induced substantial changes in gene expression, MyHC isoform composition, and function of long-term cultivated human stem cell-derived CMs, thus inducing alterations in mechanosensation/-transduction, that need to be considered, particularly for downstream in vitro assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Osten
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Natalie Weber
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Meike Wendland
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tim Holler
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Birgit Piep
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Simon Kröhn
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jana Teske
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alea K. Bodenschatz
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Santoshi Biswanath Devadas
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kaja S. Menge
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Shambhabi Chatterjee
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kristin Schwanke
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maike Kosanke
- Research Core Unit Genomics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Judith Montag
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Therapies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Robert Zweigerdt
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Theresia Kraft
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bogdan Iorga
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Joachim D. Meissner
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fischer B, Gwinner F, Gepp MM, Schulz A, Danz K, Dehne A, Katsen-Globa A, Neubauer JC, Gentile L, Zimmermann H. A highly versatile biopolymer-based platform for the maturation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes enables functional analysis in vitro and 3D printing of heart patches. J Biomed Mater Res A 2023; 111:1600-1615. [PMID: 37317666 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) represent a valuable tool for in vitro modeling of the cardiac niche and possess great potential in tissue engineering applications. However, conventional polystyrene-based cell culture substrates have adverse effects on cardiomyocytes in vitro due to the stress applied by a stiff substrate on contractile cells. Ultra-high viscosity alginates offer a unique versatility as tunable substrates for cardiac cell cultures due to their biocompatibility, flexible biofunctionalization, and stability. In this work, we analyzed the effect of alginate substrates on hPSC-CM maturity and functionality. Alginate substrates in high-throughput compatible culture formats fostered a more mature gene expression and enabled the simultaneous assessment of chronotropic and inotropic effects upon beta-adrenergic stimulation. Furthermore, we produced 3D-printed alginate scaffolds with differing mechanical properties and plated hPSC-CMs on the surface of these to create Heart Patches for tissue engineering applications. These exhibited synchronous macro-contractions in concert with more mature gene expression patterns and extensive intracellular alignment of sarcomeric structures. In conclusion, the combination of biofunctionalized alginates and human cardiomyocytes represents a valuable tool for both in vitro modeling and regenerative medicine, due to its beneficial effects on cardiomyocyte physiology, the possibility to analyze cardiac contractility, and its applicability as Heart Patches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Fischer
- Department of Stem Cell & Cryo Technology, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach, Germany
- Fraunhofer Project Center for Stem Cell Process Engineering, Würzburg, Germany
| | - F Gwinner
- Department of Stem Cell & Cryo Technology, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach, Germany
| | - M M Gepp
- Department of Stem Cell & Cryo Technology, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach, Germany
- Fraunhofer Project Center for Stem Cell Process Engineering, Würzburg, Germany
| | - A Schulz
- Department of Stem Cell & Cryo Technology, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach, Germany
| | - K Danz
- Department of Bioprocessing and Bioanalytics, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach, Germany
| | - A Dehne
- Department of Stem Cell & Cryo Technology, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach, Germany
| | - A Katsen-Globa
- Department of Stem Cell & Cryo Technology, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach, Germany
| | - J C Neubauer
- Department of Stem Cell & Cryo Technology, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach, Germany
- Fraunhofer Project Center for Stem Cell Process Engineering, Würzburg, Germany
| | - L Gentile
- Department of Stem Cell & Cryo Technology, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach, Germany
| | - H Zimmermann
- Department of Stem Cell & Cryo Technology, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach, Germany
- Fraunhofer Project Center for Stem Cell Process Engineering, Würzburg, Germany
- Chair for Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology, Saarland University, Gebäude A, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Faculty of Marine Science, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
- Department of Bioprocessing and Bioanalytics, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ezzo M, Hinz B. Novel approaches to target fibroblast mechanotransduction in fibroproliferative diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108528. [PMID: 37708995 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to changes in mechanical environment is vital in conditions of organ injury when the architecture of normal tissues is disturbed or lost. Among the various cellular players that respond to injury, fibroblasts take center stage in re-establishing tissue integrity by secreting and organizing extracellular matrix into stabilizing scar tissue. Activation, activity, survival, and death of scar-forming fibroblasts are tightly controlled by mechanical environment and proper mechanotransduction ensures that fibroblast activities cease after completion of the tissue repair process. Conversely, dysregulated mechanotransduction often results in fibroblast over-activation or persistence beyond the state of normal repair. The resulting pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix is called fibrosis, a condition that has been associated with over 40% of all deaths in the industrialized countries. Consequently, elements in fibroblast mechanotransduction are scrutinized for their suitability as anti-fibrotic therapeutic targets. We review the current knowledge on mechanically relevant factors in the fibroblast extracellular environment, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion structures, stretch-activated membrane channels, stress-regulated cytoskeletal structures, and co-transcription factors. We critically discuss the targetability of these elements in therapeutic approaches and their progress in pre-clinical and/or clinical trials to treat organ fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Ezzo
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bernava G, Iop L. Advances in the design, generation, and application of tissue-engineered myocardial equivalents. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1247572. [PMID: 37811368 PMCID: PMC10559975 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1247572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the limited regenerative ability of cardiomyocytes, the disabling irreversible condition of myocardial failure can only be treated with conservative and temporary therapeutic approaches, not able to repair the damage directly, or with organ transplantation. Among the regenerative strategies, intramyocardial cell injection or intravascular cell infusion should attenuate damage to the myocardium and reduce the risk of heart failure. However, these cell delivery-based therapies suffer from significant drawbacks and have a low success rate. Indeed, cardiac tissue engineering efforts are directed to repair, replace, and regenerate native myocardial tissue function. In a regenerative strategy, biomaterials and biomimetic stimuli play a key role in promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and neo-tissue formation. Thus, appropriate biochemical and biophysical cues should be combined with scaffolds emulating extracellular matrix in order to support cell growth and prompt favorable cardiac microenvironment and tissue regeneration. In this review, we provide an overview of recent developments that occurred in the biomimetic design and fabrication of cardiac scaffolds and patches. Furthermore, we sift in vitro and in situ strategies in several preclinical and clinical applications. Finally, we evaluate the possible use of bioengineered cardiac tissue equivalents as in vitro models for disease studies and drug tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Iop
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padua Medical School, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kim JH, Rosenfeld J, Kim YC, Choe S, Composto RJ, Lee D, Dreyfus R. Polymer-Grafted, Gold Nanoparticle-Based Nano-Capsules as Reversible Colorimetric Tensile Strain Sensors. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2300361. [PMID: 37140078 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Colloidal colorimetric microsensors enable the in-situ detection of mechanical strains within materials. Enhancing the sensitivity of these sensors to small scale deformation while enabling reversibility of the sensing capability would expand their utility in applications including biosensing and chemical sensing. In this study, we introduce the synthesis of colloidal colorimetric nano-sensors using a simple and readily scalable fabrication method. Colloidal nano sensors are prepared by emulsion-templated assembly of polymer-grafted gold nanoparticles (AuNP). To direct the adsorption of AuNP to the oil-water interface of emulsion droplets, AuNP (≈11nm) are functionalized with thiol-terminated polystyrene (PS, Mn = 11k). These PS-grafted gold nanoparticles are suspended in toluene and subsequently emulsified to form droplets with a diameter of ≈30µm. By evaporating the solvent of the oil-inwater emulsion, we form nanocapsules (AuNC) (diameter < 1µm) decorated by PS-grafted AuNP. To test mechanical sensing, the AuNC are embedded in an elastomer matrix. The addition of a plasticizer reduces the glass transition temperature of the PS brushes, and in turn imparts reversible deformability to the AuNC. The plasmonic peak of the AuNC shifts towards lower wavelengths upon application of uniaxial tensile tension, indicating increased inter-nanoparticle distance, and reverts back as the tension is released.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hyun Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Joseph Rosenfeld
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Ye Chan Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Sean Choe
- Complex Assemblies of Soft Matter Laboratory (COMPASS), UMI 3254, CNRS-Solvay-University of Pennsylvania, CRTB, Bristol, PA, 19007, USA
| | - Russell J Composto
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Daeyeon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Rémi Dreyfus
- Complex Assemblies of Soft Matter Laboratory (COMPASS), UMI 3254, CNRS-Solvay-University of Pennsylvania, CRTB, Bristol, PA, 19007, USA
- Laboratoire Nanotechnologies Nanosystemes (LN2), CNRS - Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1K 0A5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tabury K, Rehnberg E, Baselet B, Baatout S, Moroni L. Bioprinting of Cardiac Tissue in Space: Where Are We? Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203338. [PMID: 37312654 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bioprinting in space is the next frontier in tissue engineering. In the absence of gravity, novel opportunities arise, as well as new challenges. The cardiovascular system needs particular attention in tissue engineering, not only to develop safe countermeasures for astronauts in future deep and long-term space missions, but also to bring solutions to organ transplantation shortage. In this perspective, the challenges encountered when using bioprinting techniques in space and current gaps that need to be overcome are discussed. The recent developments that have been made in the bioprinting of heart tissues in space and an outlook on potential future bioprinting opportunities in space are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Tabury
- Radiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Center, Boeretang 200, Mol, 2400, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Emil Rehnberg
- Radiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Center, Boeretang 200, Mol, 2400, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Center, Boeretang 200, Mol, 2400, Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Center, Boeretang 200, Mol, 2400, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229ER, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Moazzen H, Bolaji MD, Leube RE. Desmosomes in Cell Fate Determination: From Cardiogenesis to Cardiomyopathy. Cells 2023; 12:2122. [PMID: 37681854 PMCID: PMC10487268 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Desmosomes play a vital role in providing structural integrity to tissues that experience significant mechanical tension, including the heart. Deficiencies in desmosomal proteins lead to the development of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC). The limited availability of preventative measures in clinical settings underscores the pressing need to gain a comprehensive understanding of desmosomal proteins not only in cardiomyocytes but also in non-myocyte residents of the heart, as they actively contribute to the progression of cardiomyopathy. This review focuses specifically on the impact of desmosome deficiency on epi- and endocardial cells. We highlight the intricate cross-talk between desmosomal proteins mutations and signaling pathways involved in the regulation of epicardial cell fate transition. We further emphasize that the consequences of desmosome deficiency differ between the embryonic and adult heart leading to enhanced erythropoiesis during heart development and enhanced fibrogenesis in the mature heart. We suggest that triggering epi-/endocardial cells and fibroblasts that are in different "states" involve the same pathways but lead to different pathological outcomes. Understanding the details of the different responses must be considered when developing interventions and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Moazzen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.D.B.); (R.E.L.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Vuorenpää H, Björninen M, Välimäki H, Ahola A, Kroon M, Honkamäki L, Koivumäki JT, Pekkanen-Mattila M. Building blocks of microphysiological system to model physiology and pathophysiology of human heart. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1213959. [PMID: 37485060 PMCID: PMC10358860 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1213959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS) are drawing increasing interest from academia and from biomedical industry due to their improved capability to capture human physiology. MPS offer an advanced in vitro platform that can be used to study human organ and tissue level functions in health and in diseased states more accurately than traditional single cell cultures or even animal models. Key features in MPS include microenvironmental control and monitoring as well as high biological complexity of the target tissue. To reach these qualities, cross-disciplinary collaboration from multiple fields of science is required to build MPS. Here, we review different areas of expertise and describe essential building blocks of heart MPS including relevant cardiac cell types, supporting matrix, mechanical stimulation, functional measurements, and computational modelling. The review presents current methods in cardiac MPS and provides insights for future MPS development with improved recapitulation of human physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Vuorenpää
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Adult Stem Cell Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Research, Development and Innovation Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Miina Björninen
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Adult Stem Cell Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Research, Development and Innovation Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannu Välimäki
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Antti Ahola
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Computational Biophysics and Imaging Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mart Kroon
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Laura Honkamäki
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Neuro Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jussi T. Koivumäki
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Computational Biophysics and Imaging Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mari Pekkanen-Mattila
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Heart Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gaetani R, Chimenti I. 3D Cultures for Modelling the Microenvironment: Current Research Trends and Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11109. [PMID: 37446284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of 3D culture systems for drug screening or physio-pathological models has exponentially increased in recent years [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gaetani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Isotta Chimenti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, 80122 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Atcha H, Choi YS, Chaudhuri O, Engler AJ. Getting physical: Material mechanics is an intrinsic cell cue. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:750-765. [PMID: 37267912 PMCID: PMC10247187 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Advances in biomaterial science have allowed for unprecedented insight into the ability of material cues to influence stem cell function. These material approaches better recapitulate the microenvironment, providing a more realistic ex vivo model of the cell niche. However, recent advances in our ability to measure and manipulate niche properties in vivo have led to novel mechanobiological studies in model organisms. Thus, in this review, we will discuss the importance of material cues within the cell niche, highlight the key mechanotransduction pathways involved, and conclude with recent evidence that material cues regulate tissue function in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Atcha
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Adam J Engler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nicolini G, Balzan S, Forini F. Activated fibroblasts in cardiac and cancer fibrosis: An overview of analogies and new potential therapeutic options. Life Sci 2023; 321:121575. [PMID: 36933828 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Heart disease and cancer are two major causes of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized countries, and their increasingly recognized connections are shifting the focus from single disease studies to an interdisciplinary approach. Fibroblast-mediated intercellular crosstalk is critically involved in the evolution of both pathologies. In healthy myocardium and in non-cancerous conditions, resident fibroblasts are the main cell source for synthesis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and important sentinels of tissue integrity. In the setting of myocardial disease or cancer, quiescent fibroblasts activate, respectively, into myofibroblasts (myoFbs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), characterized by increased production of contractile proteins, and by a highly proliferative and secretory phenotype. Although the initial activation of myoFbs/CAFs is an adaptive process to repair the damaged tissue, massive deposition of ECM proteins leads to maladaptive cardiac or cancer fibrosis, a recognized marker of adverse outcome. A better understanding of the key mechanisms orchestrating fibroblast hyperactivity may help developing innovative therapeutic options to restrain myocardial or tumor stiffness and improve patient prognosis. Albeit still unappreciated, the dynamic transition of myocardial and tumor fibroblasts into myoFbs and CAFs shares several common triggers and signaling pathways relevant to TGF-β dependent cascade, metabolic reprogramming, mechanotransduction, secretory properties, and epigenetic regulation, which might lay the foundation for future antifibrotic intervention. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight emerging analogies in the molecular signature underlying myoFbs and CAFs activation with the purpose of identifying novel prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers, and to elucidate the potential of drug repositioning strategies to mitigate cardiac/cancer fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvana Balzan
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Forini
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Watanabe T, Sassi S, Ulziibayar A, Hama R, Kitsuka T, Shinoka T. The Application of Porous Scaffolds for Cardiovascular Tissues. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:236. [PMID: 36829730 PMCID: PMC9952004 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
As the number of arteriosclerotic diseases continues to increase, much improvement is still needed with treatments for cardiovascular diseases. This is mainly due to the limitations of currently existing treatment options, including the limited number of donor organs available or the long-term durability of the artificial organs. Therefore, tissue engineering has attracted significant attention as a tissue regeneration therapy in this area. Porous scaffolds are one of the effective methods for tissue engineering. However, it could be better, and its effectiveness varies depending on the tissue application. This paper will address the challenges presented by various materials and their combinations. We will also describe some of the latest methods for tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Watanabe
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Salha Sassi
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Anudari Ulziibayar
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Rikako Hama
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Takahiro Kitsuka
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Toshiharu Shinoka
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Surgery, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Züger F, Berner N, Gullo MR. Towards a Novel Cost-Effective and Versatile Bioink for 3D-Bioprinting in Tissue Engineering. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:biomimetics8010027. [PMID: 36648813 PMCID: PMC9844313 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
3D-bioprinting for tissue regeneration relies on, among other things, hydrogels with favorable rheological properties. These include shear thinning for cell-friendly extrusion, post-printing structural stability as well as physiologically relevant elastic moduli needed for optimal cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation and tissue maturation. This work introduces a cost-efficient gelatin-methylcellulose based hydrogel whose rheological properties can be independently optimized for optimal printability and tissue engineering. Hydrogel viscosities were designed to present three different temperature regimes: low viscosity for eased cell suspension and printing with minimal shear stress, form fidelity directly after printing and long term structural stability during incubation. Enzymatically crosslinked hydrogel scaffolds with stiffnesses ranging from 5 to 50 kPa were produced, enabling the hydrogel to biomimic cell environments for different types of tissues. The bioink showed high intrinsic cytocompatibility and tissues fabricated by embedding and bioprinting NIH 3T3 fibroblasts showed satisfactory viability. This novel hydrogel uses robust and inexpensive technology, which can be adjusted for implementation in tissue regeneration, e.g., in myocardial or neural tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Züger
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Hofackerstrasse 30, CH-4312 Muttenz, Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience Institute, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 82, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Natascha Berner
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Hofackerstrasse 30, CH-4312 Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio R. Gullo
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Hofackerstrasse 30, CH-4312 Muttenz, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-61-228-53-31
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mostert D, Groenen B, Klouda L, Passier R, Goumans MJ, Kurniawan NA, Bouten CVC. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes align under cyclic strain when guided by cardiac fibroblasts. APL Bioeng 2022; 6:046108. [PMID: 36567768 PMCID: PMC9771596 DOI: 10.1063/5.0108914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The myocardium is a mechanically active tissue typified by anisotropy of the resident cells [cardiomyocytes (CMs) and cardiac fibroblasts (cFBs)] and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Upon ischemic injury, the anisotropic tissue is replaced by disorganized scar tissue, resulting in loss of coordinated contraction. Efforts to re-establish tissue anisotropy in the injured myocardium are hampered by a lack of understanding of how CM and/or cFB structural organization is affected by the two major physical cues inherent in the myocardium: ECM organization and cyclic mechanical strain. Herein, we investigate the singular and combined effect of ECM (dis)organization and cyclic strain in a two-dimensional human in vitro co-culture model of the myocardial microenvironment. We show that (an)isotropic ECM protein patterning can guide the orientation of CMs and cFBs, both in mono- and co-culture. Subsequent application of uniaxial cyclic strain-mimicking the local anisotropic deformation of beating myocardium-causes no effect when applied parallel to the anisotropic ECM. However, when cultured on isotropic substrates, cFBs, but not CMs, orient away from the direction of cyclic uniaxial strain (strain avoidance). In contrast, CMs show strain avoidance via active remodeling of their sarcomeres only when co-cultured with at least 30% cFBs. Paracrine signaling or N-cadherin-mediated communication between CMs and cFBs was no contributing factor. Our findings suggest that the mechanoresponsive cFBs provide structural guidance for CM orientation and elongation. Our study, therefore, highlights a synergistic mechanobiological interplay between CMs and cFBs in shaping tissue organization, which is of relevance for regenerating functionally organized myocardium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bart Groenen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Leda Klouda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marie-Jose Goumans
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Center for Biomedical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cardiac fibroblasts and mechanosensation in heart development, health and disease. Nat Rev Cardiol 2022; 20:309-324. [PMID: 36376437 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-022-00799-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The term 'mechanosensation' describes the capacity of cells to translate mechanical stimuli into the coordinated regulation of intracellular signals, cellular function, gene expression and epigenetic programming. This capacity is related not only to the sensitivity of the cells to tissue motion, but also to the decryption of tissue geometric arrangement and mechanical properties. The cardiac stroma, composed of fibroblasts, has been historically considered a mechanically passive component of the heart. However, the latest research suggests that the mechanical functions of these cells are an active and necessary component of the developmental biology programme of the heart that is involved in myocardial growth and homeostasis, and a crucial determinant of cardiac repair and disease. In this Review, we discuss the general concept of cell mechanosensation and force generation as potent regulators in heart development and pathology, and describe the integration of mechanical and biohumoral pathways predisposing the heart to fibrosis and failure. Next, we address the use of 3D culture systems to integrate tissue mechanics to mimic cardiac remodelling. Finally, we highlight the potential of mechanotherapeutic strategies, including pharmacological treatment and device-mediated left ventricular unloading, to reverse remodelling in the failing heart.
Collapse
|
23
|
Biocompatibility and Connectivity of Semiconductor Nanostructures for Cardiac Tissue Engineering Applications. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9110621. [DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9110621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nano- or microdevices, enabling simultaneous, long-term, multisite, cellular recording and stimulation from many excitable cells, are expected to make a strategic turn in basic and applied cardiology (particularly tissue engineering) and neuroscience. We propose an innovative approach aiming to elicit bioelectrical information from the cell membrane using an integrated circuit (IC) bearing a coating of nanowires on the chip surface. Nanowires grow directly on the backend of the ICs, thus allowing on-site amplification of bioelectric signals with uniform and controlled morphology and growth of the NWs on templates. To implement this technology, we evaluated the biocompatibility of silicon and zinc oxide nanowires (NWs), used as a seeding substrate for cells in culture, on two different primary cell lines. Human cardiac stromal cells were used to evaluate the effects of ZnO NWs of different lengths on cell behavior, morphology and growth, while BV-2 microglial-like cells and GH4-C1 neuroendocrine-like cell lines were used to evaluate cell membrane–NW interaction and contact when cultured on Si NWs. As the optimization of the contact between integrated microelectronics circuits and cellular membranes represents a long-standing issue, our technological approach may lay the basis for a new era of devices exploiting the microelectronics’ sensitivity and “smartness” to both improve investigation of biological systems and to develop suitable NW-based systems available for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Collapse
|
24
|
Contreras M, Bachman W, Long DS. Discrete protein metric (DPM): A new image similarity metric to calculate accuracy of deep learning-generated cell focal adhesion predictions. Micron 2022; 160:103302. [PMID: 35689876 PMCID: PMC10228147 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2022.103302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Understanding cell behaviors can provide new knowledge on the development of different pathologies. Focal adhesion (FA) sites are important sub-cellular structures that are involved in these processes. To better facilitate the study of FA sites, deep learning (DL) can be used to predict FA site morphology based on limited microscopic datasets (e.g., cell membrane images). However, calculating the accuracy score of these predictions can be challenging due to the discrete/point pattern like nature of FA sites. In the present work, a new image similarity metric, discrete protein metric (DPM), was developed to calculate FA prediction accuracy. This metric measures differences in distribution (d), shape/size (s), and angle (a) of FA sites between predicted and ground truth microscopy images. Performance of the DPM was evaluated by comparing it to three other commonly used image similarity metrics: Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC), feature similarity index (FSIM), and Intersection over Union (IoU). A sensitivity analysis was performed by comparing changes in each metric value due to quantifiable changes in FA site location, number, aspect ratio, area, or orientation. Furthermore, accuracy score of DL-generated predictions was calculated using all four metrics to compare their ability to capture variation across samples. Results showed better sensitivity and range of variation for DPM compared to the other metrics tested. Most importantly, DPM had the ability to determine which FA predictions were quantitatively more accurate and consistent with qualitative assessments. The proposed DPM hence provides a method to validate DL-generated FA predictions and has the potential to be used for investigation of other sub-cellular protein aggregates relevant to cell biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Contreras
- Mechanobiology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wichita State University, Wichita KS USA
| | - William Bachman
- Mechanobiology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wichita State University, Wichita KS USA
| | - David S Long
- Mechanobiology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wichita State University, Wichita KS USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Cyclic Stretching Induces Maturation of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes through Nuclear-Mechanotransduction. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 19:781-792. [PMID: 35258794 PMCID: PMC9294081 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-021-00427-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During cardiogenesis, cardiac cells receive various stimuli, such as biomechanical and chemical cues, from the surrounding microenvironment, and these signals induce the maturation of heart cells. Mechanical force, especially tensile force in the heart, is one of the key stimuli that induce cardiomyocyte (CM) maturation through mechanotransduction, a process through which physical cues are transformed into biological responses. However, the effects and mechanisms of tensile force on cell maturation are poorly studied. METHODS In this study, we developed a cyclic stretch system that mimics the mechanical environment of the heart by loading tensile force to human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived CMs. hiPSC-CMs cultured with the cyclic stretch system analyzed morphological change, immunofluorescent staining, expression of maturation markers in mRNA, and beating properties compared to static cultures. RESULTS hiPSC-CMs cultured with the cyclic stretch system showed increased cell alignment, sarcomere length and expression of maturation markers in mRNA, such as TNNI3, MYL2 and TTN, compared to static cultures. Especially, the expression of genes related to nuclear mechanotransduction, such as Yap1, Lamin A/C, plectin, and desmin, was increased in the cyclically stretched hiPSC-CMs. Furthermore, the volume of the nucleus was increased by as much as 120% in the cyclic stretch group. CONCLUSION These results revealed that nuclear mechanotransduction induced by tensile force is involved in CM maturation. Together, these findings provide novel evidence suggesting that nuclear mechanotransduction induced by tensile force is involved in the regulation of cardiac maturation.
Collapse
|
26
|
Ramesh P, Moskwa N, Hanchon Z, Koplas A, Nelson DA, Mills KL, Castracane J, Larsen M, Sharfstein ST, Xie Y. Engineering cryoelectrospun elastin-alginate scaffolds to serve as stromal extracellular matrices. Biofabrication 2022; 14:10.1088/1758-5090/ac6b34. [PMID: 35481854 PMCID: PMC9973022 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac6b34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Scaffold-based regenerative strategies that emulate physical, biochemical, and mechanical properties of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) of the region of interest can influence cell growth and function. Existing ECM-mimicking scaffolds, including nanofiber (NF) mats, sponges, hydrogels, and NF-hydrogel composites are unable to simultaneously mimic typical composition, topography, pore size, porosity, and viscoelastic properties of healthy soft-tissue ECM. In this work, we used cryoelectrospinning to fabricate 3D porous scaffolds with minimal fibrous backbone, pore size and mechanical properties similar to soft-tissue connective tissue ECM. We used salivary glands as our soft tissue model and found the decellularized adult salivary gland (DSG) matrix to have a fibrous backbone, 10-30μm pores, 120 Pa indentation modulus, and ∼200 s relaxation half time. We used elastin and alginate as natural, compliant biomaterials and water as the solvent for cryoelectrospinning scaffolds to mimic the structure and viscoelasticity of the connective tissue ECM of the DSG. Process parameters were optimized to produce scaffolds with desirable topography and compliance similar to DSG, with a high yield of >100 scaffolds/run. Using water as solvent, rather than organic solvents, was critical to generate biocompatible scaffolds with desirable topography; further, it permitted a green chemistry fabrication process. Here, we demonstrate that cryoelectrospun scaffolds (CESs) support penetration of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts 250-450µm into the scaffold, cell survival, and maintenance of a stromal cell phenotype. Thus, we demonstrate that elastin-alginate CESs mimic many structural and functional properties of ECM and have potential for future use in regenerative medicine applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pujhitha Ramesh
- College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, USA
| | - Nicholas Moskwa
- Department of Biological Sciences and The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, New York 12222, USA
| | - Zachary Hanchon
- College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, USA
| | - Adam Koplas
- College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, USA
| | - Deirdre A. Nelson
- Department of Biological Sciences and The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, New York 12222, USA
| | - Kristen L. Mills
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering (MANE), Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1623 15th Street, Troy, New York, 12180, USA
| | - James Castracane
- College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, USA
| | - Melinda Larsen
- College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, USA,Department of Biological Sciences and The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, New York 12222, USA
| | - Susan T. Sharfstein
- College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, USA,Corresponding Authors: Yubing Xie, Ph.D., Professor of Nanobioscience, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, USA, , Susan Sharfstein, Ph.D., Professor of Nanobioscience, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, USA,
| | - Yubing Xie
- College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, USA,Corresponding Authors: Yubing Xie, Ph.D., Professor of Nanobioscience, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, USA, , Susan Sharfstein, Ph.D., Professor of Nanobioscience, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, USA,
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Worden A, Uline MJ, Shazly T, Stern M, Potts JD. Self-Assembling Toroidal Cell Constructs for Tissue Engineering Applications. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2022; 28:1-10. [PMID: 35232524 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927622000253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Developing tissues have intricate, three-dimensional (3D) organizations of cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) that provide the framework necessary to meet morphogenic and necessary demands. Migrating cells, in vivo, are exposed to numerous conflicting signals: chemokines, ECM, growth factors, and physical forces. While most of these have been studied individually in vivo or in vitro, our understanding of how cells integrate these various signals is lacking. We previously developed a novel self-organizing cellularized collagen hydrogel model that is adaptable, tunable, reproducible, and capable of mimicking the multitude of stimuli that cells experience. Our model produced self-assembled toroids of cells that were formed by 24 h. Data we present here show toroids initially form as early as 3 h after seeding. Additionally, toroids formed when cells were seeded on various collagen subtypes and were sensitive to the composition of the hydrogel. Moreover, we found differences in remodeling in toroid gels compared to gels with cells embedded in them using both a collagen binding peptide and rheology. Using scanning electron microscopy, we observed toroids forming a crater-like structure compared to whole gel contractions in mixed in gels. Finally, when multiple cells were mixed prior to seeding, heterogeneous toroids formed with some containing clusters of cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Austin Worden
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Columbia, SC29209, USA
| | - Mark J Uline
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC29208, USA
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC29208, USA
| | - Tarek Shazly
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC29208, USA
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC29208, USA
| | - Matt Stern
- Biology Department, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC29733, USA
| | - Jay D Potts
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Columbia, SC29209, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC29208, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Broza YY, Haick H. Biodiagnostics in an era of global pandemics-From biosensing materials to data management. VIEW 2022; 3:20200164. [PMID: 34766159 PMCID: PMC8441813 DOI: 10.1002/viw.20200164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel corona virus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has exposed the world to challenges never before seen in fast diagnostics, monitoring, and prevention of the outbreak. As a result, different approaches for fast diagnostic and screening are made and yet to find the ideal way. The current mini-review provides and examines evidence-based innovative and rapid chemical sensing and related biodiagnostic solutions to deal with infectious disease and related pandemic emergencies, which could offer the best possible care for the general population and improve the approachability of the pandemic information, insights, and surrounding contexts. The review discusses how integration of sensing devices with big data analysis, artificial Intelligence or machine learning, and clinical decision support system, could improve the accuracy of the recorded patterns of the disease conditions within an ocean of information. At the end, the mini-review provides a prospective on the requirements to improve our coping of the pandemic-related biodiagnostics as well as future opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoav Y. Broza
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Russell Berrie Nanotechnology InstituteTechnion‐Israel Institute of TechnologyHaifaIsrael
| | - Hossam Haick
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Russell Berrie Nanotechnology InstituteTechnion‐Israel Institute of TechnologyHaifaIsrael
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Camman M, Joanne P, Agbulut O, Hélary C. 3D models of dilated cardiomyopathy: Shaping the chemical, physical and topographical properties of biomaterials to mimic the cardiac extracellular matrix. Bioact Mater 2022; 7:275-291. [PMID: 34466733 PMCID: PMC8379361 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), one major cause of heart failure, is characterized by the dilation of the heart but remains poorly understood because of the lack of adequate in vitro models. Current 2D models do not allow for the 3D organotypic organization of cardiomyocytes and do not reproduce the ECM perturbations. In this review, the different strategies to mimic the chemical, physical and topographical properties of the cardiac tissue affected by DCM are presented. The advantages and drawbacks of techniques generating anisotropy required for the cardiomyocytes alignment are discussed. In addition, the different methods creating macroporosity and favoring organotypic organization are compared. Besides, the advances in the induced pluripotent stem cells technology to generate cardiac cells from healthy or DCM patients will be described. Thanks to the biomaterial design, some features of the DCM extracellular matrix such as stiffness, porosity, topography or chemical changes can impact the cardiomyocytes function in vitro and increase their maturation. By mimicking the affected heart, both at the cellular and at the tissue level, 3D models will enable a better understanding of the pathology and favor the discovery of novel therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Camman
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7574, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, 4 place Jussieu (case 174), F-75005, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), CNRS UMR 8256, Inserm ERL U1164, Biological Adaptation and Ageing, 7 quai St-Bernard (case 256), F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Joanne
- Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), CNRS UMR 8256, Inserm ERL U1164, Biological Adaptation and Ageing, 7 quai St-Bernard (case 256), F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Onnik Agbulut
- Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), CNRS UMR 8256, Inserm ERL U1164, Biological Adaptation and Ageing, 7 quai St-Bernard (case 256), F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Hélary
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7574, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, 4 place Jussieu (case 174), F-75005, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Possible Treatment of Myocardial Infarct Based on Tissue Engineering Using a Cellularized Solid Collagen Scaffold Functionalized with Arg-Glyc-Asp (RGD) Peptide. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212563. [PMID: 34830447 PMCID: PMC8620820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the clinical impact of cell therapy after a myocardial infarction (MI) is limited by low cell engraftment due to low cell retention, cell death in inflammatory and poor angiogenic infarcted areas, secondary migration. Cells interact with their microenvironment through integrin mechanoreceptors that control their survival/apoptosis/differentiation/migration and proliferation. The association of cells with a three-dimensional material may be a way to improve interactions with their integrins, and thus outcomes, especially if preparations are epicardially applied. In this review, we will focus on the rationale for using collagen as a polymer backbone for tissue engineering of a contractile tissue. Contractilities are reported for natural but not synthetic polymers and for naturals only for: collagen/gelatin/decellularized-tissue/fibrin/Matrigel™ and for different material states: hydrogels/gels/solids. To achieve a thick/long-term contractile tissue and for cell transfer, solid porous compliant scaffolds are superior to hydrogels or gels. Classical methods to produce solid scaffolds: electrospinning/freeze-drying/3D-printing/solvent-casting and methods to reinforce and/or maintain scaffold properties by reticulations are reported. We also highlight the possibility of improving integrin interaction between cells and their associated collagen by its functionalizing with the RGD-peptide. Using a contractile patch that can be applied epicardially may be a way of improving ventricular remodeling and limiting secondary cell migration.
Collapse
|
31
|
Carlos-Oliveira M, Lozano-Juan F, Occhetta P, Visone R, Rasponi M. Current strategies of mechanical stimulation for maturation of cardiac microtissues. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:717-727. [PMID: 34765047 PMCID: PMC8555032 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00841-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The most advanced in vitro cardiac models are today based on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs); however, the maturation of cardiomyocytes (CMs) has not yet been fully achieved. Therefore, there is a rising need to move towards models capable of promoting an adult-like cardiomyocytes phenotype. Many strategies have been applied such as co-culture of cardiomyocytes, with fibroblasts and endothelial cells, or conditioning them through biochemical factors and physical stimulations. Here, we focus on mechanical stimulation as it aims to mimic the different mechanical forces that heart receives during its development and the post-natal period. We describe the current strategies and the mechanical properties necessary to promote a positive response in cardiac tissues from different cell sources, distinguishing between passive stimulation, which includes stiffness, topography and static stress and active stimulation, encompassing cyclic strain, compression or perfusion. We also highlight how mechanical stimulation is applied in disease modelling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carlos-Oliveira
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 34/5, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Ferran Lozano-Juan
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 34/5, 20133 Milano, Italy.,BiomimX S.r.l., Via G. Durando 38/A, 20158 Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Occhetta
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 34/5, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta Visone
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 34/5, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 34/5, 20133 Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Körner A, Mosqueira M, Hecker M, Ullrich ND. Substrate Stiffness Influences Structural and Functional Remodeling in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Front Physiol 2021; 12:710619. [PMID: 34489730 PMCID: PMC8416903 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.710619] [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: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel treatment strategies for cardiac tissue regeneration are heading for the use of engineered cardiac tissue made from induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs). Despite the proven cardiogenic phenotype of these cells, a significant lack of structural and functional properties of mature myocytes prevents safe integration into the diseased heart. To date, maturation processes of cardiomyocytes remain largely unknown but may comprise biophysical cues from the immediate cell environment. Mechanosensing is one critical ability of cells to react to environmental changes. Accordingly, the surrounding substrate stiffness, comprised of extracellular matrix (ECM), cells, and growth surface, critically influences the myocyte's physiology, as known from deleterious remodeling processes in fibrotic hearts. Conversely, the mechanical properties during culture of iPSC-CMs may impact on their structural and functional maturation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the environmental stiffness influences structural and functional properties of iPSC-CMs and investigated the effect of different substrate stiffnesses on cell contractility, excitation-contraction (EC) coupling, and intercellular coupling. Culture surfaces with defined stiffnesses ranging from rigid glass with 25GPa to PDMS of physiological softness were coated with ECM proteins and seeded with murine iPSC-CMs. Using confocal imaging, cardiac protein expression was assessed. Ca2+ handling and contractile properties were analyzed on different substrate stiffnesses. Intercellular coupling via gap junctions was investigated by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Our data revealed greater organization of L-type Ca2+ channels and ryanodine receptors and increased EC-coupling gain, demonstrating structural and functional maturation in cells grown on soft surfaces. In addition, increased shortening and altered contraction dynamics revealed increased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity in phase-plane loops. Moreover, connexin 43 expression was significantly increased in iPSC-CMs grown on soft surfaces leading to improved intercellular coupling. Taken together, our results demonstrate that soft surfaces with stiffnesses in the physiological range improve the expression pattern and interaction of cardiac proteins relevant for EC-coupling. In parallel, soft substrates influence contractile properties and improve intercellular coupling in iPSC-CMs. We conclude that the mechanical stiffness of the cell environment plays an important role in driving iPSC-CMs toward further maturation by inducing adaptive responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arlene Körner
- Division of Cardiovascular Physiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg-Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matias Mosqueira
- Division of Cardiovascular Physiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Hecker
- Division of Cardiovascular Physiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg-Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nina D Ullrich
- Division of Cardiovascular Physiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg-Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Yang Y, Wang H, Zhao H, Miao X, Guo Y, Zhuo L, Xu Y. A GSK3-SRF Axis Mediates Angiotensin II Induced Endothelin Transcription in Vascular Endothelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:698254. [PMID: 34381779 PMCID: PMC8350349 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.698254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelin, encoded by ET1, is a vasoactive substance primarily synthesized in vascular endothelial cells (VECs). Elevation of endothelin levels, due to transcriptional hyperactivation, has been observed in a host of cardiovascular diseases. We have previously shown that serum response factor (SRF) is a regulator of ET1 transcription in VECs. Here we report that angiotensin II (Ang II) induced ET1 transcription paralleled activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) in cultured VECs. GSK3 knockdown or pharmaceutical inhibition attenuated Ang II induced endothelin expression. Of interest, the effect of GSK3 on endothelin transcription relied on the conserved SRF motif within the ET1 promoter. Further analysis revealed that GSK3 interacted with and phosphorylated SRF at serine 224. Phosphorylation of SRF by GSK3 did not influence its recruitment to the ET1 promoter. Instead, GSK3-mediated SRF phosphorylation potentiated its interaction with MRTF-A, a key co-factor for SRF, which helped recruit the chromatin remodeling protein BRG1 to the ET1 promoter resulting in augmented histone H3 acetylation/H3K4 trimethylation. Consistently, over-expression of a constitutively active GSK enhanced Ang II-induced ET1 transcription and knockdown of either MRTF-A or BRG1 abrogated the enhancement of ET1 transcription. In conclusion, our data highlight a previously unrecognized mechanism that contributes to the transcriptional regulation of endothelin. Targeting this GSK3-SRF axis may yield novel approaches in the intervention of cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuyu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Huidi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiulian Miao
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Lili Zhuo
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Holt SE, Arroyo J, Poux E, Fricks A, Agurcia I, Heintschel M, Rakoski A, Alge DL. Supramolecular Click Product Interactions Induce Dynamic Stiffening of Extracellular Matrix-Mimetic Hydrogels. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:3040-3048. [PMID: 34129338 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Progressive stiffening of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is observed in tissue development as well as in pathologies such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and fibrotic disease. However, methods to recapitulate this phenomenon in vitro face critical limitations. Here, we present a poly(ethylene glycol)-based peptide-functionalized ECM-mimetic hydrogel platform capable of facile, user-controlled dynamic stiffening. This platform leverages supramolecular interactions between inverse-electron demand Diels-Alder tetrazine-norbornene click products (TNCP) to create pendant moieties that undergo non-covalent crosslinking, stiffening a pre-existing network formed via thiol-ene click chemistry over the course of 6 h. Pendant TNCP moieties have a concentration-dependent effect on gel stiffness while still being cytocompatible and permissive of cell-mediated gel degradation. The robustness of this approach as well as its simplicity and ease of translation give it broad potential utility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E Holt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3120, United States
| | - Julio Arroyo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3120, United States
| | - Emily Poux
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3122, United States
| | - Austen Fricks
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3120, United States
| | - Isabelle Agurcia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3120, United States
| | - Marissa Heintschel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3120, United States
| | - Amanda Rakoski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3120, United States
| | - Daniel L Alge
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3120, United States.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas77843-3003, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Stewart L, Turner NA. Channelling the Force to Reprogram the Matrix: Mechanosensitive Ion Channels in Cardiac Fibroblasts. Cells 2021; 10:990. [PMID: 33922466 PMCID: PMC8145896 DOI: 10.3390/cells10050990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts (CF) play a pivotal role in preserving myocardial function and integrity of the heart tissue after injury, but also contribute to future susceptibility to heart failure. CF sense changes to the cardiac environment through chemical and mechanical cues that trigger changes in cellular function. In recent years, mechanosensitive ion channels have been implicated as key modulators of a range of CF functions that are important to fibrotic cardiac remodelling, including cell proliferation, myofibroblast differentiation, extracellular matrix turnover and paracrine signalling. To date, seven mechanosensitive ion channels are known to be functional in CF: the cation non-selective channels TRPC6, TRPM7, TRPV1, TRPV4 and Piezo1, and the potassium-selective channels TREK-1 and KATP. This review will outline current knowledge of these mechanosensitive ion channels in CF, discuss evidence of the mechanosensitivity of each channel, and detail the role that each channel plays in cardiac remodelling. By better understanding the role of mechanosensitive ion channels in CF, it is hoped that therapies may be developed for reducing pathological cardiac remodelling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Neil A. Turner
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Liu L, Zhao Q, Lin L, Yang G, Yu L, Zhuo L, Yang Y, Xu Y. Myeloid MKL1 Disseminates Cues to Promote Cardiac Hypertrophy in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:583492. [PMID: 33898415 PMCID: PMC8063155 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.583492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is a key pathophysiological process in the heart in response to stress cues. Although taking place in cardiomyocytes, the hypertrophic response is influenced by other cell types, both within the heart and derived from circulation. In the present study we investigated the myeloid-specific role of megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) in cardiac hypertrophy. Following transverse aortic constriction (TAC), myeloid MKL1 conditional knockout (MFCKO) mice exhibit an attenuated phenotype of cardiac hypertrophy compared to the WT mice. In accordance, the MFCKO mice were protected from excessive cardiac inflammation and fibrosis as opposed to the WT mice. Conditioned media collected from macrophages enhanced the pro-hypertrophic response in cardiomyocytes exposed to endothelin in an MKL1-dependent manner. Of interest, expression levels of macrophage derived miR-155, known to promote cardiac hypertrophy, were down-regulated in the MFCKO mice compared to the WT mice. MKL1 depletion or inhibition repressed miR-155 expression in macrophages. Mechanistically, MKL1 interacted with NF-κB to activate miR-155 transcription in macrophages. In conclusion, our data suggest that MKL1 may contribute to pathological hypertrophy via regulating macrophage-derived miR-155 transcription.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianwen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Pathology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Zhuo
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuyu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zohar O, Khatib M, Omar R, Vishinkin R, Broza YY, Haick H. Biointerfaced sensors for biodiagnostics. VIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/viw.20200172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Orr Zohar
- Department of Chemical Engineering and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute Technion–Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
| | - Muhammad Khatib
- Department of Chemical Engineering and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute Technion–Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
| | - Rawan Omar
- Department of Chemical Engineering and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute Technion–Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
| | - Rotem Vishinkin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute Technion–Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
| | - Yoav Y. Broza
- Department of Chemical Engineering and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute Technion–Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
| | - Hossam Haick
- Department of Chemical Engineering and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute Technion–Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Xidian University Xi'an Shaanxi P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Emig R, Knodt W, Krussig MJ, Zgierski-Johnston CM, Gorka O, Groß O, Kohl P, Ravens U, Peyronnet R. Piezo1 Channels Contribute to the Regulation of Human Atrial Fibroblast Mechanical Properties and Matrix Stiffness Sensing. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030663. [PMID: 33809739 PMCID: PMC8002259 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanical environment of cardiac cells changes continuously and undergoes major alterations during diseases. Most cardiac diseases, including atrial fibrillation, are accompanied by fibrosis which can impair both electrical and mechanical function of the heart. A key characteristic of fibrotic tissue is excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, leading to increased tissue stiffness. Cells are known to respond to changes in their mechanical environment, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this ability are incompletely understood. We used cell culture systems and hydrogels with tunable stiffness, combined with advanced biophysical and imaging techniques, to elucidate the roles of the stretch-activated channel Piezo1 in human atrial fibroblast mechano-sensing. Changing the expression level of Piezo1 revealed that this mechano-sensor contributes to the organization of the cytoskeleton, affecting mechanical properties of human embryonic kidney cells and human atrial fibroblasts. Our results suggest that this response is independent of Piezo1-mediated ion conduction at the plasma membrane, and mediated in part by components of the integrin pathway. Further, we show that Piezo1 is instrumental for fibroblast adaptation to changes in matrix stiffness, and that Piezo1-induced cell stiffening is transmitted in a paracrine manner to other cells by a signaling mechanism requiring interleukin-6. Piezo1 may be a new candidate for targeted interference with cardiac fibroblast function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Emig
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (R.E.); (W.K.); (M.J.K.); (C.M.Z.-J.); (P.K.); (U.R.)
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Knodt
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (R.E.); (W.K.); (M.J.K.); (C.M.Z.-J.); (P.K.); (U.R.)
| | - Mario J. Krussig
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (R.E.); (W.K.); (M.J.K.); (C.M.Z.-J.); (P.K.); (U.R.)
| | - Callum M. Zgierski-Johnston
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (R.E.); (W.K.); (M.J.K.); (C.M.Z.-J.); (P.K.); (U.R.)
| | - Oliver Gorka
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (O.G.); (O.G.)
| | - Olaf Groß
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (O.G.); (O.G.)
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (R.E.); (W.K.); (M.J.K.); (C.M.Z.-J.); (P.K.); (U.R.)
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Ravens
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (R.E.); (W.K.); (M.J.K.); (C.M.Z.-J.); (P.K.); (U.R.)
| | - Rémi Peyronnet
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (R.E.); (W.K.); (M.J.K.); (C.M.Z.-J.); (P.K.); (U.R.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Selman M, Pardo A. When things go wrong: exploring possible mechanisms driving the progressive fibrosis phenotype in interstitial lung diseases. Eur Respir J 2021; 58:13993003.04507-2020. [PMID: 33542060 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.04507-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) comprise a large and heterogeneous group of disorders of known and unknown aetiology characterised by diffuse damage of the lung parenchyma. In recent years it has become evident that patients with different types of ILD are at risk of developing progressive pulmonary fibrosis, known as progressive fibrosing ILD (PF-ILD). This is a phenotype that behaves similar to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the archetypical example of progressive fibrosis. PF-ILD is not a distinct clinical entity but describes a group of ILDs with similar clinical behaviour. This phenotype may occur in diseases displaying distinct aetiologies and different biopathology during their initiation and development. Importantly, these entities may have the potential for improvement or stabilisation prior to entering the progressive fibrosing phase. The crucial questions are: 1) why does a subset of patients develop a progressive and irreversible fibrotic phenotype even with appropriate treatment? and 2) what are the possible pathogenic mechanisms driving progression? Here, we provide a framework highlighting putative mechanisms underlying progression, including genetic susceptibility, ageing, epigenetics, structural fibrotic distortion, aberrant composition and stiffness of the extracellular matrix, and the emergence of distinct pro-fibrotic cell subsets. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind PF-ILD will provide the basis for identifying risk factors and appropriate therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moisés Selman
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Annie Pardo
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Yadav S, Ta HT, Nguyen N. Mechanobiology in cardiology: Micro‐ and nanotechnologies to probe mechanosignaling. VIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/viw.20200080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sharda Yadav
- Queensland Micro‐ and Nanotechnology Centre Griffith University Nathan Queensland Australia
| | - Hang T. Ta
- Queensland Micro‐ and Nanotechnology Centre Griffith University Nathan Queensland Australia
- School of Environment and Science Griffith University Nathan Queensland Australia
| | - Nam‐Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro‐ and Nanotechnology Centre Griffith University Nathan Queensland Australia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Budharaju H, Subramanian A, Sethuraman S. Recent advancements in cardiovascular bioprinting and bioprinted cardiac constructs. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:1974-1994. [DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01428a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensionally bioprinted cardiac constructs with biomimetic bioink helps to create native-equivalent cardiac tissues to treat patients with myocardial infarction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harshavardhan Budharaju
- Tissue Engineering & Additive Manufacturing (TEAM) Lab
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials
- ACBDE Innovation Centre
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology
- SASTRA Deemed to be University
| | - Anuradha Subramanian
- Tissue Engineering & Additive Manufacturing (TEAM) Lab
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials
- ACBDE Innovation Centre
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology
- SASTRA Deemed to be University
| | - Swaminathan Sethuraman
- Tissue Engineering & Additive Manufacturing (TEAM) Lab
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials
- ACBDE Innovation Centre
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology
- SASTRA Deemed to be University
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Chirico N, Van Laake LW, Sluijter JPG, van Mil A, Dierickx P. Cardiac circadian rhythms in time and space: The future is in 4D. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2020; 57:49-59. [PMID: 33338891 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The circadian clock synchronizes the body into 24-h cycles, thereby anticipating variations in tissue-specific diurnal tasks, such as response to increased cardiac metabolic demand during the active period of the day. As a result, blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, and occurrence of fatal cardiovascular events fluctuate in a diurnal manner. The heart contains different cell types that make up and reside in an environment of biochemical, mechanical, and topographical signaling. Cardiac architecture is essential for proper heart development as well as for maintenance of cell homeostasis and tissue repair. In this review, we describe the possibilities of studying circadian rhythmicity in the heart by using advanced in vitro systems that mimic the native cardiac 3D microenvironment which can be tuned in time and space. Harnessing the knowledge that originates from those in vitro models could significantly improve innovative cardiac modeling and regenerative strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nino Chirico
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Circulatory Health Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiology and Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Linda W Van Laake
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Circulatory Health Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiology and Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Circulatory Health Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiology and Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alain van Mil
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Circulatory Health Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiology and Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Pieterjan Dierickx
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Saffioti NA, Cavalcanti-Adam EA, Pallarola D. Biosensors for Studies on Adhesion-Mediated Cellular Responses to Their Microenvironment. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:597950. [PMID: 33262979 PMCID: PMC7685988 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.597950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells interact with their microenvironment by constantly sensing mechanical and chemical cues converting them into biochemical signals. These processes allow cells to respond and adapt to changes in their environment, and are crucial for most cellular functions. Understanding the mechanism underlying this complex interplay at the cell-matrix interface is of fundamental value to decipher key biochemical and mechanical factors regulating cell fate. The combination of material science and surface chemistry aided in the creation of controllable environments to study cell mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. Biologically inspired materials tailored with specific bioactive molecules, desired physical properties and tunable topography have emerged as suitable tools to study cell behavior. Among these materials, synthetic cell interfaces with built-in sensing capabilities are highly advantageous to measure biophysical and biochemical interaction between cells and their environment. In this review, we discuss the design of micro and nanostructured biomaterials engineered not only to mimic the structure, properties, and function of the cellular microenvironment, but also to obtain quantitative information on how cells sense and probe specific adhesive cues from the extracellular domain. This type of responsive biointerfaces provides a readout of mechanics, biochemistry, and electrical activity in real time allowing observation of cellular processes with molecular specificity. Specifically designed sensors based on advanced optical and electrochemical readout are discussed. We further provide an insight into the emerging role of multifunctional micro and nanosensors to control and monitor cell functions by means of material design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Andrés Saffioti
- Instituto de Nanosistemas, Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, San Martín, Argentina
| | | | - Diego Pallarola
- Instituto de Nanosistemas, Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, San Martín, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Melly L, Grosso A, Stanciu Pop C, Yu-Hsuan C, Nollevaux MC, Schachtrup C, Marsano A, Di Maggio N, Rondelet B, Banfi A. Fibrin hydrogels promote scar formation and prevent therapeutic angiogenesis in the heart. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 14:1513-1523. [PMID: 32841501 DOI: 10.1002/term.3118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic angiogenesis is the delivery of factors to promote vascular growth and holds promise for the treatment of ischemic heart conditions. Recombinant protein delivery to the myocardium by factor-decorated fibrin matrices is an attractive approach, thanks to the ability to precisely control both dose and duration of the treatment, the use of a clinically approved material like fibrin, and the avoidance of genetic modification. Here, we investigated the feasibility of inducing therapeutic angiogenesis in the rat myocardium by a state-of-the-art fibrin-based delivery platform that we previously optimized. Engineered versions of murine vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF164 ) and platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) were fused with an octapeptide substrate of the transglutaminase coagulation factor fXIIIa (TG) to allow their covalent cross-linking into fibrin hydrogels and release by enzymatic cleavage. Hydrogels containing either 100 μg/mL TG-VEGF alone or in combination with 10 μg/mL TG-PDGF-BB or no factor were injected into rat myocardium. Surprisingly, vascular density was severely reduced in all conditions, both in and around the injection site, where large fibrotic scars were formed. Scar formation was not due to the presence of growth factors, adaptive immunity to human proteins, damage from injection, nor to mechanical trauma from the hydrogel stiffness or volume. Rather scar was induced directly by fibrin and persisted despite hydrogel degradation within 1 week. These results caution against the suitability of fibrin-based platforms for myocardial growth factor delivery, despite their efficacy in other tissues, like skeletal muscle. The underlying molecular mechanisms must be further investigated in order to identify rational targets to prevent this serious side effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Melly
- Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery Department, CHU UCL Namur, Yvoir, Belgium
- Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Grosso
- Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Chu Yu-Hsuan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Embryology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | | | - Christian Schachtrup
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Embryology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Anna Marsano
- Cardiac Tissue Engineering, Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nunzia Di Maggio
- Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benoît Rondelet
- Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery Department, CHU UCL Namur, Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Andrea Banfi
- Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|