1
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Li L, Griebel ME, Uroz M, Bubli SY, Gagnon KA, Trappmann B, Baker BM, Eyckmans J, Chen CS. A Protein-Adsorbent Hydrogel with Tunable Stiffness for Tissue Culture Demonstrates Matrix-Dependent Stiffness Responses. Adv Funct Mater 2024; 34:2309567. [PMID: 38693998 PMCID: PMC11060701 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202309567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Although tissue culture plastic has been widely employed for cell culture, the rigidity of plastic is not physiologic. Softer hydrogels used to culture cells have not been widely adopted in part because coupling chemistries are required to covalently capture extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and support cell adhesion. To create an in vitro system with tunable stiffnesses that readily adsorbs ECM proteins for cell culture, we present a novel hydrophobic hydrogel system via chemically converting hydroxyl residues on the dextran backbone to methacrylate groups, thereby transforming non-protein adhesive, hydrophilic dextran to highly protein adsorbent substrates. Increasing methacrylate functionality increases the hydrophobicity in the resulting hydrogels and enhances ECM protein adsorption without additional chemical reactions. These hydrophobic hydrogels permit facile and tunable modulation of substrate stiffness independent of hydrophobicity or ECM coatings. Using this approach, we show that substrate stiffness and ECM adsorption work together to affect cell morphology and proliferation, but the strengths of these effects vary in different cell types. Furthermore, we reveal that stiffness mediated differentiation of dermal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is modulated by the substrate ECM. Our material system demonstrates remarkable simplicity and flexibility to tune ECM coatings and substrate stiffness and study their effects on cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqing Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, 02115, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, 03824, United States
| | - Megan E Griebel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
| | - Marina Uroz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, 02115, United States
| | - Saniya Yesmin Bubli
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, 03824, United States
| | - Keith A Gagnon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
| | - Britta Trappmann
- Bioactive Materials Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, Münster, 48149 Germany
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Engineered Microenvironments and Mechanobiology Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109 United States
| | - Jeroen Eyckmans
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, 02115, United States
| | - Christopher S Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, 02115, United States
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2
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Kobeissi H, Jilberto J, Karakan MÇ, Gao X, DePalma SJ, Das SL, Quach L, Urquia J, Baker BM, Chen CS, Nordsletten D, Lejeune E. MicroBundleCompute: Automated segmentation, tracking, and analysis of subdomain deformation in cardiac microbundles. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298863. [PMID: 38530829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Advancing human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) technology will lead to significant progress ranging from disease modeling, to drug discovery, to regenerative tissue engineering. Yet, alongside these potential opportunities comes a critical challenge: attaining mature hiPSC-CM tissues. At present, there are multiple techniques to promote maturity of hiPSC-CMs including physical platforms and cell culture protocols. However, when it comes to making quantitative comparisons of functional behavior, there are limited options for reliably and reproducibly computing functional metrics that are suitable for direct cross-system comparison. In addition, the current standard functional metrics obtained from time-lapse images of cardiac microbundle contraction reported in the field (i.e., post forces, average tissue stress) do not take full advantage of the available information present in these data (i.e., full-field tissue displacements and strains). Thus, we present "MicroBundleCompute," a computational framework for automatic quantification of morphology-based mechanical metrics from movies of cardiac microbundles. Briefly, this computational framework offers tools for automatic tissue segmentation, tracking, and analysis of brightfield and phase contrast movies of beating cardiac microbundles. It is straightforward to implement, runs without user intervention, requires minimal input parameter setting selection, and is computationally inexpensive. In this paper, we describe the methods underlying this computational framework, show the results of our extensive validation studies, and demonstrate the utility of exploring heterogeneous tissue deformations and strains as functional metrics. With this manuscript, we disseminate "MicroBundleCompute" as an open-source computational tool with the aim of making automated quantitative analysis of beating cardiac microbundles more accessible to the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Kobeissi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Center for Multiscale and Translational Mechanobiology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Javiera Jilberto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - M Çağatay Karakan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Xining Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Samuel J DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Shoshana L Das
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Lani Quach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Urquia
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, New York Institute of Technology, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Christopher S Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - David Nordsletten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's Health Partners, King's College London, King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Lejeune
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Center for Multiscale and Translational Mechanobiology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
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3
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Kumar R, Vitvitsky V, Sethaudom A, Singhal R, Solanki S, Alibeckoff S, Hiraki HL, Bell HN, Andren A, Baker BM, Lyssiotis CA, Shah YM, Banerjee R. Sulfide oxidation promotes hypoxic angiogenesis and neovascularization. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01583-8. [PMID: 38509349 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01583-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenic programming in the vascular endothelium is a tightly regulated process for maintaining tissue homeostasis and is activated in tissue injury and the tumor microenvironment. The metabolic basis of how gas signaling molecules regulate angiogenesis is elusive. Here, we report that hypoxic upregulation of ·NO in endothelial cells reprograms the transsulfuration pathway to increase biogenesis of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a proangiogenic metabolite. However, decreased H2S oxidation due to sulfide quinone oxidoreductase (SQOR) deficiency synergizes with hypoxia, inducing a reductive shift and limiting endothelial proliferation that is attenuated by dissipation of the mitochondrial NADH pool. Tumor xenografts in whole-body (WBCreSqorfl/fl) and endothelial-specific (VE-cadherinCre-ERT2Sqorfl/fl) Sqor-knockout mice exhibit lower mass and angiogenesis than control mice. WBCreSqorfl/fl mice also exhibit decreased muscle angiogenesis following femoral artery ligation compared to control mice. Collectively, our data reveal the molecular intersections between H2S, O2 and ·NO metabolism and identify SQOR inhibition as a metabolic vulnerability for endothelial cell proliferation and neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Kumar
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Victor Vitvitsky
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Apichaya Sethaudom
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rashi Singhal
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sumeet Solanki
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sydney Alibeckoff
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Harrison L Hiraki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hannah N Bell
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anthony Andren
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Costas A Lyssiotis
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yatrik M Shah
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ruma Banerjee
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Kent RN, Jewett ME, Buck TP, Said M, Hold LA, Crawford EA, Killian ML, Abraham AC, Huang AH, Baker BM. Engineered Microenvironmental Cues from Fiber-Reinforced Hydrogel Composites Drive Tenogenesis and Aligned Collagen Deposition. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400529. [PMID: 38441411 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Effective tendon regeneration following injury is contingent on appropriate differentiation of recruited cells and deposition of mature, aligned, collagenous extracellular matrix that can withstand the extreme mechanical demands placed on the tissue. As such, myriad biomaterial approaches have been explored to provide biochemical and physical cues that encourage tenogenesis and template aligned matrix deposition in lieu of dysfunctional scar tissue formation. Fiber-reinforced hydrogels present an ideal biomaterial system toward this end given their transdermal injectability, tunable stiffness over a range amenable to tenogenic differentiation of progenitors, and capacity for modular inclusion of biochemical cues. Here, tunable and modular, fiber-reinforced, synthetic hydrogels are employed to elucidate salient microenvironmental determinants of tenogenesis and aligned collagen deposition by tendon progenitor cells. Transforming growth factor β3 drives a cell fate switch toward pro-regenerative or pro-fibrotic phenotypes, which can be biased toward the former by culture in softer microenvironments or inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK activity. Furthermore, studies demonstrate that topographical anisotropy in fiber-reinforced hydrogels critically mediates the alignment of de novo collagen fibrils, reflecting native tendon architecture. These findings inform the design of cell-free, injectable, synthetic hydrogels for tendon tissue regeneration and, likely, that of a range of load-bearing connective tissues. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert N Kent
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Maggie E Jewett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Trevor P Buck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mohamed Said
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - LeeAnn A Hold
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Eileen A Crawford
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Megan L Killian
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Adam C Abraham
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Alice H Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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5
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Nason-Tomaszewski CE, Thomas EE, Matera DL, Baker BM, Shikanov A. Extracellular matrix-templating fibrous hydrogels promote ovarian tissue remodeling and oocyte growth. Bioact Mater 2024; 32:292-303. [PMID: 37876554 PMCID: PMC10590725 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic matrices which mimic the extracellular composition of native tissue create a comprehensive model for studying development and disease. Here, we have engineered a composite material which retains cell-secreted ECM for the culture of ovarian follicles by embedding electrospun dextran fibers functionalized with basement membrane binder (BMB) peptide in PEG hydrogels. In the presence of ECM-sequestering fibers, encapsulated immature primordial follicles and ovarian stromal cells aggregated into large organoid-like structures with dense deposition of laminin, perlecan, and collagen I, leading to steroidogenesis and significantly greater rates of oocyte survival and growth. We determined that cell aggregation restored key cell-cell interactions critical for oocyte survival, whereas oocyte growth was dependent on cell-matrix interactions achieved in the presence of BMB. Here we have shown that sequestration and retention of cell-secreted ECM along synthetic fibers mimics fibrous ECM structure and restores the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions critical for engineering an artificial ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily E. Thomas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Daniel L. Matera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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6
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Davidson CD, Midekssa FS, DePalma SJ, Kamen JL, Wang WY, Jayco DKP, Wieger ME, Baker BM. Mechanical Intercellular Communication via Matrix-Borne Cell Force Transmission During Vascular Network Formation. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2306210. [PMID: 37997199 PMCID: PMC10797481 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular communication is critical to the formation and homeostatic function of all tissues. Previous work has shown that cells can communicate mechanically via the transmission of cell-generated forces through their surrounding extracellular matrix, but this process is not well understood. Here, mechanically defined, synthetic electrospun fibrous matrices are utilized in conjunction with a microfabrication-based cell patterning approach to examine mechanical intercellular communication (MIC) between endothelial cells (ECs) during their assembly into interconnected multicellular networks. It is found that cell force-mediated matrix displacements in deformable fibrous matrices underly directional extension and migration of neighboring ECs toward each other prior to the formation of stable cell-cell connections enriched with vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin). A critical role is also identified for calcium signaling mediated by focal adhesion kinase and mechanosensitive ion channels in MIC that extends to multicellular assembly of 3D vessel-like networks when ECs are embedded within fibrin hydrogels. These results illustrate a role for cell-generated forces and ECM mechanical properties in multicellular assembly of capillary-like EC networks and motivates the design of biomaterials that promote MIC for vascular tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Firaol S. Midekssa
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Samuel J. DePalma
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Jordan L. Kamen
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - William Y. Wang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | | | - Megan E. Wieger
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
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7
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Ahmed DW, Eiken MK, DePalma SJ, Helms AS, Zemans RL, Spence JR, Baker BM, Loebel C. Integrating mechanical cues with engineered platforms to explore cardiopulmonary development and disease. iScience 2023; 26:108472. [PMID: 38077130 PMCID: PMC10698280 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces provide critical biological signals to cells during healthy and aberrant organ development as well as during disease processes in adults. Within the cardiopulmonary system, mechanical forces, such as shear, compressive, and tensile forces, act across various length scales, and dysregulated forces are often a leading cause of disease initiation and progression such as in bronchopulmonary dysplasia and cardiomyopathies. Engineered in vitro models have supported studies of mechanical forces in a number of tissue and disease-specific contexts, thus enabling new mechanistic insights into cardiopulmonary development and disease. This review first provides fundamental examples where mechanical forces operate at multiple length scales to ensure precise lung and heart function. Next, we survey recent engineering platforms and tools that have provided new means to probe and modulate mechanical forces across in vitro and in vivo settings. Finally, the potential for interdisciplinary collaborations to inform novel therapeutic approaches for a number of cardiopulmonary diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donia W. Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Madeline K. Eiken
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Samuel J. DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Adam S. Helms
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rachel L. Zemans
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine – Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jason R. Spence
- Department of Internal Medicine – Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Claudia Loebel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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8
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Jilberto J, DePalma SJ, Lo J, Kobeissi H, Quach L, Lejeune E, Baker BM, Nordsletten D. A data-driven computational model for engineered cardiac microtissues. Acta Biomater 2023; 172:123-134. [PMID: 37879587 PMCID: PMC10938557 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Engineered heart tissues (EHTs) present a potential solution to some of the current challenges in the treatment of heart disease; however, the development of mature, adult-like cardiac tissues remains elusive. Mechanical stimuli have been observed to improve whole-tissue function and cardiomyocyte (CM) maturation, although our ability to fully utilize these mechanisms is hampered, in part, by our incomplete understanding of the mechanobiology of EHTs. In this work, we leverage experimental data, produced by a mechanically tunable experimental setup, to introduce a tissue-specific computational modeling pipeline of EHTs. Our new modeling pipeline generates simulated, image-based EHTs, capturing ECM and myofibrillar structure as well as functional parameters estimated directly from experimental data. This approach enables the unique estimation of EHT function by data-based estimation of CM active stresses. We use this experimental and modeling pipeline to study different mechanical environments, where we contrast the force output of the tissue with the computed active stress of CMs. We show that the significant differences in measured experimental forces can largely be explained by the levels of myofibril formation achieved by the CMs in the distinct mechanical environments, with active stress showing more muted variations across conditions. The presented model also enables us to dissect the relative contributions of myofibrils and extracellular matrix to tissue force output, a task difficult to address experimentally. These results highlight the importance of tissue-specific modeling to augment EHT experiments, providing deeper insights into the mechanobiology driving EHT function. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Engineered heart tissues (EHTs) have the potential to revolutionize the way heart disease is treated. However, developing mature cardiomyocytes (CM) in these tissues remains a challenge due, in part, to our incomplete understanding of the fundamental biomechanical mechanisms that drive EHT development. This work integrates the experimental data of an EHT platform developed to study the influence of mechanics in CM maturation with computational biomechanical models. This approach is used to augment conclusions obtained in-vitro - by measuring quantities such as cell stress and strain - and to dissect the relevance of each component in the whole tissue performance. Our results show how a combination of specialized in-silico and in-vitro approaches can help us better understand the mechanobiology of EHTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera Jilberto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, MI, USA.
| | - Samuel J DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, MI, USA
| | - Jason Lo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, MI, USA
| | - Hiba Kobeissi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, MA, USA
| | - Lani Quach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, MI, USA
| | - Emma Lejeune
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, MA, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, MI, USA
| | - David Nordsletten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, MI, USA; Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, London, UK
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9
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DePalma SJ, Jillberto J, Stis AE, Huang DD, Lo J, Davidson CD, Chowdhury A, Jewett ME, Kobeissi H, Chen CS, Lejeune E, Helms AS, Nordsletten DA, Baker BM. Matrix architecture and mechanics regulate myofibril organization, costamere assembly, and contractility of engineered myocardial microtissues. bioRxiv 2023:2023.10.20.563346. [PMID: 37961415 PMCID: PMC10634701 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.20.563346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical function of the myocardium is defined by cardiomyocyte contractility and the biomechanics of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Understanding this relationship remains an important unmet challenge due to limitations in existing approaches for engineering myocardial tissue. Here, we established arrays of cardiac microtissues with tunable mechanics and architecture by integrating ECM-mimetic synthetic, fiber matrices and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs), enabling real-time contractility readouts, in-depth structural assessment, and tissue-specific computational modeling. We find that the stiffness and alignment of matrix fibers distinctly affect the structural development and contractile function of pure iPSC-CM tissues. Further examination into the impact of fibrous matrix stiffness enabled by computational models and quantitative immunofluorescence implicates cell-ECM interactions in myofibril assembly and notably costamere assembly, which correlates with improved contractile function of tissues. These results highlight how iPSC-CM tissue models with controllable architecture and mechanics can inform the design of translatable regenerative cardiac therapies.
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10
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Jewett ME, Hiraki HL, Wojasiński M, Zhang Z, Xi SS, Bluem AS, Prabhu ES, Wang WY, Pena-Francesch A, Baker BM. Rapid magnetically directed assembly of pre-patterned capillary-scale microvessels. Adv Funct Mater 2023; 33:2203715. [PMID: 38464762 PMCID: PMC10923532 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202203715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Capillary scale vascularization is critical to the survival of engineered 3D tissues and remains an outstanding challenge for the field of tissue engineering. Current methods to generate micro-scale vasculature such as 3D printing, two photon hydrogel ablation, angiogenesis, and vasculogenic assembly face challenges in rapidly creating organized, highly vascularized tissues at capillary length-scales. Within metabolically demanding tissues, native capillary beds are highly organized and densely packed to achieve adequate delivery of nutrients and oxygen and efficient waste removal. Here, we adopt two existing techniques to fabricate lattices composed of sacrificial microfibers that can be efficiently and uniformly seeded with endothelial cells (ECs) by magnetizing both lattices and ECs. Ferromagnetic microparticles (FMPs) were incorporated into microfibers produced by solution electrowriting (SEW) and fiber electropulling (FEP). By loading ECs with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), the cells could be seeded onto magnetized microfiber lattices. Following encapsulation in a hydrogel, the capillary templating lattice was selectively degraded by a bacterial lipase that does not impact mammalian cell viability or function. This work introduces a novel approach to rapidly producing organized capillary networks within metabolically demanding engineered tissue constructs which should have broad utility for the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie E. Jewett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Harrison L. Hiraki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Michał Wojasiński
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
- Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Warsaw University of Technology, Warynskiego 1, 00-645 Warsaw, POLAND
| | - Zenghao Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Susan S. Xi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Amanda S. Bluem
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Eashan S. Prabhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - William Y. Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Abdon Pena-Francesch
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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11
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Ross BC, Kent RN, Saunders MN, Schwartz SR, Smiley BM, Hocevar SE, Chen SC, Xiao C, Williams LA, Anderson AJ, Cummings BJ, Baker BM, Shea LD. Building-Block Size Mediates Microporous Annealed Particle Hydrogel Tube Microenvironment Following Spinal Cord Injury. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2302498. [PMID: 37768019 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering event, which often results in loss of sensory and motor function below the level of trauma. Biomaterial therapies have been widely investigated in SCI to promote directional regeneration but are often limited by their pre-constructed size and shape. Herein, the design parameters of microporous annealed particles (MAPs) are investigated with tubular geometries that conform to the injury and direct axons across the defect to support functional recovery. MAP tubes prepared from 20-, 40-, and 60-micron polyethylene glycol (PEG) beads are generated and implanted in a T9-10 murine hemisection model of SCI. Tubes attenuate glial and fibrotic scarring, increase innate immune cell density, and reduce inflammatory phenotypes in a bead size-dependent manner. Tubes composed of 60-micron beads increase the cell density of the chronic macrophage response, while neutrophil infiltration and phenotypes do not deviate from those seen in controls. At 8 weeks postinjury, implantation of tubes composed of 60-micron beads results in enhanced locomotor function, robust axonal ingrowth, and remyelination through both lumens and the inter-tube space. Collectively, these studies demonstrate the importance of bead size in MAP construction and highlight PEG tubes as a biomaterial therapy to promote regeneration and functional recovery in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Ross
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Robert N Kent
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Michael N Saunders
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Samantha R Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Brooke M Smiley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Sarah E Hocevar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, 204 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Shao-Chi Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Chengchuan Xiao
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 North University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Laura A Williams
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Aileen J Anderson
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Biological Sciences III, 2642, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, 845 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, 18124 Culver Dr # F, Irvine, CA, 92612, USA
| | - Brian J Cummings
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Biological Sciences III, 2642, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, 845 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, 18124 Culver Dr # F, Irvine, CA, 92612, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2300 Hayward St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Lonnie D Shea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, 204 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2300 Hayward St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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12
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Hiraki HL, Matera DL, Wang WY, Prabhu ES, Zhang Z, Midekssa F, Argento AE, Buschhaus JM, Humphries BA, Luker GD, Pena-Francesch A, Baker BM. Fiber density and matrix stiffness modulate distinct cell migration modes in a 3D stroma mimetic composite hydrogel. Acta Biomater 2023; 163:378-391. [PMID: 36179980 PMCID: PMC10043045 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The peritumoral stroma is a complex 3D tissue that provides cells with myriad biophysical and biochemical cues. Histologic observations suggest that during metastatic spread of carcinomas, these cues influence transformed epithelial cells, prompting a diversity of migration modes spanning single cell and multicellular phenotypes. Purported consequences of these variations in tumor escape strategies include differential metastatic capability and therapy resistance. Therefore, understanding how cues from the peritumoral stromal microenvironment regulate migration mode has both prognostic and therapeutic value. Here, we utilize a synthetic stromal mimetic in which matrix fiber density and bulk hydrogel mechanics can be orthogonally tuned to investigate the contribution of these two key matrix attributes on MCF10A migration mode phenotypes, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and invasive potential. We develop an automated computational image analysis framework to extract migratory phenotypes from fluorescent images and determine 3D migration metrics relevant to metastatic spread. Using this analysis, we find that matrix fiber density and bulk hydrogel mechanics distinctly contribute to a variety of MCF10A migration modes including amoeboid, single mesenchymal, clusters, and strands. We identify combinations of physical and soluble cues that induce a variety of migration modes originating from the same MCF10A spheroid and use these settings to examine a functional consequence of migration mode -resistance to apoptosis. We find that cells migrating as strands are more resistant to staurosporine-induced apoptosis than either disconnected clusters or individual invading cells. Improved models of the peritumoral stromal microenvironment and understanding of the relationships between matrix attributes and cell migration mode can aid ongoing efforts to identify effective cancer therapeutics that address cell plasticity-based therapy resistances. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Stromal extracellular matrix structure dictates both cell homeostasis and activation towards migratory phenotypes. However decoupling the effects of myriad biophysical cues has been difficult to achieve. Here, we encapsulate electrospun fiber segments within an amorphous hydrogel to create a fiber-reinforced hydrogel composite in which fiber density and hydrogel stiffness can be orthogonally tuned. Quantification of 3D cell migration reveal these two parameters uniquely contribute to a diversity of migration phenotypes spanning amoeboid, single mesenchymal, multicellular cluster, and collective strand. By tuning biophysical and biochemical cues to elicit heterogeneous migration phenotypes, we find that collective strands best resist apoptosis. This work establishes a composite approach to modulate fibrous topography and bulk hydrogel mechanics and identified biomaterial parameters to direct distinct 3D cell migration phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison L Hiraki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Daniel L Matera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - William Y Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Eashan S Prabhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Zane Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 481095, United States
| | - Firaol Midekssa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Anna E Argento
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Johanna M Buschhaus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States; Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Brock A Humphries
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States; Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Gary D Luker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States; Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Abdon Pena-Francesch
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 481095, United States
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States.
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13
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Kumar R, Vitvitsky V, Seth P, Hiraki HL, Bell H, Andren A, Singhal R, Baker BM, Lyssiotis CA, Shah YM, Banerjee R. Sulfide oxidation promotes hypoxic angiogenesis and neovascularization. bioRxiv 2023:2023.03.14.532677. [PMID: 36993187 PMCID: PMC10055101 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.14.532677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenic programming in the vascular endothelium is a tightly regulated process to maintain tissue homeostasis and is activated in tissue injury and the tumor microenvironment. The metabolic basis of how gas signaling molecules regulate angiogenesis is elusive. Herein, we report that hypoxic upregulation of NO synthesis in endothelial cells reprograms the transsulfuration pathway and increases H 2 S biogenesis. Furthermore, H 2 S oxidation by mitochondrial sulfide quinone oxidoreductase (SQOR) rather than downstream persulfides, synergizes with hypoxia to induce a reductive shift, limiting endothelial cell proliferation that is attenuated by dissipation of the mitochondrial NADH pool. Tumor xenografts in whole-body WB Cre SQOR fl/fl knockout mice exhibit lower mass and reduced angiogenesis compared to SQOR fl/fl controls. WB Cre SQOR fl/fl mice also exhibit reduced muscle angiogenesis following femoral artery ligation, compared to controls. Collectively, our data reveal the molecular intersections between H 2 S, O 2 and NO metabolism and identify SQOR inhibition as a metabolic vulnerability for endothelial cell proliferation and neovascularization. Highlights Hypoxic induction of •NO in endothelial cells inhibits CBS and switches CTH reaction specificity Hypoxic interruption of the canonical transsulfuration pathway promotes H 2 S synthesis Synergizing with hypoxia, SQOR deficiency induces a reductive shift in the ETC and restricts proliferationSQOR KO mice exhibit lower neovascularization in tumor xenograft and hind limb ischemia models.
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14
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Yang BA, da Rocha AM, Newton I, Shcherbina A, Wong SW, Fraczek PM, Larouche JA, Hiraki HL, Baker BM, Shin JW, Takayama S, Thouless MD, Aguilar CA. Manipulation of the nucleoscaffold potentiates cellular reprogramming kinetics. bioRxiv 2023:2023.03.12.532246. [PMID: 36993714 PMCID: PMC10055010 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.12.532246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Somatic cell fate is an outcome set by the activities of specific transcription factors and the chromatin landscape and is maintained by gene silencing of alternate cell fates through physical interactions with the nuclear scaffold. Here, we evaluate the role of the nuclear scaffold as a guardian of cell fate in human fibroblasts by comparing the effects of transient loss (knockdown) and mutation (progeria) of functional Lamin A/C, a core component of the nuclear scaffold. We observed that Lamin A/C deficiency or mutation disrupts nuclear morphology, heterochromatin levels, and increases access to DNA in lamina-associated domains. Changes in Lamin A/C were also found to impact the mechanical properties of the nucleus when measured by a microfluidic cellular squeezing device. We also show that transient loss of Lamin A/C accelerates the kinetics of cellular reprogramming to pluripotency through opening of previously silenced heterochromatin domains while genetic mutation of Lamin A/C into progerin induces a senescent phenotype that inhibits the induction of reprogramming genes. Our results highlight the physical role of the nuclear scaffold in safeguarding cellular fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A. Yang
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Isabel Newton
- Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Anna Shcherbina
- Dept. of Biomedical Informatics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sing-Wan Wong
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Paula M. Fraczek
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jacqueline A. Larouche
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Harrison L. Hiraki
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jae-Won Shin
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Shuichi Takayama
- Wallace Coulter Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - M. D. Thouless
- Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Dept. of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Carlos A. Aguilar
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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15
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Loesel KE, Hiraki HL, Baker BM, Parent CA. An adaptive and versatile method to quantitate and characterize collective cell migration behaviors on complex surfaces. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1106653. [PMID: 36776562 PMCID: PMC9909417 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1106653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Collective cell migration is critical for proper embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer cell invasion. However, much of our knowledge of cell migration has been performed using flat surfaces that lack topographical features and do not recapitulate the complex fibrous architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The recent availability of synthetic fibrous networks designed to mimic in vivo ECM has been key to identify the topological features that dictate cell migration patterns as well as to determine the underlying mechanisms that regulate topography-sensing. Recent studies have underscored the prevalence of collective cell migration during cancer invasion, and these observations present a compelling need to understand the mechanisms controlling contact guidance within migratory, multicellular groups. Therefore, we designed an integrated migration analysis platform combining tunable electrospun fibers that recapitulate aspects of the biophysical properties of the ECM, and computational approaches to investigate collective cell migration. To quantitatively assess migration as a function of matrix topography, we developed an automated MATLAB code that quantifies cell migration dynamics, including speed, directionality, and the number of detached cells. This platform enables live cell imaging while providing enough cells for biochemical, proteomic, and genomic analyses, making our system highly adaptable to multiple experimental investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen E. Loesel
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Harrison L. Hiraki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Carole A. Parent
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,*Correspondence: Carole A. Parent,
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16
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Pagani CA, Bancroft AC, Tower RJ, Livingston N, Sun Y, Hong JY, Kent RN, Strong AL, Nunez JH, Medrano JMR, Patel N, Nanes BA, Dean KM, Li Z, Ge C, Baker BM, James AW, Weiss SJ, Franceschi RT, Levi B. Discoidin domain receptor 2 regulates aberrant mesenchymal lineage cell fate and matrix organization. Sci Adv 2022; 8:eabq6152. [PMID: 36542719 PMCID: PMC9770942 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq6152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions regulate both the cell transcriptome and proteome, thereby determining cell fate. Traumatic heterotopic ossification (HO) is a disorder characterized by aberrant mesenchymal lineage (MLin) cell differentiation, forming bone within soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system following traumatic injury. Recent work has shown that HO is influenced by ECM-MLin cell receptor signaling, but how ECM binding affects cellular outcomes remains unclear. Using time course transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, we identified discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), a cell surface receptor for fibrillar collagen, as a key MLin cell regulator in HO formation. Inhibition of DDR2 signaling, through either constitutive or conditional Ddr2 deletion or pharmaceutical inhibition, reduced HO formation in mice. Mechanistically, DDR2 perturbation alters focal adhesion orientation and subsequent matrix organization, modulating Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) and Yes1 Associated Transcriptional Regulator and WW Domain Containing Transcription Regulator 1 (YAP/TAZ)-mediated MLin cell signaling. Hence, ECM-DDR2 interactions are critical in driving HO and could serve as a previously unknown therapeutic target for treating this disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase A. Pagani
- Center for Organogenesis and Trauma, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Alec C. Bancroft
- Center for Organogenesis and Trauma, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Robert J. Tower
- Center for Organogenesis and Trauma, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nicholas Livingston
- Center for Organogenesis and Trauma, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yuxiao Sun
- Center for Organogenesis and Trauma, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan Y. Hong
- Center for Organogenesis and Trauma, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Robert N. Kent
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amy L. Strong
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Johanna H. Nunez
- Center for Organogenesis and Trauma, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jessica Marie R. Medrano
- Center for Organogenesis and Trauma, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nicole Patel
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Benjamin A. Nanes
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
- Lydia Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kevin M. Dean
- Lydia Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
- Cecil H. and The Ida Green Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zhao Li
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chunxi Ge
- School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Aaron W. James
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen J. Weiss
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Benjamin Levi
- Center for Organogenesis and Trauma, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
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17
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Liu AP, Appel EA, Ashby PD, Baker BM, Franco E, Gu L, Haynes K, Joshi NS, Kloxin AM, Kouwer PHJ, Mittal J, Morsut L, Noireaux V, Parekh S, Schulman R, Tang SKY, Valentine MT, Vega SL, Weber W, Stephanopoulos N, Chaudhuri O. The living interface between synthetic biology and biomaterial design. Nat Mater 2022; 21:390-397. [PMID: 35361951 PMCID: PMC10265650 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-022-01231-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recent far-reaching advances in synthetic biology have yielded exciting tools for the creation of new materials. Conversely, advances in the fundamental understanding of soft-condensed matter, polymers and biomaterials offer new avenues to extend the reach of synthetic biology. The broad and exciting range of possible applications have substantial implications to address grand challenges in health, biotechnology and sustainability. Despite the potentially transformative impact that lies at the interface of synthetic biology and biomaterials, the two fields have, so far, progressed mostly separately. This Perspective provides a review of recent key advances in these two fields, and a roadmap for collaboration at the interface between the two communities. We highlight the near-term applications of this interface to the development of hierarchically structured biomaterials, from bioinspired building blocks to 'living' materials that sense and respond based on the reciprocal interactions between materials and embedded cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen P Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Eric A Appel
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Paul D Ashby
- Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Elisa Franco
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Luo Gu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Karmella Haynes
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Neel S Joshi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - April M Kloxin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Paul H J Kouwer
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jeetain Mittal
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Leonardo Morsut
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vincent Noireaux
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sapun Parekh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca Schulman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sindy K Y Tang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Megan T Valentine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Sebastián L Vega
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Faculty of Biology and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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18
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Long H, Vos BE, Betz T, Baker BM, Trappmann B. Nonswelling and Hydrolytically Stable Hydrogels Uncover Cellular Mechanosensing in 3D. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2022; 9:e2105325. [PMID: 35187856 PMCID: PMC9036035 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
While matrix stiffness regulates cell behavior on 2D substrates, recent studies using synthetic hydrogels have suggested that in 3D environments, cell behavior is primarily impacted by matrix degradability, independent of stiffness. However, these studies did not consider the potential impact of other confounding matrix parameters that typically covary with changes in stiffness, particularly, hydrogel swelling and hydrolytic stability, which may explain the previously observed distinctions in cell response in 2D versus 3D settings. To investigate how cells sense matrix stiffness in 3D environments, a nonswelling, hydrolytically stable, linearly elastic synthetic hydrogel model is developed in which matrix stiffness and degradability can be tuned independently. It is found that matrix degradability regulates cell spreading kinetics, while matrix stiffness dictates the final spread area once cells achieve equilibrium spreading. Importantly, the differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells toward adipocytes or osteoblasts is regulated by the spread state of progenitor cells upon initiating differentiation. These studies uncover matrix stiffness as a major regulator of cell function not just in 2D, but also in 3D environments, and identify matrix degradability as a critical microenvironmental feature in 3D that in conjunction with matrix stiffness dictates cell spreading, cytoskeletal state, and stem cell differentiation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Long
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 20Münster48149Germany
| | - Bart E. Vos
- Third Institute of Physics – BiophysicsGeorg August University GöttingenGöttingen37077Germany
| | - Timo Betz
- Third Institute of Physics – BiophysicsGeorg August University GöttingenGöttingen37077Germany
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Engineered Microenvironments and Mechanobiology LabDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Britta Trappmann
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 20Münster48149Germany
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19
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Aliabouzar M, Ley AW, Meurs S, Putnam AJ, Baker BM, Kripfgans OD, Fowlkes JB, Fabiilli ML. Micropatterning of acoustic droplet vaporization in acoustically-responsive scaffolds using extrusion-based bioprinting. Bioprinting 2022; 25:e00188. [PMID: 35087958 PMCID: PMC8789001 DOI: 10.1016/j.bprint.2021.e00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Acoustically-responsive scaffolds (ARSs) are composite hydrogels that respond to ultrasound in an on-demand, spatiotemporally-controlled manner due to the presence of a phase-shift emulsion. When exposed to ultrasound, a gas bubble is formed within each emulsion droplet via a mechanism termed acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV). In previous in vitro and in vivo studies, we demonstrated that ADV can control regenerative processes by releasing growth factors and/or modulating micromechanics in ARSs. Precise, spatial patterning of emulsion within an ARS could be beneficial for ADV-induced modulation of biochemical and biophysical cues. However, precise patterning is limited using conventional bulk polymerization techniques. Here, we developed an extrusion-based method for bioprinting ARSs with micropatterned structures. Emulsions were loaded within bioink formulations containing fibrin, hyaluronic acid and/or alginate. Experimental as well as theoretical studies elucidated the interrelations between printing parameters, needle geometry, rheological properties of the bioink, and the process-induced mechanical stresses during bioprinting. The shear thinning properties of the bioinks enabled use of lower extrusion pressures resulting in decreased shear stresses and shorter residence times, thereby facilitating high viability for cell-loaded bioinks. Bioprinting yielded greater alignment of fibrin fibers in ARSs compared to conventionally polymerized ARSs. Bioprinted ARSs also enabled generation of ADV at high spatial resolutions, which were otherwise not achievable in conventional ARSs, and acoustically-driven collapse of ADV-induced bubbles. Overall, bioprinting could aid in optimizing ARSs for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Aliabouzar
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Adam W.Y. Ley
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sabine Meurs
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Andrew J. Putnam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Oliver D. Kripfgans
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J. Brian Fowlkes
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mario L. Fabiilli
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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20
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Sharma B, Ma Y, Hiraki HL, Baker BM, Ferguson AL, Liu AP. Facile formation of giant elastin-like polypeptide vesicles as synthetic cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:13202-13205. [PMID: 34816831 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc05579h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate the facile and robust generation of giant peptide vesicles by using an emulsion transfer method. These robust vesicles can sustain chemical and physical stresses. The peptide vesicles can host cell-free expression reactions by encapsulating essential ingredients. We show the incorporation of another cell-free expressed elastin-like polypeptide into the existing membrane of the peptide vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bineet Sharma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
| | - Yutao Ma
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Harrison L Hiraki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Andrew L Ferguson
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Allen P Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA.,Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA
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21
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Matera DL, Lee AT, Hiraki HL, Baker BM. The Role of Rho GTPases During Fibroblast Spreading, Migration, and Myofibroblast Differentiation in 3D Synthetic Fibrous Matrices. Cell Mol Bioeng 2021; 14:381-396. [PMID: 34777599 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-021-00698-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Connective tissue repair and mechanosensing are tightly entwined in vivo and occur within a complex three-dimensional (3D), fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM). Typically driven by activated fibroblasts, wound repair involves well-defined steps of cell spreading, migration, proliferation, and fibrous ECM deposition. While the role of Rho GTPases in regulating these processes has been explored extensively in two-dimensional cell culture models, much less is known about their role in more physiologic, 3D environments. Methods We employed a 3D, fibrous and protease-sensitive hydrogel model of interstitial ECM to study the interplay between Rho GTPases and fibrous matrix cues in fibroblasts during wound healing. Results Modulating fiber density within protease-sensitive hydrogels, we confirmed previous findings that heightened fiber density promotes fibroblast spreading and proliferation. The presence of matrix fibers furthermore corresponded to increased cell migration speeds and macroscopic hydrogel contraction arising from fibroblast generated forces. During fibroblast spreading, Rac1 and RhoA GTPase activity proved crucial for fiber-mediated cell spreading and contact guidance along matrix fibers, while Cdc42 was dispensable. In contrast, interplay between RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 contributed to fiber-mediated myofibroblast differentiation and matrix contraction over longer time scales. Conclusion These observations may provide insights into tissue repair processes in vivo and motivate the incorporation of cell-adhesive fibers within synthetic hydrogels for material-guided wound repair strategies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-021-00698-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Matera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Alexander T Lee
- Department of Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Harrison L Hiraki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2174 Lurie BME Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2174 Lurie BME Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
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22
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Wang WY, Kent RN, Huang SA, Jarman EH, Shikanov EH, Davidson CD, Hiraki HL, Lin D, Wall MA, Matera DL, Shin JW, Polacheck WJ, Shikanov A, Baker BM. Direct comparison of angiogenesis in natural and synthetic biomaterials reveals that matrix porosity regulates endothelial cell invasion speed and sprout diameter. Acta Biomater 2021; 135:260-273. [PMID: 34469789 PMCID: PMC8595798 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vascularization of large, diffusion-hindered biomaterial implants requires an understanding of how extracellular matrix (ECM) properties regulate angiogenesis. Sundry biomaterials assessed across many disparate angiogenesis assays have highlighted ECM determinants that influence this complex multicellular process. However, the abundance of material platforms, each with unique parameters to model endothelial cell (EC) sprouting presents additional challenges of interpretation and comparison between studies. In this work we directly compared the angiogenic potential of commonly utilized natural (collagen and fibrin) and synthetic dextran vinyl sulfone (DexVS) hydrogels in a multiplexed angiogenesis-on-a-chip platform. Modulating matrix density of collagen and fibrin hydrogels confirmed prior findings that increases in matrix density correspond to increased EC invasion as connected, multicellular sprouts, but with decreased invasion speeds. Angiogenesis in synthetic DexVS hydrogels, however, resulted in fewer multicellular sprouts. Characterizing hydrogel Young's modulus and permeability (a measure of matrix porosity), we identified matrix permeability to significantly correlate with EC invasion depth and sprout diameter. Although microporous collagen and fibrin hydrogels produced lumenized sprouts in vitro, they rapidly resorbed post-implantation into the murine epididymal fat pad. In contrast, DexVS hydrogels proved comparatively stable. To enhance angiogenesis within DexVS hydrogels, we incorporated sacrificial microgels to generate cell-scale pores throughout the hydrogel. Microporous DexVS hydrogels resulted in lumenized sprouts in vitro and enhanced cell invasion in vivo. Towards the design of vascularized biomaterials for long-term regenerative therapies, this work suggests that synthetic biomaterials offer improved size and shape control following implantation and that tuning matrix porosity may better support host angiogenesis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding how extracellular matrix properties govern angiogenesis will inform biomaterial design for engineering vascularized implantable grafts. Here, we utilized a multiplexed angiogenesis-on-a-chip platform to compare the angiogenic potential of natural (collagen and fibrin) and synthetic dextran vinyl sulfone (DexVS) hydrogels. Characterization of matrix properties and sprout morphometrics across these materials points to matrix porosity as a critical regulator of sprout invasion speed and diameter, supported by the observation that nanoporous DexVS hydrogels yielded endothelial cell sprouts that were not perfusable. To enhance angiogenesis into synthetic hydrogels, we incorporated sacrificial microgels to generate microporosity. We find that microporosity increased sprout diameter in vitro and cell invasion in vivo. This work establishes a composite materials approach to enhance the vascularization of synthetic hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Y Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Robert N Kent
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Stephanie A Huang
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, United States
| | - Evan H Jarman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Eve H Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Christopher D Davidson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Harrison L Hiraki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Daphne Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Monica A Wall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Daniel L Matera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Jae-Won Shin
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine & Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, United States
| | - William J Polacheck
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, United States; McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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23
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Tsan YC, DePalma SJ, Zhao YT, Capilnasiu A, Wu YW, Elder B, Panse I, Ufford K, Matera DL, Friedline S, O'Leary TS, Wubshet N, Ho KKY, Previs MJ, Nordsletten D, Isom LL, Baker BM, Liu AP, Helms AS. Physiologic biomechanics enhance reproducible contractile development in a stem cell derived cardiac muscle platform. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6167. [PMID: 34697315 PMCID: PMC8546060 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26496-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) allow investigations in a human cardiac model system, but disorganized mechanics and immaturity of hPSC-CMs on standard two-dimensional surfaces have been hurdles. Here, we developed a platform of micron-scale cardiac muscle bundles to control biomechanics in arrays of thousands of purified, independently contracting cardiac muscle strips on two-dimensional elastomer substrates with far greater throughput than single cell methods. By defining geometry and workload in this reductionist platform, we show that myofibrillar alignment and auxotonic contractions at physiologic workload drive maturation of contractile function, calcium handling, and electrophysiology. Using transcriptomics, reporter hPSC-CMs, and quantitative immunofluorescence, these cardiac muscle bundles can be used to parse orthogonal cues in early development, including contractile force, calcium load, and metabolic signals. Additionally, the resultant organized biomechanics facilitates automated extraction of contractile kinetics from brightfield microscopy imaging, increasing the accessibility, reproducibility, and throughput of pharmacologic testing and cardiomyopathy disease modeling. Investigations of human cardiac disease involving human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes are limited by the disorganized presentation of biomechanical cues resulting in cell immaturity. Here the authors develop a platform of micron-scale 2D cardiac muscle bundles to precisely deliver physiologic cues, improving reproducibility and throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Chang Tsan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samuel J DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yan-Ting Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Adela Capilnasiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yu-Wei Wu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, NanKang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Brynn Elder
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Isabella Panse
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kathryn Ufford
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel L Matera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sabrina Friedline
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Thomas S O'Leary
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Nadab Wubshet
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kenneth K Y Ho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael J Previs
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - David Nordsletten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lori L Isom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Allen P Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Adam S Helms
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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24
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Uslu FE, Davidson CD, Mailand E, Bouklas N, Baker BM, Sakar MS. Engineered Extracellular Matrices with Integrated Wireless Microactuators to Study Mechanobiology. Adv Mater 2021; 33:e2102641. [PMID: 34363246 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202102641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mechanobiology explores how forces regulate cell behaviors and what molecular machinery are responsible for the sensing, transduction, and modulation of mechanical cues. To this end, probing of cells cultured on planar substrates has served as a primary experimental setting for many decades. However, native extracellular matrices (ECMs) consist of fibrous protein assemblies where the physical properties spanning from the individual fiber to the network architecture can influence the transmission of forces to and from the cells. Here, a robotic manipulation platform that allows wireless, localized, and programmable deformation of an engineered fibrous ECM is introduced. A finite-element-based digital twin of the fiber network calibrated against measured local and global parameters enables the calculation of deformations and stresses generated by different magnetic actuation schemes across a range of network properties. Physiologically relevant mechanical forces are applied to cells cultured on the fiber network, statically or dynamically, revealing insights into the effects of matrix-borne forces and deformations as well as force-mediated matrix remodeling on cell migration and intracellular signaling. These capabilities are not matched by any existing approach, and this versatile platform has the potential to uncover fundamental mechanisms of mechanobiology in settings with greater relevance to living tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazil E Uslu
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | | | - Erik Mailand
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Nikolaos Bouklas
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mahmut Selman Sakar
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
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25
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Tomaszewski CE, DiLillo KM, Baker BM, Arnold KB, Shikanov A. Sequestered cell-secreted extracellular matrix proteins improve murine folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation for fertility preservation. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:313-324. [PMID: 33766798 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic matrices offer a high degree of control and tunability for mimicking extracellular matrix functions of native tissue, allowing the study of disease and development in vitro. In this study, we functionalized degradable poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels with extracellular matrix (ECM)-sequestering peptides aiming to recapitulate the native ECM composition for culture and maturation of ovarian follicular organoids. We hypothesized that ECM-sequestering peptides would facilitate deposition and retention of cell-secreted ECM molecules, thereby recreating cell-matrix interactions in otherwise bioinert PEG hydrogels. Specifically, heparin-binding peptide from antithrombin III (HBP), heparan sulfate binding peptide derived from laminin (AG73), basement membrane binder peptide (BMB), and heparan sulfate binding region of placental growth factor 2 (RRR) tethered to a PEG hydrogel significantly improved follicle survival, growth and maturation compared to PEG-Cys, a mechanically similar but biologically inert control. Immunohistochemical analysis of the hydrogel surrounding cultured follicles confirmed sequestration and retention of laminin, collagen I, perlecan, and fibronectin in ECM-sequestering hydrogels but not in bioinert PEG-Cys hydrogels. The media from follicles cultured in PEG-AG73, PEG-BMB, and PEG-RRR also had significantly higher concentrations of factors known to regulate follicle development compared to PEG-Cys. PEG-AG73 and PEG-BMB were the most beneficial for promoting follicle maturation, likely because AG73 and BMB mimic basement membrane interactions which are crucial for follicle development. Here we have shown that functionalizing PEG with ECM-sequestering peptides allows cell-secreted ECM to be retained within the hydrogels, restoring critical cell-matrix interactions and promoting healthy organoid development in a fully synthetic culture system. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Here we present a novel approach for sequestering and retaining cell-secreted extracellular matrix in a fully synthetic material for organoid culture. We have engineered a biomimetic poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel functionalized with extracellular matrix-binding peptides to recapitulate the ovarian microenvironment. Incorporation of these peptides allows ovarian follicles to recreate their native matrix with the sequestered ECM that subsequently binds growth factors, facilitating follicle maturation. The novel design resulted in improved outcomes of folliculogenesis, potentially developing a fertility preservation option for young women undergoing sterilizing treatments for cancer. The fully synthetic and modular nature of this biomimetic material holds promise for other tissue engineering applications as it allows encapsulated cells to rebuild their native microenvironments in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Tomaszewski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Katarina M DiLillo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Kelly B Arnold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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26
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Fan Y, Flanagan CL, Brunette MA, Jones AS, Baker BM, Silber SJ, Shikanov A. Fresh and cryopreserved ovarian tissue from deceased young donors yields viable follicles. F S Sci 2021; 2:248-258. [PMID: 35146457 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is one of the crucial options for fertility preservation. Transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue was proven to restore ovarian endocrine function in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency. Ovaries from deceased donors potentially serve as an excellent and readily available tissue for the translational and basic research. In this study, we used ovaries obtained from 5 deceased donors aged 18-26 years, to evaluate the number and quality of ovarian follicles isolated before and after cryopreservation. DESIGN Preclinical. SETTING Academic biomedical research laboratory. PATIENTS De-identified deceased human donors. INTERVENTIONS Slow-freeze cryopreservation and thawing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Follicle count, follicle density, follicle viability using immunohistochemical staining (TUNEL). RESULTS The follicle density negatively correlated with age in both cryopreserved/thawed and fresh group. A total of 2803 follicles from fresh and 1608 follicles from cryopreserved tissues were classified and analyzed using Hematoxylin and eosin staining. There was no significant difference in the percent of morphologically normal follicles between two groups. TUNEL assay indicated no higher DNA damage in the follicles and the stroma cells after cryopreservation. Morphologically normal preantral follicles were enzymatically isolated from both fresh and cryopreserved tissue with 88.51 ± 5.93% (mean ± SD) of the isolated follicles confirmed viable using LIVE/DEAD evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate the ovarian tissue from deceased donors maintain high quality after long time extracorporeal circulation and transportation from the hospital to the laboratory. High survival rate of follicles at different developmental stages suggested tolerance to the cryopreservation process. Human ovarian tissues obtained from deceased donors is an ample source tissue and can be applied to promoting research and future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Infertility Center of St Louis, St Luke's Hospital, St, Louis, MO 463017, USA
| | - Colleen L Flanagan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Margaret A Brunette
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Andrea S Jones
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sherman J Silber
- Infertility Center of St Louis, St Luke's Hospital, St, Louis, MO 463017, USA
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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27
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Hiraki HL, Matera DL, Rose MJ, Kent RN, Todd CW, Stout ME, Wank AE, Schiavone MC, DePalma SJ, Zarouk AA, Baker BM. Magnetic Alignment of Electrospun Fiber Segments Within a Hydrogel Composite Guides Cell Spreading and Migration Phenotype Switching. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:679165. [PMID: 34222216 PMCID: PMC8242362 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.679165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins provide mechanical structure and adhesive scaffolding to resident cells within stromal tissues. Aligned ECM fibers play an important role in directing morphogenetic processes, supporting mechanical loads, and facilitating cell migration. Various methods have been developed to align matrix fibers in purified biopolymer hydrogels, such as type I collagen, including flow-induced alignment, uniaxial tensile deformation, and magnetic particles. However, purified biopolymers have limited orthogonal tunability of biophysical cues including stiffness, fiber density, and fiber alignment. Here, we generate synthetic, cell-adhesive fiber segments of the same length-scale as stromal fibrous proteins through electrospinning. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) embedded in synthetic fiber segments enable magnetic field induced alignment of fibers within an amorphous bulk hydrogel. We find that SPION density and magnetic field strength jointly influence fiber alignment and identify conditions to control the degree of alignment. Tuning fiber length allowed the alignment of dense fibrous hydrogel composites without fiber entanglement or regional variation in the degree of alignment. Functionalization of fiber segments with cell adhesive peptides induced tendon fibroblasts to adopt a uniaxial morphology akin to within native tendon. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of this hydrogel composite to direct multicellular migration from MCF10A spheroids and find that fiber alignment prompts invading multicellular strands to separate into disconnected single cells and multicellular clusters. These magnetic fiber segments can be readily incorporated into other natural and synthetic hydrogels and aligned with inexpensive and easily accessible rare earth magnets, without the need for specialized equipment. 3D hydrogel composites where stiffness/crosslinking, fiber density, and fiber alignment can be orthogonally tuned may provide insights into morphogenetic and pathogenic processes that involve matrix fiber alignment and can enable systematic investigation of the individual contribution of each biophysical cue to cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison L. Hiraki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Daniel L. Matera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Michael J. Rose
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Robert N. Kent
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Connor W. Todd
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Mark E. Stout
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Anya E. Wank
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Maria C. Schiavone
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Samuel J. DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Alexander A. Zarouk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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28
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Aliabouzar M, Kripfgans OD, Wang WY, Baker BM, Brian Fowlkes J, Fabiilli ML. Stable and transient bubble formation in acoustically-responsive scaffolds by acoustic droplet vaporization: theory and application in sequential release. Ultrason Sonochem 2021; 72:105430. [PMID: 33401189 PMCID: PMC7803826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2020.105430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Acoustically-responsive scaffolds (ARSs), which are fibrin hydrogels containing monodispersed perfluorocarbon (PFC) emulsions, respond to ultrasound in an on-demand, spatiotemporally-controlled manner via a mechanism termed acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV). Previously, ADV has been used to control the release of bioactive payloads from ARSs to stimulate regenerative processes. In this study, we used classical nucleation theory (CNT) to predict the nucleation pressure in emulsions of different PFC cores as well as the corresponding condensation pressure of the ADV-generated bubbles. According to CNT, the threshold bubble radii above which ADV-generated bubbles remain stable against condensation were 0.4 µm and 5.2 µm for perfluoropentane (PFP) and perfluorohexane (PFH) bubbles, respectively, while ADV-generated bubbles of any size in perfluorooctane (PFO) condense back to liquid at ambient condition. Additionally, consistent with the CNT findings, stable bubble formation from PFH emulsion was experimentally observed using confocal imaging while PFO emulsion likely underwent repeated vaporization and recondensation during ultrasound pulses. In further experimental studies, we utilized this unique feature of ADV in generating stable or transient bubbles, through tailoring the PFC core and ultrasound parameters (excitation frequency and pulse duration), for sequential delivery of two payloads from PFC emulsions in ARSs. ADV-generated stable bubbles from PFH correlated with complete release of the payload while transient ADV resulted in partial release, where the amount of payload release increased with the number of ultrasound exposure. Overall, these results can be used in developing drug delivery strategies using ARSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Aliabouzar
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Oliver D Kripfgans
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - William Y Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J Brian Fowlkes
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mario L Fabiilli
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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29
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Margolis EA, Cleveland DS, Kong YP, Beamish JA, Wang WY, Baker BM, Putnam AJ. Stromal cell identity modulates vascular morphogenesis in a microvasculature-on-a-chip platform. Lab Chip 2021; 21:1150-1163. [PMID: 33538719 PMCID: PMC7990720 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01092h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Supportive stromal cells of mesenchymal origins regulate vascular morphogenesis in developmental, pathological, and regenerative contexts, contributing to vessel formation, maturation, and long-term stability, in part via the secretion of bioactive molecules. In this work, we adapted a microfluidic lab-on-a-chip system that enables the formation and perfusion of microvascular capillary beds with connections to arteriole-scale endothelialized channels to explore how stromal cell (SC) identity influences endothelial cell (EC) morphogenesis. We compared and contrasted lung fibroblasts (LFs), dermal fibroblasts (DFs), and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for their abilities to support endothelial morphogenesis and subsequent perfusion of microvascular networks formed in fibrin hydrogels within the microfluidic device. We demonstrated that while all 3 SC types supported EC morphogenesis, LFs in particular resulted in microvascular morphologies with the highest total network length, vessel diameter, and vessel interconnectivity across a range of SC-EC ratio and density conditions. Not only did LFs support robust vascular morphology, but also, they were the only SC type to support functional perfusion of the resultant capillary beds. Lastly, we identified heightened traction stress produced by LFs as a possible mechanism by which LFs enhance endothelial morphogenesis in 3D compared to other SC types examined. This study provides a unique comparison of three different SC types and their role in supporting the formation of microvasculature that could provide insights for the choice of cells for vascular cell-based therapies and the regulation of tissue-specific vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Margolis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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30
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Wang WY, Jarman EH, Lin D, Baker BM. Dynamic Endothelial Stalk Cell-Matrix Interactions Regulate Angiogenic Sprout Diameter. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:620128. [PMID: 33869150 PMCID: PMC8044977 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.620128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a complex, multicellular process that involves bidirectional interactions between extracellular matrix (ECM) and collectively invading endothelial cell (EC) sprouts that extend the microvasculature during development, wound healing, and disease processes. While many aspects of angiogenesis have been well studied, the relationship between endothelial sprout morphology and subsequent neovessel function remains relatively unknown. Here, we investigated how various soluble and physical matrix cues that regulate endothelial sprouting speed and proliferation correspond to changes in sprout morphology, namely, sprout stalk diameter. We found that sprout stalk cells utilize a combination of cytoskeletal forces and proteolysis to physically compact and degrade the surrounding matrix, thus creating sufficient space in three-dimensional (3D) ECM for lateral expansion. As increasing sprout diameter precedes lumenization to generate perfusable neovessels, this work highlights how dynamic endothelial stalk cell-ECM interactions promote the generation of functional neovessels during sprouting angiogenesis to provide insight into the design of vascularized, implantable biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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31
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Horowitz JA, Zhong X, DePalma SJ, Ward Rashidi MR, Baker BM, Lahann J, Forrest SR. Printable Organic Electronic Materials for Precisely Positioned Cell Attachment. Langmuir 2021; 37:1874-1881. [PMID: 33497243 PMCID: PMC9794193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c03319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 3 decades, there has been a vast expansion of research in both tissue engineering and organic electronics. Although the two fields have interacted little, the materials and fabrication technologies which have accompanied the rise of organic electronics offer the potential for innovation and translation if appropriately adapted to pattern biological materials for tissue engineering. In this work, we use two organic electronic materials as adhesion points on a biocompatible poly(p-xylylene) surface. The organic electronic materials are precisely deposited via vacuum thermal evaporation and organic vapor jet printing, the proven, scalable processes used in the manufacture of organic electronic devices. The small molecular-weight organics prevent the subsequent growth of antifouling polyethylene glycol methacrylate polymer brushes that grow within the interstices between the molecular patches, rendering these background areas both protein and cell resistant. Last, fibronectin attaches to the molecular patches, allowing for the selective adhesion of fibroblasts. The process is simple, reproducible, and promotes a high yield of cell attachment to the targeted sites, demonstrating that biocompatible organic small-molecule materials can pattern cells at the microscale, utilizing techniques widely used in electronic device fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Horowitz
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Michigan, 1301 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Xiaoyang Zhong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Samuel J DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Maria R Ward Rashidi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Joerg Lahann
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Stephen R Forrest
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Michigan, 1301 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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32
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DePalma SJ, Davidson CD, Stis AE, Helms AS, Baker BM. Microenvironmental determinants of organized iPSC-cardiomyocyte tissues on synthetic fibrous matrices. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:93-107. [PMID: 33325920 PMCID: PMC7971708 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01247e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-CMs) show great potential for engineering myocardium to study cardiac disease and create regenerative therapies. However, iPSC-CMs typically possess a late embryonic stage phenotype, with cells failing to exhibit markers of mature adult tissue. This is due in part to insufficient knowledge and control of microenvironmental cues required to facilitate the organization and maturation of iPSC-CMs. Here, we employed a cell-adhesive, mechanically tunable synthetic fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) consisting of electrospun dextran vinyl sulfone (DVS) fibers and examined how biochemical, architectural, and mechanical properties of the ECM impact iPSC-CM tissue assembly and subsequent function. Exploring a multidimensional parameter space spanning cell-adhesive ligand, seeding density, fiber alignment, and stiffness, we found that fibronectin-functionalized DVS matrices composed of highly aligned fibers with low stiffness optimally promoted the organization of functional iPSC-CM tissues. Tissues generated on these matrices demonstrated improved calcium handling and increased end-to-end localization of N-cadherin as compared to micropatterned fibronectin lines or fibronectin-coated glass. Furthermore, DVS matrices supported long-term culture (45 days) of iPSC-CMs; N-cadherin end-to-end localization and connexin43 expression both increased as a function of time in culture. In sum, these findings demonstrate the importance of recapitulating the fibrous myocardial ECM in engineering structurally organized and functional iPSC-CM tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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33
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Huber AK, Patel N, Pagani CA, Marini S, Padmanabhan KR, Matera DL, Said M, Hwang C, Hsu GCY, Poli AA, Strong AL, Visser ND, Greenstein JA, Nelson R, Li S, Longaker MT, Tang Y, Weiss SJ, Baker BM, James AW, Levi B. Immobilization after injury alters extracellular matrix and stem cell fate. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:5444-5460. [PMID: 32673290 PMCID: PMC7524473 DOI: 10.1172/jci136142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells sense the extracellular environment and mechanical stimuli and translate these signals into intracellular responses through mechanotransduction, which alters cell maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation. Here we use a mouse model of trauma-induced heterotopic ossification (HO) to examine how cell-extrinsic forces impact mesenchymal progenitor cell (MPC) fate. After injury, single-cell (sc) RNA sequencing of the injury site reveals an early increase in MPC genes associated with pathways of cell adhesion and ECM-receptor interactions, and MPC trajectories to cartilage and bone. Immunostaining uncovers active mechanotransduction after injury with increased focal adhesion kinase signaling and nuclear translocation of transcriptional coactivator TAZ, inhibition of which mitigates HO. Similarly, joint immobilization decreases mechanotransductive signaling, and completely inhibits HO. Joint immobilization decreases collagen alignment and increases adipogenesis. Further, scRNA sequencing of the HO site after injury with or without immobilization identifies gene signatures in mobile MPCs correlating with osteogenesis, and signatures from immobile MPCs with adipogenesis. scATAC-seq in these same MPCs confirm that in mobile MPCs, chromatin regions around osteogenic genes are open, whereas in immobile MPCs, regions around adipogenic genes are open. Together these data suggest that joint immobilization after injury results in decreased ECM alignment, altered MPC mechanotransduction, and changes in genomic architecture favoring adipogenesis over osteogenesis, resulting in decreased formation of HO.
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MESH Headings
- Acyltransferases
- Adipogenesis/genetics
- Animals
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Lineage
- Disease Models, Animal
- Extracellular Matrix/metabolism
- Extremities/injuries
- Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/deficiency
- Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/genetics
- Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/metabolism
- Humans
- Male
- Mechanotransduction, Cellular/genetics
- Mechanotransduction, Cellular/physiology
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells/pathology
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells/physiology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Ossification, Heterotopic/etiology
- Ossification, Heterotopic/pathology
- Ossification, Heterotopic/physiopathology
- Osteogenesis/genetics
- Restraint, Physical/adverse effects
- Restraint, Physical/physiology
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole Patel
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery
| | | | | | | | - Daniel L Matera
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mohamed Said
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Andrea A Poli
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Amy L Strong
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery
| | | | | | | | - Shuli Li
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery
| | - Michael T Longaker
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yi Tang
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephen J Weiss
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Aaron W James
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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34
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Davidson CD, Jayco DKP, Wang WY, Shikanov A, Baker BM. Fiber Crimp Confers Matrix Mechanical Nonlinearity, Regulates Endothelial Cell Mechanosensing, and Promotes Microvascular Network Formation. J Biomech Eng 2020; 142:1086375. [PMID: 32839824 DOI: 10.1115/1.4048191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical interactions between cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) guide many fundamental cell behaviors. Native connective tissue consists of highly organized, 3D networks of ECM fibers with complex, nonlinear mechanical properties. The most abundant stromal matrix component is fibrillar type I collagen, which often possesses a wavy, crimped morphology that confers strain- and load-dependent nonlinear mechanical behavior. Here, we established a new and simple method for engineering electrospun fibrous matrices composed of dextran vinyl sulfone (DexVS) with controllable crimped structure. A hydrophilic peptide was functionalized to DexVS matrices to trigger swelling of individual hydrogel fibers, resulting in crimped microstructure due to the fixed anchorage of fibers. Mechanical characterization of these matrices under tension confirmed orthogonal control over nonlinear stress-strain responses and matrix stiffness. We next examined ECM mechanosensing of individual endothelial cells (ECs) and found that fiber crimp promoted physical matrix remodeling alongside decreases in cell spreading, focal adhesion area, and nuclear localization of Yes-associated protein (YAP). These changes corresponded to an increase in migration speed, along with evidence for long-range interactions between neighboring cells in crimped matrices. Interestingly, when ECs were seeded at high density in crimped matrices, capillary-like networks rapidly assembled and contained tube-like cellular structures wrapped around bundles of synthetic matrix fibers due to increased physical reorganization of matrix fibers. Our work provides an additional level of mechanical and architectural tunability to synthetic fibrous matrices and implicates a critical role for mechanical nonlinearity in EC mechanosensing and network formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Davidson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1420 Lurie Biomedical Engineering, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2110
| | - Danica Kristen P Jayco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1420 Lurie Biomedical Engineering, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2110
| | - William Y Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1420 Lurie Biomedical Engineering, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2110
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, 2126 Lurie Biomedical Engineering, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2110
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2174 Lurie Biomedical Engineering, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2110
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35
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Matera DL, DiLillo KM, Smith MR, Davidson CD, Parikh R, Said M, Wilke CA, Lombaert IM, Arnold KB, Moore BB, Baker BM. Microengineered 3D pulmonary interstitial mimetics highlight a critical role for matrix degradation in myofibroblast differentiation. Sci Adv 2020; 6:6/37/eabb5069. [PMID: 32917680 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb5069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis, characterized by aberrant tissue scarring from activated myofibroblasts, is often untreatable. Although the extracellular matrix becomes increasingly stiff and fibrous during disease progression, how these physical cues affect myofibroblast differentiation in 3D is poorly understood. Here, we describe a multicomponent hydrogel that recapitulates the 3D fibrous structure of interstitial tissue regions where idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) initiates. In contrast to findings on 2D hydrogels, myofibroblast differentiation in 3D was inversely correlated with hydrogel stiffness but positively correlated with matrix fibers. Using a multistep bioinformatics analysis of IPF patient transcriptomes and in vitro pharmacologic screening, we identify matrix metalloproteinase activity to be essential for 3D but not 2D myofibroblast differentiation. Given our observation that compliant degradable 3D matrices amply support fibrogenesis, these studies demonstrate a departure from the established relationship between stiffness and myofibroblast differentiation in 2D, and provide a new 3D model for studying fibrosis and identifying antifibrotic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Matera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Katarina M DiLillo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Makenzee R Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Ritika Parikh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Mohammed Said
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Carole A Wilke
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Isabelle M Lombaert
- Department of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kelly B Arnold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Bethany B Moore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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36
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Aliabouzar M, Davidson CD, Wang WY, Kripfgans OD, Franceschi RT, Putnam AJ, Fowlkes JB, Baker BM, Fabiilli ML. Spatiotemporal control of micromechanics and microstructure in acoustically-responsive scaffolds using acoustic droplet vaporization. Soft Matter 2020; 16:6501-6513. [PMID: 32597450 PMCID: PMC7377967 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00753f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Acoustically-responsive scaffolds (ARSs), which are composite fibrin hydrogels, have been used to deliver regenerative molecules. ARSs respond to ultrasound in an on-demand, spatiotemporally-controlled manner via a mechanism termed acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV). Here, we study the ADV-induced, time-dependent micromechanical and microstructural changes to the fibrin matrix in ARSs using confocal fluorescence microscopy as well as atomic force microscopy. ARSs, containing phase-shift double emulsion (PSDE, mean diameter: 6.3 μm), were exposed to focused ultrasound to generate ADV - the phase transitioning of the PSDE into gas bubbles. As a result of ADV-induced mechanical strain, localized restructuring of fibrin occurred at the bubble-fibrin interface, leading to formation of locally denser regions. ADV-generated bubbles significantly reduced fibrin pore size and quantity within the ARS. Two types of ADV-generated bubble responses were observed in ARSs: super-shelled spherical bubbles, with a growth rate of 31 μm per day in diameter, as well as fluid-filled macropores, possibly as a result of acoustically-driven microjetting. Due to the strain stiffening behavior of fibrin, ADV induced a 4-fold increase in stiffness in regions of the ARS proximal to the ADV-generated bubble versus distal regions. These results highlight that the mechanical and structural microenvironment within an ARS can be spatiotemporally modulated using ultrasound, which could be used to control cellular processes and further the understanding of ADV-triggered drug delivery for regenerative applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Aliabouzar
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | | | - William Y Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Oliver D Kripfgans
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA and Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Renny T Franceschi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA and School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Andrew J Putnam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J Brian Fowlkes
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA and Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mario L Fabiilli
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA and Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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37
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Li X, Zhang W, Wang WY, Wu X, Li Y, Tan X, Matera DL, Baker BM, Paulus YM, Fan X, Wang X. Optical coherence tomography and fluorescence microscopy dual-modality imaging for in vivo single-cell tracking with nanowire lasers. Biomed Opt Express 2020; 11:3659-3672. [PMID: 33014558 PMCID: PMC7510899 DOI: 10.1364/boe.395369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Emerging cell-based therapies such as stem cell therapy and immunotherapy have attracted broad attention in both biological research and clinical practice. However, a long-standing technical gap of cell-based therapies is the difficulty of directly assessing treatment efficacy via tracking therapeutically administered cells. Therefore, imaging techniques to follow the in vivo distribution and migration of cells are greatly needed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a clinically available imaging technology with ultrahigh-resolution and excellent imaging depth. It also shows great potential for in vivo cellular imaging. However, due to the homogeneity of current OCT cell labeling contrast agents (such as gold and polymer nanoparticles), only the distribution of entire cell populations can be observed. Precise tracking of the trajectory of individual single cells is not possible with such conventional contrast agents. Microlasers may provide a route to track unique cell identifiers given their small size, high emission intensities, rich emission spectra, and narrow linewidths. Here, we demonstrate that nanowire lasers internalized by cells provide both OCT and fluorescence signal. In addition, cells can be individually identified by the unique lasing emission spectra of the nanowires that they carry. Furthermore, single cell migration trajectories can be monitored both in vitro and in vivo with OCT and fluorescence microscopy dual-modality imaging system. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of nanowire lasers combined with the dual-modality imaging system for in vivo single cell tracking with a high spatial resolution and identity verification, an approach with great utility for stem cell and immunomodulatory therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuzhou Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2350 Hayward St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Xuzhou Li and Wei Zhang contributed equally to this work
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Xuzhou Li and Wei Zhang contributed equally to this work
| | - William Y Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xiaoqin Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yanxiu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, 1000 Wall St, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Xiaotian Tan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Daniel L Matera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yannis M Paulus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, 1000 Wall St, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Xudong Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xueding Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Wang WY, Lin D, Jarman EH, Polacheck WJ, Baker BM. Functional angiogenesis requires microenvironmental cues balancing endothelial cell migration and proliferation. Lab Chip 2020; 20:1153-1166. [PMID: 32100769 PMCID: PMC7328820 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc01170f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a complex morphogenetic process that involves intimate interactions between multicellular endothelial structures and their extracellular milieu. In vitro models of angiogenesis can aid in reducing the complexity of the in vivo microenvironment and provide mechanistic insight into how soluble and physical extracellular matrix cues regulate this process. To investigate how microenvironmental cues regulate angiogenesis and the function of resulting microvasculature, we multiplexed an established angiogenesis-on-a-chip platform that affords higher throughput investigation of 3D endothelial cell sprouting emanating from a parent vessel through defined biochemical gradients and extracellular matrix. We found that two fundamental endothelial cell functions, migration and proliferation, dictate endothelial cell invasion as single cells vs. multicellular sprouts. Microenvironmental cues that elicit excessive migration speed incommensurate with proliferation resulted in microvasculature with poor barrier function and an inability to transport fluid across the microvascular bed. Restoring the balance between migration speed and proliferation rate rescued multicellular sprout invasion, providing a new framework for the design of pro-angiogenic biomaterials that guide functional microvasculature formation for regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Y Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2174 Lurie BME Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109 USA.
| | - Daphne Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2174 Lurie BME Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109 USA.
| | - Evan H Jarman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2174 Lurie BME Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109 USA.
| | - William J Polacheck
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514 USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2174 Lurie BME Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109 USA.
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39
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Davidson CD, Jayco DKP, Matera DL, DePalma SJ, Hiraki HL, Wang WY, Baker BM. Myofibroblast activation in synthetic fibrous matrices composed of dextran vinyl sulfone. Acta Biomater 2020; 105:78-86. [PMID: 31945504 PMCID: PMC7369643 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical interactions between fibroblasts and their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) guide fundamental behaviors such as spreading, migration, and proliferation that underlie disease pathogenesis. The challenges of studying ECM mechanics in vivo have motivated the development of in vitro models of the fibrous ECM in which fibroblasts reside. Natural materials such as collagen hydrogels bear structural and biochemical resemblance to stromal ECM, but mechanistic studies in these settings are often confounded by cell-mediated material degradation and the lack of structural and mechanical tunability. Here, we established a new material system composed of electrospun dextran vinyl sulfone (DexVS) polymeric fibers. These fibrous matrices exhibit mechanical tunability at both the single fiber (80-340 MPa) and bulk matrix (0.77-11.03 kPa) level, as well as long-term stability in mechanical properties over a two-week period. Cell adhesion to these matrices can be either user-defined by functionalizing synthetic fibers with thiolated adhesive peptides or methacrylated heparin to sequester cell-derived ECM proteins. We utilized DexVS fibrous matrices to investigate the role of matrix mechanics on the activation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, a key step of the fibrotic progression. In contrast to previous findings with non-fibrous hydrogel substrates, we find that fibroblasts in soft and deformable matrices exhibit increased spreading, focal adhesion formation, proliferation, and myofibroblast activation as compared to cells on stiffer matrices with equivalent starting architecture. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cellular mechanosensing of fibrillar extracellular matrices plays a critical role in homeostasis and disease progression in stromal connective tissue. Here, we established a new material system composed of electrospun dextran vinyl sulfone polymeric fibers. These matrices exhibit architectural, mechanical, and biochemical tunability to accurately model diverse tissue microenvironments found in the body. In contrast to previous observations with non-fibrous hydrogels, we find that fibroblasts in soft and deformable fibrous matrices exhibit increased spreading and focal adhesion formation as compared to those in stiffer matrices with equivalent architecture. We also investigated the role of matrix stiffness on myofibroblast activation, a critical step in the fibrotic cascade, and find that low stiffness matrices promote increased myofibroblast activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Davidson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Danica Kristen P Jayco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Daniel L Matera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Samuel J DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Harrison L Hiraki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - William Y Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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40
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Huang AH, Watson SS, Wang L, Baker BM, Akiyama H, Brigande JV, Schweitzer R. Requirement for scleraxis in the recruitment of mesenchymal progenitors during embryonic tendon elongation. Development 2019; 146:dev.182782. [PMID: 31540914 DOI: 10.1242/dev.182782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor scleraxis (Scx) is required for tendon development; however, the function of Scx is not fully understood. Although Scx is expressed by all tendon progenitors and cells, only long tendons are disrupted in the Scx -/- mutant; short tendons appear normal and the ability of muscle to attach to skeleton is not affected. We recently demonstrated that long tendons are formed in two stages: first, by muscle anchoring to skeleton via a short tendon anlage; and second, by rapid elongation of the tendon in parallel with skeletal growth. Through lineage tracing, we extend these observations to all long tendons and show that tendon elongation is fueled by recruitment of new mesenchymal progenitors. Conditional loss of Scx in mesenchymal progenitors did not affect the first stage of anchoring; however, new cells were not recruited during elongation and long tendon formation was impaired. Interestingly, for tenocyte recruitment, Scx expression was required only in the recruited cells and not in the recruiting tendon. The phenotype of Scx mutants can thus be understood as a failure of tendon cell recruitment during tendon elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice H Huang
- Research Division, Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, OR 97239, USA .,Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Spencer S Watson
- Research Division, Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Lingyan Wang
- Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Haruhiko Akiyama
- Department of Orthopaedics, Gifu University, Gifu City 501-1194, Japan
| | - John V Brigande
- Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Ronen Schweitzer
- Research Division, Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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41
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Abstract
Cellular phenotype is heavily influenced by the extracellular matrix (ECM), a complex and tissue-specific three-dimensional structure with distinct biophysical and biochemical properties. As naturally derived cell culture platforms are difficult to controllably modulate, engineered synthetic ECMs have facilitated our understanding of how specific matrix properties direct cell behavior. However, synthetic approaches typically lack fibrous topography, a hallmark of stromal and interstitial ECMs in vivo. To construct tunable biomimetic models with physiologic microstructure, we developed a versatile approach to generate modular fibrous architectures in 3D. Photo-cross-linkable polymers were electrospun, photopatterned into desired lengths, and coencapsulated alongside cells within natural biopolymer, semisynthetic, and synthetic hydrogels. Cells encapsulated within fiber-reinforced hydrogel composites (FHCs) demonstrated accelerated spreading rates compared to in gels lacking such fibrous topography. Furthermore, increases in fiber density at constant bulk hydrogel elastic modulus produced morphologically distinct cell populations and modulated cellular mechanosensing in 3D, as evidenced by increased nuclear localization of the mechanosensitive transcription factor, Yes-associated protein (YAP). This work documents the impact of physical guidance cues in 3D and establishes a novel approach to generating more physiologic tissue- and disease-specific biomimetic models.
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42
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Davidson MD, Song KH, Lee MH, Llewellyn J, Du Y, Baker BM, Wells RG, Burdick JA. Engineered Fibrous Networks To Investigate the Influence of Fiber Mechanics on Myofibroblast Differentiation. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:3899-3908. [PMID: 33438429 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b01276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis is a leading cause of mortality and is characterized by excessive protein deposition and altered tissue mechanical properties. In pathological fibrosis, as well as cancer related fibrosis, tissue pericytes and fibroblasts transition from a quiescent to a myofibroblastic phenotype. In vitro models are needed to better understand how these cells are influenced by their local microenvironment. Here, we developed a fibrous network platform to mimic the structure of the extracellular matrix, where fibers consist of cross-linked hyaluronic acid hydrogels with controlled cross-link density and mechanical properties. As a model myofibroblast precursor, primary hepatic stellate cells were seeded onto fibers with either low (soft) or high (stiff) cross-link density, either directly after isolation (quiescent) or following preculture on tissue culture plates (activated). In general, both quiescent and activated cells showed an increase in spreading, alpha smooth muscle actin expression, and the formation of multicellular clusters on soft fibers when compared to stiff fibers. Further, inhibition of alpha smooth muscle actin decreased activation of cells on soft fibers. This is likely due to fiber recruitment in soft fibers that increased local fiber density, whereas stiff fibers resisted recruitment. This work emphasizes the importance of substrate topography on cell-material interactions and shows that tunable fibrous hydrogels are a relevant culture platform for studying fibrosis and mechanotransduction in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Davidson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Kwang Hoon Song
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Mu-Huan Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Jessica Llewellyn
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Yu Du
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Rebecca G Wells
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Jason A Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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43
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Wang WY, Davidson CD, Lin D, Baker BM. Actomyosin contractility-dependent matrix stretch and recoil induces rapid cell migration. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1186. [PMID: 30862791 PMCID: PMC6414652 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09121-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells select from a diverse repertoire of migration strategies. Recent developments in tunable biomaterials have helped identify how extracellular matrix properties influence migration, however, many settings lack the fibrous architecture characteristic of native tissues. To investigate migration in fibrous contexts, we independently varied the alignment and stiffness of synthetic 3D fiber matrices and identified two phenotypically distinct migration modes. In contrast to stiff matrices where cells migrated continuously in a traditional mesenchymal fashion, cells in deformable matrices stretched matrix fibers to store elastic energy; subsequent adhesion failure triggered sudden matrix recoil and rapid cell translocation. Across a variety of cell types, traction force measurements revealed a relationship between cell contractility and the matrix stiffness where this migration mode occurred optimally. Given the prevalence of fibrous tissues, an understanding of how matrix structure and mechanics influences migration could improve strategies to recruit repair cells to wound sites or inhibit cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Y Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | - Daphne Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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44
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Wang WY, Pearson AT, Kutys ML, Choi CK, Wozniak MA, Baker BM, Chen CS. Extracellular matrix alignment dictates the organization of focal adhesions and directs uniaxial cell migration. APL Bioeng 2018; 2:046107. [PMID: 31069329 PMCID: PMC6481732 DOI: 10.1063/1.5052239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical features of the extracellular matrix (ECM) heavily influence cell migration strategies and efficiency. Migration in and on fibrous ECMs is of significant physiologic importance, but limitations in the ability to experimentally define the diameter, density, and alignment of native ECMs in vitro have hampered our understanding of how these properties affect this basic cell function. Here, we designed a high-throughput in vitro platform that models fibrous ECM as collections of lines of cell-adhesive fibronectin on a flat surface to eliminate effects of dimensionality and topography. Using a microcontact printing approach to orthogonally vary line alignment, density, and size, we determined each factor's individual influence on NIH3T3 fibroblast migration. High content imaging and statistical analyses revealed that ECM alignment is the most critical parameter in influencing cell morphology, polarization, and migratory behavior. Specifically, increasing ECM alignment led cells to adopt an elongated uniaxial morphology and migrate with enhanced speed and persistence. Intriguingly, migration speeds were tightly correlated with the organization of focal adhesions, where cells with the most aligned adhesions migrated fastest. Highly organized focal adhesions and associated actin stress fibers appeared to define the number and location of protrusive fronts, suggesting that ECM alignment influences active Rac1 localization. Utilizing a novel microcontact-printing approach that lacks confounding influences of substrate dimensionality, mechanics, or differences in the adhesive area, this work highlights the effect of ECM alignment on orchestrating the cytoskeletal machinery that governs directed uniaxial cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Y Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Alexander T Pearson
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | | | | | - Michele A Wozniak
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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45
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Abstract
Controlled folding of tissues occurs in development and would enable advances in tissue engineering. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Hughes et al. (2018) use in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches to uncover blueprints of microscale mesenchymal cell distribution that robustly drives macroscopic 3D folding of tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmut Selman Sakar
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
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46
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Toyama T, Looney AP, Baker BM, Stawski L, Haines P, Simms R, Szymaniak AD, Varelas X, Trojanowska M. Therapeutic Targeting of TAZ and YAP by Dimethyl Fumarate in Systemic Sclerosis Fibrosis. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 138:78-88. [PMID: 28870693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) is a devastating fibrotic disease with few treatment options. Fumaric acid esters, including dimethyl fumarate (DMF, Tecfidera; Biogen, Cambridge, MA), have shown therapeutic effects in several disease models, prompting us to determine whether DMF is effective as a treatment for SSc dermal fibrosis. We found that DMF blocks the profibrotic effects of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) in SSc skin fibroblasts. Mechanistically, we found that DMF treatment reduced nuclear localization of transcriptional coactivator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ) and Yes-associated protein (YAP) proteins via inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. In addition, DMF abrogated TGFβ/Akt1 mediated inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen kinase 3β (GSK3β) and a subsequent β-transducin repeat-containing proteins (βTRCP) mediated proteasomal degradation of TAZ, as well as a corresponding decrease of TAZ/YAP transcriptional targets. Depletion of TAZ/YAP recapitulated the antifibrotic effects of DMF. We also confirmed the increase of TAZ/YAP in skin biopsies from patients with diffuse SSc. We further showed that DMF significantly diminished nuclear TAZ/YAP localization in fibroblasts cultured on a stiff surface. Importantly, DMF prevented bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis in mice. Together, our work demonstrates a mechanism of the antifibrotic effect of DMF via inhibition of Akt1/GSK3β/TAZ/YAP signaling and confirms a critical role of TAZ/YAP in mediating the profibrotic responses in dermal fibroblasts. This study supports the use of DMF as a treatment for SSc dermal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Toyama
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Agnieszka P Looney
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lukasz Stawski
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul Haines
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Simms
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aleksander D Szymaniak
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xaralabos Varelas
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria Trojanowska
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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47
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Heo SJ, Driscoll TP, Thorpe SD, Nerurkar NL, Baker BM, Yang MT, Chen CS, Lee DA, Mauck RL. Differentiation alters stem cell nuclear architecture, mechanics, and mechano-sensitivity. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27901466 PMCID: PMC5148611 DOI: 10.7554/elife.18207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation is mediated by soluble and physical cues. In this study, we investigated differentiation-induced transformations in MSC cellular and nuclear biophysical properties and queried their role in mechanosensation. Our data show that nuclei in differentiated bovine and human MSCs stiffen and become resistant to deformation. This attenuated nuclear deformation was governed by restructuring of Lamin A/C and increased heterochromatin content. This change in nuclear stiffness sensitized MSCs to mechanical-loading-induced calcium signaling and differentiated marker expression. This sensitization was reversed when the 'stiff' differentiated nucleus was softened and was enhanced when the 'soft' undifferentiated nucleus was stiffened through pharmacologic treatment. Interestingly, dynamic loading of undifferentiated MSCs, in the absence of soluble differentiation factors, stiffened and condensed the nucleus, and increased mechanosensitivity more rapidly than soluble factors. These data suggest that the nucleus acts as a mechanostat to modulate cellular mechanosensation during differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jin Heo
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Tristan P Driscoll
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Stephen D Thorpe
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nandan L Nerurkar
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, United States
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Boston University, Boston, United States.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, United States
| | - Michael T Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Boston University, Boston, United States
| | - Christopher S Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Boston University, Boston, United States.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, United States
| | - David A Lee
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert L Mauck
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States
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48
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Baker BM, Trappmann B, Wang WY, Sakar MS, Kim IL, Shenoy VB, Burdick JA, Chen CS. Cell-mediated fibre recruitment drives extracellular matrix mechanosensing in engineered fibrillar microenvironments. Nat Mater 2015; 14:1262-8. [PMID: 26461445 PMCID: PMC4654682 DOI: 10.1038/nmat4444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 347] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
To investigate how cells sense stiffness in settings structurally similar to native extracellular matrices, we designed a synthetic fibrous material with tunable mechanics and user-defined architecture. In contrast to flat hydrogel surfaces, these fibrous materials recapitulated cell-matrix interactions observed with collagen matrices including stellate cell morphologies, cell-mediated realignment of fibres, and bulk contraction of the material. Increasing the stiffness of flat hydrogel surfaces induced mesenchymal stem cell spreading and proliferation; however, increasing fibre stiffness instead suppressed spreading and proliferation for certain network architectures. Lower fibre stiffness permitted active cellular forces to recruit nearby fibres, dynamically increasing ligand density at the cell surface and promoting the formation of focal adhesions and related signalling. These studies demonstrate a departure from the well-described relationship between material stiffness and spreading established with hydrogel surfaces, and introduce fibre recruitment as a previously undescribed mechanism by which cells probe and respond to mechanics in fibrillar matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendon M. Baker
- Tissue Microfabrication Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Center for Life Science Boston Building, 5th Floor, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115
- Corresponding Authors: Christopher S. Chen, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, SLB201, 36 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, Phone: (617) 353-1699, Fax: (617) 353-6766, , Brendon M. Baker, Ph.D., Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, SLB304, 36 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, Phone: (617) 353-1699, Fax: (617) 353-6766,
| | - Britta Trappmann
- Tissue Microfabrication Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Center for Life Science Boston Building, 5th Floor, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115
| | - William Y. Wang
- Tissue Microfabrication Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Mahmut S. Sakar
- Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Iris L. Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Vivek B. Shenoy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Jason A. Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Christopher S. Chen
- Tissue Microfabrication Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Center for Life Science Boston Building, 5th Floor, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115
- Corresponding Authors: Christopher S. Chen, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, SLB201, 36 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, Phone: (617) 353-1699, Fax: (617) 353-6766, , Brendon M. Baker, Ph.D., Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, SLB304, 36 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, Phone: (617) 353-1699, Fax: (617) 353-6766,
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49
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Abhilash AS, Baker BM, Trappmann B, Chen CS, Shenoy VB. Remodeling of fibrous extracellular matrices by contractile cells: predictions from discrete fiber network simulations. Biophys J 2015; 107:1829-1840. [PMID: 25418164 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Contractile forces exerted on the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) lead to the alignment and stretching of constituent fibers within the vicinity of cells. As a consequence, the matrix reorganizes to form thick bundles of aligned fibers that enable force transmission over distances larger than the size of the cells. Contractile force-mediated remodeling of ECM fibers has bearing on a number of physiologic and pathophysiologic phenomena. In this work, we present a computational model to capture cell-mediated remodeling within fibrous matrices using finite element-based discrete fiber network simulations. The model is shown to accurately capture collagen alignment, heterogeneous deformations, and long-range force transmission observed experimentally. The zone of mechanical influence surrounding a single contractile cell and the interaction between two cells are predicted from the strain-induced alignment of fibers. Through parametric studies, the effect of cell contractility and cell shape anisotropy on matrix remodeling and force transmission are quantified and summarized in a phase diagram. For highly contractile and elongated cells, we find a sensing distance that is ten times the cell size, in agreement with experimental observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Abhilash
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Britta Trappmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christopher S Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vivek B Shenoy
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Rodriguez N, Desai RA, Trappmann B, Baker BM, Chen CS. Micropatterned multicolor dynamically adhesive substrates to control cell adhesion and multicellular organization. Langmuir 2014; 30:1327-35. [PMID: 24401172 PMCID: PMC3983373 DOI: 10.1021/la404037s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 12/24/2013] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We present a novel technique to examine cell-cell interactions and directed cell migration using micropatterned substrates of three distinct regions: an adhesive region, a nonadhesive region, and a dynamically adhesive region switched by addition of a soluble factor to the medium. Combining microcontact printing with avidin-biotin capture chemistry, we pattern nonadhesive regions of avidin that become adhesive through the capture of biotinylated fibronectin. Our strategy overcomes several limitations of current two-color dynamically adhesive substrates by incorporating a third, permanently nonadhesive region. Having three spatially and functionally distinct regions allows for the realization of more complex configurations of cellular cocultures as well as intricate interface geometries between two cell populations for diverse heterotypic cell-cell interaction studies. We can now achieve spatial control over the path and direction of migration in addition to temporal control of the onset of migration, enabling studies that better recapitulate coordinated multicellular migration and organization in vitro. We confirm that cellular behavior is unaltered on captured biotinylated fibronectin as compared to printed fibronectin by examining the cells' ability to spread, form adhesions, and migrate. We demonstrate the versatility of this approach in studies of migration and cellular cocultures, and further highlight its utility by probing Notch-Delta juxtacrine signaling at a patterned interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia
M. Rodriguez
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Wyss
Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Ravi A. Desai
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Britta Trappmann
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Wyss
Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Wyss
Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Christopher S. Chen
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Wyss
Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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