scholarly journals Mechanotransduction and Stiffness-Sensing: Mechanisms and Opportunities to Control Multiple Molecular Aspects of Cell Phenotype as a Design Cornerstone of Cell-Instructive Biomaterials for Articular Cartilage Repair

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 5399
Author(s):  
Mischa Selig ◽  
Jasmin C. Lauer ◽  
Melanie L. Hart ◽  
Bernd Rolauffs

Since material stiffness controls many cell functions, we reviewed the currently available knowledge on stiffness sensing and elucidated what is known in the context of clinical and experimental articular cartilage (AC) repair. Remarkably, no stiffness information on the various biomaterials for clinical AC repair was accessible. Using mRNA expression profiles and morphology as surrogate markers of stiffness-related effects, we deduced that the various clinically available biomaterials control chondrocyte (CH) phenotype well, but not to equal extents, and only in non-degenerative settings. Ample evidence demonstrates that multiple molecular aspects of CH and mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) phenotype are susceptible to material stiffness, because proliferation, migration, lineage determination, shape, cytoskeletal properties, expression profiles, cell surface receptor composition, integrin subunit expression, and nuclear shape and composition of CHs and/or MSCs are stiffness-regulated. Moreover, material stiffness modulates MSC immuno-modulatory and angiogenic properties, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced lineage determination, and CH re-differentiation/de-differentiation, collagen type II fragment production, and TGF-β1- and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β)-induced changes in cell stiffness and traction force. We then integrated the available molecular signaling data into a stiffness-regulated CH phenotype model. Overall, we recommend using material stiffness for controlling cell phenotype, as this would be a promising design cornerstone for novel future-oriented, cell-instructive biomaterials for clinical high-quality AC repair tissue.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chan Hee Mok ◽  
James N. MacLeod

Within developing synovial joints, interzone and anlagen cells progress through divergent chondrogenic pathways to generate stable articular cartilage and transient hypertrophic anlagen cartilage, respectively. Understanding the comparative cell biology between interzone and anlagen cells may provide novel insights into emergent cell-based therapies to support articular cartilage regeneration. The aim of this study was to assess the kinetics of gene expression profiles in these skeletal cell lines after inducing chondrogenesis in culture. Interzone and anlagen cells from seven equine fetuses were isolated and grown in a TGF-β1 chondrogenic inductive medium. Total RNA was isolated at ten time points (0, 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 168, and 336 h), and gene expression for 93 targeted gene loci was measured in a microfluidic RT-qPCR system. Differential transcriptional responses were observed as early as 1.5 h after the initiation of chondrogenesis. Genes with functional annotations that include transcription regulation responded to the chondrogenic stimulation earlier (1.5–96 h) than genes involved in signal transduction (1.5–336 h) and the extracellular matrix biology (3–336 h). Between interzone and anlagen cell cultures, expression levels of 73 out of the 93 targeted genes were not initially different at 0 h, but 47 out of the 73 genes became differentially expressed under the chondrogenic stimulation. While interzone and anlagen cells are both chondrogenic, they display clear differences in response to the same TGF-β1 chondrogenic stimulation. This study provides new molecular insight into a timed sequence of the divergent developmental fates of interzone and anlagen cells in culture over 14 days.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 722-734
Author(s):  
Adele Soltani ◽  
Arefeh Jafarian ◽  
Abdolamir Allameh

micro (mi)-RNAs are vital regulators of multiple processes including insulin signaling pathways and glucose metabolism. Pancreatic β-cells function is dependent on some miRNAs and their target mRNA, which together form a complex regulative network. Several miRNAs are known to be directly involved in β-cells functions such as insulin expression and secretion. These small RNAs may also play significant roles in the fate of β-cells such as proliferation, differentiation, survival and apoptosis. Among the miRNAs, miR-7, miR-9, miR-375, miR-130 and miR-124 are of particular interest due to being highly expressed in these cells. Under diabetic conditions, although no specific miRNA profile has been noticed, the expression of some miRNAs and their target mRNAs are altered by posttranscriptional mechanisms, exerting diverse signs in the pathobiology of various diabetic complications. The aim of this review article is to discuss miRNAs involved in the process of stem cells differentiation into β-cells, resulting in enhanced β-cell functions with respect to diabetic disorders. This paper will also look into the impact of miRNA expression patterns on in vitro proliferation and differentiation of β-cells. The efficacy of the computational genomics and biochemical analysis to link the changes in miRNA expression profiles of stem cell-derived β-cells to therapeutically relevant outputs will be discussed as well.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 225
Author(s):  
Claire Racaud-Sultan ◽  
Nathalie Vergnolle

In adult stem cells, Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK3β) is at the crossroad of signaling pathways controlling survival, proliferation, adhesion and differentiation. The microenvironment plays a key role in the regulation of these cell functions and we have demonstrated that the GSK3β activity is strongly dependent on the engagement of integrins and protease-activated receptors (PARs). Downstream of the integrin α5β1 or PAR2 activation, a molecular complex is organized around the scaffolding proteins RACK1 and β-arrestin-2 respectively, containing the phosphatase PP2A responsible for GSK3β activation. As a consequence, a quiescent stem cell phenotype is established with high capacities to face apoptotic and metabolic stresses. A protective role of GSK3β has been found for hematopoietic and intestinal stem cells. Latters survived to de-adhesion through PAR2 activation, whereas formers were protected from cytotoxicity through α5β1 engagement. However, a prolonged activation of GSK3β promoted a defect in epithelial regeneration and a resistance to chemotherapy of leukemic cells, paving the way to chronic inflammatory diseases and to cancer resurgence, respectively. In both cases, a sexual dimorphism was measured in GSK3β-dependent cellular functions. GSK3β activity is a key marker for inflammatory and cancer diseases allowing adjusted therapy to sex, age and metabolic status of patients.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei He ◽  
Angela C. Evans ◽  
Matthew Coleman ◽  
Claire Robertson

AbstractHer2 overexpression is associated with an aggressive form of breast cancer and malignant transformation. We sought to determine if a nano-carrier system could introduce Her2 protein to non-malignant cells and determine the effects on cell phenotype and transcriptome. With stimulation with Her2-NLPs, we observed uptake of Her2 protein and a decreased probability of individual non-malignant cells forming polar growth arrested acinar-like structures. The NLP delivery system alone or Her2-NLPs plus trastuzumab showed no effect on acinar organization rate. Transcriptomics revealed essentially no effect of empty NLPs versus untreated cells whereas Her2-NLPs versus either untreated or empty NLP treated cells revealed upregulation of several factors associated with breast cancer. Pathway analysis also suggested that known nodes downstream of Her2 were activated in response to Her2-NLP treatment. This suggests that Her2-NLPs are sufficient for malignant transformation of non-malignant cells and that this system offers a new model for studying cell surface receptor signaling without genomic modification or transformation techniques.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 1584-1597
Author(s):  
Xin Jiang ◽  
Jiang Xiu ◽  
Fuguo Shen ◽  
Song Jin ◽  
Wencai Sun

A variety of gadolinium (Gd) based nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized due to the unique magnetic properties of Gd-containing rare earth compounds and the particularity of micro/nano-materials, which were then incorporated into hydroxyapatite (HA) to obtain inorganic-organic composite materials. Then, HA/Gd NPs containing slow-release transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) were harvested. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were extracted from the adipose tissue of a four-month-old New Zealand white rabbit. HA/Gd NPs were attached to absorbable gelatin sponge to obtain HA/Gd NPs/gelatin sponge composite scaffold. In addition, the third generation ADSCs were taken and cultured in the composite scaffold, so that ADSCs-HA/Gd bio-nanocomposites were obtained. The in vitro culture test of osteoblast MC3T3-E1 showed that Gd-containing NPs had good biocompatibility. The prepared HA/Gd NPs loaded with TGF-β1 were spherical, with an average particle size of (9.16 ± 3.16) μm. The NPs were easy to aggregate and adherent. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test results showed that TGF-β1 in NPs was sustained and released continuously for 29 days. HA/Gd NPs/gelatin sponge composite scaffold combined with ADSCs were co-cultured for three days, and the electron microscope showed that the HA/Gd NPs were dispersed, and the cells could adhere and grow well. Then, animal models of rabbit knee articular cartilage defects were established and were rolled into three groups (ADSCs-HA/Gd nano group, HA/Gd nano scaffold group, and blank control). The repair area of the rabbit knee of ADSCs-HA/Gd nano group was smooth and flat, the scaffold was absorbed, the toluidine blue stain was positive, and the type II collagen immunohistochemical stain was positive. In general, ADSCs-HA/Gd nanomaterials were helpful for chondrogenic cell differentiation and had certain adoption prospects in the field of tissue engineering to repair cartilage defects.


Blood ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 1182-1192 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Mentz ◽  
F Ouaaz ◽  
A Michel ◽  
C Blanc ◽  
P Herve ◽  
...  

Abstract In this study, we have investigated the ability of various cytokines to induce the maturation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells with early T-cell phenotype. Leukemic blasts from 17 untreated T-ALL patients were assayed for their ability to acquire mature T-cell markers, CD3/T-cell receptor (TCR) in particular, after incubation with one or a combination of recombinant human interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, and CD2-specific monoclonal antibody (MoAb). IL-7 or IL-2 induced the proliferation of some leukemic cells, whereas sequential cell treatment with CD2-MoAb and then IL-2 promoted CD3/TCR expression on nearly all CD2+ cells (15 of 16), except for 1 T-ALL that developed into CD3-CD16+CD56+ cells. Differentiation of T-ALL cells was also evidenced through the downregulation of CD34 precursor cell antigen, the generation of CD4+ and CD8+ cells from CD4+ CD8+ precursors, and the acquisition of mature T-cell functions. CD2 ligation induced a progressive increase of surface expression of IL-2 receptor alpha (IL- 2R alpha) and IL-2R beta and an accelerated in vitro death of leukemic cells. The ligation of IL-2R by IL-2 rescued T-ALL cells from death and promoted their progression toward more mature cells expressing extracellular CD3/TCR alpha beta complexes. Intracellular analysis indicates that TCR alpha transcription and membrane translocation of both TCR alpha and TCR beta were promoted in these conditions. Analysis of intracellular signals transduced during T-ALL differentiation indicated that CD2-ligation induced Ca2+ influx and that the ligation of CD2 and IL-2R induced distinct tyrosine phosphorylation patterns. The addition of inhibitors of tyrosine phosphorylation abolished T-ALL cell differentiation, which suggests the involvement of tyrosine kinases in this phenomenon. Together, we showed the constant maturation of leukemic early T cells after stimulation of surface CD2 and the high- affinity IL-2R.


Author(s):  
Michael E. Stender ◽  
Christian R. Flores ◽  
Kristin J. Dills ◽  
Gregory M. Williams ◽  
Kevin M. Stewart ◽  
...  

Articular cartilage (AC) is a load bearing material that provides a low friction wear resistant interface in synovial joints. Naturally-occurring and stimulated intrinsic repair of damaged AC is ineffective. Thus, there is a desire to engineer effective replacement tissue that could be used for AC repair. Previous studies [1] have shown that culture of immature cartilage with medium including TGF-β1 will result in a more mature tissue than culture with IGF-1. Detailed characterization of tissue mechanical properties would be helpful for development of cartilage growth models [2].


Author(s):  
Kristin J. Dills ◽  
Jennifer R. Van Donk ◽  
Gregory M. Williams ◽  
Stephanie A. Smith ◽  
Albert C. Chen ◽  
...  

Articular cartilage (AC) is a load bearing material that provides a low friction wear resistant interface in synovial joints. Naturally-occurring and stimulated intrinsic repair of damaged AC is challenging [1]. Thus, there is a need to guide the formation of tissue of specific size and mechanical properties for AC repair. Previous studies [2,3] with immature cartilage have shown that culture with medium containing TGF-β1 results in enhanced mechanical integrity while culture with IGF-1 results in diminished mechanical integrity. Conversely, culture with medium containing IGF-1 results in substantial volumetric growth while culture with TGF-β 1 results in little or no volumetric growth.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e001849
Author(s):  
Isobel Okoye ◽  
Lai Xu ◽  
Melika Motamedi ◽  
Pallavi Parashar ◽  
John W Walker ◽  
...  

BackgroundWe have previously reported that the upregulation of galectin-9 (Gal-9) on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in HIV patients was associated with impaired T cell effector functions. Gal-9 is a ligand for T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3, and its expression on T cells in cancer has not been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the expression level and effects of Gal-9 on T cell functions in patients with virus-associated solid tumors (VASTs).Methods40 patients with VASTs through a non-randomized and biomarker-driven phase II LATENT trial were investigated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor biopsies were obtained and subjected to immunophenotyping. In this trial, the effects of oral valproate and avelumab (anti-PD-L1) was investigated in regards to the expression of Gal-9 on T cells.ResultsWe report the upregulation of Gal-9 expression by peripheral and tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in patients with VASTs. Our results indicate that Gal-9 expression is associated with dysfunctional T cell effector functions in the periphery and tumor microenvironment (TME). Coexpression of Gal-9 with PD-1 or T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) exhibited a synergistic inhibitory effect and enhanced an exhausted T cell phenotype. Besides, responding patients to treatment had lower Gal-9 mRNA expression in the TME. Translocation of Gal-9 from the cytosol to the cell membrane of T cells following stimulation suggests persistent T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation as a potential contributing factor in Gal-9 upregulation in patients with VASTs. Moreover, partial colocalization of Gal-9 with CD3 on T cells likely impacts the initiation of signal transduction via TCR as shown by the upregulation of ZAP70 in Gal-9+ T cells. Also, we found an expansion of Gal-9+ but not TIGIT+ NK cells in patients with VASTs; however, dichotomous to TIGIT+ NK cells, Gal-9+ NK cells exhibited impaired cytotoxic molecules but higher Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) expression.ConclusionOur data indicate that higher Gal-9-expressing CD8+ T cells were associated with poor prognosis following immunotherapy with anti-Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) (avelumab) in our patients’ cohort. Therefore, for the very first time to our knowledge, we report Gal-9 as a novel marker of T cell exhaustion and the potential target of immunotherapy in patients with VASTs.


2006 ◽  
Vol 77B (2) ◽  
pp. 338-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng-Hung Chou ◽  
Winston T. K. Cheng ◽  
Chien-Cheng Lin ◽  
Chih-Hung Chang ◽  
Chien-Chen Tsai ◽  
...  

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