scholarly journals Cytoskeleton Modifications and Autophagy Induction in TCam-2 Seminoma Cells Exposed to Simulated Microgravity

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Ferranti ◽  
Maria Caruso ◽  
Marcella Cammarota ◽  
Maria Grazia Masiello ◽  
Katia Corano Scheri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Microgravity Condition ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Mechanical Stimulus ◽  
Sem Analysis ◽  
Cell Width ◽  
Autophagy Induction ◽  
Cell Architecture ◽  
Proliferation And Apoptosis ◽  
Cytoskeleton Remodeling

The study of how mechanical forces may influence cell behavior via cytoskeleton remodeling is a relevant challenge of nowadays that may allow us to define the relationship between mechanics and biochemistry and to address the larger problem of biological complexity. An increasing amount of literature data reported that microgravity condition alters cell architecture as a consequence of cytoskeleton structure modifications. Herein, we are reporting the morphological, cytoskeletal, and behavioral modifications due to the exposition of a seminoma cell line (TCam-2) to simulated microgravity. Even if no differences in cell proliferation and apoptosis were observed after 24 hours of exposure to simulated microgravity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the change of gravity vector significantly affects TCam-2 cell surface morphological appearance. Consistent with this observation, we found that microtubule orientation is altered by microgravity. Moreover, the confocal analysis of actin microfilaments revealed an increase in the cell width induced by the low gravitational force. Microtubules and microfilaments have been related to autophagy modulation and, interestingly, we found a significant autophagic induction in TCam-2 cells exposed to simulated microgravity. This observation is of relevant interest because it shows, for the first time, TCam-2 cell autophagy as a biological response induced by a mechanical stimulus instead of a biochemical one.

scholarly journals Microgravity-Induced Cell-to-Cell Junctional Contacts Are Counteracted by Antioxidant Compounds in TCam-2 Seminoma Cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (22) ◽  
pp. 8289
Author(s):  
Angela Catizone ◽  
Caterina Morabito ◽  
Marcella Cammarota ◽  
Chiara Schiraldi ◽  
Katia Corano Scheri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Cell Metabolism ◽  
Ultrastructural Level ◽  
Antioxidant Compounds ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
Beta Catenin ◽  
Autophagy Induction ◽  
A Cell

The direct impact of microgravity exposure on male germ cells, as well as on their malignant counterparts, has not been largely studied. In previous works, we reported our findings on a cell line derived from a human seminoma lesion (TCam-2 cell line) showing that acute exposure to simulated microgravity altered microtubule orientation, induced autophagy, and modified cell metabolism stimulating ROS production. Moreover, we demonstrated that the antioxidant administration prevented both TCam-2 microgravity-induced microtubule disorientation and autophagy induction. Herein, expanding previous investigations, we report that simulated microgravity exposure for 24 h induced the appearance, at an ultrastructural level, of cell-to-cell junctional contacts that were not detectable in cells grown at 1 g. In line with this result, pan-cadherin immunofluorescence analyzed by confocal microscopy, revealed the clustering of this marker at the plasma membrane level on microgravity exposed TCam-2 cells. The upregulation of cadherin was confirmed by Western blot analyses. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the microgravity-induced ROS increase was responsible for the distribution of cadherin nearby the plasma membrane, together with beta-catenin since the administration of antioxidants prevented this microgravity-dependent phenomenon. These results shed new light on the microgravity-induced modifications of the cell adhesive behavior and highlight the role of ROS as microgravity activated signal molecules.

Mineralization initiation of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast is suppressed under simulated microgravity condition

2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-fang Hu ◽  
Jing-bao Li ◽  
Ai-rong Qian ◽  
Fei Wang ◽  
Peng Shang
Keyword(s):  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Microgravity Condition

scholarly journals Microtubule stabilization drives 3D centrosome migration to initiate primary ciliogenesis

2017 ◽  
Vol 216 (11) ◽  
pp. 3713-3728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amandine Pitaval ◽  
Fabrice Senger ◽  
Gaëlle Letort ◽  
Xavier Gidrol ◽  
Laurent Guyon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Cilia ◽  
Intraflagellar Transport ◽  
Mechanical Forces ◽  
Apical Surface ◽  
Microtubule Network ◽  
Microtubule Stabilization ◽  
Cytoskeletal Remodeling ◽  
Cell Architecture ◽  
Cytoskeleton Remodeling ◽  
Insight Into

Primary cilia are sensory organelles located at the cell surface. Their assembly is primed by centrosome migration to the apical surface, yet surprisingly little is known about this initiating step. To gain insight into the mechanisms driving centrosome migration, we exploited the reproducibility of cell architecture on adhesive micropatterns to investigate the cytoskeletal remodeling supporting it. Microtubule network densification and bundling, with the transient formation of an array of cold-stable microtubules, and actin cytoskeleton asymmetrical contraction participate in concert to drive apical centrosome migration. The distal appendage protein Cep164 appears to be a key actor involved in the cytoskeleton remodeling and centrosome migration, whereas intraflagellar transport 88’s role seems to be restricted to axoneme elongation. Together, our data elucidate the hitherto unexplored mechanism of centrosome migration and show that it is driven by the increase and clustering of mechanical forces to push the centrosome toward the cell apical pole.

scholarly journals Phenotypic Switch Induced by Simulated Microgravity on MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Grazia Masiello ◽  
Alessandra Cucina ◽  
Sara Proietti ◽  
Alessandro Palombo ◽  
Pierpaolo Coluccia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Living Systems ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Mediated Effects ◽  
Proliferation And Apoptosis ◽  
Cell Processes ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
And Function

Microgravity exerts dramatic effects on cell morphology and functions, by disrupting cytoskeleton and adhesion structures, as well as by interfering with biochemical pathways and gene expression. Impairment of cells behavior has both practical and theoretical significance, given that investigations of mechanisms involved in microgravity-mediated effects may shed light on how biophysical constraints cooperate in shaping complex living systems. By exposing breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells to simulated microgravity (~0.001 g), we observed the emergence of two morphological phenotypes, characterized by distinct membrane fractal values, surface area, and roundness. Moreover, the two phenotypes display different aggregation profiles and adherent behavior on the substrate. These morphological differences are mirrored by the concomitant dramatic functional changes in cell processes (proliferation and apoptosis) and signaling pathways (ERK, AKT, and Survivin). Furthermore, cytoskeleton undergoes a dramatic reorganization, eventually leading to a very different configuration between the two populations. These findings could be considered adaptive and reversible features, given that, by culturing microgravity-exposed cells into a normal gravity field, cells are enabled to recover their original phenotype. Overall these data outline the fundamental role gravity plays in shaping form and function in living systems.

scholarly journals Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Ultrastructure and Apoptosis of Choroidal Vascular Endothelial Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongwei Zhao ◽  
Yuanyuan Shi ◽  
Changyu Qiu ◽  
Jun Zhao ◽  
Yubo Gong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Cytochrome C ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Chromatin Condensation ◽  
Microgravity Condition ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Apoptosis Pathway ◽  
Mrna And Protein Expression

BackgroundIt was confirmed that simulated microgravity (SMG) led to ultrastructural alterations and apoptosis in many types of microvascular endothelial cells. However, whether SMG would also affect choroidal vascular endothelial cells (CVECs) remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the effects of SMG on ultrastructure and apoptosis of CVECs.MethodsThe rotary cell culture system (RCCS) was utilized to simulate microgravity condition. Human CVECs were cultured under normal gravity (NG) or SMG condition for 3 days. The ultrastructure was viewed under transmission electron microscopy, and the organization of F-actin was observed by immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, the apoptosis percentage was calculated using flow cytometry. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression of BAX, Bcl-2, Caspase3, Cytochrome C, p-AKT, and p-PI3K were detected with quantitative PCR and Western blot at different exposure time.ResultsIn the SMG group, CVECs presented with a shrunk cell body, chromatin condensation and margination, mitochondria vacuolization, and apoptotic bodies. The amount of F-actin decreased, and the filaments of F-actin were sparse or even partly discontinuous after cultivation under SMG for 72 h. The proportions of apoptotic CVECs in SMG groups at 24 and 72 h were significantly higher than those in the NG group (P < 0.001). The mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Caspase3, and Cytochrome C of CVECs in SMG groups at 24 and 72 h significantly increased than those of the NG group, respectively (P < 0.001). The alterations of p-AKT and p-PI3K protein expression possessed similar trends. On the contrary, the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 in CVECs under SMG at 24 and 72 h were significantly less than that of the NG group, respectively (P < 0.001).ConclusionSimulated microgravity conditions can lead the alterations of the F-actin structure and apoptosis of CVECs. The Bcl-2 apoptosis pathway and PI3K/AKT pathway may participate in the damage of CVECs caused by SMG.

Genetic Models of Mechanotransduction: The NematodeCaenorhabditis elegans

2004 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 1097-1153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Popi Syntichaki ◽  
Nektarios Tavernarakis
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channels ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Mechanical Stimulus ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Gated Ion Channels

Mechanotransduction, the conversion of a mechanical stimulus into a biological response, constitutes the basis for a plethora of fundamental biological processes such as the senses of touch, balance, and hearing and contributes critically to development and homeostasis in all organisms. Despite this profound importance in biology, we know remarkably little about how mechanical input forces delivered to a cell are interpreted to an extensive repertoire of output physiological responses. Recent, elegant genetic and electrophysiological studies have shown that specialized macromolecular complexes, encompassing mechanically gated ion channels, play a central role in the transformation of mechanical forces into a cellular signal, which takes place in mechanosensory organs of diverse organisms. These complexes are highly efficient sensors, closely entangled with their surrounding environment. Such association appears essential for proper channel gating and provides proximity of the mechanosensory apparatus to the source of triggering mechanical energy. Genetic and molecular evidence collected in model organisms such as the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, and the mouse highlight two distinct classes of mechanically gated ion channels: the degenerin (DEG)/epithelial Na+channel (ENaC) family and the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of ion channels. In addition to the core channel proteins, several other potentially interacting molecules have in some cases been identified, which are likely parts of the mechanotransducing apparatus. Based on cumulative data, a model of the sensory mechanotransducer has emerged that encompasses our current understanding of the process and fulfills the structural requirements dictated by its dedicated function. It remains to be seen how general this model is and whether it will withstand the impiteous test of time.

Simulated Microgravity Contributes to Autophagy Induction by Regulating AMP-Activated Protein Kinase

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 128-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun-Wook Ryu ◽  
Sang-Hun Choi ◽  
Sim Namkoong ◽  
Ik-Soon Jang ◽  
Dong Hyun Seo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Autophagy Induction ◽  
Amp Activated Protein Kinase
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