scholarly journals Evaluation of Dental Pulp Stem Cell Heterogeneity and Behaviour in 3D Type I Collagen Gels

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Amr Alraies ◽  
Rachel J. Waddington ◽  
Alastair J. Sloan ◽  
Ryan Moseley

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are increasingly being advocated for regenerative medicine-based therapies. However, significant heterogeneity in the genotypic/phenotypic properties of DPSC subpopulations exist, influencing their therapeutic potentials. As most studies have established DPSC heterogeneity using 2D culture approaches, we investigated whether heterogeneous DPSC proliferative and contraction/remodelling capabilities were further evident within 3D type I collagen gels in vitro. DPSC subpopulations were isolated from human third molars and identified as high/low proliferative and multipotent/unipotent, following in vitro culture expansion and population doubling (PD) analysis. High proliferative/multipotent DPSCs, such as A3 (30 PDs and 80 PDs), and low proliferative/unipotent DPSCs, such as A1 (17 PDs), were cultured in collagen gels for 12 days, either attached or detached from the surrounding culture plastic. Collagen architecture and high proliferative/multipotent DPSC morphologies were visualised by Scanning Electron Microscopy and FITC-phalloidin/Fluorescence Microscopy. DPSC proliferation (cell counts), contraction (% diameter reductions), and remodelling (MMP-2/MMP-9 gelatin zymography) of collagen gels were also evaluated. Unexpectedly, no proliferation differences existed between DPSCs, A3 (30 PDs) and A1 (17 PDs), although A3 (80 PDs) responses were significantly reduced. Despite rapid detached collagen gel contraction with A3 (30 PDs), similar contraction rates were determined with A1 (17 PDs), although A3 (80 PDs) contraction was significantly impaired. Gel contraction correlated to distinct gelatinase profiles. A3 (30 PDs) possessed superior MMP-9 and comparable MMP-2 activities to A1 (17 PDs), whereas A3 (80 PDs) had significantly reduced MMP-2/MMP-9. High proliferative/multipotent DPSCs, A3 (30 PDs), further exhibited fibroblast-like morphologies becoming polygonal within attached gels, whilst losing cytoskeletal organization and fibroblastic morphologies in detached gels. This study demonstrates that heterogeneity exists in the gel contraction and MMP expression/activity capabilities of DPSCs, potentially reflecting differences in their abilities to degrade biomaterial scaffolds and regulate cellular functions in 3D environments and their regenerative properties overall. Thus, such findings enhance our understanding of the molecular and phenotypic characteristics associated with high proliferative/multipotent DPSCs.

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Liu ◽  
Angelos Karagiannis ◽  
Matthew Sis ◽  
Srivatsan Kidambi ◽  
Yiannis Chatzizisis

Objectives: To develop and validate a 3D in-vitro model of atherosclerosis that enables direct interaction between various cell types and/or extracellular matrix. Methods and Results: Type I collagen (0.75 mg/mL) was mixed with human artery smooth muscle cells (SMCs; 6x10 5 cells/mL), medium, and water. Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs; 10 5 /cm 2 ) were plated on top of the collagen gels and activated with oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Monocytes (THP-1 cells; 10 5 /cm 2 ) were then added on top of the HCAECs. Immunofluorescence showed the expression of VE-cadherin by HCAECs (A, B) and α-smooth muscle actin by SMCs (A). Green-labelled LDL-C particles were accumulated in the subendothelial space, as well as in the cytoplasm of HCAECs and SMCs (C). Activated monocytes were attached to HCAECs and found in the subendothelial area (G-I). Both HCAECs and SMCs released IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, PDGF-BB, TGF-ß1, and VEGF. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed the HCAECs monolayer forming gap junctions and the SMCs (D-F) and transmigrating monocytes within the collagen matrix (G-I). Conclusions: In this work, we presented a novel, easily reproducible and functional in-vitro experimental model of atherosclerosis that has the potential to enable in-vitro sophisticated molecular and drug development studies.


Author(s):  
Lowell Taylor Edgar ◽  
Margaret Julias ◽  
David I. Shreiber ◽  
Helen M. Buettner

Acupuncture is a traditional therapy originating in China almost 2000 years ago. Acupuncture has slowly been growing in popularity in the West, and clinical evidence has shown the potential for acupuncture as a low-cost ‘alternative’ therapy for an assortment of ailments [1]. The practice of acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into the skin followed by needle manipulation, usually by rotation. Recent studies by Langevin et al demonstrate that this rotation causes the subcutaneous connective tissue to couple to and wind around the needle [2–4], which suggests that mechanotransduction in the connective tissue might play a role in the therapeutic mechanisms that underlay acupuncture [2, 3]. To begin to decompose and quantify this complex mechanism at the tissue level in a controlled setting, we have simulated acupuncture in type I collagen gels in vitro, and have developed algorithms to quantify the tissue response following imaging with polarized light microscopy (PLM).


1995 ◽  
Vol 130 (2) ◽  
pp. 393-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Strutz ◽  
H Okada ◽  
C W Lo ◽  
T Danoff ◽  
R L Carone ◽  
...  

We performed subtractive and differential hybridization for transcript comparison between murine fibroblasts and isogenic epithelium, and observed only a few novel intracellular genes which were relatively specific for fibroblasts. One such gene encodes a filament-associated, calcium-binding protein, fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1). The promoter/enhancer region driving this gene is active in fibroblasts but not in epithelium, mesangial cells or embryonic endoderm. During development, FSP1 is first detected by in situ hybridization after day 8.5 as a postgastrulation event, and is associated with cells of mesenchymal origin or of fibroblastic phenotype. Polyclonal antiserum raised to recombinant FSP1 protein stained the cytoplasm of fibroblasts, but not epithelium. Only occasional cells stain with specific anti-FSP1 antibodies in normal parenchymal tissue. However, in kidneys fibrosing from persistent inflammation, many fibroblasts could be identified in interstitial sites of collagen deposition and also in tubular epithelium adjacent to the inflammatory process. This pattern of anti-FSP1 staining during tissue fibrosis suggests, as a hypothesis, that fibroblasts in some cases arise, as needed, from the local conversion of epithelium. Consistent with this notion that FSP1 may be involved in the transition from epithelium to fibroblasts are experiments in which the in vitro overexpression of FSP1 cDNA in tubular epithelium is accompanied by conversion to a mesenchymal phenotype, as characterized by a more stellate and elongated fibroblast-like appearance, a reduction in cytokeratin, and new expression of vimentin. Similarly, tubular epithelium submerged in type I collagen gels exhibited the conversion to a fibroblast phenotype which includes de novo expression of FSP1 and vimentin. Use of the FSP1 marker, therefore, should further facilitate both the in vivo studies of fibrogenesis and the mapping of cell fate among fibroblasts.


MRS Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (18) ◽  
pp. 1283-1288
Author(s):  
Dilinazi Aishanjiang ◽  
Emily C. Green ◽  
Heng Li ◽  
Marilyn L. Minus

ABSTRACTCollagen is the most abundant protein present in the human body and found in connective tissues, bone, and tendon. It is also known as a natural resource for healing damaged skin tissues [1]. In this study, under specific microenvironment conditions, mimetic collagen gels were successfully formed synthetically from reconstituted Bovine type I collagen monomers. This was achieved by controlling ionic strength, temperature and pH, allowing fibrils with native mimetic D periodic banding structure to assemble spontaneously within the gels. In addition, by providing appropriate aging temperatures and times, mature collagen fibril growth is also realized in the gels in vitro. Mimetic gels were subsequently formed into fibers through a wet-spinning process. These spun fibers were found to preserve the native mimetic D periodic banding and fibrillar structure formed in the initial gels. As a result, the synthetic fibers resemble native tendon. Here structural development within the gel samples and fibers as a function of processing was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results in this study also show a potentially new route for the fabrication of synthetic collagen fibers mimicking tendon, which may find applications as engineered tissues or scaffolding materials.


2001 ◽  
Vol 281 (1) ◽  
pp. L164-L171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadashi Mio ◽  
Xiangde Liu ◽  
Myron L. Toews ◽  
Yuichi Adachi ◽  
Debra J. Romberger ◽  
...  

Bradykinin is a multifunctional mediator of inflammation believed to have a role in asthma, a disorder associated with remodeling of extracellular connective tissue. Using contraction of collagen gels as an in vitro model of wound contraction, we assessed the effects of bradykinin tissue on remodeling. Human fetal lung fibroblasts were embedded in type I collagen gels and cultured for 5 days. After release, the floating gels were cultured in the presence of bradykinin. Bradykinin significantly stimulated contraction in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Coincubation with phosphoramidon augmented the effect of 10−9 and 10−8 M bradykinin. A B2 receptor antagonist attenuated the effect of bradykinin, whereas a B1 receptor antagonist had no effect, suggesting that the effect is mediated by the B2 receptor. An inhibitor of intracellular Ca2+mobilization abolished the response; addition of EGTA to the culture medium attenuated the contraction of control gels but did not modulate the response to bradykinin. In contrast, the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 and the protein kinase C inhibitors staurosporine and GF-109203X attenuated the responses. These data suggest that by augmenting the contractility of fibroblasts, bradykinin may have an important role in remodeling of extracellular matrix that may result in tissue dysfunction in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as asthma.


1982 ◽  
Vol 155 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
M L MuÑoz ◽  
J Calderón ◽  
M Rojkind

The present work was designed to investigate the capacity of trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica to adhere to and digest human collagen types I and III in vitro. The time-course of binding of ameba to both human collagen types I and III was similar. However, the kinetics of detachment were different for each collagen type. Trophozoites of E. histolytica cultured on heat-reconstituted type I collagen gels produced a well-defined area of lysis. Quantitative studies using 14C-labeled collagen revealed that after 24 h of incubation, Entamoeba digested three and a half times more type I than type III collagen, thus suggesting the presence of a collagenase with higher specificity for type I collagen. This activity was optimum with trophozoites harvested after 42 h in culture (1.5 X 10(5) trophozoites/ml). The digestion of type I collagen was a function of the number of trophozoites, and was inhibited by EDTA, L-cysteine, and serum, but not by soybean trypsin inhibitor, phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, or N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). Electrophoretic analysis of the type I collagen fragments revealed three main classes of polypeptides of 75,000, 50,000, and 25,000 daltons. Subsequent proteolysis of these collagen fragments was probably carried out by other proteases derived from trophozoites. This activity was inhibited with 10 mM NEM. Collagenase activity appeared to be located at the plasma membrane and direct contact of the ameba with the substrate is required for collagen digestion. The results suggest that collagenase activity of E. histolytica may play an important role in tissue invasion.


1987 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 399-409
Author(s):  
R.J. Docherty ◽  
J.V. Forrester ◽  
J.M. Lackie

Epithelial cells cultured on type I collagen gels adopt a typical apical—basal polarity and undergo differentiation. We have compared the behaviour of chick embryo retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells on collagen and on plastic with and without gelatin coats. RPE cell proliferation was similar on all three substrata, and post-confluent cultures exhibited multilayering. On plastic and gelatin-coated plastic, dome formation, typical of transporting epithelia, occurred. On type I collagen gels, however, dome formation did not occur, but rather invasion of the gel matrix by cords of epithelial cells took place. In contrast, invasive behaviour of the cells was markedly reduced on type IV coated collagen gels, particularly in the presence of laminin. These results illustrate the prominent role of the extracellular matrix on phenotypic expression by RPE cells and may represent a more general phenomenon.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (4) ◽  
pp. 1154-1157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Mitola ◽  
Emanuela Moroni ◽  
Cosetta Ravelli ◽  
German Andres ◽  
Mirella Belleri ◽  
...  

Abstract Recent observations have shown that Drm, a member the Dan family of bone morphogenic protein (BMP) antagonists, induces endothelial cell (EC) sprouting in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo by interacting with signaling EC receptors in a BMP-independent manner. Here, recombinant Drm (rDrm) up-regulates angiopoientin-1 (Ang-1) expression in EC without affecting Ang-2 and Tie-2 receptor expression. Ang-1 up-regulation is mediated by the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. Specific inhibition of Ang-1 activity by anti–Ang-1 antibodies, soluble Tie-2 receptor, or Ang-1 siRNA transfection significantly reduced the rDrm-mediated sprouting of EC in three-dimensional fibrin and type I collagen gels. In addition, Ang-1 antagonists inhibited the angiogenic activity exerted by rDrm in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane. Taken together, the data indicate that the proangiogenic activity of Drm is mediated by the activation of an Ang-1–dependent autocrine loop of stimulation in EC.


2001 ◽  
Vol 281 (4) ◽  
pp. L868-L878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. K. Zhu ◽  
X. D. Liu ◽  
C. M. Sköld ◽  
T. Umino ◽  
H. J. Wang ◽  
...  

Proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix is thought to play an important role in many lung disorders. In the current study, human lung fibroblasts were cast into type I collagen gels and floated in medium containing elastase, cytomix (combination of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interferon-γ), or both. After 5 days, gel collagen content was determined by measuring hydroxyproline. Elastase alone did not result in collagen degradation, but in the presence of fibroblasts, elastase reduced hydroxyproline content to 75.2% ( P < 0.01), whereas cytomix alone resulted in reduction of hydroxyproline content to 93% ( P < 0.05). The combination of elastase and cytomix reduced hydroxyproline content to 5.2% ( P < 0.01). α1-Proteinase inhibitor blocked this synergy. Gelatin zymography and Western blot revealed that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -3, and -9 were induced by cytomix and activated in the presence of elastase. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and -2 were also induced by cytomix but were cleaved by elastase. We conclude that a synergistic interaction between cytomix and elastase, mediated through cytokine induction of MMP production and elastase-induced activation of latent MMPs and degradation of TIMPs, can result in a dramatic augmentation of collagen degradation. These findings support the notion that interaction among inflammatory mediators secreted by mononuclear cells and neutrophils can induce tissue cells to degrade extracellular matrix. Such a mechanism may contribute to the protease-anti-protease imbalance in emphysema.


2003 ◽  
Vol 285 (2) ◽  
pp. F199-F207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor V. Iosipiv ◽  
Mercedes Schroeder

Gene-targeting studies in mice demonstrate that the renin-angiotensin system is required for the proper development of the renal medulla. In the absence of angiotensin II (ANG II) or the ANG II type 1 (AT1) receptor, mice exhibit poor papillary development and a severe urinary-concentrating defect. These findings imply that the ureteric bud (UB) and its branches are targets for ANG II actions during renal development. However, direct evidence linking ANG II with UB-branching morphogenesis does not exist. Using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated that UB-derived epithelia express angiotensinogen (Ao) and the AT1 receptor during murine metanephrogenesis. Ao and AT1 receptors are expressed in the UB branches and to a lesser extent in the stromal mesenchyme. AT1 receptor expression in UB-derived epithelia increased from embryo day 12 to day 16 and was observed on both luminal and basolateral membranes. In accord with these findings, cultured murine UB cells express AT1 receptor protein and mRNA. Treatment of UB cells cultured in three-dimensional type I collagen gels with ANG II (10–7 to 10–5 M) elicits a dose-related increase in the number of cells that have primary and secondary branches. These effects of ANG II on UB branching are abrogated by pretreatment with the AT1 receptor antagonist candesartan. These data demonstrate a direct and independent role for ANG II acting via AT1 receptors on UB cell branching in vitro. The presence of Ao in the stroma and AT1 on UB cells supports the notion that cross talk between stroma and epithelial cells is crucial to epithelial branching morphogenesis in the developing kidney.


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